BANKING CURRENT AFFAIRS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO CONTENT PAGE NO

1 National News 2
2 International News 12
3 Banking and Finance 16
4 RBI News 17
5 SEBI News 18
6 Economy 19
7 Business 20
8 Awards and Recognitions 22
9 Appointments 24
10 Acquisition & Merger Exercises 27
11 Agreement and MoU 27
12 Rank and Indexes 29
13 Exercises 31
14 Defence 31
15 State News 33
16 Festivals 35
17 Science and Technology 36
18 Sports News 37
19 Reports 40
20 Books and Authors 44
21 Obituary 44
22 Days 45

© 2024, Veranda Race Learning Solutions

 NATIONAL
Blue category of industries by CPCB New Centre skill courses launched
⇢ The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ⇢ Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary has launched
introduced a new category of industries called ‘Blue a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
category’ industries based on the Essential ⇢ The centre is jointly established by the National Skill
Environmental Services (EES) for managing the Development Corporation (NSDC) and Pandit Deendayal
pollution caused by the anthropogenic (human-induced) Energy University (PDEU).
activities.
⇢ It will offer 40 skill courses (online and hybrid) in
⇢ Industries that produce minimum hazardous waste will
semiconductors, solar, and smart manufacturing.
be classified under the ‘blue industry’ category.
⇢ The partnership between NSDC and PDEU marks a
⇢ The category industry will get an additional two year
transformative step towards building a future-ready
validity for Consent to Operate (CTO).
workforce, which is crucial for India’s economic growth
⇢ The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
and technological leadership.
Change (MoEFCC) introduced the color-based
categorization of industries in 2016. ⇢ It will play a vital role in Make-in-India Readiness
⇢ As per the revised methodology, CPCB has classified a movement and accelerate the progress of Aatmanirbhar
total of 419 industrial sectors and sub-sectors. Bharat.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): New inscriptions in UNESCO Register

− Chairman- Amandeep Garg ⇢ The manuscripts of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, and
− Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi Natyashastra of Bharat Muni are added to the UNESCO’s
− Established in- 1974 Memory of the World (MoW) Register.
⇢ Both manuscripts are preserved at the Bhandarkar
STELLAR launched for power sector Oriental Research Institute (BORI) in Pune,
⇢ The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has launched Maharashtra.
STELLAR (State-of-the-art, Totally indigenously ⇢ With this, India now has 14 inscriptions in the register.
developed Resource Adequacy model), a software tool for ⇢ UNESCO has added 74 new documentary heritage
optimising power generation, transmission, and storage collections this year, taking the total to 570.
planning in India. ⇢ The Tamil Medical Manuscript Collection was the first
⇢ It was developed in collaboration with the Lantau Group inscription from India (1997).
(TLG) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). ⇢ Memory of the World Program was launched in 1992 by
⇢ The software will be available for free for all State UNESCO.
Electricity Distribution Companies (Discoms) and Load
Despatch Centres. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation(UNESCO):
Projects by Ministry of Jal Shakti − Director-General (DG)- Audrey Azoulay
⇢ Union Minister CR Patil chaired a review meeting of key − Headquarters– Paris, France
projects implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India
− Established– 1945
(WII) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
⇢ During the meeting, he launched a digital platform -
India's First PFBR
information dashboard .
⇢ He also launched a series of knowledge products ⇢ India’s first 500 MegaWatt (MW) Prototype Fast
developed under various initiatives, including: Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Chennai, is
▪ Hydrophytes: Green Lungs of Ganga Volumes I & II expected to achieve 1st criticality by March 2026 and will
▪ Protocols for collection, storage and transportation of be fully operational by September 2026.
biological samples of freshwater macrofauna ⇢ This marks the second stage of India’s three-stage
nuclear programme, aiming to recycle spent fuel and
Wildlife Institute of India (WII):
reduce radioactive waste.
− Director- Dr. Dhananjal Mohan
⇢ The PFBR is the first nuclear reactor to use
− Headquarters- Dehradun, Uttarakhand plutonium(Pu)-based mixed oxide as fuel and liquid
− Established in- 1982 sodium (Na) as coolant.
⇢ It is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut
Odisha to implement AB PM-JAY Nigam (BHAVINI).
⇢ The National Health Authority has signed an MoU with ⇢ The government aims to generate 100 GW of electricity
Odisha government for implementing the Ayushman from nuclear sources by 2047.
Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme.
⇢ The current installed nuclear power capacity is 8.18 GW.
⇢ Odisha becomes the 34th state to implement the PMJAY
in convergence with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Buddhist Conclave in Arunachal Pradesh
Yojana Scheme (GJAY).
⇢ The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in
⇢ Each family will get health insurance coverage of up to ₹5
collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has organised
lakh per year.
a 2-day International Conclave in Arunachal Pradesh.
⇢ 10.3 million families will benefit from the scheme in the
⇢ Over 300 participants, including the representatives from
state, out of which 6.78 million families will be supported
Bhutan, Myanmar, and Cambodia participated in the
by the Central government.
Seminar.

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 Cruise operations commence at MICT I Am Circular Coffee Table Book
⇢ Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated ⇢ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
cruise operations from the Mumbai International Cruise (MeitY) has organised the launch of the ‘I Am Circular’
Terminal (MICT), India’s biggest cruise terminal. Coffee Table Book, curated by the International Council
⇢ The terminal has the capacity to handle 1 million for Circular Economy (ICCE).
passengers annually (10,000 per day). ⇢ The book includes 30 innovations from India selected
⇢ total cost - ₹ 556 crore. through the nationwide ‘I Am Circular’ Challenge.
⇢ The terminal can accommodate 5 cruise ships
simultaneously, with an 11 m draft and up to 300 m vessel
India establishes APMU
length. ⇢ Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated
the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the
India signs Headquarters Agreement National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi.
⇢ India has signed the Headquarters Agreement with the ⇢ With this, India becomes the 17th country to implement
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi to a dedicated system for monitoring athletes’ biological
host the IBCA headquarters and secretariat. profiles over time.
⇢ The Indian government will provide a budgetary support ⇢ APMU is responsible for managing the Athlete Biological
of ₹150 crore to the IBCA for 5 years (2023-24 to 2028- Passport (ABP) program.
29).
⇢ The IBCA was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2023 GI certificates for 21 products
during an event titled "Commemorating 50 years of ⇢ PM Narendra Modi has awarded Geographical
Project Tiger". Indication (GI) certificates to 21 traditional products
⇢ The initiative was launched to facilitate global from Uttar Pradesh, with 9 of them belonging to
conservation of the seven big cat species – Tiger, Lion, Varanasi.
Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. ⇢ Total count of Varanasi region- 22
⇢ The IBCA includes 27 countries. ⇢ The products include Banarasi Shehnai, Banarasi Tabla,
and Banarasi Bharwan Mirch.
Mission Amrit Sarovar ⇢ The GI certificate for the Banarasi Shehnai was presented
⇢ The Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in 2022, aims to to Ramesh Kumar, an artisan from Varanasi.
construct/rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovar (ponds) in every ⇢ With the additions, UP becomes the state with the
district. highest number of GI tags (77), surpassing Tamil Nadu
⇢ It was supported by: (69).
▪ Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space
Applications & Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) Uttar Pradesh (UP):
▪ National Informatics Centre (NIC) − Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath
⇢ Seven ministries are involved in the initiative. − Governor– Anandiben Patel
⇢ As of March 2025, over 68,000 Sarovars have been − Airports– Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport
completed. and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
⇢ Out of which, 46,000 were constructed/rejuvenated − Bird Sanctuaries– Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Sandi
under MGNREGS. Bird Sanctuary
⇢ Recharge from tanks, ponds and water conservation
structures increased from 13.98 Billion Cubic Meters Sports certificates via DigiLocker launched
(BCM) in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024. ⇢ Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has launched
⇢ Top 5 performing states: the issuance of sports certificates using DigiLocker at
▪ Uttar Pradesh the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
▪ Madhya Pradesh ⇢ He also inaugurated the National Centre for Sports
▪ Karnataka Science and Research (NCSSR) at the stadium.
▪ Rajasthan ⇢ The DigiLocker-based certificate issuance will soon be
▪ Maharashtra integrated with the National Sports Repository System
(NSRS), enabling automatic disbursal of cash rewards
BSE commemorative coin unveiled
directly into athletes’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit
⇢ Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a ₹150
Transfer (DBT).
commemorative coin to celebrate 150 years of the
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). New electronics facility in Haryana
⇢ The coin is made of a quaternary alloy (50% silver, 40% ⇢ Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated a
copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc). Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Line and a Mechanical
⇢ She also launched the BSE@150 Logo and BSE 150 Index, Innovation Park at VVDN Technologies’ Global
a new benchmark index that tracks the top 150 listed Innovation Park in Manesar, Haryana.
companies based on market capitalization and liquidity. ⇢ He also shared details of a three-tier skilling strategy.
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): ⇢ He also inaugurated India’s 1st fully designed Artificial
− MD & CEO- Sundararaman Ramamurthy Intelligence (AI) server ‘Adipoli’ which is equipped with 8
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and was developed by
− Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
VVDN Technologies.
− Established in- 1875

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 Bharat Project launched Seminar on Beggary
⇢ Union Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the ‘Bharat ⇢ The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
Project’. (DoSJE), in collaboration with the World Bank, has
⇢ It is a national initiative by India’s leading digital media organised a seminar in New Delhi.
platform YourStory. ⇢ The theme of the seminar is ‘Population Out of Reach –
⇢ The project aims to empower 1 million entrepreneurs SMILE (Beggary)’.
from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and rural India. ⇢ The seminar aims to share knowledge and discuss
⇢ The project is based on 5 pillars. strategies for rehabilitating beggars, homeless people,
and the destitute population.
National Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign
⇢ Union Minister JP Natta has launched the National Zero MSDE and Microsoft Signs Mou
Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign during the
⇢ The Ministry of Skill Development and
World Immunization Week.
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) have signed an MoU with
⇢ The Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26
Microsoft to launch the “AI Careers for Women”
aims to achieve 100% immunization coverage by
initiative.
administering two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine
⇢ The initiative aims to empower women in higher
to children.
education institutions to pursue careers in AI.
⇢ 332 districts in India have reported zero Measles cases
and 487 districts have reported zero Rubella cases ⇢ The training will be delivered in a hub and spoke model in
during January-March 2025. partnership with state government departments for
⇢ India’s MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% (first higher education across a network of 30 Centre of
dose) and 92.2% (second dose), as per 2024-25 HMIS data. Excellence Hubs, and 150 educational institutions, and
spokes in Tier-II and Tier-III towns across six states.
NCOL's new packaging facility
SVAMITVA scheme completes 5 years
⇢ Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of
Cooperation, has inaugurated the state-of-the-art ⇢ The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with
packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Ltd Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme,
(NCOL) at Noida, Uttar Pradesh. launched in 2020 to provide property cards to village
⇢ The unit will be used for packaging pulses and organic household owners in inhabited rural areas, has
products while maintaining hygiene and quality. completed 5 years of implementation.
⇢ The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of
India Enhancing Weather Disaster Preparedness Panchayati Raj (MoPR), with support from the Survey of
⇢ Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr India (SoI) and the National Informatics Centre Services
Jitendra Singh has chaired a high-level meeting to Inc. (NICSI).
review weather and disaster preparedness in India. ⇢ It was initially launched as a pilot phase in 9 states, with
⇢ He has instructed officials to expedite the expansion of an initial budget of ₹566.23 crore from FY21 to FY25, with
Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage and an extension till FY26.
modernisation of meteorological systems.
⇢ As of January 2025, 65 lakh property cards were
⇢ He directed the officials to install 50 new Automatic distributed across 50,000+ villages in 10 states.
Weather Stations (AWS) in Delhi, with a long-term goal
⇢ Drone surveys have been completed in 3.20 lakh villages
of 100.
(68,122 sq. km area) as of April 2025.
⇢ The DWR network will be expanded from the existing 37
⇢ The following states/UTs have been completely mapped
to 73 by 2025 and to 126 by 2026.
under the scheme: Lakshadweep (UT), Delhi (UT), Andhra
⇢ He was also briefed on the selection of radar sites and the
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and
progress of “Mission Mausam”.
Chhattisgarh.
India implements action plan ⇢ As of March 11, 2025, 31 states/UTs have signed MoUs
⇢ Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir under the scheme.
(J&K), the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has ⇢ 2.42 crore property cards have been issued so far,
taken strict actions against Pakistan. covering 1.61 lakh villages.
⇢ The Government of India (GoI) has implemented a 5-
point action plan. CAG signs MoU with ICAI
⇢ The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which governs the ⇢ The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India
distribution of 6 rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, have signed an MoU with the Institute of Chartered
Chenab, and Indus) of the Indus basin between the two Accountants of India (ICAI).
countries, is suspended with immediate effect. ⇢ The purpose is to enhance capacity building in
⇢ The integrated Attari-Wagah Border is closed with commercial accounting, financial auditing, taxation, and
immediate effect. other related areas within the CAG.
⇢ The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani Made-in-India HPV test kits launched
nationals is suspended. ⇢ Union Minister of State (Independent charge) Dr Jitendra
⇢ All Pakistani military, Naval, and Air advisors stationed Singh has launched two Made-in-India test kits for
at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi are cervical cancer screening.
expelled and India will withdraw its own military advisors ⇢ The kits are Truenat HPV-HR Plus (by Goa-based Molbio
stationed at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Diagnostics) and Patho Detect (by Pune-based Mylab
⇢ The total strength of the Indian High Commission in Discovery Solutions).
Islamabad will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 2025.
⇢ The kits use Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain
Reaction (RT-PCR) technology.

