random events.
+- pop
+- BP for ships, CF, Army units, etc
+- finance( as applied to pop tech or a lump sum)
One time bonus to research (Dr whoisy publishes paper, +1200 rp to laser)
Crew gets a xp bonus do to a Lt doing training or something.
trade bonus item discovered.
unrest level goes down/ or up
additional reservoir of minerals found. or overestimated!
and so on.