3rd January 2025 current affairs

Edusprint Youtube Channel : Edusprint Academy

We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 3rd January 2025 current affairs current affairs 2024, curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.

Our comprehensive Current Affairs 3rd January 2025 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation

National news

India’s first coastal and wader bird census in Jamnagar, Gujarat

India’s first coastal and wader bird census will be conducted from January 3 to 5, 2025, in the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The census is being organized by the Gujarat government’s Forest Department in collaboration with the Bird Conservation Society Gujarat (BCSG).

Key Features of the Census:

• Day 1: Speeches by wildlife and forest experts.
• Day 2: Bird counting.
• Day 3: Knowledge sharing and closing ceremony.

About the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary:

• Marine Sanctuary: Established in 1980, covering 458 sq km.
• Marine National Park: Established in 1982, covering 163 sq km.
• Located in the Gulf of Kutch, it includes 42 tropical islands along the northern coast of Jamnagar and southern coast of Kutch.

Geographical Features:

• The sanctuary lies in the intertidal zone, where the sea meets the land at high and low tides.
• The area is rich in coral reefs, home to 52 coral species.

Bird Species:

• The sanctuary, with its mangrove forests, serves as a nesting area for wader birds like Painted Stork, Darter, Black-necked Ibis, Avocets, and Phalaropes.
• It also hosts fish-catching birds such as Gulls, Terns, Kingfishers, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, and Palla’s Fish Eagle.
• Part of the Central Asian Migratory Birds Flyway.

Gujarat:

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel

Government extends Agriculture Crop insurance scheme till 2025-26

In a boost to the agricultural sector in the country, the government of India has approved several policy decisions including the extension of the major crop insurance scheme- Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

• The government has also approved the creation of FIAT to fund research and development projects in the agricultural sector like YES-TECH, and WINDS. 
• The decision was taken in a meeting of the Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 January 2025.

Extension of the Crop Insurance Scheme : The central government has extended the central sector crop insurance scheme –Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme by one year till 2025-26.

Key Decisions:

Extension of Crop Insurance Schemes:

• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme have been extended for one more year, until 2025-26.
• The total allocation for both schemes from 2021-22 to 2025-26 is Rs. 69,515.71 crore.
• PMFBY compensates farmers for crop loss due to unforeseen conditions.
• Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme insures against crop loss due to adverse weather conditions like rainfall, temperature, frost, and humidity.

Creation of Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT):

• The government has approved the establishment of FIAT with a corpus of Rs. 824.77 crore.
• FIAT will fund research and development projects such as YES-TECH and WINDS.

Key Initiatives Under FIAT:

YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System using Technology):

• Uses remote sensing technology to estimate crop yields.
• The General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) will give a 30% weightage to YES-TECH.
• Implemented in 9 states, with Madhya Pradesh adopting 100% technology-based estimation.

WINDS (Weather Information and Network Data Systems):

• Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) will be set up at the block level, and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at the panchayat level for data collection.
• WINDS is being implemented in 9 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and more.
• The central government will fund 90% of the cost, with states covering the remaining 10%.

International news

Sevdalinka: UNESCO Recognition Highlights Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

In December 2024, Sevdalinka, a melancholic and ancient love song from Bosnia and Herzegovina, was added to the UNESCO National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This recognition highlights the importance of safeguarding and celebrating this cultural tradition on a national and international level.

Key Features of Sevdalinka:

• Historical Roots: Dates back to the 16th century, making it a deeply rooted tradition in the region.
• Emotional Depth: Often referred to as the ‘Balkan blues’ for its soulful melodies and poignant themes.
• Cultural Significance: Represents the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):

• Definition: ICH includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
• Purpose: Safeguarding ICH ensures the preservation of cultural diversity and traditions for future generations.

About Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• President: Denis Bećirović
• Prime Minister: Nermin Nikšić
• Capital: Sarajevo
• Currency: Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)

This recognition by UNESCO reinforces the global appreciation for Sevdalinka as a vital component of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural identity.