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⇢ The kits were developed by Grand Challenges India (GCI) Statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma unveiled
initiative. ⇢ Union Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a statue of
⇢ It was coordinated by the Biotechnology Industry Bodofa Upendranath Brahma in New Delhi and named
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). a Road and Rotary after him, commemorating his 35th
⇢ They target 7-8 high-risk HPV strains responsible for death anniversary.
most cervical cancer cases. ⇢ He stated that 96% of the issues mentioned in the Bodo
Accord have been addressed and the remaining issues
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
will be resolved soon.
(BIRAC):
− Chairman – Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale Funds raised through Green Municipal Bond
− Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi ⇢ Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam in Uttar Pradesh has raised
− Established in – 2012 ₹150 crore through India’s first certified Green Municipal
Bond (GMB) under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
MoSJE partners with UNDP (SBM-U) 2.0 scheme.
⇢ The bond, listed on the BSE Bond platform, was issued
⇢ The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
with an annual coupon rate of 8.1%.
(MoSJE) has signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with
⇢ The funds will be used to construct a 40 MLD (Million
UNDP.
Liters per Day) Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP)
⇢ The agreement aims to recognise and strengthen the
in Ghaziabad.
contribution of wastepickers in waste collection, recovery
⇢ The project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity
and recycling.
Model (HAM), with 40% funding from the municipality
and 60% from private partners.
New manufacturing initiative in IITH
⇢ IIT Hyderabad and Deakin University, Australia have ECMS guidelines and portal launched
jointly launched the 'Advanced Manufacturing Research ⇢ Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the
Innovation and Training (AMRIT)' initiative. guidelines and portal for the Electronics Component
⇢ The initiative aims to promote next-generation Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
manufacturing technologies, innovation, and workforce ⇢ The scheme, with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore (from FY26 to
development. FY32), aims to promote domestic manufacturing, large-
scale investments, and connect Indian firms with Global
Corporate Bhawan in Kolkata Value Chains (GVC).
⇢ Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated the ⇢ India aims to achieve $300 billion worth of domestic
‘Corporate Bhavan’ in New Town, Kolkata. electronics production by 2026 and $500 billion by 2030-
⇢ The 7-storey building, built at a cost of ₹150.43 crore, has 31.
a built-up area of 13,239 sq m. ⇢ The target segments are divided into 4 segments.
⇢ She also launched the first ‘Prime Minister Internship ⇢ Incentives are provided in 3 forms.
Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ on the 7th floor of the ⇢ FY25 will be considered as the base year for calculating
building. turnover-linked incentives.
⇢ The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) CII PMIS Centre, a
DoP and SBIFM partnership
joint initiative of MCA and Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), aims to connect youth (aged 21-24) with ⇢ The Department of Posts (DoP) has partnered with SBI
Funds Management Ltd to provide doorstep KYC
internships offered by companies.
verification services to the investors of SBI Mutual Fund.
Enforcement Directorate Foundation Day
Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025
⇢ Union Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary presided over
⇢ Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired the “Coastal
the 69th Foundation Day of the Directorate of
States Fisheries Meet: 2025” held in Mumbai,
Enforcement (ED) in New Delhi.
Maharashtra.
⇢ The ED has initiated 5,113 new PMLA investigations
⇢ Fisheries projects worth ₹255 crore initiated under
between 2014 and 2024 (more than 500 cases per year).
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
⇢ The value of assets provisionally attached stood at ₹1.54
⇢ 5th Marine Fisheries Census Operations (MFC 2025)
lakh crore as of March 2025.
launched for digital data collection.
⇢ 333 prosecution complaints were filed last year, taking
⇢ Guidelines on Turtle Excluder Device and Standard
the total number of cases under trial to 1,739 as of March Operating Procedure for Vessel Communication &
2025. Support System released.
⇢ Abhishek Goyal, the former Special Director of the ED, ⇢ Technology & Digital Innovations
was awarded the President’s Medal for Meritorious ▪ VyAS-NAV Mobile App launched for geo-referenced
Service on Independence Day 2024 for his exemplary data collection by ICAR-CMFRI.
investigation work. ▪ Tablets distributed with Digital Application VyAS-NAV
for enhanced efficiency.
I4C authorized to exchange information
5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC 2025)
⇢ The Department of Revenue (DoR), under the Ministry of
Finance (MoF), has authorised the Indian Cyber Crime − Covers 1.2 million fisher households across 3,500 villages
in 9 coastal states.
Coordination Centre (I4C) to share information with the
Enforcement Directorate (ED), MoF under Section 66 of − Runs from April 2025 to December 2025.
the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). − ICAR-CMFRI serves as the nodal agency implementing
⇢ The I4C was established in 2018, to detect money trails the census.
and combat cyber fraud. − Smart devices used for data collection reducing manual
errors and improving validation.

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 Aqua Insurance under PM-MKSSY ⇢ The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has
⇢ First-ever Aqua Insurance awarded under Pradhan Mantri received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in
Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). Public Administration under the Innovation category for
UIDAI’s Face Authentication modality.
⇢ Covers 40% of insurance premium (₹1 lakh per farmer for
1800 cubic meters of aquaculture). YUGM Innovation Conclave
⇢ Additional 10% incentive for SC, ST, and women
⇢ PM Narendra Modi addressed the “YUGM: Uniting
beneficiaries.
Academia, Industry, and Innovators for Viksit Bharat”
⇢ Insurance covers one crop cycle, mitigating risks from
Innovation conclave.
natural calamities and diseases.
⇢ It was organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in
⇢ Total pond area insured: 19.41 Ha, with a one-time
collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation at Bharat
incentive of ₹2.34 lakh.
Mandapam, New Delhi.
⇢ Beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
⇢ He stated that the gross expenditure on Research and
received awards.
Development (R&D) has doubled from ₹60,000 crore in
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2013-14 to over ₹1.25 lakh crore in 2023-24.
− Implemented by Department of Fisheries (DoF), ⇢ He highlighted that “The Trinity of Talent, Temperament
MoFAH&D to promote sustainable fisheries and Technology will transform India’s future”.
development. ⇢ He mentioned initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs
− Budget: ₹20,050 crore (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25). (ATL), with 10,000 labs already operational and 50,000
announced, to provide early exposure to children.
− Union Budget 2025-26: ₹2,465 crore allocated for
⇢ During the event, the Anusandhan National Research
PMMSY.
Foundation (ANRF) and the Wadhwani Foundation
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM- exchanged the Letter of Intent (LoE).
MKSSY)
− Sub-scheme under PMMSY supporting micro and small Greenfield High-Speed Corridor approved
enterprises. ⇢ The Union cabinet has approved the proposal for the
− ₹6,000 crore allocated for 4 years (FY 2023-24 to FY Development, Maintenance and Management of
2026-27). Greenfield High-Speed Corridor along the National
Highway-06 from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to
Bio-Input Resource Centres Panchgram in Assam.
⇢ The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare ⇢ The 166.8 km long four-lane, access-controlled
(MoA&FW) has issued guidelines for setting up Bio-Input Greenfield expressway will be developed under the
Resource Centres (BRCs) under the National Mission on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Natural Farming (NMNF). ⇢ The estimated cost of the project is ₹22,864 crore.
⇢ The initiative aims to promote chemical-free natural
NIELIT signs MoUs
farming by empowering cluster-level enterprises to
produce and distribute natural farming inputs locally. ⇢ The National Institute of Electronics and Information
⇢ A financial aid of ₹1 lakh will be provided for each BRC. Technology (NIELIT) has signed MoUs with 8
organisations to promote the Digital India mission.
⇢ The NMNF was launched on November 25, 2024 as a
▪ Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL),
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), under Ministry of
▪ ERNET India,
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare(MoA&FW) to reduce
▪ National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE),
dependence on chemical inputs, promote low-cost,
▪ Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham,
sustainable farming, and enhance soil health.
▪ SKYROOT Aerospace,
⇢ The scheme has a total outlay of ₹ 2,481 crores.
▪ Institute for Financial Management and Research
Updated data on Indias coastline length (IFMR)
▪ Kyndryl India.
⇢ The Survey of India (SoI) has updated India’s coastline
⇢ The MoUs aim to improve education, skilling, research,
length to 11,098.81 km from 7,516.60 km.
and innovation in Electronics and IT.
⇢ It increased nearly by 50%.
⇢ Gujarat has the longest coastline among states, and Goa MoU with Swiggy Instamart
has the shortest coastline among states.
⇢ The Ministry of Cooperation has signed an MoU with
⇢ Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands have the longest
Swiggy Instamart to list cooperative dairy and organic
coastline among UTs, and Puducherry has the shortest
products on its e-commerce and quick-commerce
coastline among UTs.
platforms.
Survey of India (SoI):
CBIC streamlines GST registration
− Surveyor General of India – Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
⇢ The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
− Headquarters – Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
has issued new instructions to streamline the Goods and
− Established in – 1767 Services Tax (GST) registration process.
⇢ As per the instructions:
Aadhaar authentication crosses 2707 crore
▪ GST registration must be granted within 7 working
⇢ Aadhaar authentication transactions have crossed days if the application is complete and not flagged as
2,707 crore in FY25, including 246.75 crore in March 2025 risky.
alone. ▪ If an application is flagged as risky or Aadhaar
⇢ Since its inception, Aadhaar authentication transactions authentication fails, registration will be granted
have crossed 14,800 crore. within 30 days, after physical verification.

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 Shipbuilding policy by Maharashtra ⇢ It marked the 50-day countdown to the International
⇢ Maharashtra became the first Indian state to introduce a Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.
dedicated policy for the maritime manufacturing sector, ⇢ During the event, the minister launched the 'Yoga
named the ‘Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Sangam' Portal for online registration, to facilitate the
Recycling Policy 2025’. synchronized nationwide celebration of IDY 2025 on June
⇢ The policy aims to attract investments worth ₹6,600 21.
crore by 2030 and ₹18,000 crore by 2047.
IIFT to open off-campus centre in GIFT City
⇢ Financial incentives under the policy include:
▪ 15% capital subsidy of the project cost (up to ₹1 crore ⇢ The Ministry of Education has approved the
per project for skill development and ₹25 crore for establishment of an off-campus centre of the Indian
R&D). Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, at GIFT City,
▪ Land will be allotted at concessional rates on a long- Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
term lease of 30 years (renewable) ⇢ Regulatory Compliance: Approved as per UGC
⇢ India ranks 21st globally in shipbuilding, 20th in ship (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations,
repair, and 2nd in ship recycling. 2023.
⇢ The state contributes 11% of India’s shipbuilding capacity ⇢ Alignment with NEP 2020: Supports multidisciplinary
and 21% of production. education and improves access to specialized education
in international trade
AI-based alert system for forest management
⇢ Approval Process: Granted after successful compliance
⇢ Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to
with the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025.
implement an AI-based real-time alert system for active
forest management. Tax Exemption for NMCG
⇢ Based on Google Earth Engine, the system analyses
⇢ The Finance Ministry has exempted the National Mission
multi-temporal satellite data and identifies land use
for Clean Ganga (NMCG) from paying taxes.
changes using a custom AI model.
⇢ The NMCG, which implements the Namami Gange
⇢ Advanced Detection System:
programme, is now an authority under the Environment
▪ Uses satellite imagery, machine learning, and field
feedback to monitor forest encroachments and tree (Protection) Act, 1986.
felling. ⇢ Mission: Restoration and conservation of the Ganga
▪ Can detect changes as small as 10×10 meters. River’s ecosystem
▪ Integrates Google Earth Engine satellite data, AI
Key Functions:
algorithms, and ground feedback.
▪ Identifies land-use activities like crop sowing, − Sewage treatment and management
construction, and other changes. − River surface cleaning and solid waste disposal
− Afforestation and biodiversity conservation
India showcases Telecom ambitions
− Monitoring of industrial effluents
⇢ Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has inaugurated
− Promoting public participation in river rejuvenation
Bharat Telecom 2025 in New Delhi.
efforts
⇢ The event is organised by the Telecom Equipment and
Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), in
Niveshak Shivir initiative
collaboration with the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT). ⇢ The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority
⇢ More than 130 foreign delegates from over 35 countries (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA),
and over 80 leading Indian Telecom and ICT companies has organised a virtual preparatory meeting with Nodal
participated in the event. Officers of Stakeholder companies to discuss the
implementation of the ‘Niveshak Shivir’ initiative.
FRP of sugarcane ⇢ The initiative, launched in collaboration with SEBI, will
⇢ The Union Cabinet has fixed the Fair and Remunerative enhance investor services and streamline the claim
Price (FRP) of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal (qtl) for the process.
sugar season 2025-26 (October-September), with a basic ⇢ This meeting was chaired by Anita Shah Akella, Chief
recovery rate of 10.25%. Executive Officer (CEO), IEPFA and Joint Secretary, MoCA.
⇢ It is 4.41% higher than the FRP of the current sugar season ⇢ The pilot phase of the initiative will be launched in
(2024-25). Ahmedabad and Mumbai in May 2025.
⇢ The new FRP will be effective from October 2025. ⇢ The initiative will be organised in cities with high-claimed
⇢ To protect sugarcane farmers (GannaKisan), the dividends with companies for 6-7 years.
government has decided that there will be no deduction ⇢ IEPFA has also signed an MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank
from FRP for mills where recovery is below 9.5%.
to promote investor education and protection through
⇢ Such farmers will get ₹329.05 per qtl for sugarcane in the digital outreach.
sugar season 2025-26.
Panel to design NMM
Yoga Mahotsav marking IDY 2025
⇢ The Union Cabinet has formed an inter-ministerial
⇢ The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY)
committee to design the framework for the proposed
has organised the ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ in Nashik,
National Manufacturing Mission (NMM).
Maharashtra.
⇢ The committee will be headed by BVR Subrahmanyam,
⇢ The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State
CEO of NITI Aayog.
(Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav.

