🇮🇳 National News
The Government of India launched a new Aadhaar Governance Portal to simplify approvals for Aadhaar authentication requests. The portal is launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
It follows amendments to the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2025 under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. The core purpose is better governance, improved service delivery, and smoother authentication for citizens.
- Aadhaar authentication: identity verification using Aadhaar-based mechanisms
- Remember: MeitY + Rules, 2025 + Aadhaar Act, 2016
- Faster approvals can support wider, smoother delivery of public services
The Union government is considering reducing states’ share of central tax revenues from 41% to 40% or even less. The Finance Commission of India (Chair: Arvind Panagariya) will submit recommendations by October 31, 2025.
If cleared, it would apply from FY 2026-27. The aim is to manage the Union government’s growing spending needs. Revenue-deficit grants may come with conditions to limit freebies and debt waivers by states.
- Current share: 41%
- Proposed share: 40% or less
- Report deadline: October 31, 2025
- Implementation: FY 2026-27
- Finance Commission Chair: Arvind Panagariya
Why it matters: Tax devolution changes can reshape Centre-State fiscal dynamics and impact state budgets significantly.
🌐 International News
A highly televised Oval Office meeting saw President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly criticise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting was meant to focus on peace discussions tied to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The exchange escalated into a rare public standoff between a U.S. president and a foreign leader.
Focus on names, roles, and the diplomatic significance of high-level bilateral engagements. Public diplomatic confrontations can complicate negotiations and alliance messaging.
💼 Business & Economy
YES Bank partnered with World Trade Center Mumbai to organise Export Conclave 2025 at YES BANK House. Participation included 100+ exporters, industry experts, and government officials.
Themes discussed: trade trends, global opportunities, and export-sector challenges.
- Partner: YES Bank + World Trade Center Mumbai
- Event: Export Conclave 2025
- Venue: YES BANK House
- Participants: 100+ exporters
Why it matters: Export-focused platforms can help firms understand trends and constraints.
EPFO retained the 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY 2024-25. In February 2024, EPFO raised it to 8.25% from 8.15% (2022-23).
Earlier, it fell to a four-decade low of 8.1% in 2021-22, from 8.5% in 2020-21. The last time it was that low was 1977-78, when it was 8%.
| Financial Year | EPF Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 8.25% |
| 2023-24 | 8.25% |
| 2022-23 | 8.15% |
| 2021-22 | 8.1% |
| 2020-21 | 8.5% |
| 1977-78 | 8.0% |
Remember the sequence: 8.5% → 8.1% → 8.15% → 8.25% with years. EPF/EPFO basics: retirement savings mechanism.
Why it matters: The rate directly affects long-term retirement savings returns.
👔 Appointments
Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as SEBI Chairman for three years. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Predecessor: Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman SEBI chairperson, completed a full three-year term.
- SEBI: Market regulator
- New Chairman: Tuhin Kanta Pandey (3-year tenure)
- Previous Chairman: Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman chairperson)
- Names + tenure + “first woman chairperson” fact are typical MCQ targets
Why it matters: SEBI leadership influences regulatory direction and market confidence.
🔬 Science & Technology
Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its first-generation quantum chip called Ocelot. AWS claims it can cut quantum error correction costs by up to 90%. This is positioned as a significant move in quantum computing progress.
- Quantum error correction: Key challenge in quantum systems
- Remember: Ocelot + AWS + up to 90% cost reduction claim
- Lowering error-correction costs could improve the practicality of quantum systems over time
📅 Important Days
Observed every year on March 1 to highlight seagrass importance and conservation. Seagrass supports biodiversity, stabilises coastlines, and works as a carbon sink.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed it on May 22, 2022, after a proposal by Sri Lanka.
- Supports marine biodiversity
- Stabilises coastlines
- Acts as a carbon sink (climate mitigation)
- Provides nursery habitat for fish
Remember the chronology: UNGA declaration (May 22, 2022); observed on March 1. Environmental observances often appear in Prelims as direct factual MCQs.
Observed annually on March 1 to promote equality, dignity, and inclusion. Launched by UNAIDS in 2014 to counter stigma and discrimination, especially impacting marginalised communities.
Link the day with UNAIDS (2014) and the theme of non-discrimination. Social-sector observances are frequent exam targets in static + current integration.
🕊️ Obituaries
Boris Spassky, the 10th World Chess Champion, passed away at 88. Born in 1937 in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg, Russia).
Known widely for the 1972 match versus Bobby Fischer, called the “Match of the Century.”
- 10th World Chess Champion
- Born 1937 in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg)
- Iconic 1972 match against Bobby Fischer
- Prominent personalities and landmark sports moments are standard GK/CA questions
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