• 04 Aug 2025

Medha Roopam: Gautam Buddh Nagar’s First Woman DM

Why in News? 

Medha Roopam, a 2014-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Gautam Buddh Nagar’s first woman District Magistrate (DM). 

• She takes over from Manish Kumar Verma, who has been transferred to Prayagraj. 

Key Points 

• Academic Background: Roopam secured All India Rank 10 in the 2014 UPSC Civil Services Examination, and she is also a national-level rifle shooter who has won three gold medals at the Kerala State Shooting Championship. 
• Family Background: Roopam’s father, Gyanesh Kumar, is a retired Kerala-cadre IAS officer and the current Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Former JH CM Shibu Soren Passes Away

Why in News? 

Shibu Soren, the founding patron of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, passed away at the age of 81.  

 

Key Facts About Shibu Soren 

• Personal Details:  
  • Born: 11th January 1944, Ramgarh, Jharkhand (formerly Bihar) 
  • Died: 4th August 2025 
  • Known As: Dishom Guruji 
  • Tribe: Santhal tribal community  
• Political Legacy: 
  • Founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972 
  • Key figure in the movement for the formation of Jharkhand state 
  • Led JMM for over 38 years, greatly influencing the political landscape of Jharkhand 
  • Served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times (2005, 2008, and 2009-2010). 
• Successor: Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand (2025) and JMM President 

Political Career and Struggles 

• JMM Founder: Soren co-founded JMM  (with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato) to create a separate tribal state for the people of Jharkhand.  
  • His party became the driving force behind the Jharkhand movement and played a crucial role in the formation of the state in 2000. 
• Electoral Career: Elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP (3 terms).  
  • He also served as the Union Minister for Coal (3 separate terms). 

Heritage Train Patalpani-Kalakund Line in MP

Why in News? 

Indian Railways has resumed the operation of the historic (155 year old) Patalpani-Kalakund heritage train in Madhya Pradesh after a temporary suspension due to a drop in tourist footfall.  

Key Points 

• Origin of the Line: The line (Indore to Khandwa) was originally proposed by Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II (reign 1844-1886) of Indore in the 19th century, completed in 1878 under Holkar State Railways, and later merged with the Rajputana-Malwa Railway.  
  • The need for a railway line in the area was recognised in the 19th century, with the establishment of the princely state of Indore, under the house of the Holkars, as a British protectorate in 1818. 
  • The railway station at Patalpani was the first to be constructed on the line, between 1874 and 1878. 
• Location: The Patalpani-Kalakund line, located in the Dr Ambedkar Nagar-Khandwa section, has been operational as a heritage train since 2018.  
  • Despite the challenge of not being converted to broad gauge due to the difficult terrain, this 9.5 km meter-gauge line has been preserved for its historical and scenic value. 
• Uniqueness: The route covers deep gorges, high embankments, tunnels, and natural springs, including the famous Patalpani waterfall (on the Choral River, a tributary of the Narmada). 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indian Railways 

• Indian Railways (IR) boasts over 160 years of history, safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage. 
• Indian Railways preserves four UNESCO accorded World Heritage Sites namely Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (1999), Nilgiri Mountain Railway (2005), Kalka Shimla Railway (2008) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai (2004).  
  • There are two more in waiting or in the tentative list namely Matheran Light Railway and Kangra Valley Railway.

PM Condoles the Passing of Pramila Tai Medhe

Why in News? 

PM Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Smt. Pramila Tai Medhe, the former Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, at the age of 97.  

• She was remembered for her lifelong dedication to social service, women’s empowerment, and the growth of the Samiti. 

Key Facts About Pramila Tai Medhe 

• Birth and Death:  
  • Birth: 8th June 1929 (Nandurbar, Maharashtra) 
  • Death: 31st July 2025 (Nagpur) 
• Pramila Tai Medhe was a Sevika from childhood and served as the Pramukh Sanchalika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti from 2006 to 2012.  
  • She dedicated her life to the development of the Samiti, which is focused on empowering women through social reform and leadership training. 
• She was known for her selfless service and was a pivotal figure in expanding the Rashtra Sevika Samiti's reach, both within India and internationally.  
  • Her efforts led her to travel to countries like England, America, Canada, and Sri Lanka for Samiti work, earning recognition, including Honorary Citizenship from the Mayor of New Jersey. 
• Pramila Tai’s legacy includes her significant role in the Bharat Parikrama, where she traveled 28,000 km across 32 states, completing her resolve of visiting 107 places in 266 days.  
  • She remained deeply committed to the Rashtra Sevika Samiti's mission throughout her life. 

