IMPORTANT DAYS

Hindi Diwas 2025: Celebrating the Legacy of Hindi Language

• Hindi Diwas 2025 observed annually on 14 September, Hindi Diwas marks the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of India.

• This decision was made by the Constituent Assembly on 14 September 1949, under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.

• Since 1953, the day has been officially celebrated across the country to honour the significance of Hindi.

• The date also commemorates the birth anniversary of Beohar Rajendra Simha (born in 1900), who was instrumental in promoting Hindi as the official language.

• Beohar Rajendra Simha played a key role in securing the approval of Hindi in Devanagari script for national use.

• Hindi ranks among the most widely spoken languages globally, with around 600 million speakers.

• Apart from Hindi Diwas, World Hindi Day is observed every year on 10 January to promote Hindi internationally.

NATIONAL NEWS

India's Recent Milestones in UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

• Seven new Indian sites have been added to UNESCO’s tentative list, raising the total to 69 (49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed).

• The newly proposed sites include the Deccan Traps in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) and Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh).

• These additions highlight India’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote its cultural and natural legacy.

• India currently holds 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—35 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed—ranking it among the top nations globally.

• The Maratha Military Landscapes were the latest to gain official World Heritage status under the 2024–25 cycle.

• This group features 12 historic forts, primarily in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu, built or expanded from the late 1600s to early 1800s.

• India’s journey with UNESCO began in 1983 with the inclusion of Ajanta, Ellora, Agra Fort, and the Taj Mahal.

AWARDS

77th Emmy Awards 2025

• The 77th Emmy Awards took place in Los Angeles, recognizing top television content aired between June 2024 and May 2025.

• Winners were chosen through a peer-based voting system by members of the Television Academy, focusing on expertise within each category.

• Awards covered a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, limited series, and television movies, along with writing and direction.

• ‘The Pitt’ won Best Drama Series, while ‘The Studio’ secured Best Comedy Series and also won in Best Directing (Comedy).

• ‘Adolescence’ was named Best Limited or Anthology Series, and ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ won Best Television Movie.

• Noah Wyle and Britt Lower won Best Actor and Actress in a Drama Series for The Pitt and Severance, respectively.

• In the comedy category, Seth Rogen and Jean Smart were awarded for their lead roles in The Studio and Hacks.

• Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) and Stephen Graham (Adolescence) were honoured for their standout performances in limited series or movies.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2025

• The two-day Rabi Conference 2025 began on 15 September at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, focusing on the upcoming Rabi season.

• Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is leading the event, which brings together state ministers, officials, scientists, and policy experts.

• This is the first time the Rabi Conference is held over two days, with separate sessions for officials and ministers.

• The agenda includes crop planning, production targets, and strategic preparations for the 2025–26 Rabi sowing season.

• Special focus is on timely distribution of quality seeds and adoption of modern technologies to support farmers.

• Scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras have been invited for the first time to share real-world experiences and field insights.

• The conference aims to drive sustainable farming, improve farmer incomes, and reinforce national food security through shared best practices and expert guidance.

2nd National ANTF Conference 2025: Strengthening the Fight Against Drugs

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the second national meet of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads on 16 September in New Delhi.

• The two-day conference will bring together officials from all 36 States/UTs along with representatives from central departments.

• Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the event will focus on coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

• The theme for this year is “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility,” highlighting collective action against the drug menace.

• NCB’s Annual Report 2024 will be released, and a new digital platform for seized drug disposal will be launched during the event.

• Discussions will assess progress made so far and explore future strategies to boost anti-narcotics operations across India.

• National security concerns related to narcotics and improved coordination between enforcement agencies will be key discussion points.

• This initiative follows the 2021 directive for states to form ANTF units, with the first national conference held in April 2023.