Tourist Tax Rolled Out in Russia From Jan. 1

Russia has introduced a new tourist tax, effective January 1, 2025, replacing the previous resort fee. This tax is designed to enhance regional tourism infrastructure and support local economies. The phased tax plan will begin with a 1% levy on lodging costs, increasing to 3% by 2027.

Key Details:

Implementation Date: Effective from January 1, 2025.

Tax Rates:

• Starts at 1% of lodging costs in 2025.
• Gradually increases to 3% by 2027.
• Minimum daily charge set at 100 rubles (approximately 0.9 USD).

Purpose: To strengthen regional tourism infrastructure and support local economies.

Legislative Background:

• Introduced via amendments to the Russian Tax Code in July 2024.
• A new chapter titled “Tourist Tax” was added to the code.

Regional Discretion:

• Regional authorities can implement the tax as a local levy.
• The tax is expected to be widely adopted by regions with thriving or emerging tourism sectors.

Collection Mechanism:

• The tax will be paid by hotels and lodging providers, incorporated into accommodation prices.
• The cost of the tax will ultimately be borne by tourists.

Transition from Resort Fee: This new tourist tax replaces the earlier resort fee, providing a more structured and scalable framework for tourism funding.

Russia:

• Capital: Moscow
• Currency: Russian Ruble
• Continent: Europe, Asia
• Official language: Russian
• Prime minister: Mikhail Mishustin

Economy news

Ramesh Chand to head the Working Group on the revision of WPI Base

The Government of India has formed a Working Group to revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and recommend a roadmap for transitioning to the Producer Price Index (PPI).

Key Points:

• Base Year Change: The base year for WPI will shift from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
• Notification Date: The government issued this notification on 2 January 2025.

Working Group Composition:

• Chairperson: Professor Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog member).
• Members: 16 others, with the Deputy Director General of DPIIT acting as the Member Secretary.
• Report Deadline: The Working Group is expected to submit its report to the Office of the Economic Adviser at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) within 18 months.

Terms of Reference for the Working Group:

• Commodities for WPI/PPI: Suggest commodities to include in WPI and PPI with the new base year, considering structural changes in the economy.
• Price Collection System: Review and propose changes in the existing system of price collection.
• Computational Methodology: Suggest methodologies for computing WPI/PPI.
• PPI Compilation Methodology: Examine the Technical Advisory Committee’s methodology for PPI and recommend any changes.
• Transition Roadmap: Recommend a plan for transitioning from WPI to PPI.
• Reliability of Data: Suggest improvements to increase the reliability of WPI/PPI data.

Overview of Current Indices:

WPI (Wholesale Price Index):

• Measures the average wholesale prices of goods at the producer level.
• Excludes taxes, trade discounts, transport charges, and services.
• Used to calculate real GDP.
• Published monthly by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

CPI (Consumer Price Index):

• Measures the average price of goods and services consumed by households (retail inflation).
• Used to target inflation, revise wages, and determine dearness allowances.
• Published monthly by NSO, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

PPI (Producer Price Index) (Proposed):

• Measures wholesale prices at different production stages.
• Includes the service sector, which is absent from WPI.
• Commonly used in developed countries to track economic activity.
• Aims to improve upon the current WPI methodology for better tracking of price changes.

India Achieves 36% Reduction in GDP Emission Intensity from 2005 to 2020

India has made significant strides in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, achieving a 36% reduction in GDP emission intensity between 2005 and 2020. This progress aligns with the nation’s climate action targets under the Paris Agreement.

Key Highlights

Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 In 2020, India’s total greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF), were 2,959 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). Including LULUCF, emissions stood at 2,437 MtCO2e. This represents a 7.93% decrease compared to 2019 but a 98.34% increase since 1994.

Emission Intensity Reduction: The 36% decline in emission intensity of GDP from 2005 to 2020 indicates India’s success in reducing emissions relative to economic growth. This positions the country on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of a 45% reduction by 2030.

Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity:  As of October 2024, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity. The cumulative renewable power installed capacity, including large hydro projects, reached 203.2 gigawatts (GW). This progress supports India’s NDC goal of achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

Carbon Sink Enhancement: Between 2005 and 2021, India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes through forest and tree cover, contributing to its commitment of generating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030.

Sectoral Emissions Breakdown (2020)

• Energy Sector: Contributed 75.66% of total emissions.
• Agriculture: Accounted for 13.72%.
• Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU): Made up 8.06%.
• Waste: Comprised 2.56%.

Banking news

RBI Introduces New Guidelines for Bank Account Management and Fixed Deposits from January 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines effective from January 1, 2025, aimed at improving banking security and operational efficiency while mitigating fraud.

Closure of Specific Bank Accounts:

The guidelines mandate the closure of three types of bank accounts:

• Dormant Accounts
• Inactive Accounts
• Zero Balance Accounts

This measure is expected to enhance security and optimize banking operations.

Revised Guidelines for Fixed Deposits (FDs) with NBFCs and HFCs: The RBI also introduced new rules for premature withdrawals from FDs with Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs). The key provisions are:

For Small Deposits (up to ₹10,000):

Withdrawals Allowed: Full withdrawal permitted within three months of deposit.

Interest: No interest will be paid on these withdrawals.

For Larger Deposits (above ₹10,000):

• Partial Withdrawals: Allowed up to 50% of the principal amount or ₹5 lakh, whichever is lower, within three months of deposit.
• Interest: No interest will be provided on these partial withdrawals.

These changes reflect RBI’s continued efforts to balance depositor flexibility with the operational needs of financial institutions, ensuring a safer and more efficient banking environment.

Ranks and report news

India’s Readiness to Tackle Aging Population: Ranked 123rd Globally

A study published in the renowned medical journal Nature Aging has ranked India 123rd out of 143 countries on the Global Aging Index. The index, which evaluates the readiness of nations to address the challenges of an aging population, underscores the urgency for India to prepare for its demographic transition.

Global Rankings:

Top Performers:

Switzerland:

• Secured the 1st position with the highest score of 82.3.
• Norway: Ranked 2nd.
• Denmark: Ranked 3rd.

Lowest Rankings:

• Rwanda: Ranked 143rd (last), with a score of 36.6.
• Followed by Togo (142nd), Afghanistan (141st), Benin (140th), and Malawi (139th).

India’s Demographic Profile:

Current Youth Dominance:

• Over 50% of India’s population is below the age of 25.
• Over 65% is below the age of 35, making India the youngest country in the world.

Future Outlook: India is poised to have the largest senior citizen population globally in the coming decades, necessitating robust aging-related policies.

About the Global Aging Index:

Developed by researchers from:

• National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.
• Columbia University, New York, USA.

The index evaluates countries on parameters that measure their preparedness for the social, economic, and healthcare challenges posed by aging populations.

Science and tech news

Mission MAUSAM: Enhancing India’s Weather and Climate Readiness

Mission MAUSAM is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) aimed at making India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart” by 2026. The program positions India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences while adhering to international standards. Approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024, it has a total budget outlay of Rs 2,000 crore for two years.

Key Objectives:

Infrastructure Expansion:

• Installation of 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWR).
• Setup of 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind (RS/RW) stations, 100 disdrometers, 10 wind profilers, and 25 radiometers.
• Development of 1 urban test-bed, 1 process test-bed, 1 ocean research station, and 10 marine automatic weather stations with upper air observation.

Institutional Implementation:

• Implemented by MoES through its premier institutions:
• India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi.
• National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, Maharashtra.

Collaborative Support:

Backed by allied institutions of MoES:

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, Telangana.
• National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Significance:

• Transformative Initiative: Boosts India’s capacity for weather and climate-related sciences and services.
• Global Standards: Aligns India’s weather preparedness with international benchmarks.
• Union Minister of MoES: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Constituency: Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.

