19 June 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. PM addresses the G7 Outreach Session

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), June 19, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations & Energy Security)

Context

At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, PM Narendra Modi spoke during the Outreach Session focused on global energy security and its intersection with sustainability, technology, and geopolitics.

Content

Global Energy Security – India’s Four “A” Approach

• Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Acceptability: Core principles guiding India’s energy strategy.

• India has achieved Paris Agreement goals ahead of schedule, reinforcing its global leadership. 

India’s Global Initiatives

• Highlighted: International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance, Mission LiFE, and OSOWOG (One Sun-One World-One Grid).

• Called for stronger international cooperation to scale these initiatives. 

Global South & Counterterrorism

• Warned that conflicts and instability impede development in the Global South; urged more platform and attention.

• Shared condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack; urged no double standards, and called for global unity and accountability in counterterrorism. 

AI, Technology & Energy Nexus

• Emphasized that AI is energy-intensive; called for cleaner and greener AI development supported by resilient supply chains of critical minerals.

• Stressed that technology must be “human-centric” and supported by quality, diverse data—something India offers.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen global governance frameworks around AI and energy.

• Promote equitable participation of Global South in international policymaking.

• Enhance collective efforts in clean energy and counterterrorism.

Practice Question: Discuss India’s four-pronged approach to energy security as highlighted by PM Modi at the G7 Summit. How do these priorities align with India’s sustainable development goals and international commitments? Critically analyze the challenges of integrating AI and energy security.

2. Extension of Benefit of Retirement and Death Gratuity to UPS Opt-in Employees

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), June 19, 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance – Public Policy & Pension Reforms)

Context

The Department of Finance launched the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under NPS effective April 1, 2025. Clarification was issued on June 18, 2025 regarding eligibility for gratuities.

Content

• Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):

  • Optional alternative to NPS for new central government recruits from April 1, 2025.

  • Aims to harmonize pension provisions across employees. 

• Clarification Issued:

  • OM dated June 18, 2025 confirmed that UPS opt-ins will continue to receive Retirement and Death Gratuity under Central Civil Service (Payment of Gratuity under NPS) Rules, 2021.

  • Removes past concerns over loss of gratuity benefits for UPS joiners.

Analysis:

• Ensures financial security and enhances attractiveness of UPS among employees.

• Builds trust in administrative reforms and equity in pension benefits.

• Reduces potential litigation and dissent over policy clarity.

Conclusion & Way Forward:

• Evaluate early uptake and feedback from employees.

• Potential to review other benefits under UPS for further alignment.

• Scale trust in uniform pension frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency.

Practice Question: Examine the significance of extending gratuity benefits to employees opting for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). What challenges and opportunities does this reform present in the broader context of pension and administrative reforms within the Indian civil services?

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