IMPORTANT DAYS

National Energy Conservation Day 2025

• National Energy Conservation Day was marked across India on 14 December 2025 to promote efficient energy use.

• The observance focuses on sensitising citizens about saving energy and strengthening sustainable consumption habits.

• The day has been commemorated annually since 1991, highlighting India’s progress in energy efficiency.

• President Droupadi Murmu attended the national समारोह at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as the chief guest.

• She honoured recipients of the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 and winners of the National Painting Competition.

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recognises industries, institutions and establishments for reducing energy use.

• The awards span 28 subsectors across seven broad categories, with a new category for social media influencers added this year.

• BEE, set up in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, has organised the painting competition since 2005 at school, state and national levels.

RANKING AND REPORTS

India Among the World’s Most Overworked Nations: ILO Findings

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted India as one of the countries with very long average working hours.

• Indian workers log about 45.7 hours per week on average, placing the country among high-intensity labour economies.

• India features alongside nations such as Bangladesh, Mongolia and Iran in global rankings of extended work hours.

• The situation contrasts with developed economies, where working hours have reduced due to better labour safeguards and productivity gains.

• A large informal workforce, job insecurity and competitive employment markets are key reasons behind longer workdays.

• In professional sectors, digital connectivity and after-hours work culture have blurred the line between work and personal life.

• The findings have revived discussion around the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, aimed at limiting off-duty work communication.

• The debate reflects a broader shift, especially among younger employees, towards balancing productivity with mental well-being and quality of life.

STATE NEWS

Maharashtra Launches ‘Project Mahadev’ to Nurture Football Talent

Maharashtra rolled out a state-wide sports programme, ‘Project Mahadev’, on 14 December in Mumbai.

The initiative was formally launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Wankhede Stadium served as the venue for the high-profile inauguration ceremony.

Global football star Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, graced the event.

Sporting legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri, and Indian team captain Rahul Bheke were also present.

The project is a joint effort of MITRA, VSTF, WIFA, CIDCO and the State Sports Department.

Its core objective is to spot and groom football talent under the age of 13 through systematic training.

Scholarships and international-level coaching, including guidance from foreign trainers, form a key part of the programme.

AWARDS

President Honours Winners of National Energy Conservation Awards 2025

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025 at a ceremony held in New Delhi on 14 December.

• The awards were presented as part of the National Energy Conservation Day celebrations to encourage efficient energy use nationwide.

• Prizes for the National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation 2025 were also distributed during the same programme.

• The event highlighted the need to build public awareness on saving energy and adopting sustainable practices.

• The President stressed that energy conservation has become a necessity, not a choice, in today’s context.

• She noted that saving each unit of energy reflects responsibility towards the environment and future generations.

• In the painting competition, Anuj Prince (Ambala) secured first place in Group A, while Soumya Jeet Malik (Odisha) topped Group B.

• Under the NECA 2025 State Performance Awards, top performers included Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam and Chandigarh, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Goa and Tripura securing second positions in their respective groups.

SPORTS

India Clinches Historic First Gold at Squash World Cup

• India scripted history by winning its maiden Squash World Cup title, defeating Hong Kong 3–0 in the final on 14 December.

• The championship match was notable as it marked the first all-Asian final in the tournament’s history.

• This triumph stands as India’s best-ever finish at the Squash World Cup.

• Joshna Chinappa gave India an early edge by overcoming Ka Yi Lee in a hard-fought four-game match.

• Abhay Singh strengthened the lead with a straight-games victory over Asian champion Alex Lau.

• Anahat Singh wrapped up the contest in dominant fashion, winning her match in just 16 minutes.

• Coach Harinder Singh praised the team for handling pressure and delivering on the biggest stage.

• The event was hosted in Chennai’s SDAT Stadium from 9–14 December, marking the third consecutive time India hosted the World Squash–organised tournament, which began in 1996.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

47th All India Public Relations Conference 2025 Held in Dehradun

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 47th All India Public Relations Conference, underlining the role of communication in governance and nation-building.

• The three-day national event (13–15 December) is being hosted in Dehradun by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI).

• The conference has attracted delegates from across India and overseas, including participants from Russia, strengthening global engagement.

• The central theme, “Viksit Bharat @2047: Development as well as Heritage,” links public communication with India’s long-term national goals.

• The Chief Minister emphasised that public relations now goes beyond messaging and plays a critical role in trust-building and administration.

• Key discussions focus on governance, media evolution, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, GST, misinformation, and international PR practices.

• Special attention has been given to effective communication during disasters, tourism promotion, and public service delivery.

• The event also showcased Uttarakhand’s development progress, highlighting economic growth, investment initiatives, and the balance between modernisation and cultural heritage.