INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US President Donald Trump’s Signature on Dollar Bills Approved
• For the first time in history, US President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on US dollar bills.
• The decision was taken by the US Treasury as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence.
• His signature will appear alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on US paper currency.
• This is the first instance since 1861 that a sitting president’s signature will feature on dollar bills.
• The announcement was confirmed by US Treasurer Brandon Beach via social media.
• The move symbolizes a historic milestone in the US independence celebrations.
• Earlier, a federal arts commission approved a 24-karat gold coin featuring Donald Trump’s image for the 250th anniversary.
AWARDS
Jupally Krishna Rao Receives ‘Grand Prize’ for World Peace Contribution
• Jupally Krishna Rao, Telangana’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Grand Prize’ for his contribution to world peace.
• The award was presented during an international Buddhist conference held in Hyderabad.
• The event witnessed participation of around 150 delegates and Buddhist monks from 22 countries.
• During his address, he highlighted Telangana’s rich Buddhist heritage and historical importance.
• He mentioned key Buddhist sites such as Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, and Nagarjuna Sagar.
• These sites are linked with the renowned philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.
• He announced development plans for ‘Buddhavanam’, spread over nearly 274 acres.
• The site will be developed as a global World Peace Center, including a Digital Experience Center and a Global Buddhist Center.
Nandamuri Balakrishna Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFD 2026
• Nandamuri Balakrishna received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026.
• The award was given for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema over five decades.
• The award ceremony was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• His career was praised for showcasing versatility, dedication, and long-lasting impact on the film industry.
• The honour was presented by Rekha Gupta in the presence of several dignitaries.
• His film ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ had earlier won the Best Film in Telugu award at the 71st National Film Awards.
• The film was specially screened during the festival with participation from its cast and crew.
• He was earlier awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his contributions to arts and cinema.
RANKING AND REPORTS
MoSPI Releases PLFS Annual Report 2025
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025.
• PLFS, launched by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in 2017, estimates employment and unemployment through Usual Status (365 days) and Current Weekly Status (7 days).
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for age 15+ remained stable at 59.3% (Male 79.1%, Female 40.0%).
• The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) stood at 57.4%, while rural female WPR remained steady at 44.9%.
• The overall Unemployment Rate (UR) was recorded at 3.1%, with youth unemployment (15–29) declining to 9.9%.
• Employment quality improved as regular wage/salaried jobs rose to 23.6%, while self-employment fell to 56.2%.
• Sector-wise, agriculture employment reduced from 44.8% to 43.0%, while manufacturing increased to 12.1%.
• Unemployment among educated persons dropped to 6.5%, women’s nominal wages grew across sectors (highest 8.8% in self-employment), and average years of formal education for 15+ reached 10 years.
WEF Report: India Emerging as Global Electro-Technology Manufacturing Hub
• A World Economic Forum (WEF) report states that India is rapidly emerging as a major global centre for electro-technology manufacturing.
• India is using low-cost solar power and progress in battery technology to support this industrial shift.
• The country is following a growth model focused on avoiding heavy dependence on fossil fuels, unlike earlier Western and Chinese models.
• India’s strategy strongly promotes energy security, sustainability, and long-term energy independence.
• The report notes that India’s approach could become a development model for other emerging economies.
• At present, solar energy contributes around 9% to India’s total electricity generation, while per capita coal use remains far below China’s.
• India’s transport transition is visible through EV growth, with electric cars at ~5% of sales and electric three-wheelers holding nearly 60% market share.
• India’s electro-tech capacity is expanding fast: electricity use is nearing 1,500 kWh per capita, solar+storage is about half the cost of new coal plants, electronics output has reached $130 billion, solar module capacity is 120 GW, solar cell capacity 18 GW, and the country is building integrated supply chains to become a major global exporter.
BANKING AND ECONOMY NEWS
RBI Launches ‘Payments Vision 2028’ for Digital Payment Growth
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched ‘Payments Vision 2028’ to guide India’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.
• The roadmap is based on the theme “Shaping India’s Payment Frontier.”
• It focuses on improving user control, safety, and security in digital payment transactions.
• Strengthening and speeding up cross-border payment systems has been identified as a key priority.
• The vision also aims to support smoother business transactions and boost the Ease of Doing Business.
• This strategy lays out targets and action plans to be achieved by December 2028.
• RBI has proposed interoperability among TReDS platforms to improve efficiency in trade financing and receivable discounting.
• New features like Switch On/Off option for digital payments, simplified regulatory approvals under PSS Act 2007 and FEMA 1999, and a possible shared liability model between issuing and receiving banks for unauthorized transactions have been suggested.
Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel Cut by ₹10 per Litre
• The Government has reduced the central excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each for domestic consumption.
• This decision has been taken in response to the ongoing West Asia crisis and its possible economic impact.
• The move aims to protect consumers from a likely increase in fuel prices.
• It is expected to provide relief by helping stabilise domestic fuel rates.
• To control availability, an export duty of ₹21.5 per litre has been imposed on diesel exports.
• Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports have also been subjected to an export duty of ₹29.5 per litre.
• These steps are intended to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products within the country.
• The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens from global supply fluctuations and price volatility.
