1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): New Pension System for Central Government Employees
Bureau/Agency, New Delhi. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued the notification for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). The rules related to UPS will come into effect from April 1, 2025. Under this scheme, there is a provision to provide 50 percent of the average basic salary received in the 12 months prior to retirement as an assured pension. The scheme allows 23 lakh central government employees to choose between UPS and NPS. The National Pension System (NPS) was implemented on January 1, 2004. This notification is linked to the announcement of the Unified Pension Scheme made on January 24 for central government employees under NPS. According to the notification, the full assured payment rate will be subject to a minimum qualifying service of 25 years, and the pension amount will be 50 percent of the average basic salary of the 12 months immediately preceding retirement. Enrollment and claim applications for central government employees will be available online from April 1, with an option to submit them physically as well. However, in cases of dismissal, resignation, or removal from service, the option for a unified pension or assured payment will not be available. As per the notified rules, employees in service until April 2025, as well as those recruited into central government services on or after this date, will be eligible to enroll.
- Three Pension Schemes of the Central Government:
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Applicable to employees who joined service before January 2004. Under this, employees receive 50 percent of the basic salary of the month of retirement as a monthly pension.
- National Pension System (NPS): Mandatory for employees who joined service on or after January 1, 2004. Employees contribute 10 percent of their basic salary, while the central government contributes 14 percent. The pension after retirement is derived from this accumulated fund.
- Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Due to growing opposition to NPS, the central government approved UPS on August 24, 2024. It will also operate on contributions from employees and the government. The employee’s contribution will be 10 percent of basic salary and dearness allowance, while the employer (central government) will contribute 18.5 percent. The pension amount is guaranteed to be 50 percent of the basic salary of the last 12 months. In both NPS and UPS, the final payout depends on the market returns of the accumulated fund, which is mostly invested in government bonds.
2. World Happiness Day 2025: Global and Indian Happiness Rankings
London, Pret. The ‘World Happiness Day’ 2025 report, prepared by Oxford University, assesses the happiness of countries based on generosity, kindness, and social harmony. India has climbed eight ranks to secure the 118th position. However, countries like Pakistan, Nepal, and war-torn Palestine and Ukraine rank ahead of India. The happiness level in the United States has dropped to its lowest ever, placing it at 24th. Finland has remained the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden among the top four happiest nations. The report states that India has made a leap of eight places compared to last year. In terms of generosity, India ranks 57th, volunteering to help at 76th, and returning a lost wallet at 115th (to neighbors) and 86th (to strangers).
- List of Top and Least Happy Countries:
- Five Happiest Countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel.
- Five Least Happy Countries: Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Malawi.
Surprisingly, war-torn Palestine (108) and Ukraine (111) are ahead of India. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka (133) and Bangladesh (134) lag behind. China’s happiness has dropped eight ranks to 68th.
3. UGC’s New Rules: Reforms in Higher Education and Hygiene
New Delhi. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has begun cracking down on higher educational institutions offering degree programs without permission. UGC Secretary Professor Manish Joshi has issued a public notice stating that if anyone learns of an institution conducting degree programs without authorization, they should inform the UGC. Students and parents have been urged to verify the accreditation of institutions before admission. Only institutions established under the UGC Act of 1956 or recognized state/central/provincial acts are authorized to award degrees after obtaining permission. Information about accredited and fake institutions is available on the UGC website. New Delhi. The UGC has directed all universities and colleges to install sanitary pad vending machines on campus. This step aims to ensure menstrual hygiene and create a supportive environment for women. Institutions must submit a report by March 25. The UGC has also instructed campuses to install incinerators to promote hygiene.
4. BPSC and Teacher Recruitment: Exam Dates and Investigation Updates
Patna. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the exam calendar for all recruitments in 2025. The 70th main examination will be held on April 25, 26, 28, 29, and 30. Other major exam dates are also included. Candidates can check details on the BPSC website (bpsc.bihar.gov.in). There is no mention of the fourth phase of teacher recruitment. Patna. Teachers appointed between 2006 and 2015 will face scrutiny. The Vigilance Investigation Bureau has requested details of these teachers from district program officers. Their academic and training certificates will be examined. This directive follows an order from the Patna High Court. Bhagalpur. The Director of Primary Education has instructed district education officers of 25 districts to verify teacher vacancies on the e-Shiksha Kosh portal within 24 hours. In Bhagalpur, 223 schools have yet to update vacant positions.
5. Patna University: Selection of Teachers for Principal Posts
Patna. Several teachers from Patna University have been selected for principal positions, including Prof. Manoj Kumar, Prof. Shyamkishore, Prof. Murari Sharan Manglik, and others. Teachers from Patliputra University have also been selected.
