“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2024: Celebrating Unity in Diversity

On May 21st, the world celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This important day, designated by UNESCO, aims to highlight the richness of global cultures and the vital role of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. The World Day for Cultural Diversity reminds us that 89% of all current conflicts in the world occur in countries with low levels of intercultural dialogue. To forge effective cooperation and sustain peace, strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority.

“SPORTS”

Alexander Zverev and Iga Swiatek Reign Supreme at Italian Open 2024

German tennis star Alexander Zverev etched his name in history by winning the Italian Open singles title for the second time. The 25-year-old defeated the first-time Masters finalist, Nicolas Jarry of Chile, in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, to claim his eighth overall Masters title. Zverev’s journey to the Italian Open title was a testament to his unwavering spirit. This was his third final appearance at the prestigious tournament, having previously won the title in 2017 by defeating Novak Djokovic, marking his first-ever Masters triumph. However, in 2018, he fell short against Rafael Nadal in the final.

Indian Para Athlete Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Gold and Sets New World Record

Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the women’s T20 400m event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2024. Her stunning performance on Monday not only secured India’s first gold medal at the prestigious event but also set a new world record time of 55.07 seconds.

Brazil to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

Brazil was declared the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at the FIFA Congress. Brazil beating the joint bid of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany to become the first South American country to hold the tournament. The Brazil bid received the backing of 119 member associations of the FIFA Congress to host the 10th edition of the competition, compared to 78 votes for the European bid.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Triumph at Thailand Open 2024

The world’s third-ranked Indian badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty etched their names in glory by winning the coveted Thailand Open 2024 men’s doubles title. In a thrilling final clash on May 19, 2024, the dynamic duo defeated the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi with a scoreline of 21-15, 21-15, in a match that lasted 46 minutes.

Max Verstappen won Emilia Romagna GP

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second. It was the 59th career win for the three-time Formula 1 world champion who kept Norris at bay despite struggling with his car. Verstappen took his third consecutive win in Imola to take his season’s tally to five in seven races. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fourth to make it a solid performance for the team.

“APPOINTMENT”

IndiaFirst Life Insurance appoints Rushabh Gandhi as MD & CEO

The board of IndiaFirst Life Insurance has approved the elevation of Rushabh Gandhi, deputy chief executive officer, as MD and CEO. He will succeed R.M. Vishakha, Managing Director & CEO, who will be retiring on June 30. Gandhi will have a five-year term effective July 1 or the date of receipt of regulatory approvals, whichever is later.

Lai Ching-te Sworn in as New Taiwan President, Urges China to Halt Military Intimidation

Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s new President in a ceremony on Monday after winning the election earlier this year. He succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through eight years marked by economic and social progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s increasing military threats. Lai, a relative moderate, aims to maintain Taiwan’s policy of de facto independence while bolstering its defense capabilities against China.

Sanjiv Puri Elected CII President for 2024-25: A Leadership Transition

In a significant leadership transition, Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd., has been elected as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the term 2024-25. Puri succeeds R Dinesh, Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, in this prestigious role. Alongside Puri, Rajiv Memani assumes the position of President-Designate, while R Mukundan takes on the role of Vice President for the same term.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Receives First Stamp Commemorating 200 Years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka

Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the first stamp released to commemorate the completion of 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka. The stamp was presented by the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman. The event aimed to recognize and honor the IOT community, which has faced decades of neglect. Thondaman expressed gratitude to both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments for their support to the IOT community.

Blue Origin’s NS-25 Mission: Gopi Thotakura Makes History as First Indian Space Tourist

In a groundbreaking moment for space tourism, Indian expatriate Gopi Thotakura joined the ranks of space explorers as the first Indian to embark on a journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The NS-25 mission, part of Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin program, saw Thotakura and five other crew members lift off aboard the New Shepard spacecraft from a private ranch in West Texas. Among the crew was also Ed Dwight, marking the first time a Black astronaut ventured into space. This mission marked the program’s return to space tourism after a two-year hiatus following a rocket mishap. Thotakura’s inclusion in the crew highlights the growing diversity and global participation in space exploration.

World highest competition swimming pool opens in Bhutan

World Aquatics has announced the opening of the first-ever competitive swimming pool at a record altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level in Bhutan. The pool is part of the Pools for All Program to promote aquatic sports in the region. Swimming’s global governing body launched the program in 2019 to ensure accessible aquatics facilities to more countries and regions.