Ramadan 2025: Cities with Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, began on February 28, 2025. Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, with fasting hours varying by location. In 2025, Nuuk, Greenland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, have the longest fasting hours at approximately 16 hours. Johannesburg, South Africa, and Canberra, Australia, have the shortest at around 13 hours. In India, New Delhi’s fasting hours are about 13 hours and 45 minutes. These variations are due to differences in daylight hours across regions.
Achanta Sharath Kamal Bids Farewell to Table Tennis
India’s celebrated table tennis player, Achanta Sharath Kamal, has announced his retirement. He will play his final tournament at the WTT Star Contender event in Chennai from March 25 to 30, 2025. With a career spanning over two decades, Sharath Kamal has amassed ten National Championships, six Commonwealth Games gold medals, and two Asian Games bronze medals. He represented India in five Olympic Games and is currently ranked 42nd globally. Post-retirement, he plans to focus on coaching and athlete development, contributing to the sport he excelled in.
Dr. Suborno Bose Revolutionizes Hospitality Education: Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology’ by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025. Recognized for his pioneering contributions to hospitality, tourism, and education through technological innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), Dr. Bose has significantly advanced these fields. The event also saw the launch of his new book, Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality, which delves into the synergy between AI and hospitality.
China’s Crackdown on ‘Neijuan’: Curbing Excessive Competition
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the National People’s Congress on March 6, 2025, highlighting the government’s determination to combat ‘Neijuan’, or involutionary competition. This term refers to a cycle of diminishing returns due to excessive competition. The government’s strategy aims to foster a sustainable business environment by addressing market fragmentation, local protectionism, and destructive price wars. Key sectors affected include electric vehicles and solar energy. The crackdown also seeks to counter international criticism of China’s industrial policies, promoting innovation and fair competition.
Gut Health Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Severity
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, is now linked to gut health. Recent studies reveal that an imbalance in gut bacteria, particularly the ratio of Bifidobacterium to Akkermansia, can predict MS severity. MS patients often exhibit higher levels of Blautia and lower levels of Prevotella. These findings highlight the crucial role of gut microbiota in MS and open up possibilities for improved diagnostics and treatments, focusing on gut health to manage the disease better.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan: Ensuring Social Security for Unorganised Workers
Introduced in the 2019 Interim Budget, the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) provides social security to unorganised sector workers. It guarantees a ₹3,000 monthly pension post-age 60 for workers earning up to ₹15,000 monthly. The scheme is voluntary and contributory, with the government matching workers’ contributions. Covering occupations like street vendors, domestic workers, and agricultural laborers, PM-SYM aims to offer financial stability in old age, ensuring a secure future for millions.