Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: January 02, 2025
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- Cabinet Expansion: Government extends PMFBY and RWBCIS crop insurance schemes till 2025-26.
- Defence Reforms: Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” for theatre commands.
- Diplomatic Protocol: India and Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear installations and civilian prisoners.
- Agri-Finance: RBI increases the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
- Digital Payments: UPI 123Pay transaction limit hiked to ₹10,000; UPI Lite limit raised to ₹1,000.
- Social Security: Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) for EPS-95 pensioners becomes operational.
- Science Funding: “One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) begins, providing access to 13,000+ journals.
- Sports Law: National Sports Governance Act comes into partial effect to overhaul federation structures.
- Market Milestone: Sensex gains 368 points to close at 78,507 on the first trading day of 2025.
- Environment: CPCB deadline ends for State Pollution Control Boards to report on lab infrastructure.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
West Bengal Directed to Remove River Saraswati Encroachments
Summary: NGT orders West Bengal to clear 50km stretch of River Saraswati.
On January 1, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Eastern Bench took significant note of the deteriorating state of the River Saraswati in West Bengal. The tribunal, led by Justice B Amit Sthalekar, emphasized the failure of state authorities to prevent uncontrolled pollution and illegal encroachments along a 50-kilometer stretch passing through Hooghly and Howrah districts. The water quality has been severely compromised due to the discharge of untreated sewage. The NGT has mandated the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to submit a detailed affidavit by May 2025 outlining the steps for removal. This case highlights the judicial intervention required for river rejuvenation in the Ganga basin. For competitive exams, this is a prime example of Environmental Federalism and the role of the NGT under the NGT Act, 2010.
Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-january-22-2025
Kerala and Puducherry Pollution Boards Report Vacancies
Summary: States submit laboratory infrastructure and manpower reports to NGT.
In compliance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directives, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and Puducherry Pollution Control Committee filed status reports on January 1, 2025. Kerala reported 19 vacancies, including 11 scientific roles, while Puducherry reported three vacant technical posts. Both bodies confirmed their laboratories are National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited. The report submitted to the NGT revealed that Kerala’s regional laboratory at Kozhikode and its central lab at Ernakulam are fully operational. This development is part of a larger national push to strengthen the environmental monitoring framework. For aspirants, this news underscores the “institutional capacity” challenges in environmental governance and the importance of NABL accreditation in scientific data validation for policy-making.
Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-january-22-2025
Maharashtra Forms SIT for High-Profile Beed Murder Case
Summary: State government initiates Special Investigation Team probe in Beed.
On January 1, 2025, the Maharashtra government officially announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of a Sarpanch in Beed district. The decision came following intense political pressure and concerns over law and order in rural administrative setups. The SIT is tasked with investigating potential political conspiracies and local rivalries that led to the incident. Such high-level probes are critical for maintaining public trust in the Panchayati Raj institutions. From an exam perspective, this highlights the “Law and Order” powers of state governments under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the administrative mechanism of SITs in handling sensitive criminal cases that have regional political implications.
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Government Extends Flagship Crop Insurance Schemes Till 2026
Summary: PMFBY and RWBCIS extended for one year with technology infusion fund.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) on January 1, 2025. The schemes are now aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, extending through the 2025-26 fiscal year. Additionally, the government created a dedicated fund of ₹824.77 crore for “technology infusion” to facilitate faster crop damage assessment via drones and satellite imagery. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated this would minimize claim settlement disputes. For UPSC and State PSC aspirants, this is a vital update under “Agriculture and Food Security,” emphasizing the transition toward “Agri-Stack” and digital governance in the primary sector to ensure farmer welfare and fiscal discipline.
Ministry of Defence Designates 2025 as “Year of Reforms”
Summary: Focus on Integrated Theatre Commands and simplified procurement procedures.
On January 1, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” for the Indian Armed Forces. The primary objective is the operationalization of Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Ministry aims to overhaul the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to make it more time-sensitive and eliminate bureaucratic silos that delay procurement. The reforms focus on making the military a “technologically-advanced combat-ready force” suited for 21st-century hybrid warfare. For competitive exams, this is a significant development in “Internal Security and Defence.” It relates to the recommendations of the Shekatkar Committee and the ongoing mandate of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to restructure India’s military command into a unified geographical entity.
Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) Becomes Operational
Summary: Over 78 lakh EPS-95 pensioners can now draw pension from any bank.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment officially rolled out the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) on January 1, 2025. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that this move transforms the EPFO into a “responsive, tech-enabled organization.” Previously, pensioners were tied to specific bank branches where their Pension Payment Order (PPO) was registered. Under the new system, more than 7.8 million members of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, can receive their pension from any bank branch in India without needing to transfer their PPO. This is a major relief for senior citizens who relocate post-retirement. For banking and SSC exams, this is a key “Social Security” reform under the EPFO, demonstrating the application of Aadhaar-based payment systems and IT modernization in governance.
Source: Economic Times
URL: https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/save/new-eps-rules-from-january-1-2025-eps-pensioners-can-get-pension-from-any-bank-branch-in-india/articleshow/116828739.cms
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Nuclear Installations
Summary: 34th consecutive exchange of nuclear facility data under 1988 Agreement.
In a continuing diplomatic protocol despite frozen bilateral ties, India and Pakistan exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, 2025. The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad. This is mandated under the “Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities,” signed on December 31, 1988. This agreement requires both nations to inform each other of their nuclear facilities on the first day of every calendar year to prevent accidental escalations or attacks. This marks the 34th consecutive exchange since January 1, 1992. For UPSC IR papers, this is a crucial “Confidence Building Measure” (CBM) that remains functional even during high geopolitical tension, representing a stable pillar of the India-Pakistan nuclear regime.
Source: DD News
URL: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-pakistan-exchange-list-of-nuclear-installations/
Consular Access: Lists of Civilian Prisoners and Fishermen Exchanged
Summary: India shares details of 462 Pakistani prisoners; Pakistan lists 266 Indians.
On January 1, 2025, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody, as per the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. India handed over a list of 462 Pakistani prisoners (381 civilians, 81 fishermen). In return, Pakistan shared a list of 266 Indian detainees (49 civilians, 217 fishermen). India used the occasion to demand the immediate release of 183 Indian fishermen who have already completed their sentences. Additionally, India requested consular access for 38 missing Indian defense personnel from the 1965 and 1971 wars. For aspirants, this news is relevant to “Bilateral Agreements” and “Human Rights.” It highlights the 2008 protocol that mandates such exchanges twice a year (January 1 and July 1) to facilitate repatriation and legal assistance.
Source: TRT World
URL: https://www.trtworld.com/article/18249512
Thailand Implements Global E-Visa System for 2025
Summary: New digital platform launched to simplify travel; Indian stay-limit remains 60 days.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its global e-Visa system on January 1, 2025, to streamline the application process for international travelers. While the system removes the need for physical embassy visits for many nations, Indian citizens continue to enjoy a visa-exempt status for stays up to 60 days for tourism purposes. The e-Visa initiative is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to boost tourism and modernize border entry procedures. This development is significant for India as Thailand remains one of the top five outbound destinations for Indian tourists. For competitive exams, this reflects trends in “Digital Diplomacy” and “Tourism Economics,” specifically how neighboring regions are competing for the Indian “traveler-dollar” by easing entry barriers through technology.
Source: Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/new-year-2025-list-of-the-key-changes-in-india-effective-from-january-1-2025-9752953/
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
RBI Hikes Collateral-Free Agricultural Loan Limit to ₹2 Lakh
Summary: Limit increased from ₹1.6 lakh to support small and marginal farmers.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented a significant credit reform for the agricultural sector on January 1, 2025. The limit for collateral-free (unsecured) agricultural loans has been raised from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh. This move is designed to help small and marginal farmers cope with the rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and labor without the burden of providing mortgage guarantees. By waiving the margin requirements for loans up to this limit, the RBI aims to increase formal credit flow and reduce dependency on informal moneylenders. For banking (IBPS/SBI) and UPSC aspirants, this is a critical update in “Priority Sector Lending” and “Financial Inclusion,” reflecting the central bank’s effort to align credit limits with current inflationary trends in the rural economy.
Source: Indian Express
URL: https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/new-year-2025-list-of-the-key-changes-in-india-effective-from-january-1-2025-9752953/
New Transaction Limits for UPI 123Pay and UPI Lite Effective
Summary: UPI 123Pay limit doubled to ₹10,000; UPI Lite per-transaction cap now ₹1,000.
