“IMPORTANT DAYS”

National Youth Day January 12th

National Youth Day, also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, is celebrated annually on January 12 to honor the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Recognized for his contributions to spiritual growth, national integration, and youth empowerment, Swamiji’s life and teachings remain an inspiration to India’s youth. The Government of India declared his birthday as National Youth Day in 1984 to encourage young people to follow his ideals and work towards a progressive, united, and self-reliant India.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

Anju Bobby George Named Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission

Anju Bobby George, the legendary long-jumper and a 2003 World Championships bronze medalist, was named the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission. The new commission comprises a mix of prominent retired athletes, with Neeraj Chopra, the two-time Olympic medalist, being the most notable male member. The commission marks a significant step towards gender parity in the AFI setup, with six women out of nine members.

BCCI Elects Devajit Saikia as Secretary, Bhatia as Treasurer

The uncontested election of Devajit Saikia as the Secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as the Treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formalized during the BCCI’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12, 2025. This development follows the resignation of Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar from their respective roles.

Shreyas Iyer Appointed Punjab Kings Captain Ahead of IPL 2025 Season

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The announcement was made during a special segment on the reality television show ‘Bigg Boss’, where Iyer appeared alongside teammates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.

Nicols Maduro takes oath as Venezuela’s President

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a new term, amid renewed protests and rebukes from the United States and others who believe he stole last year’s vote. Maduro’s 2018 reelection was widely rejected as a sham after authorities banned key opponents from running. And Venezuela’s Opposition faction accuse him of outright ballot fraud last year.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India Sets New Record with 30 GW Green Energy in 2024

India achieved a record renewable energy capacity addition of 30 GW in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). This marks a 113% increase from 13.75 GW in 2023, highlighting the country’s accelerating shift toward clean energy. The milestone assumes great importance as India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The exponential growth reflects India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and building a sustainable future.

Avaniyapuram Jallikattu 2025 Begins

The Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, a cornerstone of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, commenced on January 14, 2025, in Madurai. This annual bull-taming event, celebrated during the Pongal festival, showcases the valor and skill of participants and the deep-rooted traditions of the region.

Kumbhvani FM Channel Launched for Maha Kumbh 2025

On January 10, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated ‘Kumbhvani‘ (103.5 MHz), a dedicated FM channel by All India Radio, to enhance the Maha Kumbh 2025 experience. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, who participated online.

Neeraj Chopra named best Javelin Thrower of the year by US Magazine

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra of India has been named the best javelin thrower of the 2024 by the respected American magazine Track and Fields News. Anderson Peters of Grenada was ranked second by the magazine. 27-year- old Neeraj Chopra competed in six international events in 2024, won two and finished runners up in four events.