Timely pension payments are not merely a procedural matter—they are a lifeline for countless retired central and state government employees. These pensions, disbursed through authorised banks, are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s "Master Circular - Disbursement of Government Pension by Agency Banks". The RBI recently updated the circular, issuing a series of clarifications that aim to make the pension system more transparent, accountable, and senior citizen-fr

The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) has issued fresh guidelines to streamline the pension disbursement process for retirees under the National Pension System (NPS). The new instructions aim to ensure that pensioners receive their dues on time without unnecessary delays. In a memo dated March 12, 2025, the CPAO emphasized the need to follow the same procedural framework as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to avoid errors. The CPAO’s latest reminder follows an earlier directive issue

The Indian government is reportedly working on a Universal Pension Scheme, a voluntary initiative designed to provide retirement benefits to individuals across all sectors, including those in unorganised employment, traders, and self-employed individuals aged 18 and above. Unlike traditional job-based pension plans, this scheme will not be tied to any specific employment, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals.The Labour Ministry has already initiated discussions on the framewor

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-backed retirement savings initiative designed to provide individuals with long-term financial security. With its tax benefits and flexible investment options, NPS is an attractive choice for those looking to systematically build a pension corpus. One of the most convenient ways to contribute to NPS is through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which allows individuals to invest small amounts regularly, ensuring a d

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched the Smart Pension Plan, designed to provide financial security for retirees through structured annuity payouts. The plan offers a range of annuity options, ensuring flexibility and stability for policyholders looking for a steady income after retirement. With multiple features tailored to meet the needs of individuals at different life stages, the Smart Pension Plan provides long-term financial support.The

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently issued 21,885 pension payment orders as part of its ongoing efforts to implement higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995. As per Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje's written response in Lok Sabha, a total of 17.48 lakh applications were submitted by pensioners and members seeking to increase their pension by making higher contributions.   The EPF

The sightscreen at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, damaged by Rinku Singh's powerful six during a T20I against South Africa in December 2023, is still awaiting repairs after 394 days. The incident, which saw Rinku hit a gigantic six off Aiden Markram, left the press box’s sightscreen shattered, but the repair has been delayed due to budget issues and the high-altitude location of the press box. The official responsible for the stadium’s maintenance, Terrance, explained tha

The recent tragic stampede during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations in Tirupati has left the community in grief. In response to the crisis, the government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased. This announcement was made following the incident at the token distribution centers for the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan. Revenue Minister Anagani Satyaprasad, alongside other state ministers, including Home Minister Anita and Anam Ramanayana Reddy, visited the

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has raised serious concerns about the ongoing delays in the delivery of the Tejas fighter aircraft, calling for an urgent boost in private sector partnerships for defence product development. Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, Singh emphasized that R&D in defence becomes irrelevant if it doesn't meet its timelines, pointing out how the Tejas project, conceived in 1984, still faces delays. Despite its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2016,

The Sandhya Theatre controversy continues to escalate, with no resolution in sight. The issue has caught the attention of Telangana’s Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his cabinet ministers, who are actively discussing the matter. The controversy centers around a tragic incident in which a woman named Revathi lost her life, and her son remains critically injured, after a large crowd was gathered outside the theatre during the release of Allu Arjun's film. Cinematography Min

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) Vatsalya, launched on September 18, 2023, has seen a positive response from Indian parents looking to invest in their children's future. As of November 17, 2023, the scheme has attracted 66,495 subscribers, with Maharashtra leading the pack with 9,219 accounts. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka follow closely with over 6,500 subscribers each. In total, 18 states have seen over 1,000 accounts opened, demonstrating the scheme’s growing appeal. Th

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the National Capital Region (NCR) states, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, for failing to pay compensation to construction workers after air pollution led to a halt in construction activities. The court emphasized that action only begins when it summons top officers and demanded proof of payments made to the workers. Despite its orders, none of the states had shown evidence of compensation. The court has now asked the

The TDP government is set to reintegrate and expand the role of volunteers previously active during the YCP administration. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a significant increase in the honorarium for these volunteers, raising it from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. This move aims to recognize their pivotal role and ensure their continued involvement in government activities. Under the new plan, volunteers will not only handle the distribution of pensions but will