NATIONAL NEWS
Government Constitutes Committees to Commemorate Important National Anniversaries
• The Government of India has established three high-powered committees to organize events for significant upcoming anniversaries of prominent national figures.
• These anniversaries include the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, along with the centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head all three committees, which will be responsible for planning and supervising nationwide celebrations.
• The committees’ duties include approving event proposals, overseeing their implementation, and providing necessary guidance to ensure successful commemorations.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat, was instrumental in integrating over 560 princely states into independent India.
• Birsa Munda, a legendary tribal freedom fighter, is known for leading the Ulgulan uprising against British colonial forces and remains a revered figure among tribal communities.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served as India’s Prime Minister three times, is remembered for his exemplary leadership, literary contributions, and overseeing the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran.
• Vajpayee’s birthday on December 25 is observed as Good Governance Day, and in 2015, he was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Milestone International Pali Conference Held in Kandy
• The first-ever International Conference on the Future of Pali Studies was held in Kandy on 26 August.
• It was jointly organized by India’s Assistant High Commission and the University of Peradeniya.
• Scholars from Sri Lanka, India, and several other countries participated in the event.
• Key topics included Theravada traditions, ancient manuscripts, and Pali’s evolution as a living language.
• The Deputy Prelate of the Malwatta Chapter and senior Mahasabha members attended the conference.
• This marked the University of Peradeniya’s first time hosting an international Pali-focused event.
• The conference highlighted India–Sri Lanka cultural ties and reaffirmed Pali's classical language status in India.
India–Kuwait 7th Foreign Office Consultations Held in New Delhi
• India and Kuwait held their 7th round of Foreign Office Consultations on 26 August 2025 in New Delhi.
• Talks were led by India’s Aseem R. Mahajan and Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat.
• Kuwaiti Ambassador also met Secretary (CPV & OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee during the visit.
• Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments.
• Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and cultural exchanges.
• Talks built on the outcomes of PM Modi’s December 2024 visit to Kuwait, including plans to activate JWGs under the JCC framework.
• Strong economic ties (USD 10.2 billion trade) and the presence of over one million Indians in Kuwait were highlighted as key links.
STATE NEWS
5th Lok Samvardhan Parv: Celebrating Minority Heritage and Craftsmanship in Kochi
• The 10-day Lok Samvardhan Parv began on 26 August in Kochi, Kerala, and will run until 4 September.
• The Ministry of Minority Affairs organized the festival, which was formally launched by Union Minister of State George Kurian.
• More than 100 skilled artisans and 15 culinary masters from various parts of India are participating to exhibit their crafts and cuisines.
• The event highlights traditional crafts such as Zari, Chikankari (UP), Phulkari (Punjab), and Madhubani (Bihar).
• Unique art forms like Blue Pottery (Rajasthan), Pashmina weaving (Ladakh), and Bastar Iron Craft (Chhattisgarh) are featured.
• Live craft demonstrations and cultural performances form a key part of the festival.
• The Parv focuses on uplifting minority artisans, chefs, and entrepreneurs by offering exposure and market access.
• It serves as a platform to promote cultural diversity and drive economic growth among minority communities.
APPOINTMENTS
Ajay Kumar Bhalla Sworn In as 22nd Governor of Nagaland
• Ajay Kumar Bhalla officially took oath as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland on 25 August.
• He also holds the position of Governor of Manipur and was given additional charge of Nagaland.
• The oath was administered by Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, at Raj Bhavan in Kohima.
• His appointment follows the passing of former Governor La Ganesan on 15 August.
• A ceremonial guard of honor welcomed Governor Bhalla during the swearing-in ceremony.
• The ceremony took place in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries.
• After assuming office, Bhalla chaired his first meeting with the Nagaland State Cabinet.
RANKING AND REPORTS
Significant Rise in Women’s Employment Across India: Labour Ministry Report
• Women’s employment has seen substantial growth between 2017-18 and 2023-24, as per the Labour Ministry.
• The female unemployment rate dropped from 5.6% to 3.2%, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
• Women’s employment in rural regions surged by 96%, while urban areas experienced a 43% increase during the same period.
• In the past seven years, around 1.56 crore women have joined the formal workforce, marking a clear trend toward formal employment.
• Women-led MSMEs have seen a twofold rise from 2010-11 to 2023-24, reflecting strong growth in female entrepreneurship.
• The e-Shram portal now has over 16 crore registered unorganised women workers across the country.
• These figures reflect a strong and steady improvement in female workforce participation nationwide.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India–Fiji Bolster Ties, Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Peace and Anti-Terror Cooperation
• PM Modi and Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka met in New Delhi, reaffirming zero tolerance towards terrorism in all forms.
• Both leaders condemned the April terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K, and emphasized curbing radicalization and terror financing.
• Nine key MoUs were exchanged, covering trade, education, healthcare, agriculture, and mobility.
• Climate action and sustainable growth were jointly supported under India’s Mission LiFE and the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy.
• Cooperation on clean energy was boosted with a focus on promoting biofuels through the Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Defense collaboration and efforts to strengthen regional security were highlighted as top priorities.
• Both sides agreed to work together for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific and enhance maritime security efforts.
DEFENCE
CISF Launches First All-Women Commando Unit to Boost Gender Inclusion
• CISF has formed its first all-women commando unit to promote greater gender diversity within the force.
• Training is underway at Barwaha’s Regional Training Centre in Madhya Pradesh with 30 women undergoing an intensive 8-week course.
• The program includes physical drills, weapon handling, live firing, rappelling, and survival techniques.
• These trained women will join elite Quick Reaction Teams and Special Task Forces at high-security zones.
• In the initial phase, 100 women from Aviation Security Groups and sensitive units will be trained.
• The CISF plans to increase the proportion of women in its force from 8% to 10%, with 2,400 additional female personnel expected to join next year; the training program will be made a permanent feature.
