Table of Contents
International News
Switzerland Enforces Facial Covering Ban, Raises Pensions in New Year
Switzerland is implementing a series of significant changes starting January 1, 2025, which impact various sectors including legal, economic, and social frameworks. These include a ban on facial coverings, reforms to inheritance laws, increased pensions, and measures to strengthen bank solvency and liquidity. The changes reflect a growing alignment with European norms and a response to past financial crises. Here is a detailed overview of these changes.
Tourist Tax Rolled Out in Russia From Jan. 1
Effective January 1, 2025, Russia introduced a new tourist tax, replacing the earlier resort fee. This initiative, implemented through amendments to the Russian Tax Code, aims to strengthen regional tourism infrastructure. The phased plan will initially charge travelers 1% of their lodging costs, with the rate set to increase to 3% by 2027. The tax applies to hotels and other accommodations, with costs indirectly passed to tourists. Regional authorities are empowered to implement this as a local levy, making it a key step in enhancing Russia’s tourism landscape.
Defence News
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Assumes Command of IAF’s Western Air Command
On January 1, 2025, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired after over 39 years of distinguished service.
India-Nepal “Surya Kiran” Military Exercise Begins
The 18th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise “Surya Kiran” has commenced at Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025. This annual exercise aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter.
Economy News
India’s Coffee Exports Surge to Record High in FY24
India’s coffee exports have reached a remarkable milestone, achieving a record $1.14 billion between April and November of FY24, marking a 29% increase from the same period last year. The growth has been fueled by rising global demand for Robusta coffee and supply chain challenges faced by major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam. India’s high-quality coffee, primarily from Karnataka, has carved a niche in premium global markets, further driving this surge.
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.
GST Growth Slows to 7.3% in December
India’s GST collection growth slowed to 7.3% YoY in December 2024, with gross revenue standing at ₹1.77 lakh crore, compared to ₹1.65 lakh crore in December 2023. This marks the slowest growth in three months and highlights a slight decline in consumer spending post-holiday season. GST revenues have consistently stayed above ₹1.7 lakh crore for ten consecutive months, with the December quarter averaging ₹1.82 lakh crore—8.3% higher YoY.
Schemes News
Cabinet Approves Seven Major Schemes to Enhance Farmers’ Lives and Livelihoods
Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved seven significant schemes aimed at improving farmers’ lives and increasing their incomes, with a total financial outlay of ₹13,966 crore.
Appointments News
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.
Bhuvnesh Kumar Appointed UIDAI CEO
IAS officer Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, assumed charge as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on January 1, 2025. UIDAI, which administers Aadhaar, plays a pivotal role in India’s digital identity infrastructure. Kumar, who also serves as an additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), succeeds Amit Agrawal, a 1993 batch IAS officer. Under Kumar’s leadership, UIDAI aims to maintain its significant contributions to India’s governance and service delivery.
Sports News
Magnus Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi Share Blitz Title: Controversy Ensues
The decision by Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi to share the World Blitz Championship title at the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York has caused significant uproar in the chess world. The controversy escalated after a video surfaced where Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi appeared to strategize on how to pressure FIDE into allowing them to co-win the title. Many prominent chess figures have voiced their criticisms, with accusations of possible match-fixing and manipulation of tournament rules. This article breaks down the sequence of events and reactions from top grandmasters and analysts.
Awards News
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardees Announced
The Indian government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2024, honoring exceptional contributions to sports. Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics), D Gukesh (Chess).
Important Days News
Global Family Day: A Celebration of Unity, Love, and Peace
Global Family Day, observed on January 1 each year, sets the tone for the new year with a focus on fostering peace, unity, and appreciation for the families that bring joy and stability to our lives. The day is meant to emphasize the connection between world peace, communities, and the importance of strengthening families. This day aims to encourage global peace and understanding, calling for an action-driven approach to address conflicts and promote harmony.
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