Current Affairs : In this article you get today current affairs for competitive exam like RRB, SSC, Banking , BPSC and all others exam. You get all updates in simple language both Hindi and English in latest pattern.
Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) Platform
A policy adjustment was recently announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) platform will now be accessible to nonbank brokers who are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). The goal of this program is to boost retail trading in government securities. The RBI’s move is part of a continuous endeavor to improve financial market accessibility and liquidity for private investors.
About the NDS-OM Platform
The RBI oversees the NDS-OM, an electronic trading platform.
It facilitates secondary market transactions in government securities.
It took the place of ineffective telephone-based trading when it was introduced in August 2005.
The approach increases market transparency by enabling participants to make anonymous bids and offers.
Membership and Participation
Only banks, principal dealers, insurance firms and mutual funds are currently eligible to become members of NDS-OM.
The RBI requires certain organizations to keep Subsidiary General Ledger (SGL) accounts.
Eligible stock brokers can immediately apply for membership under the new policy which enables them to offer individual clients access to trading in government assets.
It is anticipated that this modification will increase the involvement of retail investors.
Benefits for Retail Investors
The NDS-OM platform’s growth aims to improve liquidity for individual investors.
It is easier for individual investors to enter and exit positions in government assets when stock brokers are permitted to facilitate trading.
Retail participants are expected to be more interested in improved liquidity particularly if brokers integrate NDS-OM with their trading platforms.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
In its October 2024 consultation document Sebi suggested a framework for stock brokers to trade government assets. In order to ensure an arm’s length relationship with their other businesses brokers must keep a distinct business unit for these activities. In order to settle transactions they must additionally sign agreements with Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) members.
The Role of the Clearing Corporation of India
A key player in the settlement of trades made over the NDS-OM platform is the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL). It guarantees effective transaction processing and lessens the need for paper-based techniques. The integrity and effectiveness of the trading system depend on this contemporary strategy.
Future Prospects
In an effort to modernize the Indian financial industry the RBI decided to incorporate non-bank brokers. The market as a whole may become more dynamic and competitive as retail participation rises. The way technology is incorporated into trading procedures is probably going to keep changing which will improve the trading environment for government securities even more.
The Universe’s Largest Structure
The largest known structure in the universe Quipu, was discovered by recent astronomical research. Quipu has an incredible mass of 200 quadrillion solar masses and is named for an Incan record keeping system. Over 400 megaparsecs or more than 1.3 billion light-years make up its enormous size. Understanding cosmic development and improving cosmological models require knowledge of Quipu.
What Are Superstructures?
Groups of galaxy clusters and superclusters are seen in superstructures which are enormous formations.
They have an impact on the evolution and structure of the cosmos.
Together with four additional superstructures that have been found, Quipu contains 25% of the universe’s matter 30% of galaxies and 45% of galaxy clusters, making up 13% of the universe’s volume.
Current cosmological models are challenged by their mass.
Discovery Methodology
Using X-ray galaxy clusters from the Cosmic Large-Scale Structure in X-rays (CLASSIX) Cluster Survey researchers were able to locate Quipu.
Hot intracluster gas emits X-rays which are used to measure mass concentration.
Astronomers can efficiently map the superstructures and track the densest areas of matter using this technique.
Importance of Quipu
The discovery of Quipu is essential to comprehending the evolution of galaxies. By examining its characteristics cosmological parameters can be improved. The gravitational pull of the superstructure alters the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and affects Hubble constant readings. Our comprehension of cosmic expansion and the early conditions of the cosmos is complicated by these changes.
Gravitational Lensing and Its Effects
Due to large-scale gravitational lensing superstructures such as Quipu can skew pictures of the sky. This phenomenon complicates the understanding of astronomical data by introducing measurement mistakes. For precise cosmic measurements knowledge of these aberrations is essential.
Theoretical Implications
The Lambda Cold Dark Matter (Lambda CDM) model simulations yield Quipu-like superstructures. The model’s ability to explain the large-scale structure of the cosmos is supported by this alignment. We must keep investigating superstructures in order to expand our knowledge of the universe.
