India has seen significant transformation in recent decades, with women gaining leadership roles in various sectors. In the ongoing political, sports, and economic spheres, women are playing a major role in driving glory. This shift demonstrates India's resilience, capability, and vision, serving as a testament to the evolving social fabric of gender equality and holistic development.
The WER team has covered some of the crucial news stories throughout the week, including former union minister Smriti Irani donates her pension to National Defence Fund, Justice BV Nagarathna to become India's first Woman Chief Justice, Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team continues winning spree, and more.
Smriti Irani Donates Pension to National Defence Fund, Urges Citizens to Support Armed Forces
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani said she has given her whole pension to the National Defence Fund, which supports the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, in an appeal for support. "I chose to lead by example before asking citizens for contributions," she said, urging others to do the same.
Justice BV Nagarathna to become India's first Woman Chief Justice
Justice BV Nagarathna will become India's first woman Chief Justice in September 2027, serving as the 55th Chief Justice of India. She will have a brief 36-day tenure, starting from September 24 to October 29, 2027. Justice Nagarathna joined the Supreme Court Collegium in May 2025, following the retirement of Justice Abhay S Oka.
The Collegium, responsible for judicial appointments and transfers, now comprises Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J K Maheshwari, and Justice Nagarathna.
Hyderabad Gears Up to Crown Miss World 2025; Grand Finale Set for May 31 at HITEX
The Hyderabad International Exhibition Centre (HITEX) will host the Miss World 2025 grand finale on May 31. After hosting this esteemed event in 1996 and 2024, India will host it for the third time. Contestants have engaged in a number of difficult challenges over the past month, such as the top model competition, sports challenge, talent showcase, and head-to-head challenge. The red carpet will open and the much-awaited coronation gala at HITEX will follow.
Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Continues Winning Spree' Beats Argentina
The Indian junior women's hockey team secured another significant victory over Argentina in the Four-Nations Junior Women's Tournament, dominating the match by maintaining their winning streak held in Rosario, Argentina. The team clinched a nail-biting 2-0 shootout victory over Argentina after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Team Argentina struck first with Milagros Del Valle scoring in the 10th minute, providing the hosts a chance to lead. However, forward player Kanika Siwach scored India's lone goal at the 44th minute during the regulation time, equalizing the score.
Odisha becomes Top-Performing Indian state under Lakhpati Didi initiative
Odisha has become the top-performing state in India under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, with Nayagarh district achieving a 98 per cent success rate in transforming self-help group members into financially independent women earning over Rs 1 lakh annually. The initiative is a social movement fostering financial independence and leadership among rural women, with nearly 17 lakh women already transformed.
148th NDA Passing Out Parade Marks Historic Graduation of 17 Women Cadets
On Friday, the National Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated a significant milestone by holding the Passing Out Parade (POP) for its 148th course in Pune, which included the graduation of female cadets for the first time ever. Together with their male counterparts, 17 female cadets marched with pride, marking a new chapter in the NDA's history of forming India's military leadership.
General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the former Chief of Army Staff and Governor of Mizoram, attended the ceremony. He was the Reviewing Officer and was awarded a Guard of Honour. In his speech, General Singh praised the occasion as a major step toward empowerment and inclusivity, calling the female cadets timeless representations of "Nari Shakti" and stating his hope that one of them will eventually become the highest ranking member of the military.
