1. Ukrainian Journalist Maksym Butkevych Receives Václav Havel Human Rights Award

• Award: Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2025
• Recipient: Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian journalist and human rights activist.
• Background: Butkevych, known for his work on refugee rights and anti-discrimination, was detained by Russian forces in 2022 during the Ukraine conflict.
• Awarding Body: Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
• Significance:
• Recognizes his courage and commitment to human dignity despite imprisonment.
• Highlights Europe’s ongoing support for freedom of speech and human rights defenders amid geopolitical crises.

2. PM Narendra Modi Writes Foreword for Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s Autobiography

• Details: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written the foreword for the autobiography of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• Book Significance: The book chronicles Meloni’s journey as Italy’s first female Prime Minister, her political evolution, and her global collaborations.
• Context:
• Reflects the growing India–Italy diplomatic partnership, especially in defense, trade, and technology.
• Marks a gesture of mutual respect and global friendship between the two leaders.

3. World’s Tallest Bridge – Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge Inaugurated in China

• Location: Guizhou Province, China
• Height: Approximately 2,000 feet (610 meters) above the canyon floor.
• Significance:
• Becomes the world’s tallest bridge, surpassing the Beipanjiang Bridge.
• Designed to boost connectivity and tourism in southwestern China.
• Engineering Achievement: Features advanced suspension technology and high wind-resistance design, symbolizing China’s infrastructure prowess.

4. Chandigarh Declared India’s First Slum-Free City

• Announced by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Achievement: Chandigarh has officially become India’s first slum-free city under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
• Key Measures:
• Successful rehabilitation of slum dwellers into modern housing complexes.
• Implementation of digital land mapping and housing reforms.
• Significance:
• A landmark in India’s urban development and inclusive housing mission.
• Model for replication in other metropolitan cities.

5. Balod (Chhattisgarh) Becomes India’s First Officially Child Marriage-Free District

• State: Chhattisgarh
• District: Balod
• Declaration: Recognized as India’s first officially child marriage-free district by the state government.
• Initiatives Taken:
• Extensive community awareness campaigns.
• Strict monitoring by District Child Protection Unit.
• Collaboration with NGOs and local women’s groups.
• Significance:
• Major step toward achieving UN SDG Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
• Sets a national benchmark for protecting child rights.

6. Lieutenant General Virendra Vats Assumes Charge as Director General of NCC

• Position: Director General, National Cadet Corps (NCC)
• Officer: Lieutenant General Virendra Vats
• Background: A decorated officer with a distinguished service record in the Indian Army.
• Predecessor: Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh.
• Significance:
• Will oversee NCC’s mission to instill discipline, leadership, and patriotism among youth.
• Expected to further strengthen the “Uniformed Youth Development” vision of the Government.