NATIONAL NEWS

Massive Surge in Aadhaar Authentication and Face Verification Usage in August 2025

• Over 221 crore Aadhaar authentications were recorded in August 2025, marking a 10.3% increase from August 2024.

• The surge highlights Aadhaar’s growing role in India’s digital economy and service delivery systems.

• Face authentication saw a major jump, with 18.6 crore transactions in August 2025—up from 6.04 crore a year earlier.

• Total face authentications crossed 213 crore, showing rapid adoption of this AI-based tech across platforms.

• 1.5 crore face verifications were done on September 1, 2025—the highest ever in a single day.

• More than 150 organizations, spanning both government departments and private companies, are leveraging Aadhaar face authentication to provide smoother access to services.

• In August alone, Aadhaar's e-KYC feature facilitated over 38.53 crore transactions, significantly improving customer onboarding and boosting efficiency in financial services.

SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2025 to Showcase Rural Women’s Talent in Delhi

• The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2025 is being held from 5th to 22nd September at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

• Organized by the Ministry of Rural Development, the event features participation from all states and Union Territories.

• Over 400 women from Self-Help Groups will present their products across 200 dedicated stalls.

• This is the first edition in Delhi with all elements, including traditional food, cultural shows, and children’s entertainment.

• Visitors will get a chance to explore rural lifestyles and buy authentic handmade items directly from SHG women.

• SHG members are receiving training in digital tools and marketing, supported by platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.

• Under DAY-NRLM, over 10 crore women are engaged, with more than 2 crore becoming “Lakhpati Didis,” marking the mission’s success.

APPOINTMENTS

Justice Shree Chandrashekhar Appointed as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court

• Justice Shree Chandrashekhar has been named the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, as per the decision of the Central Government.

• The appointment was announced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, in accordance with constitutional procedures and the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India.

• Before taking over this role, he was serving as a judge at the Bombay High Court, having been transferred there in July 2025.

• His elevation was based on the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation dated August 24, 2025.

• Justice Chandrashekhar began practicing law in 1993 after enrolling with the Delhi State Bar Council, building nearly two decades of legal experience in the National Capital.

• He was appointed an Additional Judge of the Jharkhand High Court in 2013 and became a Permanent Judge in June 2014.

• In December 2023, he served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, and was later transferred to the Rajasthan High Court in July 2024.

• With this latest appointment, he assumes leadership of one of India’s most prestigious High Courts, bringing with him a deep background in both judicial practice and administration.

Anutin Charnvirakul Elected Prime Minister of Thailand Amid Political Turmoil

• Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected as Thailand’s new Prime Minister by the national parliament, becoming the third leader to assume the role since 2023.

• The 58-year-old secured 273 votes in the lower house, comfortably crossing the 247-vote majority required for victory.

• His closest competitor, Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Shinawatra-led bloc, garnered 132 votes.

• Anutin’s rise to power was made possible through the support of the pro-democracy People’s Party, which backed him on the condition of holding early elections in the near future.

• He succeeds Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was disqualified by the Constitutional Court over ethical violations.

• Anutin’s election comes at a time of continued political instability and shifting alliances within Thailand’s legislature.

• His leadership marks a new phase in Thailand's governance, with fresh elections expected soon as part of the agreement with his coalition partners.

DEFENCE

General Upendra Dwivedi Launches Operation Sindoor: A Tribute to India's Military Strategy

• Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi officially released the book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan at an event in New Delhi.

• The book is authored by retired Lt. General KJS Dhillon, providing a first-hand perspective on a significant cross-border military operation.

• General Dwivedi described the work as not just a military chronicle, but a tribute to the valor and dedication of the Indian Army.

• He likened the operation to a precise and disciplined wave, underscoring the level of coordination involved.

• Operation Sindoor refers to a strategic offensive carried out on May 7, in direct response to a terror attack in Pahalgam.

• The Pahalgam incident, which claimed 26 lives, triggered this targeted military strike on identified terror strongholds.

• The book is being recognized as a valuable reference for academicians, analysts, and defence experts focusing on counter-terrorism and military strategy.