Source: The Print Context: The UNESCO Global Education Report 2025 highlights that 133 million girls worldwide remain out of school, three decades after the Beijing Declaration (1995), despite significant improvements in enrolment. Global Snapshot Regional Parity Achievements and Challenges Persistent Quality Gaps Leadership Inequality Economic and Social Significance
UNFPA Report 2025
Context: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its State of World Population 2025 Report revealed that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, slipping below the replacement level of 2.1. This milestone signals India’s transition into a phase of sub-replacement fertility, raising new concerns over ageing, workforce shrinkage, and demographic sustainability. Understanding Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Limitations of the Current TFR Methodology: Shifting Fertility Patterns in India: Implications for India:
Per Drop More Crop Scheme
Source: News on Air Context: The Union Agriculture Ministry has introduced greater flexibility under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme to promote micro-level water storage and conservation. The move aims to empower states and Union Territories (UTs) to design localised water management projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and ensure sustainable water availability. About the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme Part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – launched in 2015 to achieve “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field) and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. Revised Guidelines: About the Scheme:
Kapas Kranti Mission
Source: TH Context: The Central Government has launched the ₹600 crore “Kapas Kranti Mission” to enhance cotton productivity and promote sustainable cultivation practices across India. The initiative focuses on long-staple, high-yield cotton through scientific innovation and farmer-oriented extension services. About the Kapas Kranti Mission To promote high-yield, long-staple cotton varieties through scientific innovation, modern agronomy, and farmer-focused support systems. Key Goals: Implementation Framework
Post-Diwali Farm Challenge: From Consumer Inflation to Farmer Woes
Source: The Indian Express Context: After months of food inflation being a primary concern for policymakers, India now faces a reverse challenge — many crops are selling below Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) despite a strong monsoon and rising sowing, shifting the policy focus from consumer prices to farmer viability. Key Highlights: Food Inflation Food inflation refers to the rise in the prices of food items such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, and edible oils over a period of time. It measures how much more consumers have to pay for food compared to previous months or years. Measured By: In India, food inflation is captured as part of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — specifically under the CPI-Combined (CPI-C) and CPI-Rural/Urban categories. The National Statistical Office (NSO) compiles and publishes CPI data every month. Formula: Food Inflation (%)=Current Food Price Index−Previous Food Price Index×100/Previous Food Price Index Causes of Food Inflation: Implications
RBI’s Application Tracking System (ATS)
What is ATS? Purpose: Key Features:
Bajaj Finserv AMC Introduces ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’ Feature
Source: BL Context: Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’, a first-of-its-kind feature that allows investors to make daily UPI payments directly from their mutual fund investments. Purpose: Key Features:
Lxme Launches India’s First Women UPI “Lxmepay”
Source: BS Context: Lxme, India’s leading financial platform for women, launched LxmePay, the country’s first Unified Payments Interface (UPI) exclusively for women, aimed at empowering them to manage money smarter and build long-term wealth. Purpose: Key Features:
Getepay Partners with ESAF SFB to Deploy Payment Switch “VEGA”
Context: Getepay, a leading Payment Aggregator, partnered with ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF SFB) to deploy VEGA, a next-generation payment switch. Aim: To enhance India’s digital payment infrastructure by integrating Getepay’s advanced payment technology with ESAF SFB’s financial network. About VEGA:
LIC Launches Jan Suraksha (880) & Bima Lakshmi (881) Plans
Source: Economic Times Context: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched two new life insurance plans — Jan Suraksha (Plan 880) and Bima Lakshmi (Plan 881) — under its first product launches post the GST regime. These plans aim to cater to specific demographics, focusing on financial inclusion and women empowerment. LIC Jan Suraksha (Plan 880) Type: Non-participating, non-linked individual savings plan. Target Audience: Lower-income individuals. Key Features: Significance: Promotes long-term savings and life cover for economically weaker sections. LIC Bima Lakshmi (Plan 881) Type: Non-linked plan with life cover and periodic money-back options. Target Audience: Exclusively women. Key Features: Significance: Supports women’s financial empowerment and provides periodic liquidity along with life cover.
