IMPORTANT DAYS
World Sanskrit Day 2025 Celebrated on August 9
• World Sanskrit Day 2025 was observed on August 9, aligning with Sawan Purnima as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
• The Gujarat State Sanskrit Board hosted a three-day Sanskrit festival from August 6 to 8 to celebrate the occasion.
• The day aims to promote awareness and revival of Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest languages.
• First celebrated in 1969, the initiative was a joint effort between the Indian government and Sanskrit institutions.
• Sanskrit, also known as Dev Vani (language of the gods), is considered the root of most Indian languages.
• Originating around 3,500 years ago, Sanskrit is categorized into Vedic and Classical forms.
• 'Sudharma', the world’s only Sanskrit newspaper, is still in circulation, and Sanskrit holds official status in Uttarakhand.
LEGAL NEWS
Election Commission Delists 334 Inactive Political Parties in Major Cleanup Drive
• On 9 August 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) removed 334 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) for not fulfilling legal requirements.
• These parties had not contested any elections for six years and failed to maintain valid registered addresses.
• With this action, the total count of RUPPs dropped from 2,854 to 2,520 across the country.
• The delisted parties will no longer qualify for benefits under Sections 29B and 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• They also lose tax exemptions and privileges under the Income Tax Act and Election Symbols Order, 1968.
• Affected parties can appeal the decision by filing a representation within 30 days of the order.
• This step is part of the ECI’s systematic effort to weed out defunct political outfits and ensure electoral transparency.
• Since 2022, the ECI has delisted 284 such parties and declared 253 more as defunct, continuing its push for a cleaner political ecosystem.
AWARDS
M. S. Swaminathan Global Award for Food and Peace Announced
• PM Narendra Modi launched a global award in memory of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, honoring efforts in food security and peace by scientists from developing nations.
• The award, named the M. S. Swaminathan Global Award for Food and Peace, was introduced during the Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.
• Dr. Arenare from Nigeria became the first recipient of this prestigious award for his contributions to food and peace initiatives.
• The conference took place from August 7 to 9, 2025, at Pusa Campus, themed “Evergreen Revolution: The Path to Bio-Happiness.”
• Prof. Swaminathan’s vision of 'bio-happiness', promoting well-being beyond just biodiversity, was highlighted as central to sustainable agriculture.
• In recognition of his legacy, Swaminathan was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024, India’s highest civilian honor.
• PM Modi credited Swaminathan with transforming India into a food-secure nation, emphasizing his global impact on agricultural science.
STATE NEWS
Punjab Leads in Empanelling Sign Language Experts for Child Justice
• Punjab becomes the first Indian state to officially empanel sign language professionals under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
• The initiative was announced by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development.
• Trained interpreters, educators, and translators will be deployed in districts to assist children with speech and hearing impairments.
• These professionals will play a key role in legal proceedings and official interactions, ensuring children’s voices are understood.
• The move aligns with the POCSO Act, 2012, enhancing accessible justice for vulnerable children.
• Experts will be assigned as per legal guidelines, with provisions for urgent and routine assistance.
• Punjab has already made its Vidhan Sabha accessible, offering sign language broadcasts of assembly sessions.
• This step marks a significant milestone in inclusive governance and child-centric legal reforms.
SPORTS
Victoria Mboko Stuns Osaka to Win 2025 Canadian Open Title
• 18-year-old Victoria Mboko defeated Naomi Osaka in a stunning comeback to win her first WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal.
• After dropping the first set 2-6, Mboko rallied to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-1, marking a breakthrough performance.
• She became only the second Canadian woman to reach the semifinal, final, and win the title since Bianca Andreescu in 2019.
• Ranked 85th before the tournament, she is now the second-lowest ranked player ever to win a WTA 1000/Tier I title since 1990.
• Mboko is just the second player since 2009 to win her debut WTA title at a 1000-level event.
• She is also the second wildcard in history to win the National Bank Open, after Monica Seles in 1995.
• 2025 Canadian Open Champions:
o Men’s Singles: Ben Shelton defeated Karen Khachanov
o Women’s Singles: Victoria Mboko defeated Naomi Osaka
o Men’s Doubles: Julian Cash / Lloyd Glasspool beat Joe Salisbury / Neal Skupski
o Women’s Doubles: Coco Gauff / McCartney Kessler beat Taylor Townsend / Zhang Shuai
• Mboko’s victory signals a new era in Canadian tennis, adding her name to a growing list of young stars on the rise.
