Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024

• On January 1, 2025, the "Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024" takes the place of the antiquated "Aircraft Act of 1934”.
• The Act establishes an online grievance redressal mechanism to enhance service quality and consumer protection in air travel.
• It will encourage investment and innovation by streamlining air traffic control, encouraging aircraft leasing, increasing production, and simplifying regulations.
• The Act regulates the safe and effective use, production, and operation of drones in line with advancements in aviation technology.
• The Act modernizes aviation laws, providing regulatory authority to enhance safety and efficiency, covering design, maintenance, operation.
• The law aims to enhance India's global aviation industry competitiveness by ensuring compliance with international aviation authorities.
• The Act promotes the "Make in India" initiative, aiming to enhance the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the aviation sector.

Russian gas transit via Ukraine end

• On January 1, 2025, Russian gas shipments via Ukraine ceased due to Ukraine's refusal to extend its gas transit deal with Gazprom.
• Russian gas shipments to Europe via Ukraine decreased from 65 billion cubic meters in 2022 to less than 14 billion cubic meters in December 2023.
• Ukraine experiences annual economic losses of $800 million to $1 billion in transit fees, while Russia is projected to lose nearly $5 billion.
• Slovakia primarily relying on Gazprom, while Austria was heavily reliant on this channel.
• Slovakia is currently receiving gas from Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, with the Czech Republic aiming to aid Slovakia in transit.
• Moldova faces energy challenges due to unpaid debts, potentially affecting its reliance on Russian gas, and is aiming to diversify energy sources.
• The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, a crucial Russian gas route to Europe, has faced uncertain future due to changing geopolitical conditions.

African Union Mission AUSSOM has been approved for Somalia

• African Union anti-terrorism campaign in Somalia will be replaced by African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) from January 1, 2025.
• AUSSOM will prioritize fighting terrorism and supporting Somalia's indigenous forces to enhance security and stability in the region.
• Since 2006, Somalia has relied on international security support due to prolonged conflict sparked by an Ethiopian invasion.
• US and EU, major donors of AU forces in Somalia, are advocating for troop reduction amid concerns about long-term funding obligations.
• The UN Security Council approved the AUSSOM mission motion, with the US abstaining due to financial concerns.
• The international community's role in stabilizing Somalia is significantly enhanced by the provision of sufficient funds and continuous foreign assistance.

Central Government announced new subsidies and insurance initiatives for farmers

• The Union Cabinet has extended the Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser subsidy at ₹3500 per metric tonne starting January 1, 2025.
• The program, funded by ₹3850 crore, aims to keep DAP prices within farmers' means during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2024-2025.
• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana insurance plan, with a budget of ₹69515.71 crore, will be operational from 2025-2026.
• The Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) will continue to operate from 2025-2026, offering weather-based insurance.
• The Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) and has allocated ₹824.77 crore for its implementation.
• The Weather Information and Network Data System (WINDS) is set to improve weather data collection and will be implemented from 2024-2025.
• The Cabinet has authorized the trading of Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) with Indonesia through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as a year of significant reforms (Defense)

• Defence Ministry declared 2025 as "Year of Reforms" to upgrade armed forces, focusing on integrated military strategy, innovative technology declared on January  1, 2025.
• Integrated Theatre Commands established to enhance operational effectiveness by enhancing coordination between Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The Ministry plans to integrate advanced technology such as robots, artificial intelligence, machine learning into military operations.
• The reforms emphasize the importance of inter-service collaboration, ensuring successful integrated operations.
• The changes aim to enhance military capabilities and preparedness by facilitating quicker access to new technology and equipment.
• The Ministry of Defence is promoting public-private partnerships to enhance cooperation between the defence and civil sectors.
• India aims to become a major defence exporter by 2025 through increased R&D and collaborations with manufacturers.

Dr. K.S. Manilal

• Dr. K.S. Manilal, the esteemed botanist, died on January 1, 2025 in Thrissur, Keralaat the age of 86.
• Dr. K.S. Manilal was born in Kerala, earned his PhD from Sagar University and began his studies at Kerala University, where he made significant contributions to botany.
• He published 11 books and over 200 scientific articles, discovering 19 new plant species.
• Dr. Manilal spent 35 years studying and interpreting the Latin manuscript Hortus Malabaricus, listing Kerala's medicinal plants.
• He was 1st president of Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT), editor of Reedia magazine, and president of the Botanical Society of India.
• He received Padma Shri in 2020 for botany, Officer of Orange-Nassau Order in 2012, Vishwambhar Puri Medal, and E.K. Janaki Ammal Taxonomy Award.
• He established the Centre for Research in Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and Culture (CRIKSC) in Kozhikode in 1999.
• Dr. Manilal's research on plant biodiversity in Kozhikode and Silent Valley areas significantly enhanced our understanding of Kerala's diverse flora.