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 India to lead disaster charter ⇢ The company is the first startup to get approved for
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the India AI
⇢ India, through ISRO, will chair the “International Charter
mission.
Space and Major Disasters” for 6 months, starting from
April 2025. ⇢ It is developing three model variants in collaboration with
IIT Madras.
⇢ The Charter functions as a collaborative framework
involving 17 member organizations, who voluntarily India’s first-of-its-kind WAVES 2025 summit
provide Earth observation data and value-added products
⇢ PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the WAVES 2025
for managing disasters occurring globally.
summit in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): ⇢ The summit, the first of its kind in India, is held under the
− Chairman – Dr.V.Narayanan tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries”.
− Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka ⇢ It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting (MoI&B) and the Ministry of External
− Established in – 1969
Affairs (MEA).
⇢ The 4-day event was inaugurated on Maharashtra Day
IWAI reports cargo movement
(celebrated on May 1 every year), which commemorates
⇢ The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has the formation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960.
recorded cargo movement of 145.5 million metric tonnes
in FY25, an increase from 18.1 MMT in FY14 (a CAGR of Maharashtra:
20.86%). − Chief Minister– Devendra Fadnavis
⇢ Passenger movement on National Waterways (NWs) − Governor – C.P Radhakrishnan
reached 1.61 crore in FY24. − Capital – Mumbai
⇢ The IWAI has increased the number of NWs from 5 to 111 − Tiger Reserve – Melghat Tiger Reserve, Sahyadri Tiger
under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Reserve
⇢ The operational length of NWs has increased to 4,894 km
(FY24). Babuji Vanam in Hyderabad
⇢ India aims to increase Inland Water Transport (IWT) ⇢ Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has inaugurated
modal share from 2% to 5%. Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission
garden, at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad.
GAME and NITI Aayog join hands
⇢ The garden was launched as a part of the 125th birth
⇢ NITI Aayog has partnered with GAME (Global Alliance for anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, the
Mass Entrepreneurship) to develop healthy founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system.
entrepreneurship ecosystems across India. ⇢ It has 40 species of medicinal trees such as Neem, Red
⇢ The partnership will focus on location-based Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond.
entrepreneurship interventions, with pilot sites in
Telangana:
Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Uttar Pradesh.
− Chief Minister– A Revanth Reddy
Vizhinjam port inaugurated − Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma
⇢ PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Vizhinjam − Capital – Hyderabad
International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. − Bird Sanctuary – Manjira Bird Sanctuary, Pranahita
⇢ The port was developed under a public-private Wildlife Sanctuary
partnership between the Kerala government and Adani
Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). Space Labs for tribal students
⇢ It is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port ⇢ The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Bharat Petroleum
and semi-automated port. Corporation Ltd (BPCL) will jointly establish 75 "Space
⇢ Key features of the port: Labs" in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
▪ Breakwater is nearly 3 km long and 28 m high across 19 states.
▪ India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management ⇢ BPCL has allocated ₹12 crore for the project.
System
▪ Received MSC Turkey, one of the largest cargo ships New portal to monitor food storage depots
to ever dock in India ⇢ The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public
⇢ The port is now a part of the Jade Service of MSC, the Distribution has announced the launch of new portal and
world’s biggest shipping line. mobile application named “Depot Darpan” to monitor
⇢ It will have an annual capacity of 3 million TEUs by 2028. food storage depots in real time.
⇢ This phase will cost ₹10,000 crore and will be fully funded ⇢ The initiative aims to enhance food security for over 80
by Adani Ports. crore beneficiaries.
⇢ The initiative will cover 2,278 warehouses.
⇢ It will be connected to National Highway 66 and Kerala’s
first cloverleaf interchange. ⇢ owned by;
▪ FCI (Food Corporation of India)
⇢ Until now, 75% of India’s transshipment containers were
▪ CWC (Central Warehousing Corporation)
handled by the Colombo Port, Sri Lanka.
▪ warehouses hired from state agencies/private entities.
Indias first AI LLM
New panel to oversee disaster management
⇢ The Government of India has selected Bengaluru-based
⇢ The central government has formed a High-Level
'Sarvam' to build India’s first indigenous AI Large
Committee, chaired by Union Minister Amit Shah, to
Language Model (LLM) under the ₹10,370 crore India AI
oversee matters related to the Disaster Management
mission.
Act, 2005.

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⇢ The primary objective of the committee is to enhance Caste Enumeration Approval
India’s resilience against both natural and man-made ⇢ The Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste
disasters. enumeration in the upcoming census.
⇢ The committee members include ⇢ As per Article 246, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in
▪ Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.
▪ Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
▪ NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery. NMCG EC approves new projects
⇢ The 62nd Executive Committee (EC) Meeting of National
Submarine Cable Project launched Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was organised in New
⇢ The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Delhi.
Services (INCOIS) has launched the ‘Submarine Cable ⇢ The meeting was chaired by Rajeev Mital, Director-
Project’ to improve long-term monitoring of the Indian General (DG) of NMCG.
Ocean. ⇢ The EC has approved the ‘Conserving and Sustainably
⇢ A 150 km submarine cable will be installed off the coast Managing Nathmalpur Bhagad (Wetland) in Bhojpur
of Wandoor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. district, Bihar’ project.
⇢ The infrastructure will have two science nodes along the ⇢ The project will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹3.51
cable, equipped with oceanographic and geophysical crore.
sensors positioned at water depths ranging from 2,000 to ⇢ This is the 5th wetland being undertaken under NGP.
2,500 m. ⇢ A total of 4 wetlands have been sanctioned under the
⇢ The landing station will be established at an observatory Namami Gange conservation project so far.
in Wandoor, with a control center for real-time data ⇢ The EC has approved funding of ₹34.5 lakh for the
acquisition and monitoring at the institute ‘Capacity Building Initiatives for making water-
headquarters located in Hyderabad. sensitive cities in the Ganga Basin’ Project.
⇢ INCOIS plays a key role in three of the ten major projects New cheetah corridor
under the UNESCO’s Ocean Decade Tsunami
⇢ Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are collaborating to
Programme (ODTP).
establish India’s first inter-state cheetah conservation
⇢ People-Centred Tsunami Early Warning Initiative
corridor, spanning 17,000 sq km.
(PCTWIN):
⇢ Out of the 17,000 Sq Km corridor area, 10,500 sq Km falls
▪ Strengthens public awareness about tsunami risks.
under Madhya Pradesh and remaining 6,500 sq Km in
▪ Improves tsunami forecasting and communication Rajasthan.
systems. ⇢ The project will connect Palpur Kuno National Park and
▪ Enhances disaster preparedness at the community Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and
level. Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
⇢ Tsunami Ready Odisha (TRO):
▪ Focuses on increasing coastal community resilience. Rajasthan:
▪ Promotes awareness and preparedness to reduce − Chief Minister– Bhajan Lal Sharma
tsunami impact. − Governor – Haribhau Bagade
▪ Works in collaboration with Odisha State Disaster − Capital – Jaipur
Management Agency (OSDMA). − Bird Sanctuary – Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
▪ Supports the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready
Recognition Programme. Madhya Pradesh(MP):

⇢ Role of INCOIS: − Chief Minister – Mohan Yadav

▪ Developed tsunami hazard maps and evacuation − Governor – Mangubhai C. Patel
route plans to improve emergency response. − Capital – Bhopal
▪ By December 2024, 24 villages across six coastal − Bird Sanctuary – Kharmor Bird Sanctuary
districts of Odisha were officially recognized as
‘Tsunami Ready’ by the IOC-UNESCO. Welfare Initiatives for Senior Citizens
⇢ President Droupadi Murmu has attended the ‘Ageing
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
with Dignity - Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior
(INCOIS):
Citizens’ event organised by the Ministry of Social
− Director – Dr. Balakrishnan Nair T.M Justice and Empowerment at Rashtrapati Bhawan,
− Headquarters – Hyderabad, Telangana New Delhi.
− Established in– 1999 ⇢ The event included:
▪ Launch of a senior citizens welfare portal
Development projects in Andhra Pradesh ▪ Virtual inauguration of 5 senior citizens homes
⇢ PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the ▪ Distribution of Aids and Assistive devices
▪ Signing of a MoU between the Department of Social
foundation for projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in
Justice and Empowerment and the Brahma Kumaris
Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
organization
⇢ He has inaugurated 7 National Highway projects and
dedicated railway projects to enhance connectivity and Columbia India Energy Dialogue
boost capacity.
⇢ Union Minister Piyush Goyal has addressed the Columbia
⇢ He has also laid the foundation stone for: India Energy Dialogue in New Delhi.
▪ Missile Test Range at Nagayalanka (worth ₹1,460 ⇢ During the event, he stated that India achieved its 2030
crore) Renewable Energy (RE) target of 200 Gigawatts (GW) in
▪ PM Ekta Mall at Visakhapatnam (artisans and 2022.
craftsmen from across India will showcase their ⇢ India built a 500 GW interconnected national grid under
products) a 2014 initiative to integrate regional grids.

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 Cashless treatment scheme Greenfield airports in Kota and Puri
⇢ The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) ⇢ The central government has given in-principle approval
has notified the ‘Cashless Treatment of Road Accident for the development of Greenfield airports in Kota
Victims Scheme, 2025’ across the country. (Rajasthan) and Puri (Odisha).
⇢ The scheme will be in effect from May 2025. ⇢ Kota airport will be developed in 2 phases with a total
⇢ It provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per investment of ₹1,507 crore.
accident per person. ⇢ Puri airport will be developed in 3 phases across 1,164
⇢ The government has allocated ₹272 crore for FY26 to acres, with a total investment of ₹5,631 crore.
support the scheme.
Postage Stamps at WAVES
PM address on space exploration ⇢ PM Narendra Modi has released special postage stamps
⇢ PM Narendra Modi addressed the 12th Global Conference to honour five great personalities of Indian cinema:
on Space Exploration (GLEX 2025) through video ▪ Filmmaker Guru Dutt
conference. ▪ Director Raj Khosla
⇢ The conference was held in New Delhi and organised by ▪ Filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak
the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), ISRO ▪ Actress P Bhanumathi
and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI). ▪ Music composer Salil Chowdhury
⇢ The release occurred during the WAVES 2025 event.
Expansion for 5 IITs ⇢ the tagline of WAVES is “Connecting Creators,
⇢ The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of Connecting Countries.”
academic and infrastructure at 5 new IITs: IIT Tirupati, IIT
Palakkad, IIT Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), IIT Jammu, and IIT Atal Pension Yojana
Dharwad (Karnataka). ⇢ Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a social security scheme, has
⇢ The expansion involves an investment of ₹11,828.7 crore. completed 10 years of implementation.
⇢ Phase-B of the construction plan will be implemented ⇢ The scheme was launched in 2015.
between 2025 and 2029. ⇢ Any Indian citizen aged between 18 and 40 years can
subscribe to the scheme, except individuals paying
Angola President visits India income tax.
⇢ The President of Angola, Joao Lourenco, has visited ⇢ The minimum contribution period is 20 years, depending
India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu to on the entry age.
strengthen bilateral relations. ⇢ The scheme has witnessed a significant rise in enrolments
⇢ The year 2025 marks 40 years of diplomatic relations from 1.54 crore (March 2019) to 7.65 crore (April 2025), with
between the two countries. a total corpus of ₹45,974.67 crore.
⇢ Angola is the current chair of the African Union (AU). ⇢ Women subscribers account for about 48% of all
⇢ He held discussions with PM Narendra Modi and subscribers.
announced a Line of Credit (LOC) of $200 million for ⇢ Over 89.95 lakh subscribers were enrolled in FY25.
modernising Angola’s armed forces.
National Scheme for ITI Upgradation
Revised SHAKTI Policy ⇢ The Union Cabinet has approved the National Scheme
⇢ The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised SHAKTI for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and
(Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence
Transparently in India) Policy to streamline coal (NCoE) for Skilling.
allocation to the power sector. ⇢ The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Skill
⇢ SHAKTI policy was introduced in 2017. Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
⇢ The existing SHAKTI policy had 8 paras for coal allocation. ⇢ The scheme will upgrade the infrastructure for improved
⇢ Now, they have been mapped to two windows: Training of Trainers (ToT) facilities in five National Skill
▪ Window-I (coal at notified price) Training Institutes (NSTIs):
▪ Window-II (premium over notified price) ▪ Bhubaneswar (Odisha),
▪ Chennai,
C-DOT Partners for Drone QKD Systems ▪ Hyderabad,
⇢ The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has ▪ Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), and
signed an MoU with Synergy Quantum India Pvt Ltd to ▪ Ludhiana (Punjab).
develop Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ⇢ It will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
systems). (CSS) with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore, including:
▪ Central share: ₹30,000 crore
Chip-based e-passports introduced ▪ State share: ₹20,000 crore
⇢ The Indian government has launched chip-based e- ▪ Industry share: ₹10,000 crore
passports across the country to ensure the security of ⇢ The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank will
travellers and enhance international travel. co-finance 50% of the central share.
⇢ These passports are equipped with Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) and antenna. Carbon Capture Utilisation testbeds
⇢ They were initially rolled out on a pilot basis on April 2024 ⇢ The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has
as a part of the Passport Seva Programme-Version 2.0 launched a national initiative to establish 5 Carbon
(PSP-V2.0). Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement
sector.

