New Delhi: The Government of India has rolled out new rules for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This gives central government employees an option to switch under the National Pension System (NPS). Effective from April 1, 2025, the scheme ensures employees get an assured payout after retirement, offering more security for their post-retirement years.

The Finance Ministry has announced that September 30, 2025 will be the last date for eligible employees and retirees under NPS to switch to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). After this deadline, those who decide to continue with NPS will not be allowed to shift to UPS later.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Explained

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a new option introduced under the National Pension System (NPS) for central government employees. It gives them the benefit of an assured payout after retirement, ensuring financial stability in their later years. The scheme officially came into effect on April 1, 2025. (Also Read: Hurry! Only 10 Days Left To File ITR—Check If You Have Filed It Correctly)

UPS vs NPS: Key Differences

While NPS returns can fluctuate with the market, UPS carries low risk since the pension is guaranteed. Under UPS, employees get a minimum assured pension of Rs 10,000 per month after completing 10 years of service, regardless of market performance. (Also Read: Neutral On Indian Equities, GST Reforms To Boost Consumption: Report)

Who Can Opt for UPS?

Only central government employees currently enrolled under NPS can apply for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). To be eligible, you must:

– Be a serving central government employee as of April 1, 2025

– Already be registered under the NPS

– Wish to shift to the new UPS for assured pension payouts

How to Switch from NPS to UPS (Online Process)

Step 1: Visit the eNPS Portal

– Go to: eNPS Portal

– Select “NPS to UPS Migration” under the Unified Pension Scheme section

Step 2: Enter Your Details

– Enter your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number)

– Enter your Date of Birth

– Fill in the Captcha and click “Verify PRAN”

Step 3: OTP Verification

– An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or email ID

– Enter the OTP to continue

Step 4: Accept the Declaration

– A declaration window will appear

– Tick the acceptance box and click “Proceed to e-Sign”

– Note: Once submitted, this choice is final and cannot be changed

Step 5: e-Sign Using Aadhaar

– Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID)

– Click “Send OTP”

– Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click “Verify OTP”

Step 6: Get Confirmation

– Your migration request will be submitted

– An Acknowledgement Number will be generated

– Download the e-signed migration form for your records//

Offline Option to Apply for UPS

If you prefer the offline route, you can also apply for UPS through forms. Here’s how:

Download the Form: Get Form A2 from NSDL UPS Portal. (Form A1/A2 may be used depending on eligibility.)

Submit the Form: Fill it and get it verified by your Head of Office.

Approval Process: The form is then routed through the DDO → PAO/CDDO → Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA).

PRAN Allocation: The CRA will generate your Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).

First Contribution: Your first contribution must be credited within 20 days of application or joining date.

Family Pension Under UPS

If the pension holder passes away after retirement, the legally wedded spouse will receive a family pension equal to 60 per cent of the payout that the pension holder was getting just before their demise. This applies to the spouse who was legally married at the time of retirement (whether superannuation, voluntary retirement, or retirement under FR 56(j)).

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to boost India’s recycling capacity for critical minerals from secondary sources such as e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, and end-of-life vehicle parts. 

By fostering both new and existing recyclers, the initiative aims to build 270 kilo tonnes annual recycling capacity, produce 40 kilo tonnes of critical minerals, attract around Rs 8,000 crore in investments, and generate nearly 70,000 jobs — a strategic step to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce import dependency, according to the government.

Critical minerals are fast becoming the oil of the 21st century, scarce, strategic, and fiercely contested. They are the building blocks of a modern economy.

India has set major climate milestones like cutting the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 (from 2005 levels), sourcing half of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels by the same year, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Central to meeting these targets is the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to secure long-term supplies of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths. Beyond ensuring clean energy and electric mobility, the mission is designed to attract investments, foster innovation, and place India at the centre of global supply chains for the industries of tomorrow, according to the government.

As the world pivots to clean energy and advanced technologies, control over critical minerals has become the new frontier of geopolitics.

In January 2025, India responded with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched for a period of seven years from 2024-25 to 2030-31, with a proposed expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore and an expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other stakeholders.

It is not merely a mining programme, but a strategic blueprint to secure energy security, drive industrial growth, and cement technological independence. From the lithium that powers electric vehicles to the rare earths vital for defence systems, the National Critical Minerals Mission casts its net wide.

A central target of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) is to catalyse innovation by supporting and monitoring the filing of 1,000 patents across the critical minerals value chain by FY 2030–31.

The aim is clear: accelerate the development and commercialisation of homegrown technologies vital for India’s energy transition and strategic industries. That momentum is already visible. In a parallel move, the guidelines for setting up a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) under the Mission were cleared on April 6, 2025, marking a key step in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy.

With an eye on expanding its footprint in the global textile market, Pakistan marked a strong presence at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Autumn 2025. Featuring 10 exhibitors, including participants under the Pakistan Pavilion supported by TDAP, the country highlighted its excellence in fabric and yarn production before a diverse international audience.

From September 02 to 04, 2025, the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai) hosted the Autumn editions of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo, featuring 10 exhibitors from Pakistan. Of these, 07 showcased at ITSA and 03 at Yarn Expo.

Pakistan’s textile exports rose 32% YoY to USD 1.7bn in Jul’25, driven by the US trade deal, tariff relief, and seasonal demand, according to Taurus Securities.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics welcomed around 3,700 domestic and international exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, while Yarn Expo featured approximately 580 exhibitors from 16 countries. This strong international presence highlighted the fair’s standing as a major international centre for the textile and clothing sector, providing unmatched opportunities for cooperation, innovation, and trade.

Significant numbers of international trade visitors attended the event, establishing a thriving platform for global sourcing, networking, and industry exchange.

To support exhibitors in connecting with their target markets, the fair offered a wide range of product zones, group pavilions, and dedicated country and region pavilions.

Among the 10 Pakistani exhibitors, three were represented in the Pakistan Pavilion at Intertextile Shanghai through Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), whereas the other four Intertextile participants and three Yarn Expo participants joined the exhibition independently. The industry gained significantly from the international involvement of both exhibitors and attendees at this edition.

“We met several serious international buyers,” commented Muhammad Abdullah Tanvir, Deputy Marketing Manager, Diamond Fabrics Limited. “Intertextile Shanghai is definitely the right platform for expanding our global reach; the event attracts the right audience and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our products,” he added.
“The exhibition has always been amazing and valuable for them, and it’s their honour to be a regular exhibitor for a decade,” Khawaja Muhammad Muzaffar Iqbal, Director of Mahmood Textile Mills, expressed.

Pakistan’s continued participation in Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo reflects the country’s dedication to quality textile production and its ambition to strengthen its footprint in the global market, he said. The 2025 editions are expected to open new avenues for trade, promote industry innovation, and foster stronger international partnerships.