IRS Officer Maimun Alam Appointed as Director in Ministry of Steel
Maimun Alam, a 2007-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the Director in the Ministry of Steel under the Central Staffing Scheme. Recommended for central deputation by the Department of Revenue, Alam will serve in this role for five years or until further orders. Her extensive experience in tax administration and policy formulation is expected to contribute significantly to the strategic planning and policy execution in the Ministry of Steel, enhancing its overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Kyrian Jacquet Triumphs at 2025 Chennai Open
French tennis player Kyrian Jacquet secured his first ATP title by winning the Chennai Open on February 9, 2025. He defeated Sweden’s Elias Ymer in the final, with a score of 7-6 (1), 6-4. Jacquet’s journey to the title saw him overcoming two seeded players and losing only one set throughout the tournament. His effective use of slices and net play was instrumental in his victory, earning him 100 ranking points and a prize of $22,730. This win marks a significant milestone in Jacquet’s tennis career.
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY): Uplifting SC Communities
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is designed to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities across India. The scheme, aimed at combating poverty and enhancing socio-economic conditions, focuses on generating employment and improving education. It emphasizes skill development, income-generating projects, and infrastructure development in SC-dominated villages. Recently, the scheme has introduced new grants-in-aid for states and districts to further support these initiatives, ensuring better implementation and more significant impact on the targeted communities. PM-AJAY represents a comprehensive effort to empower SC communities and improve their quality of life.
Defence Expo Begins: Aero India 2025 Inaugurated
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of the premier aerospace and defence exhibition, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025. Running from February 10-14, the event showcases advanced fighter jets, airshows, and features nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 78 nations. Aero India 2025 highlights cutting-edge aerospace technology and fosters international collaboration in the defence sector. The exhibition provides a platform for showcasing the latest innovations and facilitating strategic partnerships between global defence companies.
Hawaii: The Rainbow Capital of the World
Hawaii is celebrated as the “Rainbow Capital” of the world due to its unique climatic conditions, which create ideal opportunities for rainbow sightings. The state’s combination of regular sunshine, brief rain showers, and clean air makes it one of the best places on the planet for viewing rainbows. These colorful arcs are so common in Hawaii that they have become iconic symbols of island life, appearing on buildings, public transportation, and license plates. The University of Hawaii even names its sports teams after rainbows, emphasizing their significance in Hawaiian culture.
Over 54.5 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts Opened till Jan 15
As of January 15, 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has seen the opening of over 54.5 crore accounts. Launched in August 2014, this initiative aims to provide universal banking services to every unbanked household in India. Impressively, women constitute 57% of these accounts, showcasing the scheme’s success in promoting financial inclusion and gender equality. The PMJDY focuses on extending banking services to every unbanked adult, playing a crucial role in enhancing financial literacy and accessibility across the nation.