“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Yoga Day 2025

The International Day of Yoga, celebrated every year on 21st June, is more than just a symbolic observance; it is a global movement that promotes physical health, mental peace, and spiritual awareness. In 2025, this internationally celebrated day enters its 11th edition, bringing with it a renewed sense of commitment to both personal well-being and planetary health. With its origins rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, Yoga has evolved into a universal practice, transcending cultures, borders, and belief systems. The theme for International Yoga Day 2025 beautifully captures this global ethos. Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

“AWARDS”

Indian Animated Film Desi Oon Wins Jury Award at Annecy 2025

Indian animation is basking in global glory as Desi Oon, directed by acclaimed animator Suresh Eriyat, clinched the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025, the world’s most prestigious event in the animation industry. The film, rooted in Indian culture and visual storytelling, has also swept several other awards globally, positioning India as a rising force in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC-XR) sector.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Prof M Satish Kumar Appointed First Dean of Queen’s University Belfast’s GIFT City Campus

In a major boost to India–UK academic collaboration, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has appointed Prof M Satish Kumar as the first Dean of its upcoming campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Prof Kumar, a seasoned academic with over 25 years at QUB, will take charge in July 2025, marking a significant milestone as QUB becomes the first UK Russell Group University to establish a presence in GIFT City.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Two more wetlands from India added to Ramsar list

India’s list of wetlands of international importance has increased to 91 sites with the addition of Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both located in Rajasthan. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands to protect global biodiversity and support human life.

Sri Lanka Celebrates Poson Poya: Honoring 2000 Years of Buddhism

Sri Lanka is observing the sacred Poson Poya festival today, which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism on the island nation over 2,000 years ago. Celebrated on the full moon day in June, this festival marks the momentous occasion when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, preached the first sermon to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale. Devotees have gathered at sacred sites including Mihintale and Anuradhapura, with streets and temples adorned in vibrant lanterns and decorations.

India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index 2025

India ranked 131st out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, slipping from its previous rank of 127 in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) report. The ranking reflects a decline in gender parity across key areas like economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

Punjab Government Launches ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’ to Accelerate Industrial Approvals and Boost Ease of Doing Business

Punjab Government launched the FastTrack Punjab Portal to streamline industrial approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring investors get time-bound clearances with a guaranteed approval timeline of 45 days. If missed, deemed approval is automatically granted. The portal features a strong accountability mechanism, where delays are escalated to the Chief Secretary and trigger internal inquiries against responsible officials. The portal offers a Single-Window Clearance System, integrated with the Invest Punjab Portal, to issue statutory approvals like CLU, fire safety, forest, and pollution certificates within 15 days using just one stamp paper.