Digital Governance
NPCI’s TPAP Licensing Framework
Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) licence from NPCI enables non-bank entities to operate UPI payment applications. This framework expands the UPI ecosystem beyond traditional banks, promoting innovation and financial inclusion through diverse players like PayNearby.
Technology
BHASHINI Platform
BHASHINI is India’s national language translation platform that powers multilingual, voice-driven interactions. Its integration in fintech apps like PayNearby Saathi enables users to conduct UPI transactions in their preferred Indian languages, breaking language barriers in digital payments.
Digital Governance
UPI Interoperability
UPI’s core strength lies in interoperabilityβusers can link savings or current accounts from any bank to any UPI app. Apps like Canara ai1Pe demonstrate this by allowing cross-bank transactions while maintaining security through mandatory UPI PIN authentication.
Digital Governance
UPI Delegate (UPI Circle)
UPI Delegate/UPI Circle allows a primary account holder to add family members as secondary users with predefined monthly spending limits. This feature promotes financial inclusion while maintaining central control, ideal for managing family finances and empowering non-account holders.
Business & Economy
NPS Exit Withdrawal Rules (2025 Amendment)
Under PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under NPS) Amendment Regulations, 2025, non-government subscribers can now withdraw up to 80% as lump sum (increased from 60%) at exit, subject to applicable corpus conditions. This provides greater flexibility in retirement planning.
Business & Economy
NPS Corpus Pledging for Loans
The 2025 NPS amendments introduce a groundbreaking facility: subscribers can now pledge up to 25% of their own contributions to obtain loans from regulated financial institutions for purposes like higher education, marriage, house purchase, or medical emergencies.
Education
Higher Education Internationalisation Challenge
NITI Aayog highlighted India’s critical outbound-inbound student imbalance: far more Indian students go abroad than international students coming to India. This creates capital outflow and signals the need for reforms to make Indian universities globally competitive destinations.
Defence
Akash-NG Missile System
Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile system developed by DRDO featuring an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker and solid rocket motor. It successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) and is designed to counter fighters, drones, and cruise missiles.
Defence
Critical Minerals for Defence
Critical minerals are essential for modern defence platforms including jet engines, missiles, radars, satellites, and semiconductors. Tech Talk 2025 emphasised that global supply chains are highly concentrated and vulnerable to geopolitics, making secure access vital for self-reliance and national security.
International
Japan’s Nuclear Energy Strategy
Japan’s restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. The balanced energy mix includes nuclear and renewables, addressing rising electricity demand from AI data centres and other sectors.