Current Affairs - Important Days

World Photography Day is observed every year on August 19 to celebrate the art, science, and impact of photography across the globe. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge how photography influences culture, history, and communication. For 2025, the theme has been chosen as “My Favorite Photo,” encouraging individuals to reflect on and share images that hold personal meaning. Additionally, World Photography Week runs from August 12–26, motivating people to participate in global conversations by sharing impactful photographs using the hashtag #WorldPhotographyWeek. This celebration emphasises the role of photography as both a creative medium and a tool for storytelling.

International Youth Day is observed every year on August 12 to highlight the contributions and potential of young people worldwide. It was established by the United Nations in 1999 and was first celebrated in the year 2000. The day serves as a platform to empower youth voices, promote engagement in decision-making, and address challenges faced by young generations. Each year, it features a theme to focus global attention on a specific area; for 2025, the theme is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” emphasising grassroots youth initiatives for sustainable development and a better future.

World Elephant Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of elephants. Established in 2012 by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, it aims to address threats such as poaching, habitat destruction, and mistreatment of captive elephants. The 2025 theme, “Bringing the world together to help elephants,” highlights the need for unified global action. The day also promotes initiatives like Project Elephant in India, focuses on preserving natural habitats, and advocates stronger laws for elephant welfare, ensuring the survival of both African and Asian elephant species for future generations.

World Biofuel Day is celebrated annually on August 10 to honour Sir Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine.The 2025 theme is "Biofuels: A Sustainable Pathway to Net Zero,". On this date in 1893, Diesel successfully operated his engine using peanut oil, demonstrating the potential of vegetable oils as a fuel source. The observance aims to promote awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas, which are derived from renewable biomass sources such as plants, crop residues, and animal waste. It underscores the role of biofuels in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and contributing to sustainable development worldwide.

World Sanskrit Day, also known as Vishva-Samskrita-Dinam, is observed annually to honour the legacy of Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest and most influential languages. In 2025, it will be celebrated on August 9, which coincides with Shravan Purnima as well as traditional festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Upakarma in various parts of India. The day is dedicated to promoting Sanskrit learning, preserving its cultural richness, and inspiring younger generations to appreciate its historical and contemporary significance. Events such as shloka recitations, workshops, and competitions are organised to make the celebration engaging and educational.