India Post is revamping its Speed Post service with major upgrades:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reinstated pre-2019 rules for postal ballot counting:
Organized by India Post
Languages:Odia | Hindi | English
Campaign Dates: 8 Sept – 8 Dec 2025
| Age Group | Format |
|---|---|
| 🧒 Up to 18 yrs | Inland Letter Card / Envelope |
| 👤 Above 18 yrs | Inland Letter Card / Envelope |
India Post has partnered with BSNL to sell SIM cards and mobile recharge services through its vast network of over 1.65 lakh post offices across India.
This move is part of a broader push to:
The collaboration is already showing success in Assam and is expected to roll out nationwide soon.
Empowering every corner of India—one SIM at a time.
Forget filters and selfie edits. The latest craze taking over Instagram is the AI‑saree trend, powered by tools like Google Gemini’s “Nano Banana.” Suddenly, ordinary selfies are being transformed into nostalgic, cinematic Bollywood‑style portraits—golden drapes, dramatic lighting, vintage glamour.
What makes this explosion more than just aesthetic? It hits three sweet spots:
Nostalgia – reminds people of old Bollywood posters and classic saree glamour.
Self‑expression + ease – anyone can try it, tweak prompts (like “Banarasi Golden Glow” or “Rainy Bollywood scene”) without professional skills.
Shareability – people love showing off dramatic results; social media algorithms eat that.
But it isn’t all sparkle. Privacy concerns are emerging. Users are questioning how their photos are used, what AI tools are storing, and whether edited portraits could expose them to digital misuse.
Ready to earn more in 2025? From Sampatchak, Bihar, I uncovered the secret of using AI to build a thriving side hustle. Here’s how you can join the million-view club—with real-world examples, step-by-step guides, and power tips!
A viral SMS claiming to be from India Post is circulating, asking users to update their address via a suspicious link. The PIB Fact Check team confirmed it's a scam and issued a warning on X (formerly Twitter).
Key takeaway: India Post never sends address update requests via SMS links. This is a great opportunity to educate your audience about digital safety and official communication protocols.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has partnered with Axis Max Life Insurance to bring life insurance access to underserved regions, including Tier 3, Tier 4, and rural areas.
📍 Reach: Over 1.64 lakh post office access points nationwide
📦 Plans: Tailored offerings like SWAG and Smart Vibe
🎯 Vision: Supports IRDAI’s goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”
This initiative promotes financial inclusion and strengthens public trust in India’s postal infrastructure—an ideal highlight for outreach and compliance-driven content.
There’s been confusion online about the fate of India’s iconic red post boxes.
To promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities by empowering citizens to access information.
Information may be denied if it:
India Post, in collaboration with NPCI International and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), has launched a digital remittance platform designed to streamline international money transfers for Indian citizens.
Announcements, Eligibility, Amounts, Timelines, and Impact
Annual ex-gratia payments for employees not covered by PLB schemes.
Based on departmental productivity metrics.
India Post is evolving into a major public logistics entity, leveraging over 1.5 lakh rural post offices to empower MSMEs, self-help groups, and rural entrepreneurs.
With 2.4 lakh Dak Sevaks and the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), the network is being repositioned to enable rural economic growth through services such as:
India Post will now offer a broader range of services, including:
Focused initiatives are underway to support Viswakarmas (traditional artisans), women entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, positioning India Post as a financial and distribution backbone for their growth.
IPPB is expanding its digital footprint in rural areas with enhanced mobile banking, Aadhaar-enabled payments, and doorstep financial services.
This transformation was announced in Budget 2025, marking a strategic shift in India Post’s role from traditional mail delivery to a multi-service infrastructure for rural development.
A viral message circulating online claimed that India Post is shutting down its Registered Post service. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially debunked this as misleading. Here's the real story:
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia formally requested capital expenditure from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to transform the Department of Posts into a profit centre by 2029.
Allocate funds for nationwide renovation of post offices and upgrade staff housing quarters to modern standards.
