Sudan Appoints Kamil Idris as First PM Since 2023 Civil War
On May 19, 2025, Sudan's army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan appointed Kamil al-Taib Idris as the country's first prime minister since the onset of civil war in April 2023. This move is seen as a significant step toward political stabilization and the long-awaited formation of a transitional government, particularly after the Sudanese military regained control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The appointment marks Sudan's first PM since 2022, when Abdalla Hamdok resigned. It follows the military's recent gains against RSF, especially the retaking of Khartoum in March 2025. The decision is part of efforts to restore civilian-led governance amid international pressure and humanitarian crisis.
India Post Payments Bank & Aditya Birla Capital Join Hands to Broaden Loan Access Nationwide
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), in collaboration with Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), has announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the accessibility of loan products across India, especially in rural and underbanked areas. This initiative integrates ABCL's wide range of lending solutions with IPPB's massive postal network and digital infrastructure to offer seamless credit options to the common man.
This news is significant because it marks a major milestone in India's journey towards deeper financial inclusion. The collaboration empowers millions of IPPB customers with digital access to personal, business, and property loans, especially benefiting rural and underbanked populations.
Kanak Budhwar Shines: Gold in 10m Air Pistol at ISSF Junior World Cup
Seventeen-year-old Indian shooter Kanak Budhwar clinched the gold medal in the women's 10-metre air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 held in Suhl, Germany.
Outperforming Moldova's Anna Dulce, the reigning European champion and two-time Olympian, Kanak secured the title with a final score of 239.0, demonstrating exceptional composure and skill on the international stage.
This achievement has drawn national and international attention as Kanak Budhwar not only defeated a highly decorated opponent but also exemplified India's rising prowess in shooting sports.
The win is also significant as it marks a turning point in Kanak's promising shooting career, paving the way for future Olympic ambitions.
Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews announced his retirement from the red-ball format on Friday.
The 37-year-old has played in 118 Tests and scored 8167, which is the third-highest tally in Sri Lanka's history, behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814).
He scored 16 tons and 45 half-centuries in his career with a highest score of 200 not out.
He will, however, continue to play white-ball cricket for his country.
His final Test appearance will be in Galle from June 17 to 21.
World Turtle Day 2025: A Global Call to Protect Ancient Reptiles
World Turtle Day, observed annually on May 23, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the conservation of turtles and tortoises. These ancient reptiles, which have graced the Earth for over 200 million years, are now among the most threatened species due to various human-induced activities.
World Turtle Day not only celebrates their unique ecological roles but also highlights the urgent need for their protection from environmental threats, habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and climate change.
For the 25th anniversary of World Turtle Day, theme is Dancing Turtles Rock!
Madhya Pradesh has initiated the Rahveer Scheme to incentivise good Samaritans who assist accident victims.
This decision was made during a special cabinet meeting held at the historic Rajwada Fort in Indore.
The scheme offers a reward of Rs. 25,000 to individuals who help transport accident victims to medical facilities. The initiative aims to reduce road fatalities in a state that reported over 54,000 accidents in 2022.
The Rahveer Scheme encourages bystanders to help accident victims. To qualify, individuals must stop at the accident site, call for a 108 ambulance, and aid in transporting the injured.
This initiative seeks to alleviate fears of police harassment for those who assist. It is expected to save numerous lives by promoting prompt medical attention.
FSSAI Launches Crackdown on Illegal Fruit Ripening Practices
In a proactive step to ensure food safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all states and Union Territories to intensify monitoring and enforcement against the use of banned ripening agents like calcium carbide.
This directive, aimed primarily at curbing unsafe practices in fruit markets and storage facilities, comes in light of rising concerns over the harmful effects of chemically ripened mangoes on public health.
No needle, no vial: India's first AI-based blood test launched in Hyderabad
Hyderabad's Niloufer Hospital has become the first in India to introduce artificial intelligence-based tool that conducts non-invasive blood tests without using needles, vials, or laboratories.
The innovative system, developed by health-tech startup Quick Vitals, was recently launched at the hospital's Red Hills campus in Lakdikapul.
It promises to deliver blood test results in under a minute, simply by scanning a person's face using a smartphone or tablet camera, according to a India Today report.
The AI-powered tool, named Amruth Swasth Bharath, uses face-scanning technology to carry out tests in just 20 to 60 seconds.
It eliminates the need for drawing blood and could significantly speed up health assessments, especially in areas with limited access to medical facilities.
Unlike traditional methods, this system relies on Photoplethysmography (PPG)—a technique that detects changes in light absorption on the skin.
It can measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels (SpO2), respiration rate, haemoglobin A1c, stress levels, and even activity in the nervous system.