Important National News
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Deadline Approaching
The Union Finance Ministry has set 30th September 2025 as the final date for eligible central government employees and past retirees under the National Pension System (NPS) to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
Employees who remain in NPS after this deadline will no longer be able to switch to UPS.
UPS was introduced on 1st April 2025 as an option under NPS offering a more assured pension payout.
A one-time, one-direction switch from UPS to NPS is permitted, subject to conditions: must be done at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement.
In case of technical glitches or unavailability of the online portal (CRA system), physical application forms may be submitted to the respective nodal offices on or before 30.09.2025.
Full assured pension payout under UPS requires completion of minimum service (25 years) in many cases; voluntary retirement after 20 years possible but with conditions regarding benefit entitlement.
Relevance for exams: Pension policy changes are frequently asked in banking & government exams; UPS vs NPS distinctions, eligibility, deadlines, retirement / death gratuity, switching rules are key points.
US Revokes Visas of Some Indian Executives Over Fentanyl Precursor Trafficking
The US embassy in New Delhi has revoked and denied visas of some Indian business executives & corporate leaders, citing alleged involvement in trafficking of fentanyl precursors.
Individuals affected are Indian nationals; specific names not disclosed.
This reflects increasing international cooperation & pressure in controlling chemical ingredients that can lead to synthetic opioids.
Exam relevance: Privacy & diplomatic dimensions, India-US relations, drug control & international treaties, import/export of chemical precursors are recurring topics.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 Campaign Launched
The Department of Commerce has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, expanding cleanliness & sanitation outreach across India.
Exam relevance: Cleanliness drives, government missions, sustainable development goals, public policy implementation.
India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments Meeting
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, is visiting UAE (18–19 Sept) to co-chair the 13th Meeting of India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments (HLTFI).
Aim is to review bilateral trade agreement, boost investments, explore new opportunities in sectors of mutual interest.
Exam relevance: Bilateral trade, foreign investment policy, India’s economic diplomacy.
International Events
Fentanyl Precursor Action by US Government
As above: US visa revocations reflect global concern over synthetic opioid crises.
India’s position, trade-compliance obligations, and international law obligations are under focus.
Asia Cup 2025 – Super Four Stage
The 2025 Asia Cup cricket tournament has progressed to the Super Four stage.
A rematch between India vs Pakistan has been scheduled (21 September) in Dubai after both teams qualified from Group A.
India had earlier beaten Pakistan, exploiting spin to restrict Pakistan’s batting.
Exam relevance: Sports GK; also India-Pakistan relations via cricket; dates, venues matter for sports current affairs questions.
Sports & Other Events
ISSO National Games-2025-26 Begins in Jaipur
ISSO National Games commenced at Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur (from 18 September), will continue till 22 September.
Categories include U-19 boys’ football, U-17 boys & girls’ basketball etc. Over 1,000 student athletes from 50+ schools (India & abroad) participating.
Kanpur State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament Starts 19 Sept
The UP State Ranking TTC Tournament (Stag-TSH IV) to begin at Kanpur on 19 September. Approx 500 players in various age/gender categories. Prize money allocated.
Dasara CM Cup Sports Meet 2025 Scheduled
From 22-25 September in Mysuru; will involve traditional & modern sports (blind chess, cycle polo, bodybuilding etc.), with thousands of athletes across venues.
Key Dates & Observances
World Patient Safety Day 2025: Observed in India; a conference (NABH Patient Safety Conference) was held in New Delhi under QCI to promote patient safety & healthcare quality.
GK & Banking Exam Pointers
Pension / Retirement System Reforms: Know what UPS is, comparison with NPS; eligibility, deadlines; one-time switch rules; conditions for full assured payout.
International Relations: US visa revocations; how India is implicated in precursor chemical trade; diplomatic actions.
Sports Updates: Asia Cup rematch India-Pakistan; youth games; state tournaments.
Government Schemes & Campaigns: Swachhata Hi Seva; policies on public health & safety.