Target global competitiveness for India Post by 2028–29 by adopting international best practices and innovative strategies within six months of Scindia’s 2024 tenure.
| SCSS Deposit (₹) | Quarterly SCSS Interest (₹) | Total SCSS Interest (₹) | Total Benefit (SCSS Only) (₹) | RD Monthly Denom (₹) | RD Interest (₹) | Total Benefit (SCSS + RD) (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 21 | 420 | 1,420 | – | – | 1,420 |
| 10,000 | 205 | 4,100 | 14,100 | – | – | 14,100 |
| 20,000 | 410 | 8,200 | 28,200 | 130 | 1,356 | 29,556 |
| 50,000 | 1,025 | 20,500 | 70,500 | 340 | 3,547 | 74,047 |
| 1,00,000 | 2,050 | 41,000 | 1,41,000 | 680 | 7,094 | 1,48,094 |
| 2,00,000 | 4,100 | 82,000 | 2,82,000 | 1,360 | 14,188 | 2,96,188 |
| 3,00,000 | 6,150 | 1,23,000 | 4,23,000 | 2,050 | 21,387 | 4,44,387 |
| 5,00,000 | 10,250 | 2,05,000 | 7,05,000 | 3,410 | 35,576 | 7,40,576 |
| 10,00,000 | 20,500 | 4,10,000 | 14,10,000 | 6,830 | 71,255 | 14,81,255 |
| 15,00,000 | 30,750 | 6,15,000 | 21,15,000 | 10,250 | 1,06,935 | 22,21,935 |
| 20,00,000 | 41,000 | 8,20,000 | 28,20,000 | 13,660 | 1,42,511 | 29,62,511 |
| 25,00,000 | 51,250 | 10,25,000 | 35,25,000 | 17,080 | 1,78,191 | 37,03,191 |
| 30,00,000 | 61,500 | 12,30,000 | 42,30,000 | 20,500 | 2,13,870 | 44,43,870 |
Effective August 29, 2025, over 25 countries have suspended or restricted postal deliveries to the United States due to major changes in customs and tariff regulations.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, New Zealand |
| Others | Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
📬 For official updates and compliance guidance, visit your national postal authority or the USPS customs portal.
📬 Key Changes
🧾 Why the Merger?
⚠️ What You Should Do
GST
Status of Postal Life Insurance (PLI)
|
Aspect |
Previous Regime |
Current Regime (from Sept 22, 2025) |
|
GST on PLI Premiums |
18% |
0% (Exempt) |
|
Applicable Policy Types |
Term, Endowment, Whole Life |
All individual PLI policies |
|
Impact on Premium Cost |
Increased
by GST |
Reduced;
GST component removed |
|
Input Tax Credit (ITC) for Insurer |
Available |
Not available (due to
exemption) |
What
This Means for Policyholders
India
Post, one of the oldest and most extensive postal networks in the world, has
long been a cornerstone of communication, financial inclusion, and public
service in India. In the digital age, where instant messaging and fintech
dominate, the relevance of India Post may appear diminished at first glance.
However, a closer examination reveals a dynamic institution undergoing strategic
transformation to remain indispensable in modern India.
Legacy and Trust
India Post’s legacy spans over 150 years, with over 1.56 lakh post offices, 90% of which are located in rural areas. This unparalleled reach has fostered deep-rooted trust among citizens, especially in remote regions where private logistics and banking services remain limited. The iconic red letter box, once thought obsolete, continues to evoke emotional resonance and serves as a symbol of reliable public service.
The Ministry of Finance has officially announced
that interest rates for all Post Office Small Savings Schemes will remain
unchanged for the second quarter of FY 2025–26, spanning July 1 to
September 30, 2025. These schemes continue to offer secure,
government-backed returns, making them a preferred choice for risk-averse
investors and those seeking tax benefits under the Income Tax Act.Key Highlights
Interest Rate Chart (Effective July 1, 2025)
Introduction
In an era where identity verification is essential for accessing public services, financial products, and travel documentation, the Postal Identity Card issued by the Department of Posts, Government of India serves as a reliable and accessible form of identification. Introduced under Clause 63 of the Post Office Guide – Part I, this card is designed to assist individuals who face challenges in establishing their identity, particularly in connection with postal transactions and address verification.
Purpose and Utility
The Postal Identity Card is a government-authorized
identity and address proof, primarily intended for:
It is widely accepted across government departments and financial institutions as a valid proof of identity and residence.
India Post operates over 13,000 Aadhaar Enrolment and Updation Centres across the country, offering both demographic and biometric update services.
🔧 What Can Be Updated at Post Office
You can update the following details in person:
|
Category |
Fields You Can Update |
|
Demographic |
Name, Date
of Birth, Gender, Address, Mobile No. |
|
Biometric |
Photograph, Fingerprints, Iris scan |
📋 Required Documents
All documents must be originals; photocopies are not accepted.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) vs National Pension System (NPS)
Historical Context
Before 2004, government employees were covered under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which provided a guaranteed pension based on the last drawn salary, along with inflation-linked Dearness Relief (DR). However, OPS was fiscally unsustainable due to its non-contributory nature. In response, the government introduced NPS to ensure long-term viability through employee and employer contributions, market-linked returns, and partial annuitization.
