Saturday, January 17, 2026

 Ministry of Communications 

India Post Invites Young Minds to Participate in UPU International Letter Writing Competition 2026 

Posted On: 15 JAN 2026 5:33PM by PIB Delhi 

India Post is set to conduct the UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young People in an annual global initiative of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to promote creativity, critical thinking, and the art of letter writing amongst school students. 

The theme for 2026 is: “Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.”

The competition is organized across India through all Postal Circles, in coordination with schools and educational institutions. India Post promotes participation, collects entries, evaluates them at Circle and National levels, and awards prizes—generally on World Post Day (9 October). The best national entry will represent India at the international level, where UPU will award medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze), certificates, and other prizes. The Gold Medalist might also receive a visit to UPU Headquarters, Bern, Switzerland, or an alternative prize.

Eligibility and Guidelines

  • Age Group: 9 to 15 years
  • Form: Handwritten letter
  • Language: English or any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India
  • Participants: Students of recognized schools/institutions

Schools are requested to organize the competition internally and send the selected entries to their respective Postal Circles by 20 March 2026. Circles will evaluate entries and forward the best three to the Directorate by 31 March 2026.

PRIZES

Circle Level:

  • First Prize: ₹25,000 and Certificate
  • Second Prize: ₹10,000 and Certificate
  • Third Prize: ₹5,000 and Certificate

National Level:

  • First Prize: ₹50,000 and Certificate
  • Second Prize: ₹25,000 and Certificate
  • Third Prize: ₹10,000 and Certificate

Mandatory Entry Details

Each entry must include the following on the first page, in English and Hindi:

  1. Passport size photograph of the candidate
  2. Candidate’s name
  3. Date of Birth
  4. Gender
  5. Father’s/Guardian’s name
  6. Name and full address of the School/Institution
  7. Full postal address

Students, parents, and schools may contact their Chief Postmaster General/Postmaster General/Director Postal Services/Nodal Officer for further details. Additional information is available on the website of Department of Posts: www.indiapost.gov.in MI/ARJ (Release ID: 2214949) 

 COMPOSITE SALARY ACCOUNT PACKAGE FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS – UNIFIED SALARY ACCOUNT FRAMEWORK PROVIDES A ONE-STOP FINANCIAL SOLUTION: MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Ministry of Finance

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES LAUNCHES COMPOSITE SALARY ACCOUNT PACKAGE FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

UNIFIED SALARY ACCOUNT FRAMEWORK PROVIDES A ONE-STOP FINANCIAL SOLUTION WITH INTEGRATED BANKING AND INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Posted On: 14 JAN 2026 7:28PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the financial well-being and social security of Central Government employees by advising Public Sector Banks to introduce a composite ‘Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees’.

The Salary Account Package has been formally launched today, by Sh. M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The launch event was attended by Chairman SBI, MD & CEOs of all Nationalized Banks, CEO, NPCI through VC and all senior officers of DFS. This initiative is aligned with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the national commitment towards Insurance for All by 2047. It seeks to provide Central Government employees with a comprehensive suite of banking and insurance benefits under a single, seamless account structure. The packages have been carefully designed in consultations with banks to ensure maximum coverage, uniformity and convenience for employees across all cadres [Group A, B and C].

The product has three core segments – Banking, Insurance and Cards – making it a one-stop financial solution for employees. The key features of the Composite Salary Account Package are:

  1. Banking Facilities
    • Zero-balance salary account with enhanced facilitates
    • Free remittances i.e. RTGS/ NEFT/ UPI along with cheque facilities
    • Concessional interest rate on loan for housing, education, vehicle and personal requirements.
    • Concession in loan processing charges
    • Waivers on locker rental
    • Family banking benefits
  2. Enhanced Insurance Coverage
    • Personal Accident Insurance up to Rs. 1.50 crore
    • Air Accident Insurance up to Rs. 2 crores
    • Permanent Total & Partial Disability Cover up to Rs. 1.50 crore
    • Term Life Insurance – In-built term life insurance protection of up to Rs. 20 lakh, with additional top-up facility to enhance the insurance coverage at an affordable premium.
    • Health Insurance – Comprehensive health insurance cover for self and family with a base plan and additional top-up facility to enhance the insurance coverage at an affordable premium.
  3. Digital & Card Features
    • Enhanced benefits on debit and credit cards
    • Airport lounge access, reward programs and cashback offer
    • Unlimited transactions & Nil maintenance charges

