“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Standards Day 2025 Celebrates Global Collaboration for a Better Future

Every year on 14 October, the world celebrates World Standards Day to recognize the invaluable contributions of experts and organizations who develop international standards. Spearheaded by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the day pays tribute to the global effort that underpins the functioning, safety, and interoperability of systems across borders.

2025 Theme: “A Shared Vision for a Better World”

“AWARDS”

Israel to Award Trump Top Civilian Honor for Gaza Ceasefire

In a high-profile diplomatic gesture, Israel has announced it will award its highest civilian honor — the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor — to former US President Donald Trump. The decision recognizes Trump’s “instrumental role” in facilitating a recent Gaza ceasefire and aiding the release of Israeli hostages, highlighting his continued influence on Middle East geopolitics even after leaving office.

Kaziranga Director Sonali Ghosh Wins Global Sustainability Award

Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in sustainable protected area management. The honor was conferred by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi on October 10, 2025.

Forest Rangers Honored with 2025 International Ranger Awards

Forest rangers—often the first and last line of defense for global biodiversity—were honored at the 2025 International Ranger Awards, recognizing their unmatched courage and unwavering service to wildlife protection and forest conservation. The awards, presented by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), highlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices rangers make in safeguarding the world’s most fragile ecosystems. The ceremony celebrated rangers from 13 countries, including Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and brought global attention to the dangers and duties rangers shoulder daily.

Rohit Sharma, Joe Root Shine at CEAT Cricket Rating Awards 2025

The 27th CEAT Cricket Rating Awards were held in Mumbai, honouring global cricket talents, with Rohit Sharma receiving a special memento for leading India to two ICC titles in 2024. Joe Root was named Best Male International Cricketer of the Year, while Brian Lara and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya won the Men’s Test Bowler of the Year award, highlighting outstanding international cricket performances.

“DEFENCE”

India, Australia Begin Joint Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

AUSTRAHIND 2025, the fourth edition of the annual joint military exercise between India and Australia, kicks off on October 13, 2025, in Perth, Australia. This bilateral engagement reflects the growing defence and strategic partnership between the two Indo-Pacific democracies. The exercise will continue until October 26 and is designed to improve operational synergy and deepen tactical interoperability between the two armies, particularly in complex urban warfare environments.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Delhi Government Triples Prize Money for State Handicraft Awards

The Delhi government has tripled the award money under the State Handicraft Awards Scheme to promote “Vocal for Local”, “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and “Make in India” initiatives. The prize for the Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskar (State Award) has been increased from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000, and the Rajya Dakshata Puraskar (State Merit Award) from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000. The number of awards has also been doubled to six Shilpkaar Puraskars (including one reserved for women) and 18 Dakshata Puraskars across diverse craft forms.