[1] Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Passes Away
Satya Pal Malik, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on 5th August 2025 at the age of 79. A veteran political figure, he had also served as Governor of Bihar, Odisha, Goa, and Meghalaya. He began his political journey in the 1960s, influenced by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, and was associated with several political parties throughout his career. Notably, he oversaw the historic revocation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir on 5th August 2019. Known for his principled stances, Malik hailed from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, with ancestral roots in Haryana, and remained a prominent voice in public affairs until his retirement in October 2022.
[2] Buddha’s Sacred Relics Returned to India after 127 Years
On 30th July 2025, the sacred relics of the Buddha — excavated from Piprahwa in present-day Uttar Pradesh in 1898 — were formally returned to India after 127 years. The relics were originally discovered by British engineer William Claxton Peppe at the Piprahwa stupa, near the Indo-Nepal border. The find included reliquaries, crystal caskets, gold and garnet ornaments, and charred human remains. An inscription confirmed the relics belonged to the Sakya clan, relatives of the Buddha. Recently, these relics appeared in a Sotheby’s auction listing in Hong Kong. To prevent the sale, the Indian Government, through its Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, and missions in Hong Kong and London, launched a diplomatic initiative. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) rallied global Buddhist networks against the auction. Plans are underway to permanently enshrine the relics at a significant Buddhist site such as Sarnath, Kushinagar, or the Lumbini-Kapilavastu Corridor.
[3] India’s TB Study Influences Global WHO Guidelines
On 5th August 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a landmark Indian study on the role of nutrition in tuberculosis (TB) treatment has influenced its global health guidelines. Conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Jharkhand, the RATIONS study provided the first evidence that nutritional support can significantly reduce TB incidence and mortality. With South-East Asia bearing the world’s highest TB burden—nearly 5 million new cases and 600,000 deaths in 2023 alone—WHO urged regional governments to enhance research and innovation. It also emphasized adopting AI tools for case detection, digital adherence platforms, and direct benefit transfers to improve TB outcomes.
[4] Great Barrier Reef Suffers Record Coral Loss
In August 2025, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef recorded its most severe annual coral cover decline across two of its three regions. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS), coral cover in the northern and southern regions dropped by 25% to 33% due to one of the most widespread bleaching events ever recorded in 2024. The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 2,400 km, is the world’s largest living ecosystem. Despite repeated bleaching events, it has not yet been listed as ‘in danger’ by UNESCO. The Australian government continues to oppose such a designation, citing the reef’s significant economic contribution—A$6.4 billion (US$4.2 billion), primarily through tourism.
[5] Cloudburst in Uttarkashi Triggers Flash Floods & Landslides
On 5th August 2025, Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand experienced devastating flash floods and landslides following two cloudbursts—one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area. The cloudbursts destroyed roads, homes, and businesses, including a major washout along the Uttarkashi-Harsil road near Bhatwadi. Dharali, around 50 km from the site, was among the worst-hit areas. Rescue and relief operations involving NDRF, ITBP, and JCB machines were launched promptly. Restoring electricity, water supply, and mobile services was prioritized by the Electricity Department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rainfall, warning of more potential flash floods and landslides.
[6] India and Philippines Establish Strategic Partnership
On 5th August 2025, India and the Philippines established a Strategic Partnership during the State Visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The announcement followed bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included a comprehensive Plan of Action (2025–2029). Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, the partnership spans political and security collaboration, enhanced maritime and defence cooperation, economic ties (with a focus on critical minerals and digital technologies), and joint research in space and renewable energy. Both nations also reaffirmed commitment to peace in the Indo-Pacific, international law, and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
[7] 64th National Exhibition of Art Opens in New Delhi
The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated in New Delhi on 5th August 2025. For the first time, select award-winning artworks are being made available for public purchase, empowering artists and supporting India’s creative economy. This move enhances the market access of India’s visual art community. The exhibition also honoured 20 artists with the Lalit Kala Akademi Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. Lifetime achievement awards were conferred on Krishen Khanna, Ram V. Sutar, and Ira Chaudhari for their exceptional contributions to Indian art and culture.