Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26th to honor the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's two younger sons, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. They were sealed alive in a wall by Mughal authorities in 1705. The Prime Minister declared the day in January 2022.
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) report shows a 11.78% decrease in India's domestic migration rate since the 2011 census. The reasons for this slowdown include better economic opportunities in smaller cities, improved living conditions, and job availability. The pandemic has impacted migration trends, but post-pandemic data shows a notable decrease.
In 2025, India's Supreme Court will tackle significant legal issues affecting religion, society, and law. Key cases include the Places of Worship Act, Karnataka hijab ban, and "essential religious practice" test. The court will also review Citizenship Act, marital rape, Enforcement Directorate powers, Uniform Civil Code, and criminal justice reform.
The President of India has awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children from 14 states and union territories for their outstanding achievements in art, culture, bravery, innovation, science, technology, social service, sports, and the environment, receiving a medal, certificate, and citation booklet during Veer Bal Diwas ceremony.
The 2023-24 ASUSE by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) shows a significant rise in establishments, employment, and productivity in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector, with over 12 crore workers employed. The "Other Services" sector saw the highest employment increase, while digital adoption increased from 21.1% to 26.7%, boosting the Indian economy.
The Ministry of Statistics is reevaluating the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2024 to 2024, seeking input on including free PDS items in inflation calculations. The revised CPI will enhance the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy and economic decisions, particularly during economic downturns, and is expected to be implemented by FY26.
India is reducing its reliance on imported laptops and IT hardware by linking import permissions to local manufacturing capacity and increasing domestic production through the Production Linked Incentive scheme. However, India faces challenges due to WTO commitments and concerns from China and the US.
Greenland, the world’s largest non-continental island, is strategically important due to its location between North America and Europe. Once a Danish colony, it’s now an autonomous province. Rich in rare earth minerals, its melting ice and proximity to the Arctic make it significant for global geopolitics, especially for the U.S.
Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes. Known for frequent eruptions, it has a summit caldera and significant mythological importance. Its eruptions, typically non-explosive, have shaped the island, making it a key geological feature in the Pacific region.
Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known for its mountainous terrain and high-altitude climate, with the entire nation situated above 1,000 meters. Its capital is Maseru, and it is bordered only by South Africa. The country is rich in water resources and diamonds, with a temperate highland climate.
Ethiopian Wolf
The Ethiopian wolf, Africa's most endangered carnivore, inhabits Afroalpine ecosystems above 3,200 meters. Known for its reddish fur and dietary specialization in rodents, it uniquely aids pollination by feeding on the nectar of Ethiopian red hot poker flowers. Fewer than 500 remain, making conservation critical.
California Ground Squirrels
California ground squirrels, dappled omnivores from western U.S. regions, are opportunistic predators. Previously considered herbivores, they actively hunt and consume voles. Their newly discovered carnivorous behavior showcases ecological adaptability.
Mammoth
Mammoths, extinct relatives of Asian elephants, thrived in arctic habitats with adaptations like thick fur, fat layers, and small extremities. Permafrost-preserved remains reveal insights into their life and environment, dating back over 50,000 years.
