Context: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued to dominate India’s digital payments landscape in FY25, recording a 41.7% annual growth in volume and expanding its share of total digital transactions to 83.4%, up from 79.4% in FY24. Regulatory and Policy Developments UPI Internationalization Significance UPSC PYQ Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates II. France III. Germany IV. Singapore V. Bangladesh How many countries amongst the above there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? (a) Only two) (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five
FD-Backed Credit Card Launched by ZET in Partnership with SBM Bank
Context: ZET, a fintech platform focused on credit score building, has partnered with SBM Bank (India) to launch a fixed deposit-backed credit card — the SBM ZET Credit Card. The product is aimed at new-to-credit users, individuals without income proof, and those looking to build or repair their credit score. Key Features Credit Score Benefits Security & Regulation User Engagement Benefits Target Audience
India’s Crypto Landscape and Regulatory Challenges
Strong Crypto Adoption Amid Regulatory Uncertainty Regulatory Environment and Judicial Remarks Challenges with Regulatory and Monetary Controls Continued Offshore Trading and Tax Leakage Importance of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)
RBI’s Draft Directions on Gold Loans (April 2025)
Context: On April 9, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines on loans against gold collateral. Why RBI Intervened Key Provisions in the Draft Impact on Regulated Entities Critical Assessment TH
India Emerges as Major Hub for Illegal Online Gambling, Says CUTS Report
Context: Over 5.4 billion visits were recorded in FY25 to the top 15 unauthorised gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, according to a report by CUTS International. Major Policy and Enforcement Gaps National Security & Consumer Harm Alarming Online Visibility Aggressive User Acquisition & Engagement Strategies Recommendations from CUTS International
NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) Programme
Why in News? The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, launched the second phase of capacity-building under the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) programme. This training phase begins 2nd June 2025 and will be conducted across five national Centres of Excellence (CoEs). NAKSHA: Urban Land Records Digitization Initiative NAKSHA (National Urban Digital Mission for Land Records) is a pioneering initiative launched in 2024 under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It aims to digitally create and update land records in urban areas, ensuring reliable ownership documentation and enabling transparent, dispute-free governance. Key Features of NAKSHA Purpose: Highlights of the Second Phase Training Modules Include About Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) Key Components Achievements (as of FY25) Significance of Digitizing Urban Land Records PIB
“NITI Aayog to Release National Brain Health Blueprint to Combat Rising Cognitive Disorders”
Context: NITI Aayog is in the final stages of drafting a National Brain Health Blueprint to address the rising burden of neurological and cognitive disorders in India. The blueprint will focus on early identification, prevention, and management of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and stroke. Key Objectives Stakeholders Involved Proposed Model
Union Education Ministry Urges Jharkhand and Bihar to Address Unrecognised Schools
Context: The Ministry highlighted the large number of unrecognised private schools in Jharkhand and Bihar during the Project Approval Board (PAB) meetings in March and April 2025. These meetings discussed the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the Samagra Shiksha scheme (2025-26) under the chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (School Education and Literacy). Data from UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) What is an Unrecognised School? Legal Framework: Right to Education (RTE) Act Provisions What does Article 21A say? Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 The Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Penalties for Non-Compliance TH
Osaka World Expo 2025
Context: At the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, India has taken a unique approach by emphasizing its soft power and civilisational heritage rather than solely technological advancements. The Expo runs from April 13 to October 13 under the central theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” About the Osaka World Expo 2025 India Pavilion: A Civilisational Experience Key Themes and Symbolism Highlights of India’s Soft Power Projection TH
Indus Waters Treaty at UN Glacier Conference
Context: At the first UN Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, India strongly rebutted Pakistan’s claims over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), asserting that cross-border terrorism from Pakistan is the real impediment to the treaty’s implementation. India’s Arguments at the UN Forum Background: India’s Suspension of the IWT About the Indus Waters Treaty Significance of the UN Glacier Conference TH