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⇢ The 5 testbeds are Ballabhgarh (Haryana), IIT Kanpur, IIT York (UK) and the University of Western Australia
Bombay, CSIR-IIP, and IIT Tirupati, IISc, and IIT Madras & (Australia) to establish their campuses in Navi Mumbai.
BITS Pilani, Goa. ⇢ The campuses will be established at Educity, CIDCO’s
⇢ Partners for the test beds: mega education hub in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
▪ JK Cement Ltd, ⇢ The investment in each campus is expected to be ₹1,500
▪ JSW Cement, crore.
▪ Dalmia Cement, and
▪ Ultratech Cement. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups expanded
⇢ The central government has expanded the Credit
Highest snow leopard density Guarantee Scheme for Startups to boost innovation and
⇢ As per a study by the Department of Wildlife Protection capital mobilisation.
(DWP) published in the Public Library of Science (PLOS) ⇢ The guarantee ceiling has been increased from ₹10 crore
journal PLOS ONE, Ladakh has the highest snow leopard to ₹20 crore.
(Panthera uncia) density in the world. ⇢ The guarantee coverage stands at 85% for loans up to ₹10
⇢ The study estimates that the Union Territory has 477 crore and 75% for loans above ₹10 crore.
snow leopards, accounting for 68% of India’s total snow ⇢ The Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) has been reduced from
leopard population of 709. 2% to 1% for startups in 27 Champion Sectors.
⇢ The snow leopards are spread across 47,572 sq km in
Ladakh. IWAI establishes new office
⇢ Hemis National Park in Ladakh has the highest snow ⇢ The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under
leopard density in the world with 2.07 individuals per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW),
100 sq. km (previous high was in Tibet). has launched a new office in Srinagar, Jammu &
⇢ The average snow leopard density globally ranges from Kashmir (J&K).
0.92 to 1.8 individuals per 100 sq. km.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
Ladakh: − Chairman- Vijay Kumar
− Lieutenant Governor – B.D Mishra (retired) − Established in- 1986
− Capital- Leh − Headquarters- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
− Wildlife Sanctuary – Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
Coal gasification agreements signed
Global Media Dialogue ⇢ The Ministry of Coal (MoC) has signed the coal
⇢ The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) gasification plant development and production
organised the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first agreement (CGPDPA) with Jindal Steel and Power Ltd,
time at WAVES 2025. New Era Cleantech Solution Pvt Ltd, and Greta Energy
⇢ It was co-chaired by: and Metal Pvt Ltd.
▪ Union Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar ⇢ The coal gasification financial incentive scheme was
▪ Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched in 2024 with a total outlay of ₹85 billion, to
▪ Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan facilitate 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.
⇢ The event was supported by the Ministry of External ⇢ Category I (Government PSUs)
Affairs (MEA). ▪ Total sanctioned amount: ₹4050 crore
⇢ During the event, 77 countries adopted the 13-point ▪ Funding: Up to 3 projects, each receiving ₹1350 crore
‘WAVES Declaration’. or 15% of Capex (whichever is lower)
⇢ The summit also featured the WAVES Bazaar, a global e- ▪ Payment method: Grant given in two equal
marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, and has installments
secured ₹254 crore worth of business deals. ⇢ Category II (Government PSUs & Private sector)
⇢ The WAVEX Startup Accelerator has unveiled a ₹50 ▪ Total sanctioned amount: ₹3850 crore
crore fund to support startups in the media and ▪ Project selection: At least 1 project chosen through
entertainment industry. tariff-based bidding, criteria designed with NITI Aayog
▪ Funding: ₹1000 crore or 15% of Capex (whichever is
Sixth semiconductor unit approved in India lower)
⇢ The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of the 6th ▪ Selection process: Transparent bidding
semiconductor unit under the India Semiconductor ⇢ Category III (Demonstration projects with indigenous
Mission. technology)
⇢ The unit is a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn. ▪ Total sanctioned amount: ₹600 crore
⇢ It will be set up near the Jewar airport in Yamuna ▪ Funding: ₹100 crore or 15% of Capex (whichever is
Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), lower)
Uttar Pradesh. ▪ Minimum requirements:
o ₹100 crore minimum Capex
⇢ The plant is designed to produce 20,000 wafers per
o 1500 Nm³/hr Syn gas production
month and has a design output capacity of 36 million
▪ Selection process: Transparent bidding
units per month.
⇢ The project will attract investments worth ₹3,700 crore. Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website launched
Agreements by CIDCO with foreign varsities ⇢ Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has launched the Non-
Ferrous Metal Recycling Website and Stakeholders’
⇢ The City and Industrial Development Corporation
Portal, developed under the National Non-Ferrous Metal
(CIDCO) has signed agreements with the University of
Scrap Recycling Framework.

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⇢ The portal aims to establish a transparent, structured,
and integrated recycling system in India for non-ferrous
metals like aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and critical INTERNATIONAL NEWS
minerals.
New President of Gabon
Kerala Museum joins WAMU-NET
⇢ Brice Oligui Nguema has been elected as the President
⇢ The Water Heritage Museum at the Centre for Water
of Gabon for a 7-year term.
Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in
Kozhikode, Kerala, has been included in the UNESCO's Gabon:
Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET). − President – Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
⇢ It is the third such institution in India to achieve this − Capital – Libreville
recognition. − Currency – Central African CFA franc
⇢ The other two are:
▪ JAL Water Museum in Udaipur (Rajasthan) Italy’s Deputy PM state visit to India
▪ Living Water Museum in Pune (Maharashtra) ⇢ Antonio Tajani, the Deputy PM of Italy, visited India and
held a bilateral meeting with Union Minister Piyush Goyal
India to launch Samudrayaan at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi.
⇢ The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has announced ⇢ Both countries reviewed the growing bilateral
that India’s first manned deep ocean mission, cooperation under the ambit of Joint Strategic Action
‘Samudrayaan’, will be launched by 2026. Plan (JSAP) 2025-29.
⇢ The mission will deploy the manned submersible vehicle ⇢ They also renewed their commitment to work jointly in
‘Matsya’ with 3 scientists to reach a depth of 6,000 implementing the ambitious India-Middle-East-Europe-
metres (6 km) under the sea. Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
⇢ Union Ministers S Jai Shankar, Piyush Goyal and Antonio
DPIIT, GEAPP ink pact to support startups Tajani, co-chaired the 1st India-Italy Business, Science
⇢ The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal and Tech Forum held in New Delhi.
Trade (DPIIT) has signed an MoU with the Global Energy Italy:
Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to support early-
− Prime Minister- Georgia Meloni
stage climate-tech startups.
− Capital- Rome
⇢ As a part of the agreement, GEAPP will launch the Energy
− Currency- Euro
Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE), a
competitive platform that provides rewards up to
Crown Prince of Dubai’s visit to India
$500,000 for high-impact solutions.
⇢ Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai,
Illinois Tech to open campus in India visited India at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi.
⇢ He presented PM Modi with a replica of the traditional
⇢ The Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has
cloak worn by his grandfather.
become the first US university to receive approval from
⇢ He held meetings with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Dr
the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a
S Jaishankar, and Piyush Goyal.
degree-granting campus in India.
⇢ He also visited the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in
⇢ The Mumbai campus is expected to open in 2026.
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Bharat 6G 2025 Conference ⇢ During the visit, India and the UAE signed 8 MoUs.
⇢ He inaugurated the Dubai International Chamber’s
⇢ Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr Chandra Sekhar
second representative office in Bengaluru, taking the
Pemmasani has addressed the ‘Bharat 6G 2025’ – 3rd
total number of international representative offices to 34.
International Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi.
⇢ During the event, he stated that India has joined the top Dr BR Ambedkar Day proclaimed
6 countries globally in 6G patent filings. ⇢ The New York City has declared April 14 as the ‘Dr BR
⇢ India has sanctioned ₹300 crore for 111 research projects Ambedkar Day’ to celebrate the leader’s 134th birth
to promote 6G technology. anniversary.
⇢ The Bharat 6G Vision was unveiled by PM Narendra Modi ⇢ The announcement is made by Dilip Chauhan, the
on 23rd March 2023. Deputy Commissioner for the state's Mayor’s Office for
⇢ It aims is India to become a global leader in 6G technology International Affairs.
by 2030.
New PM for Serbia
Development projects in Gujarat ⇢ Duro Macut has been appointed as the new Prime
⇢ Union Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the Pallav Minister of Serbia, replacing Milos Vucevic.
Bridge and laid the foundation stone for 94 public-
Global carbon tax on shipping
centric development projects in the Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation (AMC). ⇢ India and 62 other countries have voted in favour of the
world’s first global carbon tax on the shipping industry,
⇢ The projects are worth ₹1,593 crore.
proposed by the shipping agency of the UN.
⇢ He also urged every society to plant 15-50 trees.
⇢ From 2028, ships will either have to switch to low-
⇢ The AMC has pledged to plant 40 lakh trees in one year.
emission fuels or pay a fee for the pollution.
⇢ The tax is expected to generate up to $40 billion by 2030.

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⇢ However, carbon pricing is expected to reduce shipping ⇢ The draft agreement outlines a framework for enhancing
emissions by only 10% by 2030. international cooperation, equity, and resilience to
⇢ The policy is expected to be formally adopted by October address future global health threats.
2025.
BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
UAE to chair INTERPOL ⇢ The 15th edition of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’
⇢ The UAE has been elected as the Chair of the INTERPOL Meeting was held in Brasilia, Brazil under the theme
Committee on Governance for a period of two years. “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture
⇢ Lt Col Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, the DG of the through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade
International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior, among BRICS Countries”.
has been appointed as the Chair with 67% support from ⇢ The meeting was chaired by Carlos Fávaro, the Minister
member countries. of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil.
International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL): ⇢ The meeting witnessed the adoption of two outcome
documents:
− Secretary General- Valdecy Urquiza (Brazil)
▪ The Joint Declaration of the 15th BRICS Agriculture
− Headquarters- Lyon, France
Ministers’ Meeting
− Established in- 1923 ▪ The BRICS Land Restoration Partnership

India and Saudi Arabia collaboration Key points about BRICS:

⇢ India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to jointly set up two − Established: September 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India,
refineries in India. and China (BRIC).
⇢ They will also cooperate on the supply of crude oil and its − Renamed: BRICS after South Africa joined in September
derivatives, including LPG. 2010.

Saudi Arabia: − Expansion in 2023: Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and UAE joined
at the 15th BRICS Summit.
− Prime Minister – Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud Brazil:
− Capital- Riyadh − President – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
− Currency– Saudi Riyal − Capital – Brasilia
− Currency – Brazilian Real
India provides grant to Sierra Leone
⇢ India has announced a grant of $990,000 to Sierra Leone UNDP joined Santiago Network
for the “Enabling Economic Independence for Specially
⇢ The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Abled Persons in Sierra Leone” project.
has joined the Santiago Network.
⇢ The project is supported by the India-UN Development
⇢ The network was established under the UN Framework
Partnership Fund and is implemented in collaboration
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2019.
with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
⇢ It aims to support vulnerable countries and communities
⇢ The India-UN Development Partnership Fund,
in tackling irreversible impacts of loss and damage
established in June 2017, has a total commitment of ₹150
caused by climate change.
million, supporting 86 projects across 65 countries.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
EU fines Apple and Meta
− Director General - Achim Steiner
⇢ The European Union antitrust regulators have fined
− Headquarters- New York, the United States of America
Apple (€500 million) and Meta (€200 million) for violating
(USA)
the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
− Established in- 1965
⇢ The DMA is a landmark legislation to regulate Big Tech
companies.
PM Modi visits Saudi Arabia
Shinkansen trains to India ⇢ PM Narendra Modi has paid a visit to the Kingdom of
⇢ Japan will provide two Shinkansen train sets (E5 series Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Mohammed bin Salman,
and E3 series) free of cost to India for testing and the Crown Prince and PM of the country.
inspection of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail ⇢ Both leaders held official talks and co-chaired the second
corridor which is under construction. meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership
⇢ The train sets will be delivered in 2026. Council (SPC) which was established in 2019.
⇢ The SPC will now have 4 Ministerial Committees.
Japan:
⇢ Both countries have signed 4 MoUs to strengthen
− Prime Minister– Fumio Kishida
bilateral cooperation.
− Capital – Tokyo
− Currency – Japanese Yen BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
⇢ The 15th edition of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’
WHO Pandemic Agreement Meeting was held in Brasilia, Brazil under the theme
⇢ The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) has “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture
finalised a draft agreement for the WHO Pandemic through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade
Agreement. among BRICS Countries”.
⇢ The draft will be presented at the 78th World Health ⇢ The meeting was chaired by Carlos Fávaro, the Minister
Assembly, scheduled to be held in May 2025. of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil.

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⇢ The meeting witnessed the adoption of two outcome Uganda declares an end to Ebola outbreak
documents:
⇢ Uganda has declared the end of the Ebola Sudan Virus
▪ The Joint Declaration of the 15th BRICS Agriculture Disease (SVD) outbreak.
Ministers’ Meeting
⇢ This declaration was made after completing a 42-day
▪ The BRICS Land Restoration Partnership
mandatory countdown period without any new
Key points about BRICS: confirmed cases.
− Established: September 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, ⇢ The virus was detected in Kampala, the capital city, less
and China (BRIC). than 3 months ago.
− Renamed: BRICS after South Africa joined in September
CMA CGM registers ship in India
2010.
⇢ CMA CGM, a French shipping company, has become the
− Expansion in 2023: Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and UAE joined
first major foreign shipping company to register its
at the 15th BRICS Summit.
vessel in India.
Brazil: ⇢ Its container ship ‘CMA CGM Vitoria’ will operate under
− President – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva the Indian flag.
− Capital – Brasilia
New PM for Trinidad and Tobago
− Currency – Brazilian Real
⇢ Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been elected as the 9th
Revive Our Ocean Initiative launched Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for 5 years.
⇢ She succeeds Stuart Young.
⇢ A new global initiative named ‘Revive Our Ocean’ has
been launched to empower coastal communities to New sites included in UNESCO GGN
establish and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
⇢ The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGp) has
through local actions.
added 16 new sites from 11 countries to its Global
⇢ The initiative is led by:
Geoparks Network (GGN).
▪ Dynamic Planet (USA-based NGO)
⇢ Mt Paektu of North Korea, and North Riyadh and Salma
▪ Pristine Seas program of the National Geographic
of Saudi Arabia are the first additions from the respective
Society (NGS)
countries.
⇢ The initiative is supported by British naturalist Sir David
⇢ With the new additions, the number of sites in the GGN
Attenborough.
becomes 229 (from 50 countries), spanning nearly
⇢ Its three main pillars are Inspire, Enable, and Equip.
855,000 sq km.
⇢ The initiative will initially focus on 7 countries: UK,
⇢ Each site in the network undergoes a revalidation once in
Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, and
4 years.
Mexico.
⇢ A green card indicates renewal for 4 years, while a yellow
South Korea launches spy satellite card indicates renewal for 2 years.

