Daily Current Affairs and GK | 9 January 2026

Topic: Corporates/Companies

1. Financial Software and Systems has secured ISO IEC 42001 Certification Lead status.

• It has the first payments company in India, the Middle East, APAC and South Africa to do so.
• The certification highlights FSS’s leadership in responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
• By securing ISO IEC 42001 Certification, FSS marks a shift from ad-hoc use of AI to a structured, enterprise-wide AI governance model.
• Artificial intelligence is deeply embedded across FSS platforms.
• The ISO IEC 42001 standard ensures oversight across the AI lifecycle.
• The standard is highly relevant for financial services. Only a limited number of organisations meet its requirements.
• ISO IEC 42001 defines ownership of AI systems and establishes clear governance structures.
• FSS’s AI governance framework was independently assessed by TUV SUD.
• TUV SUD is a globally recognised certification body.
• The Certification Lead status indicates higher organisational maturity.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

2. A landmark MoU signed between the Department of Posts and the Ministry of Rural Development to strengthen rural financial inclusion.

• On 7 January, an MoU has been signed between the Department of Posts (DoP) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to strengthen rural financial inclusion, livelihood promotion and logistics enablement.
• The MoU was signed to accelerate rural transformation and expand financial, digital and logistics services for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households across the country.
• The collaboration aligns with the government’s vision of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa”, positioning India Post as a key driver of the rural economy.
• The initiative reflects the priorities of the Union Budget 2025–26, which emphasises leveraging India Post’s reach to promote financial inclusion and digital empowerment.
• The Department of Posts, with its vast network of over 1.5 lakh rural post offices, India Post Payments Bank, and approximately 2.4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks, will play a crucial role in ensuring last-mile delivery of financial and digital services.
• Under the MoU, IPPB will provide doorstep banking services, including savings, payments and remittances through a digitally enabled platform.
• Electronic tablets and PoS machines will be provided to SHG members to promote cashless transactions, digital record-keeping and formal financial participation.
• Market access for SHG products will be enhanced through Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras, enabling domestic and international marketing and export opportunities.