Effective January 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and RBI have increased the transaction limits for feature phone users and small-value payments. The per-transaction limit for UPI 123Pay (meant for non-smartphone users) has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. For UPI Lite, an “on-device wallet” for small-value transactions, the per-transaction limit rose from ₹500 to ₹1,000, while the overall wallet limit remains at ₹5,000. These changes are aimed at deepening digital payment penetration in rural areas and among the elderly who may not use high-end smartphones. For exams, this is a key development in “Digital Infrastructure” and “Fintech,” showcasing India’s focus on the “last-mile” of the Digital India mission.
Source: Economic Times
URL: https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/save/january-2025-major-financial-changes-from-upi-to-lounge-access/articleshow/116790042.cms
RBI Implements Revised Fixed Deposit (FD) Rules for NBFCs
Summary: Penalty-free withdrawals for small deposits and critical illness clause introduced.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced revised guidelines for Fixed Deposits (FDs) held with Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), effective January 1, 2025. Key highlights include the provision for penalty-free premature withdrawals for small deposits under ₹10,000. More importantly, a new “Critical Illness” clause allows depositors to withdraw their full FD amount before maturity without penalty if diagnosed with a serious ailment. These rules aim to protect the liquidity needs of retail investors. For banking aspirants, these “Development and Regulatory Policies” are vital, as they signify a shift toward more consumer-centric banking and the harmonization of rules between traditional banks and shadow banking entities (NBFCs).
Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/key-financial-changes-coming-into-force-from-jan-1-that-taxpayers-must-know-125010100303_1.html
5. SPORTS
National Sports Governance Act Comes into Partial Effect
Summary: New framework for National Sports Federations (NSFs) and Olympic bodies.
On January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports began the phased implementation of the National Sports Governance Act. The provisions that took effect focus on the establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB) and the National Sports Tribunal (NST). The Act mandates that National Sports Federations (NSFs) must have Executive Committees with no more than 15 members, including at least two “Sportspersons of Merit” (SOMs). Federations are now required to seek affiliation with the NSB to remain eligible for government funding. This reform aims to bring transparency, eliminate long-standing tenures of non-athletes, and resolve sports disputes through a specialized tribunal rather than civil courts. For competitive exams, this is a landmark “Sports Policy” reform, addressing issues of “Good Governance” in Indian athletics.
Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-sports-governance-act-comes-into-effect-partially/article70459495.ece
Indian Athletes Encouraged to Join Administration under New Rules
Summary: Tiered criteria for retired athletes to enter sports governance roles.
Coinciding with the new Sports Act, the Ministry of Sports released specific implementation rules on January 1, 2025, encouraging retired athletes to take up administrative roles. To be eligible, an athlete must be retired for at least one year. The rules establish a 10-tier system based on achievements; for instance, Tier-1 includes Olympic medalists who are eligible for the National Olympic Committee. This move is designed to ensure that technical knowledge of the sport informs the management of the sport. The age cap for administrators has been set at 65. For aspirants, this marks a shift in “Sports Management” in India, moving toward the international model of “athlete-led administration,” which is frequently discussed in GS papers regarding institutional reforms.
Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-sports-governance-act-comes-into-effect-partially/article70459495.ece
Sensex Rings in 2025 with 368 Point Gain
Summary: Benchmark indices close higher; small-cap stocks see major circuit locks.
On the first trading day of the year, January 1, 2025, the Indian stock market showed resilient growth. The BSE Sensex closed 368 points (0.47%) higher at 78,507, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 97 points to settle at 23,742. Despite muted global cues, 317 stocks, including Suzlon Energy and Reliance Infrastructure, hit their upper circuits. Mid-cap and small-cap indices outperformed the benchmarks, signaling strong domestic retail investor confidence. While stock market fluctuations are common, the “first-day” performance is often analyzed for year-long sentiment. For economic awareness in exams, this reflects the “Domestic Institutional Investor” (DII) strength in the Indian economy, which has become a cushion against Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) volatility.
Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/stock-market-today-live-updates-sensex-today-nifty-jan-1-nse-bse-equity-indo-farm-equipment-ipo-gmp-125010100075_1.html
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
“One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) Initiative Commences
Summary: India pays ₹6,000 crore to provide academic access to 13,000 journals.
India officially launched the “One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) initiative on January 1, 2025. Under this scheme, the central government has signed a consolidated three-year deal worth approximately $715 million (over ₹6,000 crore) with 30 major global scientific publishers. This enables nearly 1.8 crore students and researchers across 6,300 government-funded universities and laboratories to access high-cost scholarly journals for free. The initiative eliminates the need for individual institutions to negotiate separate, often redundant, subscriptions. For UPSC Science & Tech and Education papers, ONOS is a “game-changer” for democratizing knowledge and fostering a research-centric ecosystem in India, directly supporting the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” goals.
Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/one-nation-one-subscription-comes-at-a-huge-cost
Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for GST Portal
Summary: Government implements enhanced security for tax compliance from Jan 1.
To combat rising cases of GST fraud and identity theft, the government has made Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) mandatory for all taxpayers accessing the GST portal, effective January 1, 2025. Taxpayers must now use an additional layer of security, such as an OTP on a registered mobile/email or a biometric-linked login, alongside their password. This security upgrade is part of the GSTN’s (Goods and Services Tax Network) effort to secure the digital tax infrastructure and prevent the generation of “fake invoices” by unauthorized entities. For exams, this falls under “E-Governance” and “Cyber Security,” highlighting the state’s efforts to protect the “fiscal data” of the country and ensure the integrity of the indirect tax regime.
Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/key-financial-changes-coming-into-force-from-jan-1-that-taxpayers-must-know-125010100303_1.html
CPCB Deadline for Pollution Board Infrastructure Reports Ends
Summary: State boards required to report lab vacancies and NABL status.
January 1, 2025, was the final deadline set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to submit comprehensive progress reports. These reports must detail current staff vacancies (technical, scientific, and administrative) and the status of laboratory infrastructure. This move follows observations by the NGT that many SPCBs were functioning as the “weak link” in environmental protection due to lack of manpower and outdated equipment. The focus is on ensuring every district has an operational, NABL-accredited lab for real-time water and air quality monitoring. For aspirants, this news is relevant to “Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment,” showcasing the regulatory push for “Evidence-Based Policy” in managing India’s ecology.
Source: Down To Earth
URL: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-january-22-2025
7. OTHERS
Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme II Deadline Approaches
Summary: Direct tax dispute resolution window open until January 31.
As of January 1, 2025, the Income Tax Department reminded taxpayers that only one month remains to avail of the “Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0” scheme. The scheme, which aims to reduce pending litigation in direct taxes, offers taxpayers a chance to settle disputes by paying only the disputed tax amount, with a waiver of interest and penalties if settled by the January 31, 2025 deadline. This is a critical fiscal tool for the government to unlock stuck revenue and reduce the burden on the judiciary. For competitive exams, this is a key “Tax Reform” initiative under the “Ease of Doing Business” and “Tax Administration” categories, aimed at creating a non-adversarial tax regime.
Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/key-financial-changes-coming-into-force-from-jan-1-that-taxpayers-must-know-125010100303_1.html
Belated ITR Filing Window Closes on January 15
Summary: Taxpayers have two weeks left to file returns for AY 2024-25 with penalty.
On January 1, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a final reminder for taxpayers who missed the original July 31 deadline for Financial Year 2023-24 (Assessment Year 2024-25). The last date for filing a “Belated Return” is January 15, 2025. Such filings are subject to a penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. Failure to file by this date could result in the inability to carry forward losses and potential prosecution in high-value cases. This is a recurring yet vital date for “Economic Literacy” questions in exams, highlighting the timelines of the Indian fiscal calendar and the penalties associated with non-compliance.
Source: Business Standard
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/key-financial-changes-coming-into-force-from-jan-1-that-taxpayers-must-know-125010100303_1.html
WTO Marks 30th Anniversary Amidst Dispute Settlement Challenges
Summary: International trade body completes three decades on January 1, 2025.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) marked its 30th anniversary on January 1, 2025. Established in 1995 following the Marrakesh Agreement, the WTO has reached a critical juncture. While it has successfully integrated developing nations like India into global trade, it missed its year-end 2024 target to revitalize its “Appellate Body” for dispute settlement. Experts note a “GATT-ification” of the WTO, where trade relations are becoming more diplomacy-driven rather than legally bound. For UPSC International Relations (GS Paper II), the 30th-anniversary context provides an excellent platform to discuss “reforms in multilateral institutions,” the “North-South divide” in trade, and the crisis in the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism.
Source: Chahal Academy (via PIB/News sources)
URL: https://chahalacademy.com/assets/pdf/jan-2025-current-affairs-magazine.pdf
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: CORE RECALL POINTS
1. National & State Governance
- PMFBY and RWBCIS Extension: Extended till 2025-26 with ₹824.77 crore technology infusion fund.
- Significance: Agriculture/Food Security; Digital governance in primary sector; 15th Finance Commission alignment.
