Siachen Day, observed every year on April 13, marks the anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, the historic military operation launched by India in 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier.

This day honors the bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces who serve in one of the world’s most extreme terrains.

Key Points

• Launched on April 13, 1984, Operation Meghdoot was a preemptive strike by the Indian Army to occupy key passes and heights on the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh.
• The operation was aimed at thwarting Pakistan’s plans to claim the territory.
• It marked the first military operation of its kind in the world to be conducted at such extreme altitudes—over 20,000 feet above sea level.
• The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, is often called the world's highest battlefield.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan received the prestigious Master Humor Award at the 2025 Macau International Comedy Festival in recognition of his contributions to cinematic comedy and global appeal, especially in China.

Important highlights

• Aamir Khan received the Master Humor Award, one of the festival's highest honors, acknowledging his memorable performances in comedic cinema over the years.
• His unique ability to blend humor with social commentary—seen in films like 3 Idiots, PK, and Lagaaan—was a key reason for this recognition.
• Aamir Khan is one of the most beloved Indian actors in China, often affectionately referred to as “Uncle Mi” by Chinese fans.
• His films enjoy a strong cult following, especially 3 Idiots, PK, and Dangal, which resonated with audiences due to their emotional depth and cultural relatability.

Observed on April 14, World Chagas Disease Day 2025 aimed to raise global awareness about Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions.

This year’s theme, “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease,” highlighted the importance of a collective global response across prevention, disease management, and patient care.

What is Chagas Disease?

A parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, mainly spread by “kissing bugs,” and also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and mother-to-child transmission.

Global Impact

Chagas disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, silently affecting 6 to 7 million people worldwide, primarily in Latin America, but increasingly spreading to non-endemic regions—causing around 12,000 deaths annually and placing over 100 million people at risk due to migration and lack of awareness.

2025 Theme Focus

Prevent: Vector control and improved living conditions

Control: Early diagnosis and surveillance

Care: Access to treatment and long-term support

Global Action

WHO and PAHO are driving awareness, improving healthcare access, and supporting research for better diagnostics and treatments.

Why April 14?

Commemorates the first diagnosis by Dr. Carlos Chagas in 1909; the day was officially recognized by WHO in 2019.

Hockey India has named a 26-player squad for a crucial tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4. The matches will help the team gear up for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25 starting in June.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian women’s team will tour Australia from April 26 to May 4, with all matches taking place at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
• The tour includes five matches — the first two against Australia A and the next three against Australia’s senior national team.
• Midfielder Salima Tete will lead the team as captain, while seasoned forward Navneet Kaur has been appointed vice-captain.
• Veteran goalkeeper Savita and rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam will handle duties in the net, offering both experience and youthful energy.
• The defensive lineup features a mix of veterans like Sushila Chanu and newcomers such as Jyoti Singh and Sujata Kujur, adding depth and versatility.
• Captain Salima Tete will anchor the midfield, supported by players like Neha and Sharmila Devi, along with debutants Pooja Yadav and Mahima Tete.
• A strong and aggressive forward line includes Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, and Beauty Dungdung, aiming to deliver sharp attacks.
• Five players — Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete — have earned their first senior national team call-ups.
• The squad includes seven standby players covering all positions to ensure squad depth and injury backups during the tour.
• Head Coach Harendra Singh praised the team’s balance and highlighted the importance of the tour in refining tactics, boosting fitness, and building mental resilience ahead of the Pro League.

Indian archer Dhiraj Bommadevara delivered a stellar performance at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Auburndale, Florida, securing a bronze medal in the men's individual recurve event. This achievement contributed to India's overall tally of four medals at the tournament.

• In the bronze medal match, the 23-year-old Army archer faced Spain's Andres Temino Mediel.
• After trailing 2-4, Dhiraj showcased remarkable resilience, winning the final two sets to clinch the match 6-4.
• His composure under pressure was evident as he tied the first and third sets and then dominated the fourth and fifth to secure victory .
• India concluded the tournament with a commendable four medals:? Gold -1 , Silver - 1 and Bronze - 2

Dhiraj's Rising Profile

Hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dhiraj Bommadevara has been steadily making his mark in international archery. His latest accomplishment adds to his growing list of accolades and positions him as a prominent figure in India's archery landscape.

India has experienced a significant 38% increase in notified tuberculosis (TB) cases among children aged 14 and below, rising from 102,090 cases in 2020 to 141,182 in 2024. This alarming trend underscores the need for enhanced diagnostic measures, improved treatment access, and robust public health interventions.?

Keypoints

Notified pediatric TB cases escalated from 102,090 in 2020 to 141,182 in 2024, marking a 38% increase over five years. ?
eMediNexus

Experts attribute this surge to malnutrition, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a rise in drug-resistant TB strains. ?

Pediatric TB often presents with non-specific symptoms and is frequently extrapulmonary, complicating timely diagnosis. ?

Despite the rise in notified cases, pediatric TB remains underreported, with children accounting for only 5–7% of total TB notifications, compared to the expected 10–12%. ?

India contributes to 28% of the global pediatric TB burden, highlighting the country's critical role in addressing this public health challenge. ?
PMC

Government Initiatives:

The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is intensifying efforts to combat pediatric TB through:?

Enhanced Screening: Implementing widespread TB screening programs to facilitate early detection.?

Improved Diagnostics: Promoting the use of child-friendly diagnostic tools and techniques.?

Treatment Accessibility: Ensuring prompt treatment initiation with quality-assured drugs and regimens.?

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, particularly in managing drug-resistant TB and ensuring comprehensive coverage across diverse regions. ?