Despite its sustainability, NPS faced criticism for lack of income certainty, especially among risk-averse employees. To address these concerns, the government constituted the T.V. Somanathan Committee, which recommended a hybrid model combining the fiscal prudence of NPS with the income assurance of OPS. This led to the creation of UPS, offering a structured, contributory pension with guaranteed benefits.
IT 2.0 is the Information Technology Modernization Project Phase II launched by the Department of Posts (DoP) with an outlay of ₹5,785 crore over eight years (2022–2030). It builds on the success of IT 1.0 (2012) and aims to modernize all 1.65 lakh post offices across India.
🚀 Key Objectives
Introduction
The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, has long served as a cornerstone of India’s financial inclusion strategy through its extensive network of Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) schemes. These schemes cater to a wide demographic, including rural populations, senior citizens, and small investors, offering secure and accessible savings instruments. In July 2025, the Department issued SB Order No. 10/2025, a pivotal directive aimed at enhancing operational discipline and safeguarding depositor interests by mandating the freezing of matured but unclosed accounts that remain inactive for over three years. This essay explores the rationale, scope, operational framework, and implications of this order, situating it within the broader context of financial governance and depositor protection.
Background and Rationale
SB Order 10/2025 builds upon the compliance framework established in SB Order 25/2022, which introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling dormant and inoperative accounts. The latest order reiterates and strengthens these provisions by introducing a biannual freezing cycle for matured accounts that have not been closed within three years of their maturity date. The rationale is twofold:
Scope of the Order
SB Order 10/2025 applies to all matured accounts under the following POSB schemes:
Accounts that remain unclosed for more than three years post maturity will be automatically frozen using the freeze reason code:
INOP: Inoperative more than 3 years
This measure applies uniformly across all Head Post Offices and Sub Post Offices, ensuring nationwide compliance.
Freezing Schedule and Operational Framework
To institutionalize regularity and ensure timely enforcement, the Department has introduced a fixed biannual freezing cycle:
Cycle | Freezing Period | Eligible Accounts |
|---|---|---|
Cycle 1 | 1st–15th January | Accounts matured up to 31st December (3 years prior) |
Cycle 2 | 1st–15th July | Accounts matured up to 30th June (3 years prior) |
For instance, an account that matured on 30 June 2022 will be eligible for freezing from 1 July 2025 if it remains unclosed.
All post offices are required to complete the identification and freezing process within the 15-day window of each cycle. The SOP from SB Order 25/2022 must be strictly followed when handling frozen accounts, including documentation, verification, and revival procedures.
Implications for Depositors
The implementation of SB Order 10/2025 carries several significant implications for depositors:
1. Loss of Accrued Interest
Once an account is frozen, no further interest will be credited, even if the account remains technically active. This is particularly impactful for schemes like MIS and SCSS, where periodic interest payments are expected.
2. Restricted Access to Funds
Frozen accounts cannot be operated until the depositor submits a formal request for revival and closure. This may delay urgent withdrawals or reinvestments, especially for senior citizens or dependents relying on these funds.
3. Compliance Burden
Depositors must now track maturity dates and ensure timely closure to avoid freezing. Inactive or unaware account holders may face procedural hurdles, including submission of identity proof, revival applications, and in-person verification.
4. Financial Literacy and Awareness
The order indirectly promotes financial discipline by encouraging depositors to monitor and manage their savings actively. However, it may disproportionately affect elderly, rural, or digitally disconnected account holders who are less informed about procedural requirements.
Administrative Responsibilities
Post offices bear the responsibility of executing this order with precision and diligence. Key administrative tasks include:
Failure to comply may result in audit discrepancies, reputational risk, and depositor grievances.
Strategic Significance
SB Order 10/2025 is not merely a procedural directive—it represents a strategic shift towards data-driven compliance, risk mitigation, and customer-centric governance. By enforcing timely closure of matured accounts, the Department of Posts aligns itself with best practices in financial stewardship and public accountability.
Moreover, the order complements broader government initiatives such as:
Recommendations for Stakeholders
To ensure smooth implementation and minimize depositor inconvenience, the following recommendations are proposed:
For Depositors:
For Post Offices:
Conclusion
SB Order 10/2025 marks a decisive step in modernizing the operational framework of the Post Office Savings Bank. By mandating the freezing of matured but unclosed accounts, the Department of Posts reinforces its commitment to financial discipline, depositor protection, and administrative transparency. While the order introduces new compliance responsibilities for both depositors and postal staff, its long-term benefits—reduced fiscal risk, improved data integrity, and enhanced public trust—are undeniable. As India continues to evolve its financial infrastructure, such reforms will play a critical role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and accountable savings ecosystem.