“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Pneumonia Day 2025: A Global Call to Protect Every Breath

World Pneumonia Day, observed annually on 12 November, is a global initiative to raise awareness about pneumonia — a preventable yet deadly disease. In 2025, the focus remains sharply on strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable vaccine access, and scaling up lifesaving resources like antibiotics and medical oxygen. Pneumonia continues to be the leading infectious killer of children under five, claiming more young lives than any other disease.

“DEFENCE”

6th India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX Begins in Hanoi

The 6th India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX commenced in Hanoi, Vietnam, with the aim of strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. Presided over by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, the exercise focuses on interoperability and UN peacekeeping operations. This exercise highlights the deepening strategic and military partnership between India and Vietnam.

“AWARDS”

David Szalay Wins the 2025 Booker Prize for Flesh: A Landmark for Hungarian-British Literature

In a landmark literary moment, David Szalay, the Hungarian-British author known for his piercing explorations of modern existence, has won the 2025 Booker Prize for his sixth novel, Flesh. The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London, where Szalay received the prestigious £50,000 prize and the Booker trophy from last year’s winner, Samantha Harvey.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Tata Trusts Appoints Neville Tata & Bhaskar Bhat as Trustees of  This Tata Trust

In a move that signals both generational transition and governance reform, the Tata Trusts have inducted Neville Tata, son of chairman Noel Tata, and veteran executive Bhaskar Bhat as trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT). This decision, announced on 11 November 2025, also included a significant policy shift—changing the tenure of existing trustee Venu Srinivasan from a lifetime appointment to a fixed three-year term, following regulatory changes by the Maharashtra government.

Rakshit Hargave Named CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries

In a major leadership announcement, Britannia Industries, one of India’s leading FMCG and food companies, has named Rakshit Hargave as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director for a five-year term. The appointment will take effect from December 15, 2025, following approval from company members, according to a stock exchange filing. This move marks a significant leadership transition at Britannia, as Hargave brings with him decades of experience across global consumer brands and successful business transformations.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Denmark Proposes Ban on Social Media Access for Children Below 15 Years

Denmark’s government has proposed banning social media access for children under 15 years to safeguard them from online risks and inappropriate content. The plan, led by the Ministry of Digitalisation, allows parents to grant consent for children aged 13–15 to use social media after an official assessment.

Sweden Becomes the World’s First Cashless Society

Sweden has become the world’s first cashless country, replacing physical money with digital payments through phones and cards. Travellers can easily pay anywhere — from shops to northern lights tours — using digital transactions. The transformation began with the launch of Swish, a mobile payment app introduced in 2012.