General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2016

Dec 2016

Dec 20, 2025

Union Govt Releases over Rs. 94 Cr under 15th Finance Commission Grants to Uttarakhand

The Union Government has released over 94 Crore rupees under the 15th Finance Commission Grants to Rural Local Bodies of Uttarakhand. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj today informed that the second installment of United Grants, amounting to over 9,410 crore rupees for 13 District Panchayats, 95 Block Panchayats, and 7,784 thousand Gram Panchayats has been distributed. Additionally, over 13 lakh rupees, representing the withheld portion of the first installment of United Grants for the financial year of 2025-26, have been released to 15 Gram Panchayats. The Ministry of Finance subsequently releases these grants in two instalments each financial year.

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates India’s 1st Nature-Themed Airport Terminal in Guwahati

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport terminal in Guwahati, billed as the largest terminal in Northeast India. Built at about ₹4,000 crore, the facility is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and regional growth. The design draws on the region’s cultural and natural heritage, with interiors showcasing bamboo textures and rare orchids under the theme 'Bamboo Orchids'. The terminal is seven times larger than the previous facility and aims to accommodate rising passenger traffic and improve efficiency. The project aligns with broader infrastructure expansion plans for the Northeast and downstream economic opportunities.

PM Modi inaugurated Guwahati's new LGBI Airport terminal.
Cost around ₹4,000 crore; claimed largest terminal in Northeast India.
Design inspired by Northeast culture; 'Bamboo Orchids' theme.
Terminal is seven times larger than the old facility; targets higher traffic.

PM Modi, WHO Chief Inaugurate WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in Delhi (20)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office complex in the national capital during the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
The newly inaugurated complex will also house the WHO India Country Office, marking a significant milestone in India's partnership with the World Health Organisation and strengthening regional and global health cooperation.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister released the WHO technical report on training in Yoga and unveiled the book "From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush."

Dec 18, 2025

Centre reappoints SBI MD Ashwini Kumar Tewari till 2027

The Centre has reappointed Ashwini Kumar Tewari as Managing Director of State Bank of India for a two-year term, extending beyond his current tenure. A December 16, 2025 notification from the Department of Financial Services states that Tewari’s tenure will continue until his superannuation on 31 December 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Tewari became SBI MD in January 2021 after serving as MD and CEO of SBI Card. His appointment, alongside Swaminathan J, followed the Banks Board Bureau recommendations after interviews with candidates from SBI and other public sector banks.

Tewari reappointed SBI MD till 31 December 2027.
Notification dated 16 December 2025; term extends beyond Jan 2026.
Previously MD & CEO of SBI Card; appointment after BBB recommendations.
Aims to ensure leadership continuity at SBI.

Minorities Rights Day observed on 18 December

Minorities Rights Day is observed in India on 18 December each year to safeguard the rights and safety of minority communities and promote equality of opportunity. The day underlines the importance of inclusion and non-discrimination, urging continued dialogue among policymakers, communities, and civil society. It also emphasizes access to education and employment for minority groups, while reinforcing the principle that equal rights are essential for a healthy democracy. Government initiatives and public discourse on minority welfare typically accompany the observance.

Minorities Rights Day observed on 18 December.
Focus on safeguarding rights and promoting inclusion.
Emphasises education and employment opportunities.
Highlights the importance of equal rights in democracy.

Dec 17, 2025

B. Sairam appointed CMD of Coal India; takes charge 15 December 2025

Coal India Limited appointed B. Sairam as its Chairman-cum-Managing Director, with effect from 15 December 2025. He succeeds Sanoj Kumar Jha, who held the post in an additional capacity since 1 November 2025 after the superannuation of former CMD P. M. Prasad on 31 October 2025. Sairam has over 35 years of experience in the coal sector, including mine operations, planning, logistics and regulatory affairs. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining from National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and an MBA in energy management from NTPC School of Business. Previously, he served as Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited, another arm of CIL. His appointment signals leadership renewal and a focus on safety and efficiency.

Appointed CMD of Coal India Limited; effective 15 December 2025.
Sanoj Kumar Jha held the post on an acting basis since 1 November 2025.
Preceded the retirement of former CMD P. M. Prasad on 31 October 2025.
B. Sairam has 35+ years of coal industry experience.
Educational background: B.E. in Mining (NIT Raipur) and MBA in energy management (NTPC School of Business).
Former Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited.

Dec 16, 2025

Pushkar Singh Dhami Attends All India Public Relations Conference

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 47th All India Public Relations Conference-2025 in Dehradun, organized by the Public Relations Society of India. The event ran from 13 to 15 December 2025 on Sahastradhara Road, with Dhami inaugurating the conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Delegates from across the country discussed the theme 'Viksit Bharat @2047: Development as well as Heritage', focusing on governance communication, public outreach, and best practices in public relations across government and private sectors.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 47th All India Public Relations Conference-2025.
Conference held in Dehradun from 13–15 December 2025.
Inauguration included lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Theme: Viksit Bharat @2047: Development as well as Heritage.

Dec 15, 2025

World Inequality Report 2026 flags sharp rise in India's wealth gap

The World Inequality Report 2026, published by the World Inequality Lab in December 2025, positions India among the most unequal large economies globally. It notes that growth from the mid-2010s has disproportionately benefited the richest, widening regional, gender, and social gaps. In 2025, the richest 10 percent accounted for 58 percent of national income, while the top 1 percent held 22.6 percent, the highest since independence. The bottom half received only 15 percent. Wealth concentration is more severe, with the top 10 percent owning about 65 percent of household assets and the top 1 percent controlling over 40 percent. The report cites weak labour protections and a regressive tax regime as drivers.

2025 income shares: top 10% 58%, top 1% 22.6%, bottom 50% 15%
Wealth: top 10% hold ~65% of household assets; top 1% >40%
Gender gap: women earn 18% of labour income
Rural-urban and caste divides persist in income patterns
Causes: skilled‑urban bias, corporate power, weak labour protection
Tax-to-GDP remains low, limiting redistribution

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