IMPORTANT DAYS

World Youth Skills Day 2025 observed on July 15

• World Youth Skills Day is observed annually on 15 July to highlight the importance of skill development for young people.

• The 2025 edition marks the 10th anniversary since the day was first introduced.

• It aims to promote awareness around vocational training, technical education, and employability skills.

• This year's theme is “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.”

• The focus is on equipping youth with technology-based competencies for modern job markets.

• The day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in 2014.

• Youth play a vital role in economic development, both locally and globally, through skills-based training.

• As per the UN, around 450 million youth face economic hardship due to lack of relevant skills.

APPOINTMENTS

Sonali Mishra Appointed First Woman DG of Railway Protection Force

• Senior IPS officer Sonali Mishra has become the first woman to head the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

• Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

• She will assume charge from Manoj Yadav, who retires on July 31, 2025.

• Mishra will serve as RPF Director General until her retirement on October 31, 2026.

• A 1993-batch officer, she currently holds the position of ADG (Selection) in Madhya Pradesh Police.

• She had earlier led a BSF contingent on the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, becoming the first woman to do so.

• Her contributions have earned her the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

• The RPF, established in 1957, was designated an armed force of the Union in 1985 and is responsible for securing railway assets and passengers.

Recent Appointments of Governors and Lieutenant Governor – July 2025 Update

• Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh has been designated as the next Governor of Haryana by the President of India.

• Goa will see a leadership change with Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju taking over as Governor, succeeding P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

• Kavinder Gupta has been selected to serve as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

• The President has officially accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. B. D. Mishra from the role of Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor.

• These new appointments will become effective once the respective individuals assume their official duties.

• Ghosh brings a strong background in academics and political philosophy to his new role.

• Raju, a senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party, previously held the position of Union Civil Aviation Minister.

• Gupta, a veteran BJP leader, has earlier served as Deputy Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

• According to Article 155 of the Indian Constitution, Governors are appointed by the President.

• Under Article 156, a Governor’s tenure is typically five years, although they serve at the pleasure of the President and may step down or be removed at any time.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

Shalyacon 2025: National Seminar on Ayurvedic Surgery

• The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi is hosting Shalyacon 2025 from July 13 to 15.

• The event commemorates Sushruta Jayanti, celebrating Acharya Sushruta’s legacy in surgical science.

• The seminar theme is “Innovation, Integration, and Inspiration,” focusing on modern Ayurvedic surgery.

• Day one features ten laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries for real-time clinical learning.

• Sixteen live anorectal procedures will be demonstrated on the second day.

• The final day will see over 200 oral and poster presentations for academic engagement.

• More than 500 participants, including surgeons and researchers from India and abroad, will attend.

• The event promotes surgical skill development and highlights advances in Ayurvedic practices.

AWARDS

Varsha Deshpande Honoured with 2025 UN Population Award

• Varsha Deshpande received the 2025 United Nations Population Award in the individual category.

• The award recognizes her decades-long work for gender equality and reproductive rights.

• The announcement was made in New York on July 10 during the 40th edition of the award.

• She is the founder and secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, established in 1990 in Maharashtra.

• Her efforts focus on ending sex-selective practices and upholding the PCPNDT Act in India.

• Deshpande has also worked on preventing child marriage and securing women’s rights in informal sectors.

• Her organization promotes joint property ownership and grassroots reforms for women.

• The UN Population Award includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash prize, honoring both individuals and institutions.

SPORTS

Jannik Sinner Creates History with Wimbledon 2025 Victory

• Jannik Sinner claimed his first Wimbledon title at the All England Club, London.

• He defeated reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final match.

• Sinner became the first Italian man to win Wimbledon in its 148-year history.

• The win came shortly after his loss to Alcaraz in the 2025 French Open final.

• With this victory, he ended Alcaraz’s unbeaten streak in Grand Slam finals (5-0).

• Sinner also snapped his five-match losing run against the Spanish star.

• This marks his fourth Grand Slam title, leaving only the French Open for a career Grand Slam.

• At age 23, he leads the PIF ATP Rankings by 3,430 points and continues as World No.1.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Decade of Growth: India’s Direct Tax Transformation (2013–2025)

• Gross direct tax collections surged by 274% over the last ten years, reflecting robust revenue growth.

• Tax refunds rose sharply by 474%, climbing from ₹83,008 crore in FY14 to ₹4.76 lakh crore in FY25.

• The taxpayer base expanded by 133% during the same period, indicating increased compliance and outreach.

• Average refund processing time dropped from 93 days in 2013 to just 17 days in 2024.

• The digital overhaul of the tax system has been key to faster and more transparent services.

• Initiatives like end-to-end e-filing and faceless assessments have enhanced efficiency and accuracy.

• Refunds as a share of gross tax collections rose from 11.5% to 17.6% over the decade.

• These improvements highlight a significant transformation in tax administration and citizen trust.