- Ministry of Defence “Year of Reforms”: 2025 declared as Year of Reforms focusing on Integrated Theatre Commands.
- Significance: Internal Security and Defence; Shekatkar Committee recommendations; CDS mandate.
- Maharashtra SIT Formation: Special Investigation Team formed for Beed Sarpanch murder case.
- Significance: Law and Order under Seventh Schedule; Panchayati Raj institutions; SIT mechanism.
- NGT Order on River Saraswati: West Bengal directed to remove encroachments along 50km stretch.
- Significance: Environmental Federalism; NGT Act, 2010; River rejuvenation in Ganga basin.
- State Pollution Board Reports: Kerala (19 vacancies) and Puducherry (3 vacancies) submit infrastructure reports to NGT.
- Significance: Environmental governance institutional capacity; NABL accreditation; scientific data validation.
- National Sports Governance Act: Partial implementation begins with NSB and NST establishment.
- Significance: Sports Policy reform; Good Governance in athletics; Executive Committees limited to 15 members with 2 SOMs.
- Athletes in Administration: 10-tier system for retired athletes to enter sports governance roles.
- Significance: Sports Management; Athlete-led administration model; Age cap of 65 for administrators.
2. Economy & Finance
- RBI Agricultural Loan Limit: Collateral-free agricultural loans increased from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
- Significance: Priority Sector Lending; Financial Inclusion; Support for small and marginal farmers.
- UPI Transaction Limits: UPI 123Pay limit increased to ₹10,000 (from ₹5,000); UPI Lite to ₹1,000 (from ₹500).
- Significance: Digital Infrastructure and Fintech; Last-mile Digital India; Financial inclusion for feature phone users.
- NBFC Fixed Deposit Rules: Penalty-free premature withdrawals for deposits under ₹10,000; Critical Illness clause introduced.
- Significance: Consumer-centric banking; NBFC regulatory harmonization; Development and Regulatory Policies.
- Sensex 2025 Opening: BSE Sensex closed at 78,507 (+368 points); Nifty50 at 23,742 (+97 points).
- Significance: Domestic Institutional Investor (DII) strength; Market sentiment indicator; Cushion against FPI volatility.
- Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0: Direct tax dispute resolution scheme deadline on January 31, 2025.
- Significance: Tax Reform; Ease of Doing Business; Non-adversarial tax regime; Waiver of interest and penalties.
- Belated ITR Filing: Last date January 15, 2025, for AY 2024-25 with penalty up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
- Significance: Economic Literacy; Indian fiscal calendar; Tax compliance penalties.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-Pakistan Nuclear List Exchange: 34th consecutive annual exchange under 1988 Agreement.
- Significance: Confidence Building Measure (CBM); Nuclear diplomacy; Agreement on Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations.
- Prisoner List Exchange: India lists 462 Pakistani prisoners (381 civilians, 81 fishermen); Pakistan lists 266 Indians (49 civilians, 217 fishermen).
- Significance: Bilateral Agreements; Human Rights; 2008 Agreement on Consular Access; Bi-annual exchange (Jan 1 & Jul 1).
- Thailand E-Visa System: Global e-Visa platform launched; Indian visa-exempt status for 60 days continues.
- Significance: Digital Diplomacy; Tourism Economics; Technology-enabled border entry.
- WTO 30th Anniversary: World Trade Organization completes three decades; Appellate Body revival missed.
- Significance: Multilateral institution reforms; North-South divide in trade; Dispute settlement mechanism crisis; GATT-ification.
4. Social Security & Welfare
- Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS): 7.8 million (78 lakh) EPS-95 pensioners can draw pension from any bank branch.
- Significance: Social Security reform under EPFO; Aadhaar-based payment systems; IT modernization in governance.
5. Science, Technology & Environment
- One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): ₹6,000 crore ($715 million) for access to 13,000+ journals from 30 publishers.
- Significance: Research & Development; Knowledge democratization; 1.8 crore students/researchers benefited; Anusandhan National Research Foundation support.
- Mandatory MFA for GST Portal: Multi-Factor Authentication compulsory for all taxpayers.
- Significance: E-Governance and Cyber Security; GST fraud prevention; Digital tax infrastructure; Fake invoice prevention.
- CPCB Deadline: State Pollution Control Boards submit reports on lab infrastructure and vacancies.
- Significance: Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment; Evidence-based policy; NABL-accredited labs for air/water quality.
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