Complete details of the Composite Salary Account Package are available on the DFS website https://financialservices.gov.in

This initiative ensures that Central Government employees, who form the backbone of public administration, gain access to modern banking services and comprehensive financial protection through a single window solution. By integrating insurance, medical cover and enhanced banking facilities into one composite Salary Account Package, the scheme provides employees with ease of access, financial security and peace of mind.

This reform reflects the Government’s continued commitment to employee’s welfare and financial security, while also strengthening the employee–bank relationship.

DFS has advised Public Sector Banks to widely publicize these products through their official websites, organize special awareness camps in Government Departments, proactively reach out to Central Government employees with detailed product information and facilitate the migration of existing salary accounts to this new package with employees’ consent.

All Central Government employees are encouraged to avail the benefits of this comprehensive scheme through their salary accounts with the Public Sector Banks.

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PARIPOORNA MEDICLAIM AYUSH BIMA FOR CGHS BENEFICIARIES – OPTIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN COMPLEMENTS EXISTING CGHS FACILITIES

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES LAUNCHES PARIPOORNA MEDICLAIM AYUSH BIMA FOR CGHS BENEFICIARIES

THE OPTIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN COMPLEMENTS EXISTING CGHS FACILITIES BY EXPANDING MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Posted On: 14 JAN 2026 7:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima has been launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance today for CGHS beneficiaries. It offers cashless facilities, modern treatments and access to a wide network of hospitals.

Eligibility and Coverage: The policy is exclusively available to CGHS beneficiaries with a maximum of six members per policy. It provides indemnity-based in-patient hospitalization coverage within India, with sum insured options of ₹10 Lakh or ₹20 Lakh. Product will have Co-payment component allowing beneficiaries to choose between 70:30 or 50:50 co-sharing between insurance company and the subscribers.

Key Features:

  • Room rent is capped at 1% and 2% of Sum Insured per day for Normal Room and ICU respectively.
  • A pre-hospitalization coverage for 30 days and post-hospitalization coverage for 60 days is available.
  • AYUSH treatments are covered up to 100% of the sum insured for in-patient hospitalization.
  • Modern treatment is covered up to 25% of the sum insured, with an optional rider for 100% coverage.
  • Cumulative bonus of 10% for every claim-free year, up to a maximum of 100% of sum insured.
  • As compared to regular policy, it will be available at a discount of 28% and 42% for 70:30 and 50:50 premium co-sharing, respectively.

This optional health insurance plan will be available as a retail product for all CGHS beneficiaries, with No GST to ensure maximum affordability. Designed to complement existing benefits, this enhanced policy will provide seamless experience, with greater flexibility and expanded access to quality healthcare services across India, thus leading to additional financial security with ease and confidence for all CGHS beneficiaries.

It will be available for purchase via New India Assurance Company Limited’s offices and online platform, shortly.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2026

 लोहड़ीमकर संक्रांतिपोंगल और माघ बिहू की शुभकामनाएं 

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लोहड़ीमकर संक्रांतिपोंगल और माघ बिहू त्योहारों के शुभ अवसर परहार्दिक शुभकामनाएंये त्योहार हमारी समृद्ध कृषि परंपराओं और राष्ट्रीय एकता के प्रतीक हैं। 

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WARM GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES ON LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, PONGAL AND MAGH BIHU

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 “On the auspicious occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu festivals, heartiest congratulations and warm greetings”

