IMPORTANT DAYS”

8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025

The 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week is being observed from 12 to 18 May 2025, with the theme #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe. This global campaign aims to encourage safer urban infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and calls upon governments and communities to implement proven measures to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities.

UN Observes International Day of Plant Health to Safeguard Global Food Security

On May 12, the world observes the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness about the crucial role that plant health plays in ensuring food security, protecting biodiversity, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development. The observance serves as a legacy of the International Year of Plant Health (2020) and emphasizes the importance of protecting plants from pests, diseases, and environmental threats as part of the broader One Health approach.

“SPORTS”

Aryna Sabalenka Clinches Third Madrid Open Title with Win Over Coco Gauff

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to win her third Madrid Open title, marking her 31st career victory on Madrid clay. This was Sabalenka’s sixth final of the year and her 37th overall, and she has now won WTA titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid in 2024. Gauff, who had defeated Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, was overpowered by Sabalenka’s consistent play and a tie-break finish sealed by Gauff’s double fault.

Deepika Kumari Clinches Bronze at Archery World Cup Stage 2

India’s top archer, Deepika Kumari, secured a bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 held in Shanghai on May 11, 2025. After a tough semifinal loss to world No. 1 Lim Sihyeon, Deepika displayed remarkable resilience and composure to defeat Korea’s Kang Chae Young 7-3 in the bronze medal playoff. This victory brought India’s medal tally at the event to six, further establishing the country’s prowess in archery.

“AWARDS”

La Prensa Honoured with UNESCO Press Freedom Prize Amidst Government Repression

In a powerful endorsement of journalistic courage, Nicaragua’s century-old newspaper La Prensa has been awarded the 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Despite facing escalating repression from the Ortega-Murillo regime—including arrests, exile, and asset confiscation—La Prensa has continued its fearless reporting, championing truth and accountability in a country where press freedoms have dramatically eroded.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates BrahMos Missile Production Unit in Lucknow

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production unit at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in Lucknow. The facility, built at a cost of Rs 300 crore, is designed to manufacture 80 to 100 BrahMos missiles annually, amid rising military tensions with Pakistan. The production unit will produce the BrahMos missile, which has a range of 290 to 400 km and a top speed of Mach 2.8. The missile, developed by BrahMos Aerospace (a joint venture between India and Russia), can be launched from land, sea, or air and uses a “fire and forget” guidance system.

Taliban Suspends Chess in Afghanistan Over Sharia Law Concerns

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has officially suspended the sport of chess, citing concerns over its compatibility with Islamic law. The move, announced on May 12, 2025, reflects the Taliban’s ongoing imposition of stricter regulations on recreational and cultural activities since regaining power in August 2021. The ban is temporary, pending review by religious authorities, but has already impacted everyday life in Kabul and beyond.