IMPORTANT DAYS

National Handloom Day 2025 Observed on August 7

• India celebrates National Handloom Day annually on August 7, marking the Swadeshi Movement’s start in 1905.

• The 2025 theme, “Handlooms—Empowering Women, Empowering the Nation,” highlights handlooms’ role in women’s empowerment and national growth.

• The 11th edition was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the Ministry of Textiles’ aegis.

• The day promotes awareness about the cultural and economic value of handloom weaving and supports weavers.

• The Swadeshi Movement encouraged indigenous industries like handlooms from 1905 onwards.

• National Handloom Day was officially launched in 2015, with the first event in Chennai.

• In 2025, 24 artisans were honored with Sant Kabir and National Handloom Awards.

SPORTS

India Ready for World Games 2025 in Chengdu

• Seventeen Indian athletes will compete in the World Games from August 7–17 in Chengdu, China.

• Held every four years since 1981, the Games showcase non-Olympic sports under the International World Games Association.

• The 2025 edition features 253 medal events in 34 sports and 60 disciplines.

• India has participated since the first Games and earned five medals, including one gold by Aditya Mehta (2013).

• This year, India will compete in Archery, Billiards, Roller Skating, Wushu, and Racquetball.

• The team aims to improve medal standings and enhance India’s global presence in these sports.

• The Games highlight India’s growing engagement with lesser-known international sports.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference Marks 100 Years

• PM Modi inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference in New Delhi on August 7, 2025.

• The event celebrates 100 years since the birth of the Green Revolution pioneer.

• Hosted by MSSRF with the Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR, and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

• PM Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and stamp honoring Swaminathan’s legacy.

• Swaminathan transformed India’s agriculture, helping it achieve food self-sufficiency.

• The theme, “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Bio-happiness,” reflects his vision of sustainable farming.

• The conference brings together global experts to promote inclusive, eco-friendly agriculture.

• Focus remains on rural development, ecological balance, and food security.

RANKING AND INDEX

Bengaluru Leads India in Global AI City Index 2025

• Bengaluru ranked 26th worldwide in the 2025 Global AI City Index, India’s top AI hub.

• The index, by Counterpoint Research, evaluates cities on AI infrastructure, innovation, and adoption.

• Bengaluru’s growth is fueled by strong AI research, startups, and expanding data centers.

• Other Indian cities listed include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata; Mumbai and Delhi are advancing in AI-driven urban solutions.

• The report calls for clearer AI policies and better regulation in Indian cities.

• Singapore topped the index, praised for its thriving AI startups and public-private partnerships.

• Seoul, Beijing, Dubai, and San Francisco complete the global top five; Beijing will introduce AI in schools by 2025.

• Microsoft leads AI corporate activity, followed by Google and Amazon investing heavily in training and infrastructure.

APPOINTMENTS

S. Radha Chauhan Appointed Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission

• Mrs. S. Radha Chauhan, a retired IAS officer (UP cadre, 1988 batch), is the new Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC).

• She previously served as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

• Chauhan replaces founding chairperson Shri Adil Zainulbhai, who led CBC since April 2021.

• The CBC was created on April 1, 2021, to unify capacity-building efforts across India’s civil services.

• It plays a vital role in Mission Karmayogi, aimed at reforming and modernizing bureaucracy.

• The Commission manages and monitors civil service training programs nationwide.

• Her leadership signals continued emphasis on enhancing administrative skills and efficiency.