Source: TOI Context: India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India’s second major trade pact in West Asia after the UAE. About India–Oman CEPA Key Features Zero-duty Market Access Gains for Labour-Intensive Sectors Tariff elimination to benefit: Services Sector Liberalisation Enhanced Workforce Mobility (Mode 4) 100% FDI in Services AYUSH Access – First Global Commitment Faster Pharma Approvals
ISRO to launch U.S. BlueBird Satellite
Source: TH Context: ISRO is set to launch the U.S.-built BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite aboard the LVM3-M6 mission on 24 December 2025, under a commercial arrangement with AST SpaceMobile. About BlueBird Satellite
Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) at 2nd WHO Global Summit
Source: Times of India Context: At the closing ceremony of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, PM Narendra Modi launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) — a first-of-its-kind international digital platform on traditional health systems. What is TMGL? Coverage Objectives About the Summit
Erivan Anomalous Blue Butterfly
Context: Armenia has officially released the logo for COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), showcasing the Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis) — a rare butterfly endemic to the region. About Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis) Conservation Status
Ponduru Khadi receives GI Tag
Context: Ponduru Khadi, a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. Key Points About Ponduru Khadi About Andhra Pradesh
RBI Board Approves Risk-Based Deposit Insurance
Source: TH Context: The RBI’s Central Board of Directors has approved a risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks during a meeting held in Hyderabad. About the Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Framework Existing System Why Change Was Needed? RBI said the flat-rate model: The risk-based model will allow:
IRDAI proposes allowing insurers to invest 20% in debt of public infra SPVs
Source: BS Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed a regulatory change permitting insurers to invest up to 20% of their controlled fund in debt instruments issued by public limited Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) operating in the infrastructure sector. Key Highlights of the Proposal: What is an SPV? A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a legally separate entity created to carry out a specific project or purpose — often used in infrastructure, real estate, energy, road, and transport projects. Public Limited SPV A public limited SPV is:
Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme
Source: ET Context: EPFO has announced that weekends, holidays and job gaps up to 60 days will no longer be treated as a break in service while determining eligibility for insurance benefits under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. What will now be treated as continuous service? Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme The EDLI Scheme (1976) is a compulsory life-insurance cover provided to all employees who are members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). It ensures a lump-sum financial benefit to the nominee/legal heir in case the employee dies while in service, regardless of cause, location, or duration of employment. Key Features
Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA)
Context: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to strengthen Aadhaar authentication security and counter emerging threats such as deepfakes, spoofing, and biometric fraud. What is SITAA? SITAA is an innovation-led collaborative programme designed to bring together startups, academic institutions, and industry partners to develop advanced, indigenous technologies that enhance the security and resilience of Aadhaar-based authentication systems. Objectives Key Features Collaborative Innovation Framework Three Focused Innovation Challenges
EPFO CADRE RESTRUCTURING PANEL
Source: ET Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has constituted a committee to undertake cadre restructuring across the organisation. Key Details: Purpose of the Committee: The panel will:
