SC/ST Act of 1989: Preventing Atrocities
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, known as the SC/ST Act, is vital legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to prevent atrocities against these communities. The Act provides legal protection, ensuring dignity and safety from discrimination and violence. It establishes Special Courts for swift justice and mandates relief and rehabilitation for victims. Several amendments have been made to strengthen its provisions, reflecting the commitment to safeguarding marginalized communities and promoting equality.
Sambhar Festival 2025: A Cultural Extravaganza
The Sambhar Festival, a vibrant cultural celebration, kicked off on January 24, 2025, at Rajasthan’s famous Sambhar Lake. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, this 5-day event features diverse activities like kite flying, horse and camel riding, para-sailing, ATV riding, para-gliding, jeep safaris, street performances, painting competitions, and heritage walks. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region and draws tourists from all over the world.
CheQ Launches Wisor: AI-Powered Credit Card Expert
CheQ, founded by former Flipkart executive Aditya Soni, has introduced Wisor, India’s first AI-powered credit card expert. Wisor revolutionizes credit card management by providing personalized insights, effortless management, and optimized rewards. This innovative tool offers detailed spending comparisons, unified rewards views, and tailored tips to help users maximize their credit card benefits. Currently available to beta users, Wisor is set to transform how millions of Indians handle their credit cards.
Anuja Nominated for Best Live Action Short Film Oscar
The Indian short film Anuja has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, highlighting a significant achievement for Indian cinema. Produced by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, the film tells the poignant story of a young girl working in a Delhi garment factory with her sister. Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja shines a light on the resilience and challenges faced by working children in India. This nomination underscores the film’s powerful storytelling and cultural impact.
World Leprosy Day 2025: Date and Theme
World Leprosy Day will be observed on January 26, 2025, the last Sunday of January. This important day is dedicated to raising awareness about leprosy, dispelling myths, and advocating for the rights of those affected. The theme for 2025 is “Act Now. End Leprosy,” which emphasizes the urgent need for early detection, treatment, and inclusive policies to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease and improve the quality of life for those impacted.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Introduced
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) was officially notified on January 24, 2025. This new scheme provides government employees with a guaranteed pension option, replacing the National Pension System (NPS) that lacked assured pensions. Employees with at least 25 years of service are entitled to a pension amounting to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement. Additionally, there’s a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month for those with 10 years of service, along with dearness relief, family pensions, and superannuation benefits, effective April 1, 2025.