# EPF

• The return on workers’ retirement savings parked with the employees’ provident fund organization (EPFO) has been slashed to 8.1% for the 2021-22 from the 8.5% rate credited to the members’ accounts in last two years.
• The last time the EPF savings were paid an annual return this low was in 1977-78, when the rate was 8%.
• The rate will have to be ratified by the finance ministry before it is notified and credited to members’ accounts.

# Vibrant villages

• The Union Government plans to open the villages along the Chinese border for tourists under the vibrant village programme announced in the Union budget 2022-23.
• Recently, the Union home ministry held a meeting with public representatives of such villages from the states of Himachal pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Union territory of Ladakh.
• Some villages in Ladakh such as those in Changthang region can be turned into dark sky destinations that could attract astronomy enthusiasts.

# Maternal, Child health

• Kerala has yet again emerged on top in maternal and Child health, recording the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 30 per one lakh live births in the state.
• This puts Kerala way ahead of the National MMR of 103.
• Another state which has made significant gains is Maharashtra, whose MMR dipped from 55 to 38.

# Iran nuclear deal

• France, Britain and Germany warned Russia on Saturday that it demands to have its trade guaranteed with Iran risked the collapse an almost completed nuclear deal.
• Negotiators have reached the final stages of discussions to restore the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) agreement, which lifted sanctions on Iran in returns for curb on its nuclear programme.