IMPORTANT DAYS

National Technology Day 2025 observed on May 11

• National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 across India.

• The 2024 theme focused on inspiring youth, titled “From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate.”

• The day honors India’s remarkable technological progress and innovative accomplishments.

• It commemorates the successful Pokhran nuclear test conducted on May 11, 1998.

• Since 1999, this day has been celebrated to recognize significant national tech milestones.

• On the same date, the indigenous aircraft ‘Hansa-3’ completed its successful test flight.

• Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test-fired the Trishul missile on this day.

Buddha Purnima: Celebrating the Birth and Enlightenment of Gautam Buddha on May 12

• Buddha Purnima is observed annually on May 12, marking the birth of Gautam Buddha.

• The day also commemorates Buddha’s attainment of Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.

• It is widely celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus across the globe.

• The festival holds great significance in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and several others.

• Gautam Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama into the noble Kshatriya family of the Shakya clan in Lumbini, Nepal, in 563 BCE.

• He achieved enlightenment under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya.

• His first sermon, known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana, laid the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

• The day is marked by prayers, rituals, and celebrations honoring Buddha’s life and teachings worldwide.

International Day of Plant Health: Raising Global Awareness on May 12

• The International Day of Plant Health is observed annually on May 12 to emphasize the critical role of plant health in sustaining life.

• Established by the United Nations, this day aims to increase global awareness about protecting plant health.

• Healthy plants contribute to eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, preserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, and boosting economic growth.

• The day is a continuing legacy of the International Year of Plant Health celebrated in 2020.

• The 2025 theme highlights the connection between plant health and the "One Health" approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.

• This year’s observance urges everyone to recognize the importance of plant health in maintaining overall ecosystem wellbeing.

• It calls for collective action to safeguard the health of plants and all living systems.

• The day encourages individuals and organizations worldwide to promote sustainable practices for plant protection.

International Nurses Day 2025 celebrated on May 12

• International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12 to acknowledge nurses' vital role in healthcare and global health security.

• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.

• Since 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has led the observance of this special day.

• The 2025 theme is "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies."

• This year’s focus is on promoting the health and well-being of nurses themselves.

• The day highlights how supporting nurses positively impacts healthcare systems and economies worldwide.

• It serves as a reminder of the dedication and critical contributions nurses make to patient care.

• International Nurses Day encourages global efforts to value and empower nursing professionals.

NATIONAL NEWS

India’s Remarkable Progress in Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality Ahead of 2030 SDG Targets

• India is making significant strides in lowering maternal and child mortality rates, aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

• The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, released on May 7, 2025, shows Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 to 93 per 100,000 live births between 2014–16 and 2019–21.

• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 39 to 27, Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) from 26 to 19, and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births over the same period.

• Fertility rate fell to 2.0 in 2021 from 2.3 in 2014, while the sex ratio at birth improved from 899 to 913.

• Eight states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, have achieved the SDG target of MMR below 70, with several others meeting targets for U5MR and NMR.

• India’s mortality reduction surpasses global trends, with an 86% drop in MMR since 1990, compared to a 48% global decline.

• Child mortality rates have also improved sharply, with India reducing U5MR by 78%, IMR by 71%, and NMR by 70%, exceeding worldwide averages.

• Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, offering ₹5 lakh health coverage per family, along with free institutional deliveries and enhanced healthcare services, have been key drivers of this progress.

SPORTS

India Shines at Archery World Cup 2025 in Shanghai with Seven Medals

• India concluded the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on May 11, winning a total of seven medals.

• The medal tally included two golds, one silver, and four bronze medals across various events.

• Parth Sushant Salunkhe and Deepika Kumari earned bronze in Men’s and Women’s Individual Recurve categories, respectively.

• Parth defeated France’s Olympic medallist Baptiste Addis 6-4, while Deepika beat Korea’s Kang Chae-young 7-3 in their bronze medal matches.

• Madhura Dhamangaonkar secured gold in the Women’s Compound Individual event.

• The Men’s Compound team—Abhishek Verma, Rishabh Yadav, and Ojas Deotale—clinched the team gold medal.

• The Women’s Compound team, consisting of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Madhura, won silver.

• Madhura and Abhishek took bronze in the mixed compound team event, while Rishabh Yadav earned individual bronze in Men’s Compound. The next World Cup stage is scheduled for Antalya from June 3 to 8.