IMPORTANT DAYS

Teachers’ Day 2025 observed on September 5th

• Teachers’ Day is observed every year on 5th September across India to celebrate and appreciate the role of teachers in shaping society.

• The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a respected scholar, philosopher, and former President of India.

• Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President (1952–1962) and the second President of India (1962–1967).

• He was born on 5th September 1888 and is remembered for his dedication to education and learning.

• In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1954 and the Templeton Prize in 1975.

• His philosophical beliefs were rooted in Advaita Vedanta, and he authored notable works like The Hindu View of Life and The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore.

• Teachers’ Day is a tribute to the invaluable efforts of educators who guide, inspire, and shape the future generations.

STATE NEWS

Onam Festival – Kerala’s Grand Celebration of Culture and Tradition

• Thiruvonam, the most significant day of Onam, will be celebrated on September 5th, marking the peak of festivities.

• Onam is a vibrant Hindu harvest festival with its roots in Kerala, celebrated annually by Malayalis worldwide.

• It symbolizes the Malayali New Year and falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September).

• The festival pays homage to the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu and celebrates the mythical return of King Mahabali.

• Onam’s legends also involve revered sages like Kashyapa and Parashurama, adding to its deep mythological ties.

• As one of Kerala’s three major Hindu festivals (alongside Vishu and Thiruvathira), it showcases the state’s cultural richness.

• Traditional events include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (floral art), and various folk performances.

• Unique elements like Onathallu (martial art), Onavillu (musical bows), Onapottan (costumed figures), and Atthachamayam procession add festive flair.

VOC Port Becomes First in India to Launch Port-Based Green Hydrogen Project

• On 5th September, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the country’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot plant at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu, signaling a transformative step in adopting clean energy within India’s maritime sector.

• Developed at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, the plant has a capacity of 10 Nm³/hour and will generate green hydrogen to power electric vehicle charging stations and streetlights in the port’s residential area.

• With this achievement, VOC Port has become the first in India to produce green hydrogen, positioning itself as a pioneer in eco-friendly port operations.

• A foundation stone was also laid for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Station of 750 m³ capacity, aimed at supporting the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor connecting Kandla and Tuticorin.

• Several other green initiatives were introduced, including a 400 KW rooftop solar power plant, bringing the port’s total rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports, along with a proposed 6 MW wind energy project.

• The event also saw the inauguration of major infrastructure enhancements, such as a ₹24.5 crore link conveyor, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane access road, and the foundation for a Maritime Heritage Museum.

• To further strengthen green and transport infrastructure, MoUs were signed with IPRCL for enhancing rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour Project and with NTPC for advancing green mobility solutions.

• The occasion also celebrated the birth anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar, honouring his legacy and contributions to India's maritime independence through the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.

APPOINTMENTS

Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghurtia Appointed Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance

• Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghurtia AVSM, VSM has taken charge as the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at the Indian Air Force Headquarters.

• After assuming his new role, he honoured fallen soldiers by laying a floral tribute at the National War Memorial.

• With a commissioning into the Aeronautical Engineering branch in September 1988, he has dedicated more than 37 years of service to the Indian Air Force.

• He has received his training from esteemed institutions such as the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), the Air Force Test Pilot School, and the Air Force Technical College in Bengaluru.

• Air Marshal Ghurtia is a Fellow of top global and national aeronautical societies and a Lead Auditor for ISO 45000 standards.

• His career includes several high-ranking command and staff positions within the IAF and a stint in a UN Mission abroad.

• Prior to his current role, he served as the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Maintenance Command.

• For his exceptional service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (2016) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), and was also commended by the UN in Congo.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Amish Tripathi Launches 'The Chola Tigers: The Avengers of Somnath' in Chennai

• Amish Tripathi unveiled his latest book, The Chola Tigers: The Avengers of Somnath, at a launch event held in Chennai.

• This release marks the second book in his ongoing Indic Chronicle series.

• With 15 years of writing and 12 bestselling books, Amish has become a leading voice in Indian historical fiction.

• His earlier works, such as the Shiva Trilogy and the Ram Chandra series, have enjoyed immense popularity and critical acclaim.

• The book sheds light on the Chola Empire’s resilience, focusing on their response to the Somnath temple’s destruction.

• Amish emphasized that the Cholas’ contributions to governance, trade, and warfare deserve more attention in mainstream history.

• The narrative also features strong female characters, whose courage and sacrifice play a vital role in the unfolding events.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

National Summit on Ayush Mission and Capacity Building Held at AIIA, New Delhi

• A two-day national summit on the National Ayush Mission and Capacity Building in States was hosted at AIIA, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi.

• The event, organized by the Ministry of Ayush, convened health officials, administrators, and Ayush experts from across India.

• Inaugurated on September 3, the summit was led by Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, with key figures like Dr. V.K. Paul and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha in attendance.

• The focus was on enhancing Ayush infrastructure and capabilities at national and state levels through policy dialogue and collaboration.

• Two major facilities were launched at AIIA: an insurance support unit and a digital learning & communication center for Ayurveda education.

• The event featured six thematic discussions aimed at improving service delivery, training, and integration in the Ayush sector.

• During the closing session, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha stressed the role of Behaviour Change Communication and introduced the Har Ghar AyurYog initiative.