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Current Affairs

MILMEDICON-2025

♦ Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated MILMEDICON-2025: “International Conference on Physical and Mental Trauma in Military Settings” organized by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army) at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. ♦ The conference is focusing on innovations, challenges and reforms in military medicine globally. In alignment with the Indian Army’s Year of Reforms, MILMEDICON-2025 is more than a scientific gathering’.   ♦ It is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation and enhancing trauma care capabilities in military operational settings. ♦ Representatives from over 15 foreign Countries are participating in panel discussions, poster presentations and scientific gallery exhibition, making MILMEDICON-2025 a truly international platform for strategic dialogue and medical innovation. 

Current Affairs

Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi

♦ Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai administered the swearing-in of Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi as Supreme Court judges on 29 August 2025. ♦ With their appointment, the Court returned to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, which will continue until the retirement of Chief Justice Gavai on November 23, 2025.  ♦ Justice Pancholi is in line to become Chief Justice of India under the seniority norm from 3 October 2031, till his retirement on May 27, 2033. ♦ Justice Pancholi was born on May 28, 1968, in Ahmedabad and was confirmed as a Permanent Judge of the Gujarat High Court in June 2016. ♦ He was transferred to the Patna High Court in July 2023 and appointed its Chief Justice on July 21. ♦ Justice Aradhe, born in April 1964, was appointed an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in December 2009 and a Permanent Judge in February 2011. ♦ He was transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in 2016 and served as its Acting Chief Justice for nearly three months from May to August 2018. ♦ He was later transferred to the Karnataka High Court, where he was Acting Chief Justice from July to October 2022. ♦ He was appointed Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court in July 2023 and transferred to the Bombay High Court as its Chief Justice on January 21, 2025.

Current Affairs

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

♦ The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), now marks 11 years of transformative impact in India's financial landscape. ♦ This was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th August 2014. ♦ Over 56.16 crore bank accounts have been opened under the PMJDY, with total deposits reaching Rs.2.67 lakh crore as of mid-August 2025. 56% Jan Dhan accounts belong to women, highlighting the scheme’s role in promoting gender equality in financial access. ♦ PMJDY offers a comprehensive range of benefits tailored to meet the diverse financial needs of individuals, fostering both security and empowerment. ♦ It includes features like zero-balance accounts, RuPay debit cards with built-in insurance, overdraft options, and access to services through Business Correspondents (BCs) in remote locations. ♦ The initiative supports inclusive economic growth and social equity, while also linking beneficiaries to other government programs for enhanced financial stability.

Current Affairs

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

♦ The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has recently launched two important initiatives aimed at enhancing global cooperation in the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). ♦ These initiatives—the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance—are designed to address both the benefits and risks associated with AI.  ♦ The first initiative, the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, will serve as a vital link between the latest scientific research in AI and policy decision-making. ♦ This panel is tasked with providing rigorous and impartial scientific assessments, helping the global community to anticipate challenges and make informed decisions regarding AI governance.  ♦ The second initiative, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, is envisaged as an inclusive platform under the UN umbrella. ♦ It will bring together member states, industry leaders, civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders. 

Current Affairs

Defence Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

♦ The Defence Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India in New Delhi to strengthen the delivery of pension, healthcare, resettlement, and welfare services for over 63 lakh veterans and their dependents. ♦ Under the MoU, QCI will support the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) in digital evaluations, impact assessments, and evidence-based policy recommendations. ♦ The Ministry said, DESW will facilitate data access and stakeholder coordination with State Governments, Zila Sainik Boards, Armed Forces Headquarters, and empanelled hospitals. 

Current Affairs

Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi scheme.

♦ The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme. ♦ The lending period, which was earlier valid till December 31, 2024, has now been extended to March 31, 2030. ♦ The total outlay for the restructured scheme is Rs.7,332 crore. ♦ The government said the revised scheme will cover 1.15 crore beneficiaries, including 50 lakh new street vendors. ♦ Implementation will be jointly handled by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Financial Services. ♦ Under the new provisions, the loan amount in the first and second tranches has been increased. ♦ The first tranche will now provide up to Rs.15,000, instead of Rs.10,000 earlier, and the second tranche has been raised to Rs.25,000 from Rs.20,000. ♦ The third tranche of Rs.50,000 remains unchanged. ♦ Beneficiaries who repay the second loan will also become eligible for a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card.

Current Affairs

World Lake Day

♦ World Lake Day is observed every year on August 27 to raise awareness of the importance of lakes and the sustainable management of lake and related ecosystems. ♦ Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. ♦ They serve as a crucial source of fresh water, play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, contribute to climate regulation, and provide recreational and economic opportunities. ♦ 2025 is the first observance of World Lake Day. ♦ 2025 theme: Lakes: the lifeblood of our planet

Current Affairs

US tariffs

♦ US tariffs of 50% on goods from India took effect on 27 August 2025. ♦ With this move, the overall tariff burden on Indian products entering the American market could climb to as high as 50 percent—one of the steepest rates imposed by the US. ♦ Indian exporters are preparing for setbacks. ♦ As per a report published by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the increase in tariff is expected to affect nearly US$12.5 billion worth of exports from India, particularly in products outside the steel, aluminum, and automobile categories.

Current Affairs

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

♦ According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the women’s workforce participation rate (WPR) has nearly doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24. ♦ The unemployment rate for women has also dropped from 5.6% to 3.2% in the same period. ♦ Rural India has witnessed the sharpest rise, with female employment growing by 96%, while urban areas recorded a 43% increase. ♦ The employability of women graduates has steadily improved, reaching 47.53% in 2024, compared to 42% in 2013. ♦ Among women with postgraduate and higher education, the employment rate has risen from 34.5% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2023-24. ♦ Meanwhile, the India Skills Report 2025 projects that 55% of Indian graduates will be globally employable in 2025, up from 51.2% last year.

Current Affairs

Lithuanian as Prime Minister Ruginiene

♦ The Lithuanian parliament approved the appointment of Social Democrat Inga Ruginiene as Lithuania’s new Prime Minister on 26 August 2025. ♦ Ruginiene was elected to parliament for the first time in 2024. ♦ Before her political career, she served as chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation.