“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Mine Awareness Day 2025

International Mine Awareness Day is observed annually on April 4 to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and to promote efforts for mine clearance. The theme for 2025 is “Safe Futures Start Here.” The day highlights the impact of landmines on civilians, the need for demining efforts, and the role of new technologies in addressing this issue. The United Nations (UN) and other global organizations mark this day by conducting awareness campaigns, assisting affected communities, and advocating for a landmine-free world.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Army’s Batalik Cricket League 2025

The Indian Army organized the Batalik Cricket League at Jubar Stadium, Batalik as part of the celebrations for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025. This event aimed to promote sports, engage local youth, and contribute to regional development. It was a step toward fostering community engagement and supporting local artisans.

 “APPOINTMENT”

Sohini Rajola Appointmented as Executive Director at NPCI

The Reserve The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has appointed Sohini Rajola as its Executive Director. This decision is part of NPCI’s leadership enhancement strategy to drive the adoption of its payment solutions. Rajola’s vast experience in the payments and digital banking sectors will play a key role in the further development and adoption of NPCI’s solutions. The appointment comes at a time when UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is achieving record growth in both value and volume.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Chaiti Chhath Puja 2025

Chaiti Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. It is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh with great devotion. This festival falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra and is considered very sacred. Devotees believe that offering prayers and following the rituals with a pure heart can fulfill all their wishes. As Chaiti Chhath Puja 2025 approaches, let’s learn about its start and end dates, along with the schedule of important rituals like Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.

India Ranks 36 in Network Readiness Index

India has made notable progress in its ability to adopt and integrate frontier technologies, with its ranking improving significantly on the global network readiness index. According to the 2025 Technology and Innovation Report by UNCTAD, India ranks 36th out of 170 nations, marking a substantial improvement from its previous ranking of 48th in 2022. This progress is a result of multiple factors, including improvements in ICT deployment, research and development (R&D) activity, industrial capacity, and finance, with a particular emphasis on AI and nanotechnology.

Shirley Botchwey becomes 1st African woman to assume office as Commonwealth Secretary-General

Shirley Botchwey has become the first African woman to assume the office of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations. She replaced Patricia Scotland of Dominica, who incidentally was the first woman to hold the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Ahmedabad’s Famous Saudagari Block Print Receives GI Tag

The Saudagari block print, a traditional craft practiced by artisans in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has been officially recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This unique handcrafted textile art has been preserved for generations and continues to be a significant part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.