NHAI Launches ‘Project Aarohan’ for Toll Workers’ Children
- NHAI has launched ‘Project Aarohan’ in collaboration with Vertis Infrastructure Trust to support the education of children of toll plaza employees.
- With a fund of ₹1 crore, the first phase (July 2025–March 2026) will offer scholarships to 500 students (₹12,000/year) and 50 postgraduate aspirants (₹50,000 each).
- Implemented by Bharat Cares (SMEC Trust), the initiative also includes mentorship, skill-building, and career guidance for students from EWS, SC/ST, OBC, and minority communities.
Centre Forms Committees to Honour Patel, Vajpayee, Birsa Munda
- The Centre has established three high-level committees, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to celebrate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and tribal leader Birsa Munda, along with the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- The committees will oversee plans and programmes nationwide to honor these iconic figures known for their roles in India’s freedom struggle, tribal resistance, and good governance.
- Patel is famed as the Iron Man of India for uniting 565 princely states; Birsa Munda is revered for leading the Ulgulan tribal revolution; and Vajpayee, a respected poet-statesman, is remembered for the Pokhran-II nuclear tests and is celebrated on Good Governance Day (25th December).
Russia Opens 1 Million Job Slots for Indian Workers
- Russia is set to welcome 1 million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to address a severe workforce shortage in sectors like construction, machinery, electronics, and textiles, especially in industrial hubs like Sverdlovsk.
- The Indian ambassador confirmed rising consular demand as more Indians take up these opportunities.
- Russia plans to increase its foreign worker quota by 1.5 times in 2025 to tackle a projected 3.1 million worker deficit by 2030, making it a new major destination for Indian skilled labor beyond traditional countries.
International News
Inga Ruginiene Approved as Lithuania’s New Prime Minister
- The Lithuanian parliament has approved Inga Ruginiene, current Minister of Social Security and Labour, as the country’s new Prime Minister.
- A member of the Social Democrats, Ruginiene must now present a proposed cabinet list within 15 days for parliamentary approval.
- She will formally assume office after the President’s decree.
- Elected to parliament in 2024, she previously served as chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation.
State News
PM Modi Launches e-VITARA and Battery Plant in Gujarat
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated green mobility initiatives in Hansalpur, Gujarat, launching Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global Battery Electric Vehicle (e VITARA) for export to 100 countries, including Japan and Europe.
- He also announced the start of Hybrid Battery Electrode Manufacturing at the TDSG plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki, marking a major step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Banking News
India Post Payments Bank Posts ₹134 Cr Profit in 2025
Sports News
Mirabai Chanu Wins Gold at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting
- Mirabai Chanu clinched Gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, lifting a total of 193kg—84kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk—setting new championship records in all three categories.
- The Tokyo Olympics silver medallist made a powerful comeback, topping the women’s 48kg category and earning direct qualification for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Mandaviya Unveils Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Trophy in Delhi
- Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the Hockey Men’s Asia Cup 2025 trophy, with the tournament set to take place from August 29 to September 7 at the new Rajgir hockey stadium in Bihar, marking the state’s first major international hockey event.
- The championship serves as a direct qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, with the winner securing an automatic berth.
- India aims for its fourth Asia Cup title, leveraging home advantage, while legendary players and officials celebrated Bihar’s emergence as a growing sports hub.
FIDE World Cup 2025 to Be Hosted in Goa
- The FIDE World Cup 2025 will be held in Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27, featuring 206 players, a $2 million prize pool, and three spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- Played in an eight-round knockout format, the event highlights India’s rise in global chess, following achievements like D Gukesh’s World Championship and Divya Deshmukh’s Women’s World Cup win.
- With participation from 90+ countries, this marks a major milestone for Indian chess and cements India’s position as a global chess powerhouse.
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Shocking IPL Retirement
- Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from the IPL after the 2025 season with CSK, ending a stellar T20 career spanning 221 matches, 187 wickets, and 833 runs.
- His decision aligns with BCCI rules, enabling him to now join overseas T20 leagues. Ashwin, who also retired from international cricket in December 2024, thanked the IPL franchises, BCCI, and his fans for their support throughout his journey, marking the close of a remarkable cricketing chapter.
Important Days News
Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated Annually on 23 September
- Starting 2025, Ayurveda Day will be celebrated annually on 23 September, moving from the traditional Dhanteras date to a fixed calendar identity for global recognition.
- The 2025 theme, “Ayurveda for People & Planet”, emphasizes holistic health and ecological harmony. The Ministry of Ayush will lead international awareness and wellness activities, reinforcing Ayurveda’s relevance in tackling lifestyle diseases, climate-linked ailments, and stress.
India to celebrate National Sports Day 2025 As Fitness Movement
- India will celebrate National Sports Day 2025 from August 29 to 31 as a three-day fitness movement led by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya under the Fit India Mission to honour hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
- The theme, “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main,” encourages citizens to dedicate 60 minutes daily to physical activity, promoting Olympic and Paralympic values.
- Over 35 crore participants including athletes like Abhinav Bindra, PV Sindhu, and Mirabai Chanu will engage in sports activities, debates, and cycling rallies across states, supported by government bodies and communities, fostering fitness, sportsmanship, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.