INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff:
Why in news?
Pakistan’s Chief Of Army Staff Asim Munir promoted to rank of Field Marshal
About the news in brief:
- In a dramatic move, the federal government in Pakistan, on 20 May 2025, promoted Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of field marshal, the highest military rank in the country.
- The rank is extremely rare-last awarded in 1959 to General Ayub Khan.
- The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reported Geo News.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. Pushkar Kumbh Mela:
Why in news?
Pushkar Kumbh Mela returns to Uttarakhand after a 12 years
About Pushkar Kumbh Mela:
- The event is being held at Keshav Prayag in Mana village from 15 to 26 May 2025. This sacred site is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers.
- The Pushkar Kumbh Mela is celebrated when Jupiter enters Gemini, which usually falls after every 12 years.
3. Maharishi Ved Vyas:
Why in news?
Mana village is associated with Maharishi Ved Vyas, the revered sage who composed the Mahabharata.
Village and its historical importance:
- It is also believed that notable South Indian scholars Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya received divine knowledge from Goddess Saraswati at this location.
TAMILNADU NEWS
4. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory:
Why in news?
Commemorative stamp unveiled on 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in brief:
- Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO).
- Located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) was established on 1 April 1899.
IMPORTANT PERSONALITY
5. Astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar:
why in news?
Renowned astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passes away
About Astrophysicist and his excellence:
- At the age of 87, Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on 20 May 2025 marking the end of an era in Indian science and cosmology.
- He was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Founding IUCAA – A Legacy Institution In 1988, at the invitation of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Dr. Narlikar took on a historic mission to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune.
- As Founding Director, he shaped IUCAA into a world-class research and teaching institution. He remained Director until his retirement in 2003, and later served as Emeritus Professor.
- IUCAA became a beacon of academic collaboration, drawing scientists and scholars from across the globe, thanks to Narlikar’s vision of inclusive, interdisciplinary science.
Awards and Honors:
- Padma Bhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26, making him one of the youngest recipients of the award.
- Padma Vibhushan in 2004 – India’s second highest civilian honors.
- Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2011 – the state’s top civilian honor.
- Kalinga Prize by UNESCO in 1996 for his outstanding work in the popularization of science.
- TWAS Prize in 2012 from the Third World Academy of Sciences for establishing a world-class scientific institution.
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
6. Chief Justice of Manipur High Court:
Why in news?
Justice K Somashekar appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court
About new Chief Justice of Manipur and his field of Excellence:
- President of India has appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar of the Karnataka High Court as the new Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
- The appointment came days after a three-member collegium headed by CJI B.R. Gavai had recommended this appointment in view of retirement of incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar