BANKING & FINANCE
Capital Markets
Sri Lanka’s Landmark Blue Bond Debuts on India’s NSE International Exchange
Sri Lanka has successfully listed its first-ever Blue Bond, an LKR 3 billion issuance by DFCC Bank Plc, on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City.
This is the first Blue Bond to be traded within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdiction, following an MoU between NSE IX and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
The proceeds are dedicated to marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and preventing aquatic pollution.
Significance: This listing demonstrates the growing importance of GIFT City as a regional hub for sustainable finance and encourages neighboring nations to utilize Indian markets for green initiatives.
This is the first Blue Bond to be traded within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdiction, following an MoU between NSE IX and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
The proceeds are dedicated to marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and preventing aquatic pollution.
Significance: This listing demonstrates the growing importance of GIFT City as a regional hub for sustainable finance and encourages neighboring nations to utilize Indian markets for green initiatives.
Key Facts / Static GK
NSE IX Location: GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
GIFT City Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia
Blue Bonds Definition: A subset of Green Bonds specifically for ocean-related projects
Colombo Stock Exchange Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
GIFT City Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia
Blue Bonds Definition: A subset of Green Bonds specifically for ocean-related projects
Colombo Stock Exchange Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Practice Quiz — 5 March 2026
Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the new Risk-Based Premium (RBP) framework is incorrect?
Answer: (C) The framework introduces a uniform risk-based incentive of 50% for all high-performing banks. — Statement C is incorrect because the maximum risk-based incentive is capped at 33.33%, not 50%. Additionally, a vintage incentive of up to 25% is provided for long-term distress-free contributions.
Q2. Under the new SEBI framework, what is the revised minimum equity allocation required for Dividend Yield and Value funds?
Answer: (D) 80% — SEBI has increased the minimum equity allocation for Dividend Yield Funds, Value Funds, and Contra Funds to 80%, compared to the earlier requirement of 65%.
Q3. What is the primary objective of the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) between India and Japan?
Answer: (B) To provide a financial safety net and enhance bilateral financial cooperation. — The BSA is a two-way currency swap framework designed to strengthen financial safety nets, promote regional/global stability, and enhance bilateral financial cooperation by allowing local currency exchange for US Dollars during liquidity stress.
Q4. The LKR 3 billion Blue Bond issued by DFCC Bank Plc will primarily fund which of the following activities?
Answer: (B) Sustainable fisheries and marine conservation projects. — Blue Bonds are specialized financial instruments designed to fund marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, ocean-based economic development, and clean water projects.
Q5. Regarding the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, which of the following eligibility criteria is mentioned?
Answer: (D) The benefit is limited to a maximum of two living girl children per family. — According to the scheme details, it is limited to two living girl children per family. Other criteria include an income limit of Rs 1.20 lakh, being born in Delhi, and a minimum of three years of residence in Delhi.
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