“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on May 17 to spotlight the critical role of communication and information technologies in modern society. As we navigate an era defined by digital connectivity, the observance promotes awareness about how these technologies can drive inclusive development, close digital gaps, and empower communities. In 2025, the focus is aligned with using digital innovation for sustainable development, emphasizing the global push to harness technology for climate action, education, and equitable growth.

“SPORTS”

Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic

Indian chess prodigy Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa achieved a major milestone in his career by winning his first-ever Grand Chess Tour tournament — the Superbet Classic 2025 held in Bucharest, Romania. He emerged victorious after a tense tiebreak battle against top-ranked players including Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, marking a historic moment for Indian chess on the global stage.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Kathryn Bryce Win ICC Players of the Month for April 2025

Bangladesh’s top all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2025, recognizing his outstanding performance in the two-Test series against Zimbabwe. This is Mehidy’s first time winning the award, making him the third Bangladeshi cricketer to receive this honour after Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.

“SCIENCE”

‘Samudrayaan’: India’s first manned deep ocean mission to be launched by 2026 end

India’s first manned deep ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan’, aims to explore depths of up to 6,000 meters using the indigenous submersible vehicle ‘Matsya’, carrying three scientists, with launch planned by the end of 2026. The advanced 25-tonne, titanium-hulled submersible is designed to withstand extreme oceanic pressure and temperature, marking a breakthrough in India’s deep-sea research, opening new possibilities in ocean resource assessment and tourism.

“AWARDS”

Miss Estonia Creates History by Winning Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad

In a spectacular showcase of athleticism and global camaraderie, Miss Estonia Eliise Randmaa created history by clinching the gold medal at the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. Competing against 107 delegates from around the world, Randmaa’s victory marked Estonia’s first advancement to the next round of the Miss World pageant in over two decades.

President Murmu Confers Highest Literary Honour to Gulzar & Rambhadracharya

In a momentous celebration of India’s literary richness, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to poet-lyricist Gulzar and scholar-saint Rambhadracharya at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This prestigious event honoured two iconic figures whose contributions have profoundly shaped Indian literature—Gulzar through his emotionally resonant poetry and songwriting, and Rambhadracharya through his erudite Sanskrit and Hindi compositions, along with his work in education and spiritual literature.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Syndicate Bank Appoints Arun Shrivastava as MD and CEO

Arun Shrivastava has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Syndicate Bank, ending a nine-month leadership vacancy caused by the arrest of the previous CMD, S K Jain, in a graft case. Shrivastava brings over 30 years of banking experience, having worked at Bank of Baroda and Bank of India, where he managed key portfolios including corporate debt restructuring, international operations, and credit monitoring.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ in Nepal A Local Mourning on Loss

The Yala Glacier in Nepal, once a crucial site for glaciological training and cryosphere research in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH), has now been officially declared “dead” — marking a significant and symbolic loss in the global climate crisis. On May 12, 2025, scientists, local communities, and monks gathered in Langtang, Nepal, to hold a poignant memorial for the glacier, which has retreated dramatically over recent decades. This event highlights the severe impact of global warming on Himalayan glaciers, with profound consequences for water security and ecological stability across South Asia.