⇢ South Korea has launched its fourth indigenously Initiative to strengthen EU-India relations
developed spy satellite '425Sat-3' into orbit using
⇢ New Delhi-based The Dialogue and Belgium-based
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting Firm have jointly
⇢ The satellite uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
launched Strategic Research, Innovation & Dialogue for
technology.
European Union (EU)-India Engagement (STRIDE-EUI)
⇢ SAR enables it to capture high-resolution images even in
to enhance the strategic partnership between India and
challenging conditions such as during night time or
the EU.
under cloud cover.
South Korea PM resigns
BRICS Labour meeting in Brazil
⇢ Han Duck-soo, the acting President and Prime Minister
⇢ The 11th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’
of South Korea, has resigned from his post.
meeting was held in Brasilia, Brazil, under the presidency
of Brazil. AIM4NatuRe by FAO
⇢ The theme of the meeting was “Strengthening the ⇢ The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has
Cooperation of the Global South for More Inclusive and launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for
Sustainable Governance”. Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) initiative to help
⇢ Union Minister of State Sushri Shobha Karandlaje led the countries monitor and report on the restoration of
Indian delegation. degraded ecosystems.
⇢ The meeting concluded with a declaration focusing on “AI ⇢ The UK has pledged $9 million to support the initiative.
and the Future of Work” and “The Impacts of Climate
Change on the World of Work and a Just Transition”. Nicaragua withdrew from UNESCO
⇢ About BRICS: ⇢ The Nicaraguan government has withdrawn from
▪ Formation: Established in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, UNESCO.
India, and China (BRIC). ⇢ This follows UNESCO’s announcement that Nicaragua’s
▪ Expansion: Renamed BRICS in 2010 after South Africa exiled La Prensa newspaper will be awarded the 2025
joined. UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
▪ Further Growth: In 2023, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and ⇢ Nicaragua joined the UNESCO in 1952 and was one of its
UAE became members during the 15th BRICS 194 member states.
Summit.

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Nicaragua: New ADB trust fund
− President- José Daniel Ortega Saavedra ⇢ During the 58th Annual Meeting (AM) of the Board of
− Capital- Managua Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the
− Currency- Nicaraguan Córdoba ADB and the Government of Japan have jointly launched
the ADB Market Acceleration Platform for Asia and the
Angola joins ISA Pacific (AMAP).
⇢ Angola has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) ⇢ The ADB has also signed the ‘Master Framework
Framework Agreement, becoming its 123rd member. Agreement for Sustainable Infrastructure’ with 10
leading global insurance companies to mobilize a
International Solar Alliance (ISA):
maximum of $2.75 billion of private capital to support
− Director General (DG)– Ashish Khanna ADB’s sustainable development financing across Asia
− Headquarters – Gurugram, Haryana and the Pacific region.
− Established in – 2015
Asian Development Bank (ADB):
10th German Chancellor − President– Masato Kanda (Japan)
⇢ Friedrich Merz has been elected as the 10th Chancellor − Headquarters– Manila, the Philippines
of Germany. − Established in– 1966
⇢ He succeeds Olaf Scholz. − Member Nations- 69

India supports Maldives India co-chairs RIMES conference

⇢ India has extended financial assistance to the Maldives by
⇢ Sri Lanka hosted the 4th Ministerial Conference of the
rolling over the $50 million Treasury Bill for one more
Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning
year.
System (RIMES) in Colombo.
⇢ SBI has subscribed to a $50 million Government Treasury
⇢ The conference was supported by The World Bank and
Bill issued by the Ministry of Finance of Maldives.
the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office
Maldives: (FCDO).
− President- Mohamed Muizzu ⇢ India co-chaired the event along with Sri Lanka.
− Capital- Male ⇢ The Indian delegation was led by Dr M Ravichandran,
− Currency- Maldivian Rufiyaa Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
⇢ The theme of the conference was ‘Actionable Early
58th AM of Board of Governors of ADB Warnings and Climate Services for All’.
⇢ The 58th Annual Meeting (AM) of the Board of Governors ⇢ Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka,
of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held at represented India at the RIMES Council Meeting.
Allianz MiCo-Milano Convention Centre in Milan, Italy ⇢ India is the current chair of the RIMES Council.
under the theme ‘Sharing Experience, Building ⇢ The conference concluded with the adoption of the
Tomorrow’. ‘Ministerial Declaration’ by RIMES member states.
⇢ The event focused on ADB’s plan to mobilize financing ⇢ RIMES was established in April 2009.
worth $40 billion by 2030 for the transformation of food ⇢ Papua New Guinea hosted the 3rd Ministerial Conference
systems.
of RIMES in 2017.
⇢ ADB is planning to invest in advancing and connecting
the energy system, including a pledge of $10 billion to Bhutan integrates crypto payments
support the ASEAN Power Grid.
⇢ Bhutan has become the first country to integrate
⇢ Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the Indian
cryptocurrency payments in its tourism sector,
delegation.
partnering with Binance Pay and DK Bank.
⇢ She also attended a Plenary Session of the NEXT Milan
⇢ Tourists and merchants can now transact using over 100
Forum at the Bocconi University on ‘Balancing Economic
cryptocurrencies via QR codes.
and Climate Resilience’.
⇢ The 59th AM of the Board of Governors of ADB will be Bhutan:
held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. − Prime Minister– Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Asian Development Bank (ADB): − Capital – Thimphu
− President– Masato Kanda (Japan) − Currency – Bhutanese Ngultrum
− Headquarters– Manila, the Philippines
Gift by India to Nepal
− Established– 1966
⇢ India has gifted 15 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to Nepal to
Country Champion at 2025 WBLC support the logistical arrangements of the first edition of
⇢ The World Bank Land Conference 2025 (WBLC 2025) the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global dialogue on climate
was held in Washington DC, USA under the theme change.
“Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: ⇢ The vehicles were handed over by Indian Ambassador to
Moving from Awareness”. Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, to Nepal’s Foreign Minister,
⇢ India was recognised as the Country Champion at the Arzu Rana Deuba, during a ceremony at the Ministry of
event under the leadership of Vivek Bharadwaj, Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu.
Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). ⇢ The theme of the event is “Climate Change, Mountains,
and the Future of Humanity”.

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 Deploying BIS standards NSM timeline extended

BANKING ⇢ RBI has extended the deadline for banks to install the new
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standards Note Sorting
Machines (NSMs) by 6 months to November 2025.
UIICL ties up with SIDBI ⇢ The RBI has also directed banks and White Label ATM
⇢ United India Insurance Company Ltd (UIICL) has Operators (WLAOs) to ensure that ATMs dispense ₹100
partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank and ₹200 notes regularly.
of India (SIDBI) to sell general insurance products for the ⇢ By September 2025, 75% of all ATMs should dispense
MSME sector via the latter’s branches across India. either ₹100 or ₹200 notes from at least one cassette.
⇢ By March 2026, this should be increased to 90%.
Tata Neu SBI Card launched
⇢ SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd has partnered with New payment card by Airtel Payments Bank
Tata Digital Pvt Ltd to launch a co-branded credit card ⇢ Airtel Payments Bank has launched NCMC-enabled
named the ‘Tata Neu SBI Card’. RuPay On-The-Go Cards.
⇢ The card is available in two variants:
▪ Tata Neu Infinity SBI Card New credit card by Kotak Mahindra Bank
▪ Tata Neu Plus SBI Card ⇢ Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched a premium, invite-
⇢ The cards are available on RuPay and Visa networks. only metal credit card named the 'Kotak Solitaire Credit
Card' for high-end travellers.
SBI Card Limited:
− MD & CEO – Salila Pande Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL):

− Established – 1998 − MD & CEO – Ashok Vaswani

− Headquarters – Gurugram − Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra

− Established in – 1985
Revolut gets authorization − Tagline – Lets Make Money Simple
⇢ London-based Revolut, a global financial application, has
received full authorisation from the RBI to operate as a Canara Bank launches CANARA TruEdge
Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuer and enable ⇢ Canara Bank has launched “CANARA TruEdge”, a
UPI transactions in India. customized savings and current account suite for
institutional clients, including those in the healthcare,
SBI reintroduces Amrit Vrishti FD education, and religious sectors.
⇢ SBI has re-introduced its special fixed deposit (FD) ⇢ Tagline: “Grow with trust, lead with edge”—focused on
scheme, “Amrit Vrishti”, for a tenor of 444 days, with a customer segmentation and customized financial
revised interest rate. solutions.
⇢ The reintroduced scheme shows a 20 basis points (bps) ⇢ Zero initial deposit requirement—smooth onboarding
reduction in the interest rate for senior citizens, lowered with increasing benefits for higher balances.
to 7.55% from 7.75%. ⇢ Exclusive features:
⇢ The interest rate of General citizen has also been reduced ▪ Tier-5 Monthly Average Balance (MAB)
to 7.05% from 7.25% ▪ Significant charge waivers & concessions
⇢ The super senior citizens continue to receive a slightly ▪ Premium banking services
higher rate of 7.65%. ⇢ Transaction Advantages:
⇢ A penalty of 0.5% is applicable for premature withdrawal ▪ Unlimited free transactions via NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI.
of retail term deposits up to ₹5 lakhs, and 1% for deposits ▪ Unlimited cheque leaves.
above ₹5 lakhs but less than ₹3 crores. ▪ Tier-based free issuance of Demand Drafts (DDs) to
ensure smooth banking operations.
New insurance product by Bajaj Allianz
⇢ Pune based Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has launched a PSBs profit rises in FY25
new term insurance product named ‘Bajaj Allianz Life ⇢ According to a report, the cumulative profit of Public
Superwoman Term (SWT)’ exclusively for women. sector banks' (PSBs) rose to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in
⇢ The plan offers financial protection, health benefits, and FY25, a 26% increase.
child care support. ⇢ In FY24, the cumulative profit stood at ₹1.41 lakh crore.
⇢ SBI accounted for over 40% of the total profit with a net
Grahak Mitras by SBI profit of ₹70,901 crore.
⇢ SBI has deployed “Grahak Mitras” (Customers’ Friends) in ⇢ Other Public sector bank:
4,500 branches to promote the use of self-service ▪ Central Bank of India (CBI) accounted for over 48.4%
banking channels and reduce branch congestion. growth to ₹3,785 crores
⇢ The Grahak Mitras will be sourced from State Bank ▪ UCO Bank accounted for 47.8% rise to ₹2,445 crores
Operations Support Services (SBOSS), a wholly-owned ▪ Bank of India (BoI) accounted for over 45.9% rise to
subsidiary of the SBI. ₹9,219 crores
⇢ Punjab National Bank registered the highest percentage
AU SFB introduces concierge services growth of 102% to ₹16,630 crore followed by Punjab and
⇢ AU Small Finance Bank has launched Concierge Sind bank (71% rise) of ₹1,016 crores.
Services for its premium clients 'AU ivy' and 'AU Eternity'. ⇢ The government infused ₹3,10,997 crore to recapitalize
⇢ The service aims to offer lifestyle-driven assistance PSBs from FY17 to FY21.
beyond traditional banking.

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 QNB opens GIFT City branch ⇢ The LCR ensures banks have enough high-quality liquid
⇢ Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest financial assets (HQLAs) to withstand a 30-day stress scenario.
institution in the Middle East and Africa, has become the ⇢ Applicable to all commercial banks, excluding Payments
first bank from the MEA region to open a branch in Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Local Area Banks.
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). ⇢ Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR):
▪ Ensures banks have sufficient High-Quality Liquid Assets
(HQLAs) to survive liquidity stress for 30 days.
▪ Banks must always maintain an LCR of at least 100%.

