UPS guidelines: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced guidelines for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), effective April 1, 2025. This scheme offers central government employees currently enrolled in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) a comprehensive alternative.
India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five products from China, including vacuum flasks and aluminium foil, to protect local industries. These duties, based on recommendations from the DGTR, will be in effect for up to five years and also apply to imports from other countries like Japan, Korea, and Malaysia.
Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks from the Gemelli Hospital balcony after battling severe pneumonia. He thanked the crowd and is advised to avoid large gatherings for two months. While his ability to attend upcoming events remains uncertain, he is determined to continue his papacy.
Amazon and Tesla are among the top beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program in 2025, securing thousands of approvals. These companies rely on skilled foreign workers for roles in engineering and research. Amazon leads with 9,265 approvals, followed by Cognizant and Google. Indian IT firms like Infosys and TCS also feature prominently among top H-1B visa recipients.
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has reportedly announced the Class 10 and 12 result dates. Class 10 results will be declared on April 5, 2025, and Class 12 results on March 27, 2025. Students can check results at secondary.biharboardonline.com. The exams were conducted from February 1-15 (Class 12) and February 17-25 (Class 10).
In response to attacks on Himachal Pradesh buses in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the buses will not be parked overnight in Punjab until the AAP government ensures their safety. The vandalism involved smashing windshields and scribbling pro-Khalistan slogans. Measures are being taken to safeguard buses and passengers, including potentially suspending some routes.
A road accident on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to 17 others. The collision between a bus and a taxi, which bore a Madhya Pradesh registration number, occurred at Gund. The injured are undergoing treatment, and officials are determining further details.
Jayant Patil met NCP chief Ajit Pawar for a closed-door discussion at the VSI, which was attended by Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar downplayed speculations about Patil quitting his party, stating that their meeting was focused on discussing the implementation of artificial intelligence in agriculture.
A fire broke out backstage at the France Pavilion in EPCOT at Walt Disney World, causing no injuries. The blaze began in a walk-in cooler and was quickly extinguished. Videos on social media showed smoke rising as authorities continued their investigation during the busy Spring Break season.
Despite more women entering the legal profession, the CLPR report reveals systemic gender discrimination in judicial appointments in India. Women judges serve shorter tenures and are appointed at older ages, hindering their rise to senior ranks, including the Supreme Court collegium.
US tourism faces a decline, with international visitors projected to drop by 5.1% in 2025. Factors include policies by President Trump, a strong dollar, and rising global tensions. The tourism sector risks losing $64 billion as a consequence, impacting major upcoming events.
