Cabinet Approves Extension of Atal Pension Yojana Till 2031: All You Need to Know
The Government of India has extended the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till 2031 to strengthen old-age social security for workers in the unorganised sector. Launched in 2015, the scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the age of 60. Citizens aged 18–40 years can enroll, except income tax payers, ensuring financial stability during retirement.
US Intervention in Venezuela and the Revival of the Monroe Doctrine
The US intervention in Venezuela marks a major shift in American foreign policy, reviving the Monroe Doctrine and raising concerns over sovereignty, resource politics, and regional stability. With Venezuela holding the world’s largest oil reserves, the move highlights Washington’s renewed interventionism driven by energy security, hemispheric dominance, and geopolitical strategy, reshaping Latin America’s political future.
SabhaSaar Initiative: AI Tool for Gram Sabha Governance | Current Affairs
The SabhaSaar Initiative is an AI-enabled governance reform launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to modernise Gram Sabha documentation. It converts audio and video recordings of Panchayat meetings into structured, multilingual text summaries using advanced AI infrastructure. Integrated with the e-GramSwaraj portal and powered by the India AI Mission, SabhaSaar enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency in grassroots governance, supporting Digital India and e-Governance objectives.
India Adds Two New Ramsar Sites: Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay
India has added Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) to its Ramsar Sites list, highlighting their global ecological importance. With this inclusion, India now has 75 Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation. These wetlands support endangered species, migratory birds, and vital ecosystem services, while promoting the Ramsar Convention’s principle of sustainable and wise use of wetlands.
PM Modi Becomes First World Leader to Receive Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, becoming the first global Head of State or Government to receive it. Awarded during his visit to Addis Ababa, this marks PM Modi’s 28th foreign State honour. The recognition highlights India’s rising global stature, strengthens India–Ethiopia strategic ties, and underscores India’s growing influence in Africa and the Global South.
Vijay Diwas 2025: Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Formation of Bangladesh
Vijay Diwas 2025, observed on 16 December, marks 54 years of India’s historic victory in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The day honours the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers and the Mukti Bahini, whose joint efforts ended oppression in East Pakistan and reshaped South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.