SPORTS
38th National Games 2025
• The 38th National Games 2025 concluded in Uttarakhand on 14th February.
• The Services Sports Control Board topped the medal tally with 68 gold, 26 silver, and 27 bronze and win the Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy
• Maharashtra secured the second spot, winning 54 gold, 71 silver, and 76 bronze medals.
• Haryana finished third with 48 gold, 47 silver, and 58 bronze medals.
• Meghalaya has been selected as the host for the 39th National Games in 2026.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Gopichand Hinduja’s book “I Am launched by Jagdeep Dhankar
• Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book “I Am?” by Gopichand P. Hinduja.
• The book delves into the core values of Bharatiyata.
• It promotes inclusivity, spiritual reflection, and cross-cultural understanding.
• Compiled by business magnate and Hinduja Group Chairman, Gopichand P. Hinduja.
• The book emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and faiths.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
" Klaus Iohannis Resigns Amid Impeachment Threat"
• Romania's President Klaus Iohannis resigned amid fears of impeachment.
• The resignation followed threats from far-right parliamentary parties over a disputed election.
• The decision came after Romania’s top court annulled the presidential election, citing allegations of Russian interference.
• Protests erupted in January 2025, with thousands demanding the vote be canceled and some calling for Iohannis to step down.
• In January, three far-right opposition parties, controlling 35% of parliament, filed an impeachment motion against Iohannis.
• Iohannis had already completed two terms, the maximum allowed.
• Following his resignation, the Senate chief will serve as interim president.
INDEX AND RANKING
INDEX AND RANKING
• "S.P. Singh Baghel unveiled the 'Devolution Index Report 2024' in New Delhi."
• The report assesses six key areas of Panchayats: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability.
• It tracks the progress of decentralization in states and union territories.
• Devolution to Rural Local Bodies increased from 39.9% to 43.9% between 2013-14 and 2021-22.
• The report highlights the autonomy of Panchayats in decision-making and implementation.
• Karnataka ranked first on the Devolution Index, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu in second and third place.
• Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha are categorized as 'medium scoring States.'
• Uttar Pradesh made significant progress, rising from 15th to 5th place in this year's ranking.
• The Index evaluates States/UTs based on their overall scores across the six dimensions.
AWARDS
N. Chandrasekaran Honored with Order of the British Empire" (Civil Division).
• Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been awarded "The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" (Civil Division).
• This prestigious honor recognizes his significant contributions to UK-India business relations.
• The award is granted to foreign nationals for exceptional achievements in areas like arts, sciences, charity, and public service.
• Other notable recipients include Dagmar Dolby, Eric Schmidt, Jason Furman, and Rajinder Dhatt.
• Chandrasekaran has served as Chairman of Tata Sons since 2017.
• He also leads the boards of key Tata Group companies such as Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Power, and Air India.
