Himachal Pradesh Introduces 'Orphan and Widow Cess'

• The Act introduces an 'Orphan and Widow Cess' of up to ₹5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD).

• The revenue will be credited to the Orphan and Widow Welfare Fund to support the welfare of orphans and widows from economically weaker sections.

𝗜𝗕𝗣𝗦 𝗣𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧

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PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams, AI skill training for 1 crore youngsters

🇮🇳 Highlights of PM's Independence Day Speech 2026

Vision 2047

• Reiterated the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort on Independence Day for the first time in 80 years.

Economy & Digital India

• Internet users and digital consumers increased by 4%.
• Digital transactions witnessed 100% growth.
• Expansion of piped water and LPG connections highlighted as key achievements.

Energy & Infrastructure

• Target to generate 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 and establish 5 new nuclear reactors.
• Piped gas network expanded from 70 cities (pre-2014) to 700+ cities, covering 1.45 crore households.
• Solar power capacity increased to 106 GW.
• India achieved 100% railway electrification within the last decade.

Trade & Manufacturing

• Emphasised Make in India and self-reliance.
• Highlighted the importance of critical minerals, energy security and data centres.
• India is pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 40+ countries.
• Stressed the export potential of India's seafood sector.

'Reform Express' – Saptadhara Reforms

Seven priority reform areas:
✓Manufacturing & Global Supply Chains
✓Food Production & Processing
✓Technology & Innovation
✓PM Gati Shakti & Connectivity
✓Defence
✓Green & Blue Economy
✓Soft Power (Yoga, Tourism, Culture, Entertainment)

Banking & Industry

• Expressed the vision of having one Indian bank among the world's top five.
• Called for Indian pharmaceutical companies to rank among the top five globally.

Youth & Education

• ₹1 lakh crore Innovation Fund announced.
• Over 1 crore youth to receive AI training in the next one year.
• Free online coaching for competitive examinations.
• Continued focus on Digital India, Skill India, Khelo India and the National Education Policy.

Sports

• Target to compete in new disciplines at the 2036 Olympics.
• Talent Hunt Programme for children aged 5–15 years.

Internal Security

• Reaffirmed the resolve to make India Naxal-free.
• Announced the creation of a Civil Defence Network.

Women & Governance

• Urged political parties to support the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Bill).
• Encouraged citizens, especially youth, to participate in the self-census enumeration.

🏦 Functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(Source : Interview Library)

• Monetary Authority: Formulates and implements monetary policy to maintain price stability while supporting economic growth.

• Regulator & Supervisor of Banks: Regulates banks, NBFCs and certain financial institutions to ensure the stability of the financial system.

• Issuer of Currency: Sole authority to issue banknotes in India (except ₹1 note and coins, which are issued by the Government of India).

• Banker to the Government: Manages the banking transactions, public debt and cash balances of the Central and State Governments.

• Banker's Bank & Lender of Last Resort: Maintains banks' accounts, provides liquidity support and acts as the lender of last resort during financial stress.

• Manager of Foreign Exchange: Manages India's foreign exchange reserves and administers the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

• Regulator of Payment & Settlement Systems: Ensures safe, secure and efficient payment systems such as UPI, RTGS and NEFT.

• Developmental Role: Promotes financial inclusion, strengthens financial markets and supports institutions that contribute to economic development.

• Consumer Protection: Operates the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme for grievance redressal against regulated entities.

ProbableInterview Questions:

✓What are the primary functions of the RBI?
✓Why is RBI called the "Banker's Bank"?
✓What is the difference between RBI's role as a monetary authority and a banking regulator?
✓Why is RBI known as the lender of last resort?

🚨Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren accepted protesting students' demands, cancels JSSC-CGL exam. Jharkhand CM announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and said the state government would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into irregularities in various recruitment exams since 2014.

Build relationship with youth ; FM to PSBs

OpenAI launched “ChatGPT for Teens” for users aged 13–17. Users identified as under 18 are automatically placed into the teen experience.
The teen version introduces additional protections against:
Self-harm and suicide-related content
Violence and dangerous activities
Sexually explicit content and romantic/sexual roleplay
Eating disorders and harmful body-image content

PFRDA Chairman claiming some promising returns in NPS scheme!

SBI may reach Rs 200 lakh crore total business by 2030: Chairman CS Setty

- SBI aims for Rs 200 lakh crore business by 2030.
- Growth linked to India's 7-8% economic expansion.
- SBI's Vision 2030 focuses on 4 key stakeholders.

10 Years of UPI: Transaction volumes jump 13,000- fold

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa created history on Friday, becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat defending champion Fabiano Caruana in the final.

The Indian takes home a hefty $200,000 prize and secures a guaranteed spot in next year’s tour.

Recent Tournaments Won:
Norway Chess
GCT Rapid & Blitz
Grand Chess Tour Final

Long before the ₹, India used many forms of currency, from Kaudi and Damri to Anna and Paisa. Each reflects a chapter in our country's rich monetary history. ​

Discover how money evolved through the centuries.

Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football 💔