RBI NEWS ⇢ An additional 2.5% run-off factor is mandated for retail

deposits with internet and mobile banking facilities
(IMB).
Penalty on Citibank ⇢ Increase in Run-off Factor:
⇢ Retail deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking
⇢ RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹3.2 lakh on Citibank.
(IMB) now have a higher run-off factor.
⇢ The penalty is for not conducting proper due diligence on
▪ Stable IMB deposits: 7.5% run-off factor (previously
inward remittances from a foreign currency account.
5%).
⇢ This violates Foreign Exchange Management Act
▪ Less stable IMB deposits: 12.5% run-off factor
(FEMA) provisions.
(previously 10%).
RBI allows minors to open accounts RBI Imposes Penalty
⇢ RBI has permitted banks to allow minors above 10 years
⇢ RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.61 crore on
old to open and operate savings/term deposit accounts
Indian Bank and ₹63.6 lakh on Indian Overseas Bank.
independently.
⇢ Indian Bank Penalty:
⇢ Minors of any age can open and operate savings and
▪ ₹ 1.61 crore fine imposed by RBI.
term deposit accounts through their natural or legal
▪ Non-compliance with Interest Rate on Advances,
guardian.
Kissan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, and Lending to
MSME Sector.
RBI directive on domain
▪ Violation of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections
⇢ RBI has instructed all banks to migrate their existing 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
domains to the ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 2025.
⇢ Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Penalty:
▪ ₹63.60 lakh fine imposed for non-compliance.
PB Pay gets RBI approval
▪ Related to Credit Flow to Agriculture – Collateral-free
⇢ PB Pay Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, has received
loans and Lending to MSME Sector.
in-principle approval from the RBI to operate as an online
payment aggregator. RBI cancels license
⇢ The authorized share capital was ₹50 crore ⇢ RBI has cancelled the licence of the Punjab-based
⇢ The paid-up share capital was ₹ 27 crore. Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank due to the lender’s
inadequate capital and earning prospects.
RBI Imposes Penalties
⇢ RBI has also cancelled the licence of Ajantha Urban Co-
⇢ RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.4 lakh on operative Bank due to capital & compliance issues.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL) for non-compliance
with regulatory guidelines ‘Loan System for Delivery of RBI revised ATM usage cost
Bank Credit’ and ‘Loans and Advances – Statutory and ⇢ RBI has increased the ATM cash withdrawal charges by
Other Restrictions’. ₹2.
⇢ IDFC First Bank Ltd is fined ₹38.6 lakh for violating KYC ⇢ The new charge is ₹23 per transaction, after a customer
guidelines. exceeds the permissible free limit in a month.
⇢ Punjab National Bank (PNB) is fined ₹29.6 lakh for non- ⇢ The revised charges came into effect from May 2025.
compliance with Customer Service in Banks directions.
⇢ Earlier, the charge was ₹21 per transaction.
Registration canceled by RBI
Interim Committee for IndusInd Bank
⇢ RBI has cancelled the certificate of registration (CoR) of
⇢ RBI has approved the formation of an interim
Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank Ltd in Indapur,
“Committee of Executives” to manage the operations at
Maharashtra.
IndusInd Bank Ltd.
⇢ Reasons for Licence Cancellation:
⇢ The committee will operate for a period of three months
▪ Insufficient Capital and Earning Prospects
or until a new CEO is appointed, whichever is earlier.
▪ Non-compliance with Banking Regulations
⇢ The committee will function under an Oversight
▪ Risk to Depositors’ Interests
Committee of the Board, chaired by Sunil Mehta, the
RBI cancels licence Chairman of the Board.

⇢ RBI has cancelled the licence of the Ahmedabad-based IndusInd Bank Limited:
Colour Merchants Co-operative Bank Ltd due to − MD & CEO- Sumant kathpalia
inadequate capital.
− Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Amendments to LCR framework − Established in– 1994

⇢ RBI has revised the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) − Tagline – We make you feel richer
framework, applicable from April 2026.

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 RBI clarifies on the use of PRAVAAH portal Relaxation of norms for FPIs by RBI
⇢ RBI has mandated all banks, financial companies, and ⇢ RBI has relaxed norms for Foreign Portfolio Investors
other regulated entities to use the PRAVAAH portal, (FPIs) to purchase local corporate bonds by removing
from May 2025, for submitting applications for the ‘short-term debt investment limits’ and the
authorisations, licenses, and approvals. ‘concentration limits’, in order to facilitate easy
⇢ PRAVAAH (Platform for Regulatory Application, investments.
Validation and Authorization) is a secure, web-based
⇢ Previous framework details:
portal launched by the RBI in 2024.
▪ Investments by FPIs in corporate bonds with a
Zaakpay gets PA license maximum residual maturity period of 1 year was
⇢ Zaak ePayment Services Pvt Ltd (Zaakpay), a wholly capped at 30% of the total investment of FPIs in
owned subsidiary of One MobiKwik Systems Ltd corporate bonds.
(MobiKwik), has received the final regulatory approval, ▪ The investment in corporate debt securities by an FPI
Certificate of Authorisation (CoA), from the RBI to was limited to 15% of the prevailing investment limit
operate as an online Payment Aggregator (PA). for long-term FPIs and 10% for others.

RBI launches surveys on public perception

⇢ RBI has launched three consumer surveys to understand
public perception on inflation, employment, income, and
overall economic confidence. SEBI NEWS
⇢ The surveys are:
▪ Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH)
Capitalmind gets SEBI approval
▪ Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS)
▪ Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS) ⇢ Capitalmind Financial Services has received approval
⇢ The IESH collects subjective assessments on future from the SEBI to operate as 'Capitalmind Mutual Fund'.
inflation trends based on household consumption
patterns. Trading window rules expanded by Sebi
⇢ The UCCS focuses on general economic situation, ⇢ SEBI has extended its automated trading window
employment, price levels, income and spending patterns. closure mechanism to the immediate relatives of
⇢ The RCCS measures current sentiment and expectations designated persons (DPs) in listed companies, ahead of
for the next year regarding employment, economic the declaration of financial results.
conditions, income levels, and expenditure plans. ⇢ Earlier, the restriction was only for DPs.
⇢ Its main Objective is to prevents insider trading by
RBI penalizes banks
restricting those with access to Unpublished Price-
⇢ RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹1.72 crore on the SBI for
Sensitive Information (UPSI) from trading during key
non-compliance with directives related to loans,
periods.
customer protection, and current account openings.
⇢ Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd has been fined ₹1 crore for ⇢ The move is in line with the existing system for DPs, which
violating KYC norms. uses PAN-based trading freeze.
⇢ The implementation will be carried out in two phases:
RBI imposes fine on Banks ▪ Phase 1: Starting from July 2025, applicable to the top
500 listed companies (based on market
Penalty (₹ in capitalisation).
Bank Reason
Lakhs) ▪ Phase 2: Starting from October 1, 2025, covering all
Non-compliance with
ICICI Bank 97.8 the remaining listed companies.
regulatory norms
⇢ Trading Freeze Confirmation: Companies must confirm
Non-compliance with
Axis Bank 90.92 submitted data two trading days before (T-2 days) the
regulatory norms
Non-compliance with trading window closure date.
Bank of Baroda 61.40
regulatory norms ⇢ Information Sharing: Designated Depository (DD) will
Bank of Non-compliance with share trading restriction details with stock exchanges and
31.80
Maharashtra regulatory norms other depositories at least one day before closure.
Non-compliance with ⇢ Standardized Reporting: Depositories will issue
IDBI Bank 31.8
regulatory norms standardized formats and timelines for submission to
ensure consistency.

FIMMDA recognised as SRO ⇢ Dispute Resolution: SEBI mandates coordination among

depositories, stock exchanges, and listed companies to
⇢ RBI has recognised the Fixed Income Money Market and
resolve any discrepancies.
Derivatives Association of India (FIMMDA) as a Self-
Regulatory Organisation (SRO) in financial markets.
SEBI to ensure transparency
⇢ It aim is to regulate member conduct and enforce fair
practices in the financial markets under its purview. ⇢ SEBI has launched the SEBI Document Number
⇢ SRO must be a not-for-profit company with a minimum Verification System (SEBI-DNVS) to improve
net worth of ₹10 crore and diversified shareholding (no transparency and verifiability of the documents issued by
single entity holding more than 10% of the paid-up share the market regulator.
capital). ⇢ The system uses a 17-digit “Outward Number” to verify
documents.

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 New rules for Securitised Debt Instruments ⇢ Bilateral trade between India and the USA reached
⇢ SEBI has set a minimum investment of ₹1 crore for the $131.84 billion.
issuance of Securitised Debt Instruments (SDIs) for: ⇢ India’s exports to and imports from the USA grew by 11.6%
▪ RBI-regulated originators and 7.44% to $86.51 billion and $45.33 billion respectively.
▪ Unregulated entities engaged in securitization ⇢ Main exports to the USA included drug formulations and
activities biologicals ($8.1 billion).
⇢ The originators should have a minimum operating ⇢ China was India’s second largest trading partner with
experience of 3 years. bilateral trade of $127.7 billion.
⇢ For originators not regulated by the RBI, the minimum ⇢ The trade in goods and services between India and the
investment for subsequent transfers will be ₹1 crore. USA is expected to grow from $191 billion currently to $500
⇢ Public offers for SDIs will remain open for at least 3 days billion by 2030.
and a maximum of 10 days.
UNCTAD Projects Economic Growth
⇢ Originators are now required to hold a minimum of 10%
of the securitized pool, or 5% for receivables with a ⇢ According to the UNCTAD report, the GDP growth of
maturity period of up to 24 months. India is estimated at 6.5% in CY25.
⇢ Loans with a maximum tenor of 2 years must be held for ⇢ The GDP growth of CY24 is estimated at 6.9%.
at least 3 months before securitization, and for loans with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
a tenor of more than 2 years, the holding period is 6 (UNCTAD):
months.
− Secretary-General- Rebeca Grynspan
⇢ SEBI has also introduced an optional clean-up call for
− Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
originators, allowing them to repurchase up to 10% of the
original value of the assets. − Established in- 1964

IMF lowers growth forecast

⇢ According to a report by the International Monetary

ECONOMY Fund (IMF), the GDP growth of India for FY26 has been
revised to 6.2%, 30 basis points higher than the earlier
estimate.

Safeguard duty to steel sector Retail inflation lowest since 2018-19

⇢ The Central Government has imposed a 12% safeguard
⇢ Retail inflation in India fell to its lowest since FY19,
duty on steel imports for 200 days, to protect the reaching 4.6% in FY25.
domestic steel industry from the adverse impact of
⇢ Year-on-year inflation for March 2025 dropped to 3.34%,
import surges and to ensure fair competition in the
with food inflation at 2.69%.
market.
⇢ Headline inflation decreased from 3.79% (Feb) to 3.25%
Report by Niti aayog (March), and food inflation from 4.06% to 2.82%.
⇢ Food inflation declined to 2.48% from 3.15%.
⇢ According to the report “Unlocking USD25+ Billion Export
⇢ Housing inflation in urban areas rose to 3.03%.
Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector” released by
NITI Aayog, India can achieve $25+ billion (₹2.1 lakh ⇢ Coconut oil (56.81%) had the highest inflation, while
crore) in exports within the next 10 years. ginger (-38.11%) saw the steepest price decline.
⇢ It also states that India can capture 25% of the global ⇢ Average annual inflation between FY05 and FY14 was
hand tools market and 10% of the global power tools 8.2%.
market.
WB lowers growth forecast for India
⇢ Currently, India’s share in the global hand and power tools
trade is valued at $100 billion and is expected to grow to ⇢ The World Bank has lowered India’s growth forecast for
$190 billion by 2035. FY26 to 6.3% from its earlier estimate of 6.7%.
⇢ Hand tools presently constitute $34 billion, projected to ⇢ India ‘s GDP of FY25 was 5.8%.
rise to $60 billion by 2035, while power tools are valued at World Bank:
$63 billion, expected to grow to $134 billion by 2035.
− President – Ajay Banga
⇢ China leads the global export market, while India’s
− Headquarters – Washington D.C. (United States of
share remains modest at 1.8% (USD 600 million) in hand
America, USA)
tools and 0.7% (USD 470 million) in power tools.
− Founded – 1944
⇢ NITI Aayog has proposed to establish 3–4 clusters across
4,000 acres under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) − Members – 189
model.
Fitch cuts GDP forecast
⇢ NITI Aayog highlights that an additional ₹8,000 crores in
bridge support will be necessary if the structural reforms ⇢ According to a report by Fitch Ratings, the GDP growth
are not adopted and This investment could yield 2-3 times estimate of India for the current FY is reduced by 10 basis
its value in tax revenue in the next five years. points (bps) to 6.4%.
⇢ The growth estimate for FY27 is retained at 6.3%.
Top trading partners for India
⇢ According to trade data released by the Ministry of Remittances fall under LRS scheme
Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), the USA remained ⇢ According to a report by the RBI, remittances to India
India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive have declined by 8.21% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to $27.02
year in FY25. billion in FY25 (April-February) from $29.43 billion in the
previous fiscal.

