Digital Governance
UIDAI Leadership Change
Bhuvnesh Kumar was appointed as CEO of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), succeeding Amit Agrawal. UIDAI manages India’s Aadhaar system, overseeing enrollment and authentication services.
Business & Economy
Farmer Welfare Schemes
The Union Cabinet approved seven new schemes for farmers with a total financial outlay of ₹13,966 crore, aimed at improving farmers’ income and promoting agricultural development.
Sports
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Shooter Manu Bhaker received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2024, India’s highest sporting honour. The award was renamed from Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2021.
Monetary Policy
GST Revenue Growth
India’s GST revenue in December 2024 grew by 7.3% year-on-year, with total collection at ₹1.77 lakh crore. GST trends indicate consumption patterns and economic activity levels.
Sports
FIDE Chess Championship
The FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024 was held in New York, where Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the World Blitz title. FIDE is the global governing body for chess.
Business & Economy
India’s Coffee Production
Karnataka is the primary producer of high-quality coffee in India, significantly contributing to global exports. India mainly grows Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties.
Business & Economy
ASSOCHAM Leadership
Manish Singhal was appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), succeeding Deepak Sood. ASSOCHAM represents diverse economic sectors.
International
Russia’s Tourist Tax
Russia introduced a tourist tax starting at 1% in 2025, which will gradually increase to 3% by 2027. Such taxes improve local tourism infrastructure and services.
Defence
IAF Western Air Command
Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha retired as head of IAF Western Air Command after 39 years of service, succeeded by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra. Western Air Command handles operations along western borders.
Defence
Surya Kiran Exercise
“Surya Kiran” is a joint India-Nepal military exercise focusing on jungle warfare and counter-terrorism in mountainous terrain, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.