Current affairs 10 April 2025

Cabinet Approves Rs.1600 Crore Scheme for Irrigation Modernization.

• The Cabinet approved the Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana with an outlay of Rs.1600 crore for 2025-2026 to modernize irrigation networks and enhance water use efficiency.
• The scheme includes micro-irrigation, SCADA technology, and water management to boost agricultural productivity and farmers' income.

EPFO Introduces Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication for UAN.

• EPFO launches Aadhaar-based face authentication for generating and activating UAN through the UMANG app, aiming to simplify the process.
• The new system enhances accuracy, reduces errors, and allows for secure, contactless UAN activation with Aadhaar details.
• EPFO plans to extend face authentication to submit digital life certificates through Jeevan Pramaan for pensioners.

MSDE and WEF Launched India Skills Accelerator to Bridge Skill Gaps.

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship collaborated with the World Economic Forum to launch the India Skills Accelerator to address skill gaps and promote workforce development in high-growth sectors like AI and robotics.
• The initiative focuses on improving awareness, collaboration, and institutional frameworks to meet future skills needs.

77,000 Panchayats Recognized in First Panchayat Advancement Index.

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the first Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to assess over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats on nine Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) themes.
• Over 77,000 Panchayats were recognized as performers, with Gujarat and Telangana leading in rural progress.
• PAI, based on 435 indicators, will guide evidence-based planning, policy interventions, and foster competition.

EPFA and IPPB Launched Phase 2 of "Niveshak Didi" for Rural Women.

• Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority & India Post Payments Bank launched Phase 2 of Niveshak Didi to boost financial literacy among rural women, empowering them as financial educators in local regions.
• 60% women from rural areas will provide financial education through IPPB camps.
• It focuses on community-driven education & financial inclusion in underserved areas of India.