IMPORTANT DAYS
World Asthma Day 2025 observed on May 6.
• World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on the second Tuesday of May to raise awareness about asthma and its related issues.
• In 2025, this day will be observed on May 6.
• The 2025 theme, "Make inhaled treatments accessible for all," highlights the importance of providing universal access to asthma inhalers and medications.
• The initiative began in 1998, organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) during the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona.
• The inaugural event saw participation from more than 35 countries worldwide.
• Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, which causes breathing difficulties.
• Over 250 million individuals across the globe are affected by asthma.
• The World Health Organization reported that asthma was responsible for nearly 455,000 deaths globally in 2019.
APPOINTMENTS
Friedrich Merz Becomes Germany’s New Chancellor
• Friedrich Merz was elected Chancellor of Germany after securing a majority in the second round of voting in the Lower House.
• Out of 630 lawmakers, Merz received 325 votes, surpassing the 316 needed to win.
• In the first voting round, Merz only gained 310 votes, marking the first time since 1949 a Chancellor candidate failed to win initially.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Merz on his appointment as Federal Chancellor.
• Germany is a Central European nation known for its strong economy and key role within the European Union.
• Berlin is the capital city, and the country uses the Euro as its currency.
• Germany is the most populous member of the European Union.
• The Chancellor is the head of government (currently Friedrich Merz), while Frank-Walter Steinmeier serves as the President, the head of state.
AWARDS
AIFF Awards 2025
• Subhasish Bose received the Men’s Player of the Year award at the AIFF Awards 2025.
• Soumya Guguloth was recognized as the Women’s Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season.
• Khalid Jamil was named Best Men’s Coach, while Sujata Kar earned the Best Women’s Coach accolade.
• Vishal Kaith and Elangbam Panthoi Chanu were honored as the top goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s divisions.
• Brison Fernandes and Toijam Thoibisana Chanu were acknowledged as the Most Promising Players of the Year.
• AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey praised Odisha for its strong support in advancing football.
• The award ceremony was attended by Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
• Young stars Brison Fernandes and Toijam Thoibisana Chanu received special recognition for their outstanding achievements.
STATE NEWS
Andhra Pradesh to Develop India’s First Transmedia Entertainment City
• Andhra Pradesh is partnering with Creativeland Asia to create India’s inaugural Transmedia Entertainment City.
• The collaboration was formalized through an MoU signed in Amaravati on May 1, 2025.
• The announcement followed momentum gained at the WAVES Summit 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• The new city, named "Creator Land," aims to boost the creative economy, tourism, skill development, and job creation in the state.
• Facilities will include advanced studios for cinema, gaming, advertising, and technology-driven storytelling.
• A cutting-edge Virtual Studio Complex will feature AI-powered real-time rendering and volumetric capture technologies.
• Entertainment zones will offer immersive experiences using AR, VR, MR, alongside gaming areas and e-sports arenas.
• Creator Land will house a Global Cinema Co-Production Hub, an academy for youth training in VFX, AI, gaming, and virtual production, and will attract international investments.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan
• At the Asian Development Bank’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with ADB President Masato Kanda.
• Sitharaman emphasized India’s focus on driving economic growth through private sector participation.
• She outlined ongoing efforts to improve the business climate via policy and regulatory reforms.
• Important reforms highlighted included the Goods and Services Tax, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and lowered corporate tax rates.
• Major initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, GatiShakti National Master Plan, and Startup India were also discussed.
• ADB President Masato Kanda assured full support for India’s development goals.
• The meeting commenced on May 4, 2025, in Milan, Italy.
• The event’s theme was “Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow,” focusing on collaborative growth and innovation.
