chief election commissioner.
Under a new statute pertaining to the selection of Election Commission (EC) members, he is the first CEC to be appointed.
As Election Commissioner, Vivek Joshi took over.
The government is authorized to appoint CECs under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Following a meeting of a three-member committee led by the prime minister, he was appointed.
The prime minister, the union home minister, and the Lok Sabha opposition leader make up the selection committee.
An EC or CEC may serve on the panel for up to six years, or they may retire at age 65.
Waterworth Project
Project Waterworth, Meta's internet subsea cable, was unveiled.
It would be 50,000 km long and provide better connection to places like the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
This is becoming become the world's longest undersea cable project.
More than 95% of transcontinental traffic across the world's seas is carried out via subsea cable installations.
They facilitate online transactions, video experiences, digital communication, and more with ease.
Export of Akash Missiles
For the sale of Akash short-range surface-to-air missiles, India is expected to land a defense export deal with the Philippines valued at more than $200 million.
This would be India's second significant arms agreement with Manila if it were ratified.
The agreement is anticipated to surpass India's 2023 delivery of $230 million worth of Akash missiles to Armenia.
This agreement comes after India sold the Philippines BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for $375 million in 2022.
Akash is intended to intercept airborne threats and has a 25-kilometer range.
Since 2020, the nation's defense exports have increased by about 150 percent, and in the fiscal year 2023–2024, they reached $2.4 billion.
India still sells less weapons than China, South Korea, and Australia, despite this increase.
2025 EPFO Updates
In 2025, the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) plans to implement a number of important updates to its policies and services.
To make handling members easier, the revised procedure divides them into three groups:
Members having UANs based on Aadhaar (after October 2017): Online processing is used to handle requests.
Members whose Aadhaar-validated UANs were in effect prior to October 2017: Additionally, requests are handled online.
Members who are dead or lack UANs authenticated by Aadhaar: Physical submissions of requests are made.
Soon, pensioners would not need further verification to take their benefits from any bank in the nation.
Members of EPFO will soon be allowed to use ATMs to withdraw their provident fund balance.
Beyond ETFs, EPFO is thinking about allowing its members to make direct equity investments.
According to the most recent data, the number of new EPFO members fell to 1.34 million in October 2024, a five-month low.
Bill 2025 on Immigration and Foreigners
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is anticipated to be introduced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
All four of the current laws pertaining to immigration and foreigner mobility are repealed under the bill.
The proposed law will take the place of the current statute.
The Passport Act of 1920 (Entry into India)
The 1939 Foreigner Registration Act
The 1946 Foreigners Act; and
The Immigration (Liability of Carriers) Act of 2000.
Additionally, the proposed law grants the Center the authority to control or limit foreigners' ability to enter, leave, and travel inside India.
Penalties under the new Bill might reach Rs 5 lakh for unauthorized entrance and Rs 10 lakh for a forged passport.
Along with issues pertaining to passports and visas, the role of hospitals, colleges, and other medical facilities in admitting the foreign nationals will be explained.
The Wealthiest Political Party in India in 2023–2024
With revenue of more than Rs 4,340 crore during the fiscal year 2023–2024, the BJP became the wealthiest party.
The Congress, which earned more than Rs 1200 crore, comes next.
The party spent Rs 127.283 cr, or 75.93% of its entire revenue, whereas the CPI(M) earned Rs 167.636 cr.
Six national parties—BJP, INC, CPI(M), AAP, BSP, and NPEP—had reported that they have received a total of Rs 5820.912 cr from sources throughout India.
Initiative for "Bima Trinity"
The ninth edition of Bima Manthan was organized by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
IRDAI presented its ambitious "Bima Trinity" proposal at the occasion.
Bima Sugam, Bima Vistaar, and Bima Vahaak make up Bima Trinity.
Bima Sugam is an open marketplace where insurance businesses may sell, service, and file claims for all-insurance products.
The first composite package to cover death, personal injury, property, and surgical hospitalization is called Bima Vistaar.
Bima Vahaak is a local insurance sales force that focuses on women.
The 10 year space roadmap for India
The ten-year plan for India's space missions was presented by ISRO.
The Gaganyaan program is ISRO's top priority right now, followed by improving affordable space access.
A new propulsion system will be added to the Mark III vehicle, increasing its capacity by 25% while lowering launch costs.
In addition, ISRO is developing a 200-ton thrust engine and liquid oxygen.
Compared to the SLV III, the next-generation launcher is expected to be 1,000 times more capable.
The Venus mission, Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-4, and Chandrayaan-5 are upcoming research missions.
India: Vice President of IALA
The International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) elects India as its vice president.
Additionally, India will host the IALA Conference & General Assembly in Mumbai in September 2027 and the IALA Council meeting in December 2025.
IALA was founded as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1957.
It provides the chance for them to share and contrast their accomplishments and experiences in the maritime industry.
Enhanced Special NCD Screening Campaign
An enhanced special NCD screening effort has been initiated by the center.
Additionally, the campaign would be implemented at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other healthcare institutions throughout the country.
100% of people 30 years of age and older will be screened for common NCDs as part of this ambitious project.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and the three major malignancies of the mouth, breast, and cervical region are among them.
Mineral Reclassification
Barytes, felspar, mica, and quartz are all categorized as