Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched on 09.05.2015, with the objective of creating a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector. It is open to all citizens of India between 18-40 years of age having a savings account in a bank or post-office.
As per the Scheme, subscriber will receive pension benefit on attaining the age of 60 years. Hence, the pension benefit under APY is expected to start from 2035 onwards. However, the gross enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana as on 31.10.2025 is 8,34,13,738.
In line with this national imperative, the Ministry of Coal continues to introduce progressive reforms that enhance transparency, strengthen private sector participation, and reinforce the nation’s energy preparedness. This initiative further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to modernising processes and strengthening the exploration ecosystem for Bharat.
The Ministry of Coal has reviewed the earlier methodology and simplified the mechanism for approval of exploration programs and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) accredited by QCI-NABET and peer-reviewed by another such APA.
The new process does not require the approval of Committee constituted by Ministry of Coal in January 2022 for this purpose. This marks a major procedural reform and a significant step towards enhancing ease of doing business in the exploration sector.
In the recent reform by expanding and utilising the capabilities of Private Accredited Prospecting Agencies, the Government has demonstrated strong confidence in private exploration entities.This approach seeks to harness their efficiency, technological expertise, and innovation for the sustainable development of India’s coal resources,
while ensuring strict transparency and adherence to high technical standards. There will be saving of atleast 3 months in the approval process of the Geological Report resulting in early operationalisation of the block and facilitate the coal block allottees in timely completion of the milestones. The reform is expected to accelerate exploration, reduce approval timelines,
and contribute to the long-term security and sustainable utilisation of India’s coal resources.
In order to safeguard the citizens from buying the non-genuine handsets, enabling easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources and to increase effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the DoT has issued Directions dated 28.11.2025 mandating the manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India,
Air Marshal Tejbir Singh assumed the appointment of Director General (Inspection and Safety) [DG (I&S)] at Air HQ on 01 December 2025.
In his illustrious career spanning 37 years, the Air Officer has held varied command and staff assignments including our Air Attaché to Bangladesh, Senior Directing Staff (Air),
National Defence College, New Delhi and Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (T&H) at Air HQ. He is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Tejbir Singh was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2010, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018.
He succeeds Air Marshal Makarand Bhaskar Ranade, who superannuated on 30 Nov 2025.
Indian Railways has promoted three distinguished women cricketers — Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana and Renuka Singh Thakur — to the Group ‘B’ Officer-grade post of Officer on Special Duty (Sports) through Out-of-Turn Promotion, recognising their exceptional performances in India’s victorious 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup campaign.
All three players will be entitled to the pay and benefits of a Group ‘B’ Gazetted Officer, under Level-8 of the Pay Matrix as per the 7th CPC. This initiative of the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) will not only provide financial security to the three women cricketers but also entrust them with administrative responsibilities.
Earlier in November, the three athletes were felicitated at Rail Bhawan by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Pratika Rawal, serving as a Senior Clerk in Northern Railway, has now been promoted to the Group ‘B’ Gazetted post of OSD (Sports).
Renuka Singh Thakur, serving as a Junior Clerk in Northern Railway, has now been promoted to the Group ‘B’ Gazetted post of OSD (Sports). A right-arm medium-fast bowler, she has been a consistent match-winner with key spells in crucial games.
Sneh Rana, serving as a Commercial cum Ticket Clerk (CCTC) in Northern Railway, has now been promoted to the Group ‘B’ Gazetted post of OSD (Sports). An all-rounder from Uttarakhand, she has delivered crucial performances with both bat and ball.
National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has signed an agreement with the Adani Skills and Education Foundation on 26 November, 2025, granting it recognition as an Awarding Body (Standard) with PAN-India territorial jurisdiction.
This recognition authorizes the Adani Skills and Education Foundation to award and certify learners for qualifications in port logistics sector that are approved by NCVET. This ensures a structured, accountable, and quality-assured delivery of vocational training across the country.
NCVET has approved Adani Skills and Education Foundation's first qualification in the Port Management domain. This marks a significant step in addressing the skilled workforce requirements of one of India’s most crucial and rapidly growing sectors.
The Quick Estimate of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is released on 28th of every month (or next working day if 28th is a holiday). The index is compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments.
Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL)-PAHAL Scheme has been implemented since January 2015 for transparent and effective disbursal of subsidy across the country. Under PAHAL Scheme, all domestic LPG cylinders are sold at a uniform Retail Selling Price (RSP) and applicable subsidy to LPG consumers is transferred directly into their bank accounts.
Government continues to take measures on ongoing basis to ensure that LPG distribution and subsidy transfers in respect of domestic LPG consumers are efficient, transparent, and inclusive.
The central government has officially notified the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), marking the beginning of a crucial process that will impact the salaries and pensions of over 11 million central government employees and pensioners.
However, contrary to expectations from various employee unions, the Centre has ruled out any proposal to merge the current dearness allowance (DA) or dearness relief (DR) with basic pay.
The World Bank Group today announced the appointment of Paschal Donohoe as Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer. Donohoe has served as Ireland's Minister for Finance since January 2025, and as President of the Eurogroup of finance ministers since July 2020.
His extensive experience spans both the public and private sectors, including nearly a decade at Procter & Gamble.
Donohoe has been recognized with several honors, including European of the Year by the European Movement of Ireland, and the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the French Government.
He will start in the new role on November 24.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Usha Janakiraman as Executive Director (ED) with effect from December 1, 2025.
Prior to being promoted as the executive director of RBI, Janakiraman was serving as Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Regulation, Central Office, Mumbai.
With an experience of over three decades in the central bank, she has worked in the areas of regulation, external investment and operations, banking supervision, public debt management, currency management and other areas in the bank, RBI said in a release.
As Executive Director, Janakiraman will look after the Department of Supervision (Risk, Analytics and Vulnerability Assessment). She is a Chartered Accountant.
The central bank appointed Sonali Sen Gupta and Sanjay Kumar Hansda as executive directors in October 2025.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued it’s final guidelines for digital banking channels making it mandatory for banks to obtain explicit consent from the customer for providing digital banking services which may be duly recorded/documented.