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⇢ The largest segment, international travel, saw a slight dip ⇢ The consumer price inflation (CPI) has sharply declined
of about 1% to $15.84 billion. to 3.34% in March 2025.
⇢ Remittances for overseas education decreased by 16% ⇢ The average CPI inflation is expected to fall below 4% for
to $2,758.9 million, while those for the purchase of FY26.
immovable property increased by 28.32% to $277.7
Retail inflation in April 2025
million.
⇢ In February 2025, remittances dropped by 2.44% to $1.96 ⇢ According to data from the Ministry of Statistics and
billion. Programme Implementation, India’s retail inflation
based on the year-on-year Consumer Price Index (CPI)
S&P cuts India's growth projections for April 2025, was recorded at 3.16%.
⇢ The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) decreased to
⇢ According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, the GDP
1.78%.
growth of India is estimated at 6.3% in FY26 and 6.5% in
⇢ Rural India experienced a food inflation of 1.85%, while
FY27
urban areas saw a slightly lower figure of 1.64%.
UPI transactions in April ⇢ Kerala recorded the highest combined year-on-year
inflation rate at 5.94%, while Telangana reported the
⇢ The number of transactions through the UPI declined
lowest at 1.26%.
by 2% to 17.89 billion in April 2025.
⇢ The value of transactions also fell by 3% to ₹23.95 trillion. Financing for India’s healthcare
⇢ According to a report, the Asian Development Bank
Record GST collection in April
(ADB) has committed $5 billion to India in 2024, which
⇢ GST collection rose 12.6% year-on-year to about ₹2.37 includes $2.2 billion through co-financing.
lakh crore in April 2025, which is an all-time high. ⇢ The ADBs Board of Governors also approved its 2024
⇢ Revenue from domestic transactions and imported financial statements and allocated $1.539 billion from its
goods rose 10.7% and 20.8% to about ₹1.9 lakh crore and net income.
₹46,913 crore respectively.
UN lowers growth projections
IMF data on largest economies ⇢ According to the UN’s World Economic Situation and
⇢ According to the “April 2025 World Economic Outlook Prospects 2025 report, the GDP growth of India is
(WEO)” released by the Internation Monetary Fund projected at 6.3% for 2025 and 6.4% for 2026.
(IMF), USA retained its position as the largest economy ⇢ The report also projected global growth to slow to 2.4% in
with a GDP of $30.51 trillion, followed by China and 2025 and 2.5% in 2026.
Germany.
⇢ India became the 4th largest economy with a GDP of
$4.39 trillion.
⇢ India is expected to lead Germany by 2030.
BUSINESS
ADB loan to India
⇢ According to a report, the Asian Development Bank Loan for UK Battery Plant secured
(ADB) has committed $5 billion in the form of loans, ⇢ Agratas Energy Storage Solutions, a subsidiary of Tata
grants, and technical assistance to India in 2024. Sons, has secured a £750 million ($990.79 million)
⇢ It has also committed $2.2 billion in cofinancing. bridge loan to establish a battery manufacturing facility
in the UK.
Asian Development Bank (ADB): ⇢ The facility is expected to become the largest of its kind in
− President – Masato Kanda (Japan) the UK.
− Headquarters – Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines ⇢ The loan, arranged with approximately 15 banks, has a 2-
− Established – 1966 year term and is priced at a spread over the Sterling
Overnight Index Average (SONIA).
− Members – 69
Cricket-themed credit cards
Moodys cuts India GDP forecast
⇢ Mastercard has partnered with City Union Bank Ltd to
⇢ According to the “Global Macro Outlook 2025-26” report launch India’s first cricket-based credit cards.
by Moody’s, the GDP growth of India for 2025 is ⇢ The cards offer exclusive benefits for the fans of the Indian
estimated at 6.3% from the earlier forecast of 6.5%. Premier League teams Chennai Super Kings and
Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Rating agency upgrades India
⇢ According to a report by the global sovereign credit rating New IFC initiative for MSMEs
agency Morningstar DBRS, India’s Long-Term Foreign ⇢ The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invited
and Local Currency – Issuer Ratings are upgraded from eligible financial services providers (FSPs) to become
BBB (low) to BBB with a Stable trend. intermediaries under its Catalytic First Loss Guarantee
⇢ India’s Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Facility.
Ratings are also upgraded to R-2 (high) from R-2 ⇢ It provides risk mitigation through a first-loss guarantee,
(middle) with a Stable trend. encouraging FSPs to lend more to MSMEs in emerging
markets.
SBI projects low retail inflation ⇢ This initiative is part of IFC's broader strategy to address
⇢ According to a report by the SBI, the retail inflation of the $5.7 trillion financing gap faced by MSMEs globally (or
India is expected to remain below 3% until June 2025 $8 trillion including informal enterprises).
(Q1FY26).

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 Tata Motors signs PPA with TPREL Global Forex Card introduced
⇢ Tata Motors has signed a Power Purchase Agreement ⇢ BookMyForex, an entity owned by MakeMyTrip Group,
(PPA) with Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has launched its ‘Global Forex Card’.
for the co-development of a 131 MW wind-solar hybrid ⇢ This is a USD-denominated single currency prepaid card.
renewable energy project. ⇢ The card aims to reduce foreign exchange expenses for
⇢ The project will supply green energy to 6 manufacturing international travellers and students.
plants of Tata Motors in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Axis Max Life launches Bandhan 2.0
ADNL spectrum acquired
⇢ Axis Max Life Insurance has launched “Bandhan 2.0”, an
⇢ Bharti Airtel will acquire the entire 400-megahertz AI-powered augmented reality (AR) platform for
spectrum of Adani Data Networks. onboarding new employees.
The spectrum will be used in Gujarat, Mumbai, Andhra ⇢ It Provides immersive storytelling, interactive
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (6 states).
gamification, and real-time leadership engagement.
GAIL signs MoU with CONCOR ⇢ Multi-Platform Accessibility: Available in English and
Hindi via mobile and desktop.
⇢ GAIL (India) has signed an MoU with the Container
Corporation of India (CONCOR) to explore the feasibility Bulbul v2 launched
of using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel for the
⇢ Sarvam AI has launched ‘Bulbul v2’, an advanced AI-
latter’s logistics fleet.
based Text-To-Speech (TTS) model.
⇢ The collaboration aims to evaluate LNG’s potential as a
⇢ It supports 11 Indian languages which includes Hindi,
cleaner and cheaper alternative to diesel.
Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil,
Accenture acquires TalentSprint Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and English.

⇢ Accenture has acquired TalentSprint, a deep tech CK Birla Group rebrands

education firm, from NSE Academy, a subsidiary of the
⇢ The CK Birla Group has rebranded itself as the 'CKA Birla
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).
Group'.
Sunil Mittal joins PSIL
India's first Model Context Protocol
⇢ Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Ltd (BEL),
has joined the next phase of the Private Sector ⇢ Razorpay has launched India’s first Model Context
Investment Lab (PSIL) of the World Bank Group (WBG). Protocol (MCP) server for a payment gateway.
⇢ The PSIL focuses on attracting private investments and ⇢ The server enables direct integration of AI systems like
generating employment opportunities in developing chatbots and assistants with Razorpay’s payment
countries. infrastructure.

HDFC Bank joins Rs 15 lakh crore club NLC India Renewables signs PPA
⇢ HDFC Bank became the third Indian company to achieve ⇢ Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) India Renewables
a market capitalisation of ₹15 lakh crore after Reliance LTD (NIRL) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement
Industries and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). (PPA) with the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam
LTD (RVUNL) for its 810 MW solar power project.
ClimateSafe launched by Bajaj Allianz ⇢ The project will be developed at the Pugal Solar Park in
⇢ Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company has launched Bikaner, Rajasthan.
‘ClimateSafe’, India’s first parametric insurance product ⇢ The project is expected to generate 2 Billion Units (BU) of
for climate risk protection. green electricity annually.

Equity milestone by RIL India’s first gold-melting ATM

⇢ Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) became the first Indian ⇢ Goldsikka has unveiled India’s first gold-melting ATM in
company to cross ₹10 lakh crore in total equity. Hyderabad.
⇢ The company has reported record annual consolidated ⇢ The company launched India’s first gold ATM in 2022 and
revenues of ₹10.7 lakh crore (approximately $125.3 billion) currently operates:
in FY25. ▪ 14 gold-dispensing ATMs across India
⇢ Recently Anant M. Ambani has been appointed as an ▪ 3 internationally
Executive Director (ED) of Reliance Industries Ltd for a ⇢ The gold-melting ATM introduces AI and Augmented
five-year term. Reality (AR) in physical banking systems, promoting
Reliance Industries Limited: digital transformation in the traditional gold market.

− Chairman & Managing Director– Mukesh Ambani AGEL turns water positive
− Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
⇢ Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has become the world’s
− Established in – 1957 first Renewable Energy (RE) Independent Power
Producer (IPP) with a 14 Gigawatt (GW) operational
Combination proposal approved by CCI portfolio.
⇢ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has
approved: Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL):
⇢ Jubilant Beverages Ltd (JBL) acquiring a 40% stake in − Chief Executive Officer– Ashish Khanna
HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCCH) − Headquarters – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
⇢ KKR acquiring HCCH through Hector Asia Holdings and − established in– 2016
KIA EBT II Scheme

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 Starlink gets approval to operate in India Excellence in Public Administration Award
⇢ Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, ⇢ The PoshanTracker Application of the Ministry of
has received regulatory approval from the Indian Women and Child Development has won the Prime
government to start its operations in the country. Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public
Administration 2024 under the Innovation category
JSW One enters unicorn club (centre).
⇢ JSW One Platforms Ltd has secured approximately $40 ⇢ The award was given on the occasion of 17th Civil
million (₹340 crore) in funding. Services Day.
⇢ The funding round was led by Principal Asset
Management, OneUp, and JSW Steel. National Highways Excellence Awards 2023
⇢ The funding has increased the company’s valuation to ⇢ The 6th edition of the National Highways Excellence
USD 1 billion, making it a unicorn. Awards (NHEA) 2023 was held in New Delhi.
⇢ The awards, instituted in 2018 by the Ministry of Road
Reliance Industries secures loan Transport and Highways (MoRTH), were given under 5
⇢ Reliance Industries has secured a dual-currency loan categories.
worth $2.9 billion, the largest offshore loan raised by an ⇢ Navratan, Devender Kumar, and Subhash Chandra have
Indian company in over a year. won the Best Engineer award.
⇢ The Special Recognition award was given to the Kerala-
First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck based Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society
⇢ Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) has introduced India’s first (ULCCS).
hydrogen-powered fuel cell truck for mining logistics in
Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Category Winner Award
⇢ Each truck has Three hydrogen tanks.
Excellence in Project HG Infra Engineering Silver
⇢ It is capable of carrying up to 40 tonnes of cargo over a
Management PPP Ltd
200-kilometer range.
⇢ The truck's fuel system has three hydrogen tanks Excellence in Project Bhartia Infra Projects Gold
integrated with a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel Management (EPC) Ltd
cell stack for efficient and clean energy conversion.
Excellence in Operation Nanguneri Gold
Porter becomes unicorn & Maintenance Flexible Kanyakumari Tollway
Private Ltd
⇢ Bengaluru-based Porter has raised $200 million (₹1,700
crore) in a Series F funding round. Green Highways Ashoka Buildcon Ltd Gold
⇢ Porter becomes India’s 3rd unicorn of 2025, after Deccan Tollways Ltd Silver
Netradyne and Juspay.

First Mortgage-Backed PTCs

Wisden Cricketers of the Year 2025
⇢ India’s first Mortgage-Backed Pass Through
⇢ Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, Liam
Certificates (PTCs) were listed on the National Stock
Dawson and Dan Worrall are the Five Wisden
Exchange (NSE).
Cricketers of the Year at the Wisden Cricketers’
⇢ The PTCs, issued by RMBS Development Company Ltd,
Almanack 2025.
are backed by LIC Housing Finance housing loans.
⇢ Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) has won the Wisden
⇢ The issue details are:
Trophy 2024.
▪ Issue size: ₹1,000 crore
⇢ Indian cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana
▪ Coupon rate: 7.26% per annum
have been named as the world’s leading male and
▪ Maturity period: 20 years
female cricketers for 2024.
⇢ CRISIL and CARE have rated the PTCs as AAA(SO).
⇢ Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) has been recognised as
the Leading T20 Cricketer in the World.
⇢ A photo by Quinn Rooney has won the Wisden

AWARDS
Photograph of the Year 2024 (was awarded £1,000).

TIME 100 Most Influential People 2024

⇢ According to the 22nd edition of the annual “TIME 100
World Press Photo of the Year 2025 Most Influential People 2025” list, Reshma Kewalramani,
⇢ Samar Elouf has won the ‘2025 World Press Photo of the the Indian-origin CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is
Year’ award for her photograph of nine-year-old featured under the ‘Leaders’ category.
Mahmoud Ajjour, a Gazan boy who lost both his arms in ⇢ Leon Marchand (22 years old), an Olympic swimmer from
an Israel conflict. France, is the youngest in the list).
⇢ The winner receives a cash prize of €10,000. ⇢ Muhammad Yunus (84 years old), Chief Advisor of
⇢ Two other finalists were also recognised: Bangladesh and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is the oldest
▪ “Night Crossing” by John Moore of USA in the list.
▪ “Droughts in the Amazon” by Musuk Nolte of Peru ⇢ USA President Donald Trump featured in the list for the
7th time, the most by any person in the 2025 list.
World Press Photo:
⇢ He is followed by Elon Musk (6), Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of
− Executive Director– Joumana El Zein Khoury
Meta), and Serena Williams (3).
− Headquarters – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
⇢ It is to be noted that the list has 6 categories.
− Established in – 1955

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 Young Global Leaders named by WEF ⇢ The book “Bravest of the Brave” by Lt Gen Satish Dua
⇢ Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu and 6 other Indians (Retd), that chronicles the life of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal,
were named among the Young Global Leaders by the was also launched at the event.
World Economic Forum (WEF).
French honour for Payal Kapadia
⇢ The other Indians are Ritesh Agarwal, Alok Medikepura
⇢ Payal Kapadia, an Indian filmmaker, has been conferred
Anil, Natarajan Sankar, Nipun Malhotra, Manasi
the “Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” (Officer
Subramaniam, and Anurag Maloo.
of the Order of Arts and Letters), the highest civilian
Goldman Environmental Prize 2025 honour of France in the field of arts and literature.

