Why in the news
RBI published its annual Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25, a statutory report under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 that informs the Government and Parliament.
Bank frauds
| Measure | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|
| Cases | 36,052 | 23,879 |
| Amount | ₹11,261 crore | ₹34,771 crore |
- Value spiked after 122 large cases (₹18,336 crore) were re-examined following the Supreme Court’s 27 March 2023 judgment.
- In SBI v. Rajesh Agarwal, borrowers must be heard before being tagged fraud (natural justice).
- Card/internet frauds: 66.8% of cases (highest number); down across all bank groups.
- Advances frauds: 33.1% of amount (highest value); more cases in every bank group.
- Private banks: 59.3% of cases. PSBs: 70.7% of amount.
Soundness
| SCB indicator | March 2025 | September 2025 |
|---|
| CRAR | 17.4% | 17.2% |
| GNPA ratio | 2.2% | 2.1% |
- Balance sheet growth 11.2% (15.5% a year earlier): the “resilient 11-11-11” pattern of credit, deposits and investments near that level.
- GNPA is a multi-decadal low; profits grew slower on weaker NII growth; leverage ratio well above minimum.
- UCBs: asset quality better for the fourth year running. NBFCs: double-digit credit growth, sturdy buffers.
Exam angle
- Basis: Section 36(2), Banking Regulation Act. Fewer frauds but larger amount.