Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the announcement by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance to increase the basic pension for retirees by 2% by the end of 2024, benefiting approximately 150 million people [1] - The adjustment primarily affects urban workers' basic pension insurance, which is a key part of China's multi-tiered pension system, aimed at providing basic financial support [1] - The total number of participants in the basic pension insurance system is expected to exceed 1.07 billion by the end of March 2025 [1] Group 2 - In addition to urban workers, the basic pension for rural residents will also be increased, with a minimum standard rise of 20 yuan, representing a 16.3% increase, benefiting over 18 million elderly individuals, mostly from rural areas [4] - Basic pensions are distinct from personal pensions; the former is a government-supported, mandatory system, while the latter is a voluntary, market-oriented supplement established in April 2022 [5][7] - Personal pensions allow individuals to contribute up to 12,000 yuan annually, with tax benefits during contribution and a lower tax rate upon withdrawal, making it a potential financial tool for future retirement planning [7][8]