1) Andrzej Poczobut and Mazia Amaghloebell to receive the Sakharov Prize 2025
- Award: European Union’s Human Rights Award – Sakharov Prize 2025
- Recipients: Andrzej Poczobut (Belarusian journalist and activist) and Mazia Amaghloebell (Georgian human rights defender)
- About the Prize: Established in 1988 by the European Parliament, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought honors individuals or groups who have dedicated their lives to the defense of human rights and freedom of expression.
- Context: The award recognizes their courage in defending democracy and free speech in repressive political environments.
2) Supreme Court directs Jharkhand government to declare Saranda Forest as a Wildlife Sanctuary
- Directive: The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Jharkhand government to declare the Saranda Forest as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
- About Saranda Forest: Located in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, it is India’s largest Sal forest and an ecologically rich area.
- Significance: This decision aims to protect the forest from illegal mining and conserve biodiversity, ensuring long-term ecological sustainability in the region.
3) Veteran adman Piyush Pandey passes away
- Personality: Piyush Pandey, the creator of the famous slogan “Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar”, passed away.
- Career Highlights:
- Served as Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South Asia.
- Known for transforming Indian advertising with campaigns like Fevicol’s “The Ultimate Adhesive” and Cadbury Dairy Milk’s “Kuch Khaas Hai”.
- Legacy: Widely regarded as a creative icon, Pandey’s work bridged cultural narratives and modern marketing, reshaping the Indian advertising landscape.
4) PM Modi virtually attends the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia
- Event: 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Participation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit virtually.
- Focus Areas: Strengthening economic cooperation, digital connectivity, maritime security, and regional stability under the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Background: ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) includes 10 member states, and India has been a strategic partner since 2012.
5) Catherine Connolly elected as the 10th President of Ireland
- Name: Catherine Connolly
- Political Affiliation: Independent left-wing leader
- Achievement: Became the 10th President of Ireland, marking a shift toward progressive and inclusive politics in the country.
- Context: Connolly, known for her advocacy on women’s rights and social justice, succeeds Michael D. Higgins. Her election reflects Ireland’s evolving political landscape toward social equity and environmental consciousness.