“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Thalassaemia Day 2025

On May 8, 2025, the global community observes World Thalassaemia Day, aiming to raise awareness about thalassaemia—a hereditary blood disorder—and to promote preventive measures, early diagnosis, and patient-centered care. This annual observance underscores the significance of uniting communities and prioritizing patients in the fight against thalassaemia.

World Thalassaemia Day 2025 is being observed today, emphasizing the theme “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients”. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with thalassaemia and the collective efforts required to address them.

World Athletics Day 2025 Celebrated Globally to Promote Youth Fitness

World Athletics Day 2025, celebrated globally on May 7, continues its tradition of promoting athletic participation, especially among youth, and advocating for health-conscious lifestyles. Initiated by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)—now known as World Athletics—this annual event encourages schools, colleges, and local communities to organize track and field competitions, thereby instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

“AWARDS”

Subhasish Bose named Men’s Player of the Year at All India Football Federation Awards 2025

Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth were honoured as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively for the 2024–25 season during the AIFF Awards 2025 held in Bhubaneswar. Khalid Jamil and Sujata Kar won Best Coaches in the men’s and women’s categories, while Vishal Kaith and Elangbam Panthoi Chanu were named Best Goalkeepers.

 “SCIENCE”

DRDO conducts maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform

DRDO conducted the first flight-trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, reaching an altitude of 17 km and flying for 62 minutes with a scientific payload. Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, the test validated envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, with onboard sensors collecting critical data for future simulation models.

“ APPOINTMENT”

FSIB recommends Sanjay Joshi as CMD of Oriental Insurance Company

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended Sanjay Joshi for the position of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) at Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL). Recently, the government appointed Executive Director Amit Misra as the acting CMD of the company for a three-month period starting 1 March 2025.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Arunachal Pradesh Drills First Geothermal Production Well

In a significant leap towards sustainable and renewable energy in India’s northeastern region, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the first geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. This historic development marks a breakthrough in tapping high-altitude geothermal potential and promises to bring eco-friendly heating and agricultural processing technologies to the region.

Biju Patnaik Memorial Unveiled in Delhi for Battle of Stalingrad Contribution

Russia honoured the legendary Indian leader and aviator Biju Patnaik by inaugurating a memorial plaque at its embassy in New Delhi, recognizing his contributions during the historic Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The ceremony was attended by former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov. While Biju Patnaik is often remembered for his political legacy, his courageous role as a wartime pilot supplying the besieged Red Army has earned him international respect and historical acclaim.