Ranks and report news

India’s Coffee Exports Surge to Record High in FY24

India’s coffee exports have reached a new milestone, achieving a record $1.14 billion between April and November in FY24, representing a 29% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in exports has been driven by a combination of rising global demand for Robusta coffee and supply chain disruptions in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Additionally, India’s high-quality coffee, particularly from Karnataka, has found strong demand in premium global markets.

Key Highlights:

Export Growth:

• Record exports: $1.14 billion in April-November FY24, up 29% from FY23 ($803.8 million).
• Total exports for FY24: Increased by 12.22%, reaching $1.28 billion.
• Major export markets: Italy, Russia, UAE, Germany, and Turkey.

Factors Driving Growth:

Rising Robusta Prices: Prices reached a peak of $4,667 per metric ton, a 63% increase from the previous year.

Supply Challenges in Competitor Nations:

• Brazil’s coffee production decreased due to droughts and high temperatures.
• Vietnam’s coffee yields are below historic levels.
• EU Deforestation Regulation: The regulation, which will be enforced in December 2024, prompted stockpiling of coffee, increasing demand for Indian coffee.

India’s Coffee Global Standing:

• India ranks as the 8th largest coffee producer globally.
• The country produces two main types of coffee:
• Arabica: Known for its mild, aromatic flavor and premium market value.
• Robusta: Known for its stronger flavor and commonly used in blends, accounting for 72% of India’s total coffee production.
• India is the 5th largest producer of Robusta coffee globally.

Regional Contributions:

• Karnataka is the largest coffee producer, contributing 71% of India’s coffee.
• Kerala follows as the second-largest producer, contributing 20%.
• Tamil Nadu contributes 5%, with Nilgiri district known for its Arabica coffee.
• Smaller contributions come from Odisha and the northeastern states.

Economic Impact:

• Coffee cultivation provides direct employment to over 2 million people.
• The export-oriented production helps minimize the impact of domestic consumption trends on the coffee industry.

Challenges Ahead: The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aimed at preventing imports linked to deforested lands, may challenge India’s coffee exports by increasing costs and complicating the $1.3 billion agricultural export market.

Appointment news

Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed Secretary General of IORA

In a significant diplomatic move, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in December 2024 the appointment of Senior IFS Officer Sanjiv Ranjan as the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat in Ebene, Mauritius. He succeeds Salman Al-Farisi of Indonesia.

About Sanjiv Ranjan:

Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Joined the IFS in 1993, building a distinguished career in diplomacy, focusing on multilateral and bilateral cooperation.

Key Diplomatic Assignments (1995–2009):

• Held positions in Madrid (Spain) and Lima (Peru).
• Represented India at the Permanent Mission of India in New York, USA.
• Served as Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius (2006–2009).

About IORA:
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting sustainable development and regional cooperation among countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The Secretariat is based in Ebene, Mauritius.

Sanjiv Ranjan’s extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy is expected to enhance IORA’s objectives of fostering regional collaboration and growth.

Bhuvnesh Kumar new CEO of the UIDAI

Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, took over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on 2 January 2025.

• Previous Position: Bhuvnesh Kumar replaces Amit Aggarwal, who has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
• Additional Role: Along with his role as CEO of UIDAI, Bhuvnesh Kumar will also serve as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

About Bhuvnesh Kumar:

Bhuvnesh Kumar has held several key positions in the Uttar Pradesh government, including:

• Principal Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries.
• Secretary of Finance, MSME, Technical Education, and Divisional Commissioner in the Department of Land Revenue.

About UIDAI:

• Establishment: UIDAI was set up in 2009 by the central government under the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
• Statutory Body: It became a statutory body in 2016 under the Aadhaar Act.
• Current Ministry: UIDAI is currently under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Functions: UIDAI is responsible for issuing Unique Identification numbers (Aadhaar) to Indian residents and managing the Aadhaar enrolment and authentication processes.

