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The correct answer is Public Provident Fund Scheme 1968.

Key Points

• The Schemes framed under the act are

1. Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme 1952.
2. Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme 1976.
3. Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995.

• EPF Scheme deals with retirement savings.
• EPS Scheme deals with a post-retirement pension.
• And EDLI Scheme deals with relief to family members in case of sudden death.

Important Points

Important Features of the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provision Act

• The Act gives effect to the provisions of the Directive Principle as provided in Article 41 of the Indian Constitution.
• It is a compulsory contributory fund for the future of an employee and his family in case of his death.
• Applicability of the act

1. Industries employing 20 and more.
2. For theatres employing 5 and more.
3. And other industries mentioned in Schedule I of the EPF Act.

• Once the act is applied to an establishment it shall remain applicable even if the number of an employed person falls below twenty.
• It applies to all the employees whose Wages (Basic + DA) is less than 15000 per month.
• The act and schemes framed thereunder have been structured as self-applying and the employers are responsible to report the compliance of their own.
• The Schemes framed under it are

1. Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme 1952.
2. Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme 1976.
3. Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995.

• The aim of these schemes is to inculcate among workers a spirit of saving and encourage employees to save a portion of their present earning for the future.
• EPF Scheme deals with retirement savings.
• EPS Scheme deals with a post-retirement pension.
• And EDLI Scheme deals with relief to family members in case of sudden death.
• Benefits of the Act

1. Tax-free savings with interest rate at 8% plus.
2. If you withdraw you’re PF after 5 years or after maturity then you are not liable for any tax.
3. Postretirement benefits with full EPF and EPF for a minimum of 10 years’ service.
4. In emergencies such as death, marriage, loan you can withdraw your PF fund.
5. In case of loss of income due to unemployment and if you are unable to find a new job for two months then you can withdraw your PF.
6. EDLI scheme provides relief to family members in case of sudden death.
7. With Universal Account Number (UAN) now you can transfer EPF from your old to new employer easily.

• Contribution rates are divided between employee and employer and they are as following

1. An employee contributes 12% to the EPF account.
2. Whereas the Employer contributes 13.15% into EPF, EPS, and EDLI.
3. Also, 0.65% of the 13.15% are charged as EPF admin charges with a minimum of 500 charges. They are paid by the employer
4. When an employee is 58 plus of age then his EPS contribution is moved to EPF.

• There are some businesses where employee contribution rate is 10% instead of 12% and employers contribution is also less, they are

1. They are businesses with voluntary coverage with less than 20 employee strength.
2. Sick businesses.
3. A business where financial year loss is greater than or equal to net worth.
4. Jute, Coir, Brick, Guar gram.

• There is a provision of the Central Board and Central Provident Fund Commissioner is the CEO of the board.
• Dispute settlement for the parties is as provided in the Industrial Dispute Act of 1947.

The correct answer is Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Key Points

• Social Security Schemes in India
• Atal  Pension Yojana
• It was Launched in 2015, the scheme targets unorganized workers like domestic helpers, drivers gardeners, etc.
• It allows such workers to save for their old age.
• It is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Scheme
• It is a social security scheme targeting those people who are above 60 years of age.
• It is implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation of India.
• It was launched in 2017.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
• The scheme provides physical aids and assisted-living devices to senior citizens living below the poverty line.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme.

Important Points

• PLI Scheme
• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units.
• It also aims to encourage local companies to set up or expand existing manufacturing units. Therefore, It is not a social security scheme. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
• The Scheme has also been approved for sectors such as automobiles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT hardware including laptops, mobile phones & telecom equipment, white goods, chemical cells, food processing, etc.

The Correct Answer is Haryana.

In News

• Khelo India Para Games 2025 concludes, 18 national records broken.

Key Points

• The Khelo India Para Games 2025 concluded at JLN Stadium, New Delhi.
• 18 national records were broken during the event.
• The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games saw more than 550 medals being secured by para-athletes.
• Haryana topped the medal tally with 34 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
• Tamil Nadu secured second place with 28 gold, 19 silver, and 27 bronze medals.
• Uttar Pradesh finished third with 23 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze medals.
• More than 1,300 para-athletes participated in the event, competing across six sports: Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, and Para Table Tennis.

The Correct Answer is 76.

In News

• Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 aims at wider decriminalisation, ease of living.

