“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Elephant Day 2025: Bringing the World Together to Help Elephants

World Elephant Day is celebrated every year on 12 August to raise global awareness about the conservation, protection, and welfare of elephants. The day also focuses on preserving their natural habitats and combating threats such as poaching and habitat destruction.

The theme for 2025 is “Bringing the world together to help elephants”, reflecting the urgent need for united international action to protect these majestic creatures.

International Youth Day 2025

The youth of a nation are the torchbearers of progress, the rays of hope that illuminate even the remotest corners of society. Recognizing their immense potential, countries worldwide invest in youth-focused policies, education, and opportunities. International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, serves as a platform to address youth-related issues globally and to celebrate young people as active partners in building a sustainable future.

“SPORTS”

David Warner Overtakes Virat Kohli to Become Fifth-Highest Run-Getter in T20 Cricket

Australian cricket star David Warner, who retired from international cricket earlier this year but continues to play in global T20 leagues, has achieved another significant feat in his career. He has now overtaken Virat Kohli to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket history. This milestone came during London Spirit’s match against Manchester Originals in the ongoing The Hundred 2025 competition in England. Warner played a spectacular innings of 71 runs off 51 balls, smashing 12 fours and a six at a strike rate above 139.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Navy to Commission INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

On 26 August 2025, the port city of Visakhapatnam will witness a milestone in India’s maritime journey. For the first time, the Indian Navy will commission two major frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34), on the same day. This unprecedented event reflects India’s accelerating naval modernisation and self-reliance in defence production.

• INS Udaygiri – Second ship in the Project 17A stealth frigate series, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• INS Himgiri – First P17A frigate constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

“AWARDS”

National Anubhav Awards 2025

On 11 August 2025, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) announced the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the National Anubhav Awards, a unique initiative to document India’s administrative history through personal memoirs of retired government employees. Launched in 2015, the Anubhav Portal was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to preserve the rich experiences and institutional memory of retiring officials. 

“APPOINTMENTS”

Zomato Partners with Shah Rukh Khan as New Brand Ambassador

In a major brand collaboration, Zomato has officially announced Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador. The move follows Khan’s appearance in Zomato’s recent “Fuel Your Hustle” campaign, which celebrates the consistent efforts and determination behind individual success stories.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India’s First Drone-AI Powered Artificial Rain Experiment Launched in Jaipur

For the first time in India, cloud seeding technology enhanced with drones and artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to trigger artificial rain. The pilot project is taking place in the Ramgarh Dam area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, with hopes of reviving the 129-year-old reservoir that has been dry for the past two decades and has not filled to capacity since 1981. The initiative is a joint effort between GenX AI, an India-US-based technology company, and the Rajasthan Government.

Rare Blue Pinkgill Mushroom Discovered in Telangana Forests

The Kagaznagar forest division in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana, has witnessed an exceptional sight — the Blue Pinkgill mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri), a species otherwise native to New Zealand. Known for its striking sky-blue colour, this mushroom contains rare azulene pigments, making it one of the most visually distinctive fungi in the world. In addition, the shuttlecock mushroom (Clathrus delicatus) has been recorded for the first time in the Eastern Ghats, within the Kawal Tiger Reserve, further emphasizing the rich fungal diversity of the region.