🇮🇳 National News
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued new guidelines limiting annual premium increases to 10% for individuals aged 60 years and above. Any higher increases require prior IRDAI approval, aiming to protect senior citizens from excessive premium burdens.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | IRDAI |
| Applicable Age | 60 years and above |
| Annual Premium Cap | 10% |
| Higher Hikes | Require prior IRDAI approval |
| Objective | Protect senior citizens from excessive costs |
IRDAI regulates insurance companies in India. This measure ensures affordability of health insurance for elderly individuals on fixed incomes, providing crucial financial protection for healthcare needs. Senior citizen-focused financial safeguards are frequently tested in competitive exams.
Article 224A of the Indian Constitution enables the appointment of retired judges as ad hoc judges in High Courts. The Chief Justice of a High Court can request such appointments with prior consent of the President of India. Ad hoc judges enjoy the same powers and privileges as permanent judges but are not permanent members of the judiciary.
Key Provisions:
- Constitutional Basis – Article 224A specifically covers ad hoc judges
- Requesting Authority – Chief Justice of the High Court
- Presidential Consent – Prior approval from President of India required
- Equal Powers – Same authority as permanent judges
- Non-Permanent Status – Not permanent judiciary members
Article 224A helps reduce judicial backlog and address shortages of judges by utilizing experienced retired judges. Constitutional provisions on the judiciary are high-weightage topics in competitive exams.
The Odisha Government’s Women and Child Development Department launched the Subhadra Scheme, part of BJP’s 2024 Odisha election promises, aimed at uplifting women’s socio-economic status through multiple interventions.
Scheme Components:
- Financial Assistance – Direct economic support for women
- Digital Literacy – Technology education and training
- Social Safety Nets – Access to welfare programs
- Economic Independence – Promoting self-reliance
- Inclusive Development – Comprehensive women empowerment
State-level women empowerment schemes are important for state general knowledge sections. Social safety net programs aim at inclusive development by enhancing economic independence and digital inclusion of women.
📊 Index & Rankings
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) implemented stricter compliance rules effective February 1, 2025, requiring UPI transaction IDs to be strictly alphanumeric, with special characters prohibited, to enhance security and standardization.
| Compliance Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | February 1, 2025 |
| Requirement | Alphanumeric transaction IDs only |
| Prohibition | Special characters not allowed |
| Objective | Enhanced security and standardization |
NPCI manages the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India. This standardization strengthens digital payment security and operational efficiency by ensuring consistent transaction ID formats across all UPI platforms.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024–25, projecting a 6.4% GDP growth for FY25, with highlights including stable inflation, strong trade performance, and increased FDI in manufacturing and technology sectors.
Survey Highlights:
- GDP Forecast – 6.4% growth for FY 2024-25
- Stable Inflation – Price stability maintained
- Trade Performance – Strong export-import indicators
- FDI Boost – Foreign investment in manufacturing & technology
- Macroeconomic Stability – Positive growth outlook
The Economic Survey is tabled before the Union Budget each year, providing a comprehensive review of India’s economic development over the previous year and projections for the coming year. GDP forecasts are important for competitive exams.
💼 Business & Economy
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched “Dharohar – Milestones in the Indian Securities Market” on January 26, 2025 (76th Republic Day), commemorating 150+ years of Indian securities market history.
Platform Features:
- Digital Archive – Comprehensive securities market history
- 150+ Years – Documenting market evolution since inception
- Republic Day Launch – Unveiled on 76th Republic Day
- Milestone Documentation – Key events and developments
- Educational Resource – Market history preservation
SEBI regulates India’s capital markets. The Dharohar platform preserves and showcases the evolution of India’s securities market, providing valuable insights into the country’s financial development over more than a century.
Tata Steel developed India’s first hydrogen-compliant pipes designed for hydrogen transportation, supporting the National Hydrogen Mission and promoting clean energy transition in the country.
Innovation Highlights:
- First in India – Pioneering hydrogen-transport infrastructure
- Hydrogen-Compliant – Designed for safe H₂ transportation
- National Hydrogen Mission – Supporting green hydrogen goals
- Clean Energy – Facilitating energy transition
- Infrastructure Development – Building hydrogen economy
Hydrogen is seen as a future clean fuel alternative. The National Hydrogen Mission aims at green hydrogen production and usage. This development boosts India’s hydrogen infrastructure capability for energy transition.
🔬 Science & Technology
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based campus currency, becoming the first business school in India to adopt blockchain currency, following the innovation trend set by IIT Madras, enabling secure and transparent campus transactions.
Innovation Features:
- First Business School – India’s first B-school with blockchain currency
- Blockchain-Based – Decentralized digital currency
- Campus Transactions – Internal payment system
- Secure & Transparent – Tamper-proof transaction records
- Fintech Education – Practical blockchain experience
Blockchain ensures decentralized and tamper-proof records. Campus digital currencies are emerging innovations that encourage fintech experimentation in academic institutions, providing students with hands-on technology experience.
👔 Appointments
Deshnee Naidoo was appointed as the first-ever CEO of Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL), effective from January 20, 2025, as part of the company’s leadership restructuring strategy.
Leadership appointments in major corporations are frequently asked in competitive exams, particularly when they represent significant structural changes or historic firsts.
Senior IPS officer Rajesh Nirwan was appointed Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), effective from the date of assumption of office.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) oversees aviation security standards and protocols in India, ensuring the safety of airports, aircraft, and passengers.
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd re-appointed Hisashi Takeuchi as Managing Director & CEO with tenure extended from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028, aiming to strengthen leadership continuity in the evolving automobile market.
Maruti Suzuki is India’s leading automobile manufacturer, commanding significant market share. Leadership continuity is crucial as the automotive industry transitions to electric and hybrid vehicles.
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