RBI to Introduce Pilot for Deposit Tokenisation Using CBDC Layer: Report

The Reserve Bank of India is set to begin a pilot for deposit tokenisation, leveraging the wholesale CBDC as its base. The initiative will test blockchain-based deposits for improved speed, security, and transparency in regulated financial markets. Officials also plan to explore tokenising money market instruments, including commercial papers, as part of the broader push to modernise banking infrastructure while maintaining robust regulatory oversight.

MeitY’s IndiaAI Mission Taps Five Projects to Drive Safe, Trusted AI in the Country

IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has selected five artificial intelligence (AI) projects aimed at making AI systems safer and fairer. Announced on Monday, these projects emerged from over 400 proposals received under the “Safe & Trusted AI” pillar launched in December 2024. The selected initiatives will receive funding and guidance to build tools for deepfake detection, bias mitigation, and AI security testing.

FIFA World Cup Ticket NFTs Face Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority’s Scrutiny

Switzerland’s gambling regulator, Gespa, is investigating FIFA’s blockchain-based “Right-to-Buy” tokens for the 2026 World Cup to determine if they fall under gambling laws. The tokens, priced between $299 (roughly Rs. 26,500) and $999 (roughly Rs. 88,600), allow conditional access to tickets but may leave many holders without benefits. While FIFA says the tokens help manage demand, critics see them as gambling-like, raising transparency and fairness concerns.