Key Facts About Rashtra Sevika Samiti 

• Foundation: 
  • Year: 1936, Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 
  • Founder: Late Mrs. Lakshmibai Kelkar (Mausiji) 
  • Headquarters: Nagpur, India 
  • Objective: To build a strong, radiant nation through the empowerment of women. 
  • Slogan: "Women are the foundation of the nation."  
• Key Activities: 
  • Daily and Weekly Shakhas (Meetings): Focus on physical fitness, intellectual development, and morale-boosting activities for women. 
  • Health and Social Welfare Projects: Initiatives such as health camps, hostels, women’s self-help groups, and educational programs. 
  • National Movements Participation: Active involvement in movements like Quit India, Ram Janmabhoomi, and Jammu Kashmir Save Campaign. 
• Core Principle: The Samiti believes in the upliftment and empowerment of women to contribute towards nation-building and preserving cultural heritage. 
• Three Foundational Ideals: 
  • Matrutva (Universal Motherhood)  
  • Kartrutva (Efficiency and Social Activism)  
  • Netrutva (Leadership)  
• Organizational Motto:"Build the individual, build the nation"

71st National Film Awards

Why in News?

The 71st National Film Awards were officially announced, honoring cinematic excellence from across India for the year 2023. 

Key Points

• The 2023 edition of the awards covered 31 feature films, 24 non-feature films, 27 books on cinema, and 16 film critics as part of the expanded scope under the National Film Awards regulations.
• Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award in a career spanning over 30 years.

National Film Awards

• Organizer: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organizes the National Film Awards on behalf of the Government of India.
• Award Categories: The annual awards are conferred under the following sections: Feature Film, Non-Feature Film, Best Writing on Cinema and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Top National Winners

Category	Winner(s)
Best Feature Film	12th Fail
Best Direction	Sudipto Sen – The Kerala Story
Best Actor	Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Best Actress	Rani Mukerji – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment	Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Best Debut Film of a Director	Aatmapamphlet
Best Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values	Sam Bahadur

Feature Film Awards

Award Category	Film / Artist
Best Hindi Film	Kathal
Best Bengali Film	Deep Fridge
Best Marathi Film	Shyamchi Aai
Best Background Score	Animal (Harshavardhan Rameshwar)
Best Female Playback Singer	Shilpa Rao – Chaliya (Jawan)
Best Male Playback Singer	PVN S Rohit – Baby (Telugu)
Best Editing	Pookkaalam – Midhun Murali
Best Cinematography	The Kerala Story – Prasanthanu Mohapatra
Best Costume Design	Sam Bahadur – Sachin, Divya, Nidhhi
Best Makeup	Sam Bahadur – Shrikanth Desai
Best Choreography	Dhindhora Baje Re – Rocky Aur Rani (Vaibhavi Merchant)
Best Sound Design	Animal – Sachin Sudhakaran & Hariharan

Acting Awards

Category	Winner(s)
Best Actor	Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Best Actress	Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway)
Best Supporting Actor	Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), Muthupettai Bhaskar (Parking)
Best Supporting Actress	Urvashi (Ullozhukku), Janki Bodiwala (Vash)
Best Child Artist	Sukriti Bandireddi (Gandhi Thatha Chettu), Kabir Khandare (Gypsy), Treesha Toshar, Shrinivas Pokale, Bhargav (Naal 2)

Non-Feature Film Awards

Award	Recipient
Best Documentary	God, Vulture and Human
Best Non-Fiction Film	Flowering Man
Best Short Film	Giddh – The Scavenger
Best Children’s Film	Naal 2
Best Film in AVGC	HanuMan
Best Voiceover	The Sacred Jack – Hari Krishnan S
Best Debut (Non-feature)	The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw
Best Social & Environmental Values	The Silent Epidemic

Sonali Mishra: First Woman DG of RPF

Why in News? 

In a historic moment for Indian Railways, Sonali Mishra, a 1983 batch IPS officer from Madhya Pradesh, has assumed the position of Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), becoming the first woman to lead the force in its 143-year history. 

Key Points 

• Appointment: Sonali Mishra’s appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, and her tenure as DG will extend until her superannuation on 31^st October 2026.  
  • She succeeds Manoj Yadava, who retired on 31st  July 2025. 
• Before her appointment as DG of RPF 
  • Served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh. 
  • Held additional responsibilities at the Police Training & Research Institute, Bhopal. 
  • Served as the Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy. 
• Career 
  • She worked with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Border Security Force (BSF). 
  • Gained international experience with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo. 
• Recognitions and Awards 
  • Awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. 
  • Honored with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. 

RPF

• The RPF is an armed force under the control of the Union Ministry of Railways, tasked with protecting railway property, passenger areas, and passengers.  
  • Originally part of the Watch and Ward set-up of Private Railway Companies in 1881, it was reorganised into a statutory body under the RPF Act, 1957. 
  • The post-independence era brought significant changes; the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act was passed in 1966 to improve security, and in 1985, the RPF Act was amended, making RPF an Armed Force and emerged as a Central Police Organization.  
  • Motto: Yasho Labhasva (Attaining honour).