IMPORTANT DAYS

World Blood Donor Day 2025 observed on June 14.

• World Blood Donor Day 2025 is observed globally on June 14 each year to highlight the significance of voluntary blood donation.

• The day focuses on the life-saving value of blood and blood products, and the importance of safe transfusion practices.

• The 2025 theme is “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” emphasizing the collective impact of donors in saving lives.

• The observance also commemorates the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, who identified and categorized the ABO blood group system.

• The event is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with organizations like IFRC, IFBDO, and ISBT.

• It aims to encourage regular, voluntary blood donations to ensure universal access to safe blood supplies.

• The campaign recognizes the critical role of donors and urges more people to come forward as regular blood contributors.

• World Blood Donor Day serves as a platform to thank selfless donors and raise awareness among governments to strengthen national blood services.

NATIONAL NEWS

International Day of Yoga 2025: India Leads with Unprecedented Global Engagement

• On June 21, 2025, over 100,000 yoga sessions will be conducted across India, all adhering to a common yoga protocol from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM.

• The theme for this year’s celebration is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, underlining the vital link between human health and environmental sustainability.

• Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, will host the central event, which is expected to be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• More than 65,000 organisations have come together under the “Yoga Sangam” campaign to organize nationwide sessions.

• The main gathering in Visakhapatnam will see participation from representatives of approximately 40 countries, showcasing the global embrace of yoga.

• In the national capital, Delhi, Yoga Day will be observed at 111 prominent sites, including heritage locations like Red Fort, Kartavya Path, and Lodhi Garden.

• The United Nations officially recognized June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, and it has since evolved into a global wellness movement beginning in 2015.

• Originating in ancient Indian tradition, yoga combines physical postures, mental focus, and spiritual balance to promote holistic health.

SPORTS

South Africa Clinches Maiden World Test Championship Title

• South Africa claimed their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title on June 14, 2025, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s.

• The Proteas successfully chased a target of 282 runs, registering the joint second-highest fourth-innings chase at the iconic venue.

• Aiden Markram anchored the victory with a superb 136, steering the team to a historic triumph.

• This win ended South Africa's reputation as 'chokers' and marked their first major ICC title since 1998.

• It was the third edition of the WTC, with New Zealand winning the inaugural title in 2021 and Australia clinching the second in 2023.

• The WTC was introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2019 to provide context and structure to Test cricket.

• The first WTC cycle began with the 2019 Ashes series and concluded with New Zealand’s win over India in the final.

• South Africa’s WTC 2025 win is seen as a landmark achievement, reshaping their image in world cricket and breaking a legacy of missed opportunities.

AWARDS

Alexander Payne to Receive Prestigious Honour at Locarno Film Festival 2025

• Acclaimed filmmaker Alexander Payne will be awarded the Pardo d’Onore at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 15, 2025.

• Payne, known for his distinct storytelling in American cinema, is a director, screenwriter, and producer with a celebrated body of work.

• His career accolades include 3 Academy Awards, 3 BAFTAs, and 8 Golden Globe wins, reflecting global recognition.

• The festival praised him for championing mid-budget films that appeal to adult audiences, a niche often overlooked.

• Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro highlighted Payne’s cinematic wisdom and unique narrative voice as key reasons for the honour.

• Payne has collaborated with legendary actors like Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and George Clooney, delivering memorable performances.

• The Pardo d’Onore award, launched in 2017, recognizes outstanding contributions to world cinema.

• The 2025 Locarno Film Festival will run from August 6 to August 16, celebrating global cinematic excellence.