“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations 2025

The United Nations has taken a historic step in strengthening the global commitment to decolonization. With the adoption of Resolution A/RES/80/106, the UN has officially declared 14 December as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. First observed in 2025, this day highlights the urgent need to end colonialism in every form and reaffirm the core values of the UN Charter. For government job aspirants and general readers, this observance is an important topic linked to international relations, UN resolutions, and global justice, making it highly relevant for competitive exams.

National Energy Conservation Day 2025

National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India every year on 14 December to spread awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. The day encourages citizens—especially students and youth—to understand how saving energy today ensures a sustainable and secure future. As energy demand continues to rise, conserving existing resources has become a national priority.

 “AWARDS”

Bank of Baroda Named ‘Best Bank in India’ at Bank of the Year Awards 2025 by The Banker Magazine

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has been awarded the title of ‘Best Bank in India’ at The Banker magazine’s “Bank of the Year Awards 2025 – Asia-Pacific,” a prestigious Financial Times publication. The recognition highlights BoB’s enhanced customer experience through the expansion of its phygital branches, which seamlessly integrate physical and digital banking services.

Neal Mohan Named TIME’s 2025 CEO of the Year for Shaping Global Digital Culture

Neal Mohan, the Indian-American CEO of YouTube, has been named TIME’s 2025 CEO of the Year, with the magazine calling him a global culture shaper whose work influences the daily content diet of billions. TIME describes the “surprisingly mellow” Mohan as a “farmer” cultivating the cultural soil of the world, noting that what YouTube produces becomes what people consume worldwide.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

PNB Housing Finance Appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as New MD & CEO

PNB Housing Finance has announced the appointment of Ajai Kumar Shukla as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His appointment marks an important leadership transition for the company also which continues to expand its footprint in India’s competitive housing finance sector. With decades of experience in banking and financial services, Shukla is expected to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth.

Venkatesh Prasad elected new KSCA president

Venkatesh Prasad was elected President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), defeating K.N. Shanth Kumar with 749 votes to 558, marking a major leadership change within the Karnataka State Cricket Association. ‘Team Game Changers’ dominates the elections, winning four of the five key office-bearer positions, including vice-president Sujith Somasundar, secretary Santosh Menon, and treasurer B.N. Madhukar.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Chhattisgarh Gets Its First Ramsar Site: Kopra Reservoir Declared Wetland of International Importance

Chhattisgarh has achieved a major environmental milestone with the declaration of the Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur district as the state’s first Ramsar Site. This recognition places Chhattisgarh on the global map of wetlands of international importance, strengthening India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable water management, and climate resilience. The Ramsar designation for Kopra Reservoir was officially announced on 12 December 2025. The recognition followed coordinated efforts by the State Wetland Authority, forest officials, environmental experts, researchers, and local communities.

Government to Rename MGNREGA, Hikes Job Guarantee from 100 to 125 Days

The Union Cabinet on 12th December, 2025 has approved a major update to India’s largest rural employment scheme. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will now be renamed as Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana. Along with that the number of guaranteed workdays will be increased from 100 to 125 days. This move aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve income stability for millions of households that depend on the programme.