Odisha’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiatives
In India, the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) program was introduced to address gender inequality and enhance the child-to-sex ratio. Under this program Odisha has put in place a number of measures aimed at empowering females and preventing child marriage. Adolescent girls are the target of these programs which emphasize awareness, education and self-defense training.
About BBBP Scheme
The goal of the BBBP program is to support girls’ education, safety and survival.
It was introduced on January 22, 2015 and tackles social concerns such as child marriage and female foeticide.
The program promotes government assistance and community involvement to make the environment safer for girls.
Nirbhaya Kadhi and Mo Gelha Jhia in Ganjam
The “Nirbhaya Kadhi” program in Ganjam district focuses on teenage girls between the ages of 11 and 18. It raises awareness and gives girls the confidence to refuse underage marriage.
This is supplemented with the “Mo Gelha Jhia” initiative which focuses on preventing sex selection.
Ganjam was proclaimed child marriage-free as of January 2022 and community involvement and awareness initiatives helped to lower the number of child weddings.
Kalpana Avijan in Dhenkanal
Adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 are monitored by the “Kalpana Avijan” program in Dhenkanal.
Through awareness campaigns and local committees child marriage is avoided.
This program was successful in preventing 343 child marriages between 2019 and 2024.
By involving communities and schools the program promotes public statements opposing child marriage.
Swarna Kalika in Keonjhar
The “Swarna Kalika” campaign spreads knowledge about the detrimental effects of child marriage.
More than 2,000 people are involved in projects that encourage community service and education.
As a result of persistent awareness campaigns and the intervention provided by the ADVIKA app child marriages in the Keonjhar area have dropped by 50%.
Veerangana in Deogarh
In Deogarh the “Veerangana” program focuses on teaching ladies how to defend themselves.
It uses martial arts to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Over 500 teenagers received training at a 30-day program which also taught parents about the legal rights of girls.
This program has received a lot of praise and has been implemented in other schools reaching almost 6,000 pupils.
Impact and Recognition
The lives of girls in Odisha have been influenced by these initiatives. They have brought attention to gender equality and children’s rights. Numerous organizations have acknowledged the efforts and they have established a standard for similar initiatives throughout India.
Trump’s Sanctions Threaten International Criminal Court Operations
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) future has come under scrutiny due to a recent executive order issued by US President Donald Trump. The ICC the only permanent international tribunal for war crimes and genocide is subject to penalties as a result of this order. The ICC plays a vital function particularly in the investigation and prosecution of major international crimes. The ICC’s investigation into potential war crimes perpetrated by Israeli commanders during the Gaza conflict prompted Trump to take this measure.
What Is the International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court was established in 2002.
When it comes to pursuing serious international crimes like war crimes crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression it is the last option.
The Rome Statute the ICC’s founding treaty has 125 signatories, but the US and Israel stand out as significant outliers.
When national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to pursue severe crimes the ICC steps in.
Recent Developments at the ICC
In January 2025 Ukraine joined the ICC as its newest member.
Since the court’s founding 11 people have been found guilty.
The 2012 sentencing of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga for enlisting young soldiers is one notable example.
Another conviction was Bosco Ntaganda who received a 30-year term for his involvement in ethnic bloodshed in the Congo.
Dominic Ongwen’s involvement in war crimes in Uganda led to his conviction in 2021.
Impact of Trump’s Sanctions
Trump’s sanctions attack the ICC’s operations and call for emergency powers. Karim Khan, the court’s main prosecutor and other participants in the probes against Israeli officials may be impacted by the punishments. These actions might completely stop the ICC from operating. Previous sanctions imposed by Trump on former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda limited her access to US-based financial resources.
Arrest Warrants Issued Against Israeli Leaders
In November 2024 the ICC issued arrest warrants for Yoav Gallant the defense minister, and Benjamin Netanyahu the prime minister of Israel. They are charged with war crimes, including attacking civilians in Gaza and using famine as a weapon of mass destruction. This is significant because it is the first time that a major Western power’s current leader has been the target of such accusations from an international court.