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

 RETURN OF PENSION PAYMENT ORDER (PPOS) ALONG WITH ALL THE RELEVANT PENSION PAPERS BY CPPCS TO CPAO AFTER THE DEMISE OF PENSIONER /FAMILY PENSIONER:

 CPAO O.M. dated 24.12.2025

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE
CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE
TRIKOOT-II, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE
NEW DELHI-110066

CPAO/IT&Tech/BankPerformance/37Vol-IV/2025-26/e-6476/93

Dated: 24.12.2025

Office Memorandum 

Subject: Guidelines regarding return of Pension Payment Order (PPOs) along with all the relevant pension papers by CPPCs to CPAO after the demise of Pensioner /Family Pensioner — regarding —

Attention is invited to the para 23 of guidelines/instructions of the Scheme Booklet under the Heading “Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Civil Pensioners by the Authorized Banks” issued by CPAO to be followed by the Centralized Pension Processing Centre (CPPC) of authorized banks regarding return of PPOs of the Central Civil Pensioners/Family Pensioners, wherein it has clearly been mentioned that the CPPC of authorized banks will return the disburser’s portion of PPOs of the Central Civil Pensioners/Family Pensioners along with the death certificate and other relevant documents (SSA issued by the CPAO time to time) to CPAO. All PPOs requiring return to PAOs along with death certificate and other relevant documents after the demise of pensioners/family pensioners, must be routed through CPAO only. 

2. However, it has been observed that some CPPCs/ Banks are returning the Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) directly to the concerned PAOs/ Departments after the demise of pensioners/family pensioners, which is in contravention to the prescribed procedure laid down for dealing with PPOs in such cases.

3. Hence, all authorized CPPCs and Bank branches handling Central (Civil) Pension disbursement are directed to comply with the above instructions without fail; and any deviation from the above instructions shall be viewed seriously and suitable action shall be initiated.

This issues with the approval of the Chief Controller (Pensions).

Sd/-
(Ajay Chaudhary)
Sr. Accounts Officer (IT & Tech)

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Saturday, January 3, 2026

 PRESS RELEASE DATED 31.12.2025 BY LABOUR BUREAU

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU

Shram Bureau Bhawan, Block No. 2,
Institutional Area, Sector 38 (West),
Chandigarh – 160036

F.No. 5/1/2021-CPI

Dated: 31.12.2025

PRESS RELEASE

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS (2016=100) – NOVEMBER, 2025

1.         Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index for the month of November, 2025 is being released in this press release.

2.         The All-India CPI-IW for November, 2025 increased by 0.5 point and stood at 148.2 (one hundred forty-eight point two).

3.         Year-on-year inflation for the month of November, 2025 stood at 2.56% as compared to 3.88% in November, 2024.

Press Release PDF 

 

 

 

 


 INTEREST RATES FOR SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES W.E.F. 01.01.2026: DEPARTMENT OF POSTS SB ORDER 17/2025 DATED 31.12.2025 

SB Order No. 17/2025

F. No 113-03/2024
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(Financial Services Division)

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi — 110001

                                                                                               Dated: 31.12.25

All Head of Circles/Regions

Subject: Revision of interest rates for Small Savings Schemes w.e.f. 01.01.2026

Madam / Sir,

The undersigned is directed to intimate that. vide memorandum No. 1/4/2019-NS dated 31.12.2025 (copy enclosed), Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division) has informed that the rates of interest on various Small Savings Schemes (National Savings Schemes) for the fourth quarter of financial year 2025-26 (starting from 1st January, 2026 and ending on 31st March, 2026) shall remain unchanged from those notified for the third quarter (1st October, 2025 to 31st December, 2025) of FY 2025-26.

2.         It is requested to circulate it to all concerned for information and necessary guidance. This may also be placed on the notice board of all Post Offices in public area.

3.         This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

(Devender Sharma)
Assistant Director (SB-II)

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