About Aadhaar:

• Definition: Aadhaar is a 12-digit alphanumeric biometric number used as proof of identity and residence for Indian residents.
• Eligibility: A person who has resided in India for at least 182 days in the previous 12 months can apply for Aadhaar. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign citizens who meet this criteria can also apply.
• Use: Aadhaar is mandatory for filing income tax returns in India and is widely used for various welfare and financial services.

Manish Singhal Appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of India’s oldest apex business chambers (established in 1920), has appointed Manish Singhal as its new Secretary General. Singhal, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, takes over from Deepak Sood, who served for five years and transformed the chamber’s operations, leaving behind a robust financial foundation. Singhal’s career spans leadership roles in organizations like Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), and FICCI, where he was Deputy Secretary General.

Leadership Transition and Contributions

• Incoming Leadership: Singhal brings proven expertise in policy advocacy and international business, expected to help ASSOCHAM scale new heights.
• Outgoing Legacy: Deepak Sood is credited with revitalizing ASSOCHAM, ensuring a healthy balance sheet, and enhancing the chamber’s influence.

Strategic Focus and Advocacy

ASSOCHAM continues to advocate for policy measures that bolster India’s economic ecosystem, representing 4.5 lakh members, including large corporations and MSMEs.

• Pre-Budget Recommendations: The chamber recently suggested extending presumptive taxation to new-age businesses like data centers and cloud computing to simplify compliance and reduce tax disputes.
• MSME Growth: Recommendations include establishing MSME universities for skill development and creating Integrated Infrastructure Townships to revive industrial estate programs.

Sports news

Vaishali bags bronze in 2024 World Blitz Championship Women’s section

R. Vaishali of India won the bronze medal in the women’s section of the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Championships, adding to the gold won by Koneru Humpy in the 2024 World Rapid Championship.

For the time in the history of the World Blitz Championship, the title of the Open section was shared between two players- Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi. It was the seventh title for Magnus Carlsen while the first for Ian Nepomniachtch The women’s section was won by Chinese chess player Ju Wenjun.

2024 FIDE World Blitz Championship Highlights:

Venue and Date: Held in New York City, USA, on December 30-31, 2024, following the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championship.

Women’s Section:

• Gold: Ju Wenjun (China), who defeated Lei Tingjie (China) in the final.
• Silver: Lei Tingjie (China).
• Bronze: R. Vaishali (India), who reached the semifinals, defeating Zhu Jiner (China) in the quarterfinals but losing to Ju Wenjun.

Open Section:

Joint Winners: Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia) shared the title after a tied final (2-2 in four games and 3.5-3.5 in tiebreak). The FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich, approved the decision for both to be declared winners due to exhaustion.

About FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships:

• FIDE organizes these annual championships in the Open and Women’s sections.
• First World Rapid and Blitz Championship (Open): Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia (2013).
• First Women’s FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship: Batumi, Georgia (2012).
• Since 2017, both championships have been held simultaneously at the same venue.

About FIDE:

• Full Name: International Chess Federation (FIDE), established in 1924 in Paris, France.
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
• President: Arkady Dvorkovich (Russia).
• Deputy President: Viswanathan Anand (India).
• Members: 201 national chess federations worldwide.

National Sports Award 2024 announced get the full List

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the winners of the 2024 National Sports Awards on 2 January 2025. The award ceremony will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 17 January 2025, where President Droupadi Murmu will felicitate the winners.

About the National Sports Award: The National Sports Award consists of the following categories:

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (the highest sports award in India)
• Arjuna Award
• Dronacharya Award
• Major Dhyan Chand Award
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

Except for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, which is given for promoting sports, all other awards are presented to individual sports persons or coaches.

