IMPORTANT DAYS
Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025 celebrated on 3 January
• Savitribai Phule's 194th birth anniversary is celebrated on January 3, 2025.
• She was India's first female teacher, advocating for education and empowerment for women and untouchables.
• Telangana marks Women's Teachers' Day to honor female educators and Phule’s contributions.
• Savitribai Phule was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra.
• She passed away on March 10, 1897.
• She was married to Jyotirao Phule, a fellow activist and social reformer.
• In 1848, she co-founded India's first girls' school, "Bhide Wada," in Pune.
• Phule and her husband also established schools for Dalits and low-caste women.
• In 1852, she founded the Mahila Seva Mandal to raise awareness about women's rights.
SPORTS
West Bengal won the Santosh Trophy for the 33rd time.
• West Bengal clinched the Santosh Trophy for the 33rd time.
• They defeated Kerala 1-0 in the final to secure the title.
• Robi Hansda scored the match-winning goal during added time in the second half.
• This goal marked Robi Hansda's 12th goal in the tournament.
• Hansda was also the top scorer of the Santosh Trophy.
• Kerala had previously beaten West Bengal in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 editions.
• The Santosh Trophy is a prestigious state-level football competition.
• It is organized by government institutions and state associations under AIFF.
NATIONAL NEWS
India’s first glass bridge over the sea has been inaugurated in Kanniyakumari
• India's first glass bridge over the sea was inaugurated in Kanniyakumari.
• The bridge connects Tiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the bridge.
• The bridge has been constructed at a cost of ₹37 crore.
• It spans 77 meters in length and is 10 meters wide.
• Visitors can now walk safely between two iconic landmarks, with the sea visible beneath.
• The bowstring arch design ensures resilience against salty air and high humidity.
• This project aims to boost tourism and enhance Kanyakumari’s appeal as a top destination.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Russia introduced tourist tax from 1 January 2025.
• Russia introduced a new tourist tax starting January 1, 2025.
• The tax replaces the previous resort fee for travelers.
• Tourists will pay an additional 1% of their lodging costs.
• This move is part of efforts to enhance regional tourism infrastructure.
• The tax was implemented through amendments to the Russian Tax Code in July 2024.
• The tax rate will increase to 3% by 2027.
• Several regions with established or growing tourism industries have already adopted the tax.
• Russia also removed export duties on anthracite, coking coal, and thermal coal from January 1, 2025.
Romania and Bulgaria officially became members of the European Union’s border-free Schengen area.
• Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the Schengen Area.
• Both countries officially removed land border controls to join the border-free zone.
• The Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically removed a barrier on the Danube Bridge.
• The Schengen Area now includes 25 out of 27 EU member states, with Cyprus and Ireland excluded.
• The Schengen zone allows free movement for over 425 million EU citizens.
• It is the world’s largest area for unrestricted travel.
• Romania and Bulgaria partially joined in March 2024, with open travel limited to air and sea arrivals.
• The Schengen Area promotes seamless travel across European nations.
STATE NEWS
Chhattisgarh became the first state to link the forest ecosystem to green GDP.
• Chhattisgarh became the first state to link its forest ecosystem to Green GDP.
• The new scheme connects the state’s forest services to its economic growth.
• It highlights the environmental contributions of forests, like clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity.
• The plan aims to balance economic progress with environmental preservation for future generations.
• Forest benefits such as climate regulation, soil enrichment, and carbon absorption will now be part of the state's economic strategy.
• 44% of Chhattisgarh’s land is forested, supporting millions of livelihoods.
• Forest products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants boost the rural economy.
• By linking these benefits to Green GDP, Chhattisgarh aims to enhance budget planning and support sustainable growth.