Current Status of ICC Trials
For the first time since it started operating in 2006, the ICC does not currently have any active trials. 33 unsealed arrest warrants have been issued by the court including ones for well-known individuals like Joseph Kony the leader of a Ugandan rebel group and Vladimir Putin the president of Russia. A number of verdicts are still pending.
Grameen Credit Score Scheme
In the 2025 budget Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Grameen Credit Score Scheme. The goal of this project is to increase financial inclusion for Indian rural women entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups (SHGs). It signifies a change in how millions of women who participate in SHGs are evaluated for creditworthiness. The program aims to bring these women into line with India’s official financial system.
About Grameen Credit Score
A new framework created especially for rural women is the Grameen credit score.
Its main objective is to assist female entrepreneurs in Self-Help Groups.
This score will help in evaluating their creditworthiness.
Objectives of the Scheme
The main objective is to remove the obstacles that women encounter when trying to get credit. A large number of SHGs are not affiliated with official credit systems. Financial inclusion is hampered by this disconnect. Formalizing SHG transactions into the central credit system is the goal of the Grameen credit score. Financial institutions will be able to evaluate creditworthiness more precisely as a result.
Positive Changes Expected
It is expected that the Grameen credit score will have a number of advantages. First of all it gives rural women better access to capital enabling them to grow their enterprises. Second it presents ideas like loan payback and credit cards. Thirdly, a computerized framework will enhance credit evaluation. Gaps in the current credit bureau system will be filled in part by this framework.
Customized Financial Products
Credit cards for microbusinesses are among the customized financial solutions that the program will provide. The maximum limit on these cards will be ₹5 lakh. It is anticipated that this action will strengthen entrepreneurs at the grassroots level. It will give them the resources they need to properly handle their money.
Economic Impact
In rural communities the Grameen credit score has the potential to foster economic stability. Women-led SHGs will be able to make more significant contributions to their households with greater access to credit. The rural community will then be encouraged to expand as a result. The plan supports the government’s overarching objectives of poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Monitoring and Improvement
The program enables women to regularly track their lending capacity and credit scores. Their financial situation will improve as a result of this continuous evaluation. Additionally it promotes prudent borrowing and repaying methods.
New Income Tax Bill
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet has adopted the New Income Tax Bill. The Income Tax Act of 1961 will be replaced by this law. It is anticipated to be introduced in Parliament during the next Budget session. Simplifying direct tax laws lowering ambiguities and minimizing legal battles are the goals. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the new bill will clearly and succinctly explain tax regulations.
Objectives of the New Income Tax Bill
The New Income Tax Bill’s main objective is to increase accessibility to tax laws.
It aims to make tax rules’ wording more understandable.
Ordinary citizens will gain a better understanding of their tax responsibilities as a result.
The goal of the bill is to make the current legislation easier to understand and more concise by cutting its length in half.
Structure of the Current Income Tax Act
There are now 23 chapters and 298 provisions in the Income Tax Act of 1961.
Over the years various taxes like wealth tax and gift tax have been removed.
The Act has become more complicated as a result of its many modifications.
The goal of the new law is to simplify the tax system and remove any out-of-date provisions.
Need for Modernisation
The economic circumstances of the early years of the Indian republic were reflected in the creation of the current Income Tax Act which was created in a different age.
Since then changes in society and technology have occurred.
The existing law has become convoluted due to continuous amendments.
To bring the tax system into line with contemporary procedures such as data integration and digital filing a thorough examination is required.
Revenue Neutrality of the New Bill
The goal of the New Income Tax Bill is to generate no revenue.
This implies that citizens won’t pay more in taxes as a result.
Rather than altering tax rates the emphasis will be on streamlining compliance and elucidating tax duties.
The yearly Finance Act will continue to be used for any changes to tax rates.
Expected Benefits for Taxpayers
Clearer rules and a simpler filing procedure are what taxpayers may anticipate.
The goal of the measure is to reduce the quantity of tax demands that are contested.
In order to improve residents’ comprehension of their tax obligations the government intends to simplify the tax code.
There should be fewer court cases and more compliance as a result.