The Ministry of Culture has launched a powerful and binding initiative, Ek Desh Ek Dhadkan (One Nation, One Heartbeat), to honour the bravehearts of the nation. The slogan Ek Desh Ek Dhadkan is being widely adopted across digital platforms, amplifying the spirit of unity, patriotic fervour and reverence for the Tiranga.

The campaign has already begun to resonate strongly with citizens across India. Over the past 48 hours, all 43 institutions under its aegis of the Ministry of Culture have shown cohesive and enthusiastic participation. The Ministry said, prominent cultural institutions and heritage sites have been illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. Under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, more than 60 heritage monuments across the country have been lit with the tricolour.

India and the European Union have jointly launched two major research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), aiming to develop innovative solutions in the areas of marine pollution and green hydrogen production from waste. The projects, backed by a combined investment of ₹391 crore (approximately €41 million), mark a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in science and technology.

The TTC, established in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, serves as a platform to deepen strategic collaboration in trade and technology between India and the EU.

The first initiative focuses on tackling the pressing issue of marine plastic litter and other pollutants. Co-funded by the European Union and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, this project aims to develop advanced tools to monitor, assess, and reduce the harmful impact of pollutants such as microplastics, heavy metals, and organic compounds on marine ecosystems. The research is expected to contribute to global commitments like the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and support national policies, including India’s National Marine Litter Policy and the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce have been named ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for April 2025, respectively. Miraz played a pivotal role in helping Bangladesh level the two-match series 1-1 against Zimbabwe.

As a result, Miraz became just the third player from Bangladesh to win the men’s monthly award after Shakib al Hasan, who won in March 2023 and Mushfiqur Rahim. The spin all-rounder played a pivotal role in his team’s victory in the second Test, putting his all-round skills on display.

Miraz scored a magnificent century, playing an innings of 104 (162), with the help of 11 fours and a six. The off-spinner also scalped a five-wicket haul (5/32) in the second innings to help his team register a comprehensive win by an innings and 106 runs. The 27-year-old was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational performance.

Our natural balance is presently at risk, and human actions further amplify and drive many species to the brink of extinction. National Endangered Species Day calls for a crucial effort to preserve endangered species and their habitats.

It is observed annually on the third Friday of May worldwide, and this year, in 2025, it’s falling on May 16, Friday, under the theme “celebrate saving species”. It calls for action to reduce the harmful human activities that threaten species, while also encouraging us to be more mindful and contribute to the well-being of nature and endangered species.

To inspire people globally to learn more about endangered animals and their conservation, the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson co-founded National Endangered Species Day in 2006.

On May 16, the United Nations celebrates International Day of Light (IDL), an annual global movement to increase awareness of the essential role that light-based technologies play in everyday life and commemorate the anniversary of physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman’s first successful laser operation in 1960.

The IDL emphasises the role of such technologies in science, technology, art, and culture, thereby contributing to UNESCO’s goal of education, equality, and peace. In 2025, it’s being celebrated on Friday, May 16, under the theme “Light, Innovation, Society.”

“The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields,” according to the lightday.org website.

India is observing National Dengue Day 2025 on May 16 to raise awareness about the growing threat of dengue fever, particularly during the monsoon season. With cases often spiking due to stagnant water and increased mosquito breeding, the government aims to highlight the importance of early prevention, public participation, and timely medical care to control the spread of the disease.

With the early arrival of the monsoon, the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports across the country to step up surveillance for vector-borne diseases. Authorities have been asked to strengthen preventive and control measures to curb the spread of infections such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

The advisory comes amid concerns over rising cases during the rainy season, a period that typically sees a surge in mosquito breeding and transmission. India continues to report a significant number of cases and deaths linked to vector-borne illnesses each year, making early intervention and preparedness critical.

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for April 2025 after putting in solid all-round performances in the home Test series against Zimbabwe. He beat Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and New Zealand’s Ben Sears to clinch the monthly award.

Mehidy also becomes only the third player from Bangladesh to win the award and the first one to do it in over two years - Shakib Al Hasan was the last Bangladesh player to win the award in March 2023, while Mushfiqur Rahim is the other one to have been adjudged winner of the honour.

"It’s an incredible honor to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. The ICC Awards are the ultimate recognition for any cricketer, and to receive this from a global vote means a lot to me.”

India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high, witnessing a remarkable 34-fold increase over the past decade, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“India exported defence goods worth Rs. 23,622 crore in 2024–25, compared to just Rs. 686 crore in 2013–14,” his office stated in a post on X. The Minister emphasized that the dramatic rise underscores the growing strength of India’s defence sector, fuelled by the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Driven by the Make in India initiative and strategic policy interventions such as Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the government has sought to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, boost exports, attract foreign investments, and reduce dependency on imports.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, launched two portals to improve the Gujarat Police's ability to combat crime in both street and cyberspace, implementing timely advancements in intelligence, surveillance, and conviction, the Chief Minister's office said in a press release.

The Chief Minister launched these portals to improve citizen-centric services, build public trust in government offices, and maximise the use of technology. With these portals, citizens will now have access to online services, reducing the need for in-person visits to police stations, thereby promoting ease of governance. Additionally, the Chief Minister also initiated the statewide launch of the Cyber Crime Refund Portal, "Tera Tujhko Arpan."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced an AI anchor named Ankita on Wednesday, marking a first-of-its-kind digital initiative to promote digital transformation and citizen engagement.

In a post on X, CM Sarma wrote, "Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings you the latest updates on the recent Assam Cabinet meeting. From approving the change of Dibrugarh Airport's name after Bhupen Hazarika to a one-time grant for tea garden workers, we made a host of decisions for the public. Drop in your views!"

The post also featured a short video of the AI-generated anchor Ankita delivering key updates from the latest cabinet meeting in a professional tone and fluent Assamese.