CURRENT AFFAIRS 03-01-2025

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.

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