Key Points

• Introduced in Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Commerce & Industry.
• Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act 2023 (183 provisions decriminalised in 42 Acts).
• 2025 Bill targets 355 provisions across 16 Acts under 10 ministries.
• 288 provisions for decriminalisation, 67 provisions for ease of living.
• Includes changes in NDMC Act, 1994 and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• 76 offences: minor violations replaced with warnings/monetary penalties.
• Graduated penalties for repeat offences.
• Officers empowered to impose penalties, reducing judicial burden.
• Automatic 10% hike in fines every 3 years to avoid frequent amendments.
• Covers laws from 2023 Act like Motor Vehicles, Tea Act, Drugs & Cosmetics.
• Reflects “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” principle.

BPSC deleted this question.

Key Points

• Reason cited by BPSC:
• The debate regarding the STS struggle came up during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• None of the options is correct.

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu

Key Points

• Agasthiyarmalai Elephant Reserve has become the 5^th elephant reserve in Tamil Nadu.
• There are 32 elephant reserves in India after this addition.

Additional Information

• Project Elephant is a Central Government sponsored scheme launched in February 1992.
• Through the Project Elephant scheme, the government helps in the protection and management of elephants in the states having wild elephants in a free-ranging population.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change provides financial and technical support to major elephant range states in the country through the project.
• It ensures the protection of elephant corridors and elephant habitats for the survival of the elephant population in the wild.

The correct answer is 2028. 

In News

• The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), approved by the Union Cabinet, marks a significant step in India's planetary exploration endeavors.

Key Points

• The mission is scheduled for launch in March 2028.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will lead the development and launch of the spacecraft, with the aim of studying Venus's atmosphere, surface, and subsurface conditions.
• The mission will help scientists gain insights into the evolutionary paths of both Venus and Earth, contributing valuable data to planetary science.
• With a budget of Rs. 1,236 crore, the mission will involve collaboration between ISRO, Indian industries, and academic institutions, offering opportunities for research and technology development.

The Correct Answer is England.

In News

• Kabaddi World Cup 2025 to begin in England.

Key Points

• The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be hosted in England.
• The men's competition includes 10 teams.
• The women's competition will involve 6 teams.
• The competition will last for 7 days and will be hosted in Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of the UK.
• This is the second edition of the Kabaddi World Cup and the first outside of Asia.
• At the inaugural edition hosted by Malaysia in 2019, India won both the men’s and women’s crowns.
• Moreover, this Kabaddi World Cup is different from the one hosted by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), whose all editions have been hosted in India.

The correct answer is 1894.

Key Points

• The IOC was founded by Pierre de Coubertin in Paris in 1894, marking the revival of the ancient Olympic Games.
• The IOC is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement, overseeing the organization of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
• The Olympic Games are held every four years, alternating between Summer and Winter editions.
• The IOC is guided by the Olympic Charter, which outlines the principles and rules governing the Olympic Movement.
• The IOC works closely with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from around the world to ensure the participation of athletes in the Olympic Games.

Additional Information

• The original Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece from the 8^th century BC until the 4^th century AD.
• Indian Olympic Association (IOA): The IOA is the national governing body for the Olympic Movement in India.
• Asian Olympic Council (AOC): The AOC is the governing body for the Olympic Movement in Asia.
• The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport event involving athletes from Commonwealth countries and territories.
• The Asian Games are a multi-sport event involving athletes from Asia.

The correct answer is Russia, Congo, and Pakistan.

In News

• Russia, Congo, and Pakistan have been excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to separate controversies involving administrative issues, geopolitical sanctions, and third-party interference.

Key Points

• Pakistan was banned due to administrative failures and the failure to adopt a revised constitution for fair elections in its football federation.
• Russia remains banned due to geopolitical sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, preventing its teams from competing in FIFA and UEFA competitions.
• Congo was excluded for third-party interference in the affairs of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT).
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, with these nations missing out due to their respective issues.

Additional Information

• FIFA's Suspension History
• FIFA has banned several countries over the years, including Russia, Pakistan, and Congo, for various reasons such as administrative failures, geopolitical issues, and third-party interference.
• Other countries previously banned include Iraq, Nigeria, Kuwait, and Indonesia for various violations of FIFA's regulations.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams participating.
• The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams instead of the usual 32.