List of Winners of the 2024 National Sports Award:

1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners:

• Gukesh D (Chess)
• Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
• Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
• Manu Bhaker (Shooting)

2. Arjuna Award Winners:

• Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics)
• Annu Rani (Athletics)
• Nitu Ghanghas (Boxing)
• Saweety Boora (Boxing)
• Vantika Agrawal (Chess)
• Salima Tete (Hockey)
• Abhishek (Hockey)
• Sanjay (Hockey)
• Jarmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
• Sukhjeet Singh (Hockey)
• Rakesh Kumar (Para-Archery)
• Preeti Pal (Para-Athletics)
• Jeevanji Deepthi (Para-Athletics)
• Ajeet Singh (Para-Athletics)
• Sachin Sarjerao Khilari (Para-Athletics)
• Dharambir (Para-Athletics)
• Pranav Soorma (Para-Athletics)
• Hokato Hotozhe Sema (Para-Athletics)
• Simran Sharma (Para-Athletics)
• Navdeep Singh (Para-Athletics)
• Nitesh Kumar (Para-Badminton)
• Thulasimathi Murugesan (Para-Badminton)
• Nithya Sre Sivan (Para-Badminton)
• Manisha Ramadass (Para-Badminton)
• Kapil Parmar (Para-Judo)
• Mona Agarwal (Para-Shooting)
• Rubina Francis (Para-Shooting)
• Swapnil Kusale (Shooting)
• Sarabjot Singh (Shooting)
• Abhay Singh (Squash)
• Sajan Prakash (Swimming)
• Aman Sehrawat (Wrestling)

3. Arjuna Awards (Lifetime) Winners:

• Sucha Singh (Athletics)
• Murlikant Petkar (Para-Swimming)

4. Dronacharya Award Winners:

Regular Category:

• Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting)
• Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
• Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)

Lifetime Category:

• S Muralidharan (Badminton)
• Armando Colaco (Football)

5. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar Winner: Physical Education Foundation of India

6. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Winners:

• Overall Winner University: Chandigarh University
• 1st Runner Up University: Lovely Professional University
• 2nd Runner Up University: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Additional Award:

• The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award winner will be announced later.
• These distinguished awards highlight the exemplary achievements in sports and honor those who have contributed significantly to the development and promotion of sports in India.

Important days news

Global Family Day: A Celebration of Unity, Love, and Peace

Global Family Day is observed every year on January 1, setting the tone for the new year by emphasizing peace, unity, and the importance of families in fostering joy and stability in our lives. The day highlights the connection between world peace, communities, and the strength of families.

History of Global Family Day:

• Proposed in November 1997: The day was inspired by the book One Day In Peace.
• UN Publication (January 1, 2000): It marked the beginning of the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
• Formal Declaration: UN members officially declared the celebration of Global Family Day in 1999.
• Significance:
• Unity in Diversity: Celebrates harmony and mutual understanding across different cultures and communities worldwide.
• Peace Promotion: Highlights the need for peace and aims to reduce violence through awareness and action.
• Community Engagement: Encourages activities like educational webinars and local celebrations that unite people for peace.
• Global Awareness: Raises awareness of global conflicts and emphasizes the role families play in promoting peace and harmony.

Global Family Day encourages individuals and communities to take action in addressing conflicts, fostering understanding, and strengthening family bonds for a peaceful world.

Books and author news

Syed Kirmani Releases Autobiography “Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards”

On December 29, 2024, legendary former Indian cricketer and wicket-keeper Syed Mujtaba Hussein Kirmani released his autobiography titled “Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards” at a grand event in Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Occasion:

• The release coincided with Kirmani’s 75th birthday.
• The book is published by Penguin Play.

Authorship:

• Authored by Syed Kirmani over five years.
• Co-authored by Debashish Sengupta and Dakshesh Pathak.

Content:

• Chronicles Kirmani’s personal and professional journey, offering a deep dive into the world of 1980s cricket.
• Features anecdotes from his 1983 ODI World Cup victory and life both on and off the field.