Arunish Chawla Takes Charge as New Revenue Secretary in Finance Ministry
Arunish Chawla, a distinguished IAS officer of the 1992 batch from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. This significant appointment follows the transition of Sanjay Malhotra to the role of Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Prior to this, Chawla served as the Pharmaceuticals Secretary and will also hold the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Culture, until a permanent appointment is made. His extensive experience and leadership in various administrative roles are expected to bring valuable insights to his new position.
Defence Ministry Unveils Rashtraparv Website & App to Celebrate Good Governance Day
On December 25, 2024, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh launched the Rashtraparv Website and Mobile App to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and mark Good Governance Day. This platform aims to enhance transparency and accessibility by providing comprehensive information about national events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Users can enjoy features like live streaming, ticket booking, seating arrangements, and route maps, making it easier for citizens to participate in and stay informed about these significant national celebrations.
Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 Tragedy Near Aktau, Kazakhstan
On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet tragically crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after being rerouted due to heavy fog. The flight, which was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, resulted in the loss of 38 lives, with 29 survivors. The crash site, located approximately 1.8 miles from Aktau, saw emergency services working tirelessly to extinguish a fire and rescue survivors.
AAP Launches Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana to Empower Dalit Students
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has introduced the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana to support Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. Announced just before the Delhi Assembly elections, this initiative aims to cover all educational expenses for Dalit students admitted to prestigious international universities, including tuition fees, travel costs, and other necessary expenditures. The scheme is designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder Dalit students from achieving their educational aspirations.
The Hidden Challenges of Glass Child Syndrome
Glass Child Syndrome refers to the unseen emotional and psychological struggles faced by siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Although not a formal medical diagnosis, this term encapsulates the feelings of invisibility and neglect that these siblings often experience. Their parents’ focus is primarily on the high-needs sibling, which can lead to the other child feeling overlooked and pressured to be perfect.
Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi Initiative: Empowering Rural Governance
On December 25, 2024, the Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative was launched to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and to mark Good Governance Day. This initiative, part of the broader Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur campaign, aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with enhanced governance tools and knowledge. The initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps, improve service delivery, and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level.
Maia Sandu Begins Her Second Term as President of Moldova
Maia Sandu has commenced her second term as President of the Republic of Moldova, following her re-election in a runoff election held in November 2024. Sandu, who first won the presidency in 2020, continues to enjoy public support for her vision of European integration, national security, and economic growth. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău, where Sandu took the oath of office, vowing to uphold democracy, sovereignty, and the rights of citizens.