⇢ 7 grassroots environmental activists have been ⇢ The award is given recognising her contribution to global
cinema and Indo-French cultural cooperation.
announced as the winners of the 36th Goldman
Environmental Prize (2025), also known as the ‘Green
RGIA achieves Level 5 accreditation
Nobel Prize’.
⇢ The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has
⇢ Winners:
received Level 5 accreditation under the Airport Carbon
▪ Batmunkh Luvsandash from Mongolia (Asia)
Accreditation (ACA) programme, the highest
▪ Semia Gharbi from Tunisia
recognition for carbon management in the aviation
▪ Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika from Albania (Europe)
sector.
▪ Carlos Molina from Spain
▪ Laurene Allen from the US ⇢ It is the third airport in India and one among the top four
▪ Mari Murayari from Peru in the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East region to achieve
Level 5.
⇢ Semia Gharbi won for exposing a corrupt waste
trafficking scheme between Italy and Tunisia.
New honour to Sri Madhusudhan Sai
⇢ Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika won for campaigning against
⇢ Madhusudhan Sai, an Indian spiritual/humanitarian
hydropower developments on the Vjosa River in
leader, was conferred the ‘Companion of the Order of
Europe.
Fiji’, the highest civilian award of the country.
⇢ Carlos Molina won for halting the Fonsalía Port project.
⇢ Laurene Allen won for forcing the closure of the Saint- Green Airports Recognition 2025
Gobain Performance Plastics plant in France.
⇢ The Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle
⇢ Mari Murayari won for leading a legal campaign granting East (ACI APAC & MID) has announced the winners of the
the Marañón River legal personhood. 9th edition of the Green Airports Recognition (GAR)
2025.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
⇢ Three Indian airports have been recognised:
⇢ Armand Duplantis, a pole vaulter from Sweden, has won
▪ Hubballi Airport (Karnataka) - recognised for
the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award 2025.
installing an 8 MW solar power plant
⇢ Simone Biles, a gymnast from the USA, has won the ▪ Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) -
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award 2025. won Silver under “15-38 million passengers per year”
⇢ Real Madrid Men’s Football Team of Spain has won the category for its “Sustainable Energy for a Greener
Laureus World Team of the Year award. Perpetuity” project
Award Winner Sport/Nationality ▪ Cochin International Airport (Kerala) - won Silver for
Laureus World setting up a 12 MWp solar power plant.
Lamine Football player
Breakthrough of the
Yamal from Spain
Year ACI Safety Recognition Awards 2025
Laureus World ⇢ Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) has
Jiang Para swimmer from
Sportsperson of the Year won the Gold Award at the inaugural Safety Recognition
Yuyan China
with a Disability Awards 2025, presented by the 9th edition of Airports
Laureus Sporting Icon Rafael Tennis player from Council International (ACI) APAC & MID Regional
Award Nadal Spain Assembly in New Delhi.
Laureus Lifetime Kelly Award Winner
Surfing from USA
Achievement Award Slater Diamond
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Award
MacGregor Memorial Medal recipients
Narita International Airport (NRT)
⇢ Five military personnel have been awarded the Silver Award
(Japan)
MacGregor Memorial Medal for the years 2023 and 2024.
⇢ The medal, instituted in 1888, is named after Major Indian wins HonorsGradU Scholarship
General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the founder of ⇢ Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student of Dalhousie
the USI (United Service Institution). Public School, has won the HonorsGradU 2025
⇢ A total of 127 such medals have been given so far. Scholarship “Build a Better Future” Award for his
Year Awardee Service invention of the Solar Mech Engine.
2023 Wing Commander D Panda IAF ⇢ He is among the 5 global winners.
Electrical Artificer (Radio) Rahul Indian ⇢ He won:
2023
Kumar Pandey Navy ▪ A scholarship of $10,000 for his undergraduate
Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer Indian education in the US
2024
(Radio) Ram Ratan Jat Navy ▪ A grant of $5,000 for developing and scaling his
2024 Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia IAF innovation.
Indian ▪ He is the first student from India to win the award
2024 Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal
Army since its inception in 2012.

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 Guillermo Cano prize for La Prensa Category Winner
⇢ La Prensa, a Nicaragua-based newspaper, has been Breaking News Photography Doug Mills (NYT)
selected as the winner of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Investigative Reporting Reuters
World Press Freedom Prize. Journalism in the Public Service ProPublica
⇢ The award carries a cash prize of $25,000.
National Reporting The Wall Street Journal
AIFF Annual Awards 2024-25
⇢ The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced Bhuwan Ribhu receives Medal of Honour
the winners of its annual awards for 2024-25.
⇢ Bhuwan Ribhu, a renowned Indian child rights lawyer,
has been honoured with the ‘Medal of Honour’ by the
Award Winner World Jurist Association (WJA).
AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year Subhasish Bose ⇢ He is the first Indian lawyer to achieve this recognition.
Soumya
AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year New honour for Neeraj Chopra
Guguloth
⇢ Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medallist, has been
AIFF Promising Women’s Player of the
Toijam Chanu given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the
Year
Territorial Army.
Elangbam
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Panthoi World Food Prize
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Vishal Kaith ⇢ Mariangela Hungria, a Brazilian scientist, has been
AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year Khalid Jamil announced as the winner of the World Food Prize for her
research on biological seed and soil treatments.
AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year Sujata Kar
⇢ The award carries a cash prize of $500,000.

SRFTI film selected at Cannes

⇢ “A Doll Made Up of Clay”, a student film by the Satyajit
Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), has been officially
selected for the prestigious La Cinef section at the 78th APPOINTMENTS
Festival de Cannes 2025.
⇢ The movie has been written and directed by
New Chairperson for LCI
KokobGebrehweria Tesfay
⇢ The government has appointed former Supreme Court
International Buddha Peace Award (SC) judge, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, as the
⇢ Dr Mustafa Yusufali Gom, a social worker and Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India (LCI).
entrepreneur from Mumbai, has been conferred the ⇢ He succeeds Justice (Retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi.
International Buddha Peace Award 2025. ⇢ Advocate Hitesh Jain and Professor DP Verma have been
appointed as full-time members till August 2027.
National Community Radio Awards 2024
New Chairperson for IWLF
⇢ Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr L Murugan has
presented the 10th National Community Radio Awards ⇢ Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist, has been
during the 8th National Community Radio Conference elected as the chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission
at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF).
Maharashtra. ⇢ S Sathish Kumar, a Commonwealth Games gold
⇢ The awards have 4 categories and a total of 12 awards. medallist, has been elected as the vice-chairperson.
⇢ The first prize for each category is ₹1 lakh. ⇢ Their term will last for 4 years.

T Rabi Shankar re-appointed

Award Winner Programme
⇢ The Centre has re-appointed T Rabi Sankar as the Deputy
Thematic Award Radio Mayur Tech Sakhi
Governor of the RBI for 1 year.
Most Innovative
Kahani
Community Yerlawani Sangli New appointment in ICAR
sunandachi
Engagement Award ⇢ Dr Mangi Lal Jat has been appointed as the Director
Promoting Local Radio General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural
Igarekun Research (ICAR).
Culture Award Brahmputra
⇢ He will also be the ex-officio Secretary of the Department
Radio Benziger
Sustainability Model of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), for 3
Kollam, Kerala
years.
Pulitzer Prize 2025 ⇢ He succeeds Dr Himanshu Pathak.

⇢ The Pulitzer Prize Board has announced the winners of New CEO for TrillionLoans Fintech
the 109th Pulitzer Prize (2025).
⇢ Sandeep Singh has been appointed as the CEO of
⇢ The New York Times (NYT) has won 4 awards in different
TrillionLoans Fintech Pvt Ltd (TFPL).
categories, increasing its total Pulitzer wins to 139.
⇢ He succeeds Sabyasachi Senapatis.
⇢ Charles Summer ‘Chuck’ Stone Jr. has been awarded a
⇢ TFPL is a digital-first Non-Banking Financial Company
special citation (posthumously).
(NBFC) regulated by the RBI.
⇢ The Pulitzer Prize is presented in 24 categories and the
winner receives a certificate and a cash prize of $15,000.

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 Brand Ambassador of T20 Mumbai League New CEO for UIDAI
⇢ Rohit Sharma, an Indian cricketer, has been appointed as ⇢ Bhuvnesh Kumar, former Additional Secretary (AS) in the
the Brand Ambassador of the T20 Mumbai League Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY),
Season 3. has been appointed as the full-time CEO of the Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
New Chairman in Air India Express
⇢ Amitesh Sinha has replaced Kumar as the AS in MeitY.
⇢ Nipun Aggarwal has been appointed as the Chairman of
Air India Express. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):
⇢ He succeeds Campbell Wilson. − Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Bhuvnesh Kumar

Air India Express: − Headquarters – New Delhi

− Chairman- Nipun Aggarwal − Established in– 2009
− Headquarters – Gurgaon, Haryana
New appointment in MDL
− Established – 2004
⇢ Capt Jagmohan (Retd) has been appointed as Chairman
Major bureaucratic reshuffle & MD of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
⇢ The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has ⇢ He succeeds Biju George.
approved a major bureaucratic reshuffle across key
Ministries. New Chief Secretary for Telangana
⇢ K Ramakrishna Rao has been appointed as the Chief
Appointee Position Ministry/Department Secretary (CS) of Telangana.
Department of Revenue ⇢ He succeeds A Santhi Kumari.
Arvind
Secretary (DoR), Ministry of Finance
Shrivastava
(MoF) New CMD of REC
Vumlunmang Department of
Secretary ⇢ Jitendra Srivastava has been appointed as the CMD of
Vualnam Expenditure (DoE), MoF
REC Ltd.
Department of Public
K Moses Chalai Secretary
Enterprises (DPE), MoF New ED in Reliance
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Samir Sinha Secretary ⇢ Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has appointed Anant M
(MoCA)
Santosh Ministry of New and Ambani as an Executive Director (ED) for a period of 5
Secretary years.
Sarangi Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Ministry of Parliamentary
Nikunja Dhal Secretary New Chief Secretary of Kerala
Affairs (MoPA)
Vivek ⇢ A Jayathilak has been appointed as the 50th Chief
Secretary Ministry of Culture (MoC)
Aggarwal Secretary of Kerala succeeding Sarada Muraleedharan.
Ministry of Skill
Rajit Punhani Secretary Development and Sujata Chaturvedi appointed to UPSC
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) ⇢ Sujata Chaturvedi, former Secretary of the Department
India International of Sports, took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member
Institute of Democracy of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Rakesh Verma DG
and Election Management
(IIIDEM) New appointment in Axiom Space
Special Ministry of Ports, Shipping
Rajesh Sinha ⇢ Tejpaul Bhatia, an Indian-origin executive, has been
Secretary & Waterways
appointed as the CEO of the US-based Axiom Space Inc.
Special
⇢ He succeeds Kam Ghaffarian.
Ranjana Secretary &
MoC
Chopra Financial
New Chairman of NSE IX
Advisor
⇢ Neeraj Kumar Gupta has been appointed as Chairman
and Public Interest Director of NSE International
New Chairman for WEF Exchange (NSE IX).
⇢ Peter Brabeck has been appointed as the interim ⇢ He succeeds Rajiv Mehrishi.
Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
⇢ He succeeds Klaus Schwab. New appointment for YouTube India
⇢ Gunjan Soni has been appointed as the Country MD of
Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey at AIIB YouTube India.
⇢ Ajay Bhushan Pandey, former Finance Secretary of India ⇢ She succeeds Ishan Chatterjee.
and ex-chief of the National Financial Reporting
Authority (NFRA), has been appointed as the Vice- New appointment in IMF
President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
⇢ Parameswaran Iyer, executive director at the World
(AIIB).
Bank, has been appointed as the nominee director of
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): India on the board of the International Monetary Fund
− Headquarters- Beijing, China (IMF).
− Established- 2015 ⇢ He succeeds Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramaniyan
− Members- 100 (2022-2025).

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International Monetary Fund (IMF): Togo elects first president
− Managing Director (MD) – Kristalina Georgieva ⇢ Togo has elected Jean-Lucien Savi as its first president
− Headquarters – Washington DC, the United States of under the new parliamentary system.
America (USA) ⇢ He succeeds Faure Gnassingbé.
− Established – 1944
Togo (Togolese Republic):
− Member nations – 191
− President – Jean-Lucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové
New appointments in ECI − Capital – Lomé
⇢ Rakesh Verma has been appointed as the Director − Currency –West African CFA franc
General (DG) of the India International Institute of
Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM). Australia’s PM re-elected
⇢ Ashish Goyal took charge as DG, Media, in the Election ⇢ Anthony Albanese has been re-elected as the PM of
Commission of India (ECI). Australia.
⇢ He is the first Australian PM to win a second consecutive
New chief for NSAB
three-year term in two decades.
⇢ The Government of India has reconstituted the National
Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Sanjay Joshi for CMD post
⇢ Alok Joshi, former Chief of the Research and Analysis ⇢ The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has
Wing (R&AW), has been appointed as its Chairman.
recommended Sanjay Joshi for the post of CMD of
⇢ The board has 7 members. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.

New CEO of ISM ⇢ The position was vacant following the retirement of RR
Singh.
⇢ Amitesh Kumar Sinha has been appointed as the CEO of
the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the 267th Pope elected
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
⇢ Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the
(MeitY).
267th Pope of the Catholic Church.
⇢ He succeeds Sushil Pal.
⇢ He adopted the name Pope Leo XIV.
New appointment in IICA ⇢ He is the first Pope from the USA and succeeds Pope
⇢ Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh has taken charge as the Francis.
Director General and CEO of the Indian Institute of
Corporate Affairs (IICA).
52nd CJI
⇢ IICA works under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ⇢ Justice B R Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief
(MCA). Justice of India.
⇢ He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Chairpersons of CoE and CoPU for FY26
⇢ Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal has been appointed as the Venugopal to chair PAC
Chairperson of the Committee on Estimates (CoE) for ⇢ Congress leader KC Venugopal has been re-appointed as
FY26. the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee
⇢ The committee has 30 members. (PAC).
⇢ Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda has been re-appointed as the
Chairperson of the Committee on Public Undertakings Praveen Sood gets tenure extension
(CoPU) for FY26. ⇢ The tenure of Praveen Sood as the Director of the Central
⇢ The committee consists of 22 members. Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been extended for a
period of one year.
New appointment in NFDC
⇢ Prakash Magdum has been appointed as the MD of the Jaworski chairs Brisbane 2032 Commission
National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). ⇢ Mikaela Jaworski has been appointed as the Chair of the
⇢ He succeeds Prithul Kumar. Coordination Commission for the Brisbane 2032
Olympic Games.
New PM for Yemen
⇢ She will succeed Kristy Coventry, who is set to become
⇢ The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of Yemen has
the IOC President in June 2025.
appointed Salem Saleh Bin Braik as the new Prime
Minister of Yemen. New appointment in SECI
⇢ He succeeds Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.
⇢ Santosh Kumar Sarangi has been given an additional
Yemen: charge as the CMD of the Solar Energy Corporation of
− Prime Minister– Salem Saleh Bin Braik India (SECI).
− Capital – Sanaa ⇢ He succeeds Rameshwar Prasad Gupta.

− Currency – Yemeni Rial Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI):

− Chairman and Managing Director– Santosh Kumar
Sanjay Khanna gets additional charge
Sarangi
⇢ Sanjay Khanna, currently serving as Director (Refineries),
− Headquarters – New Delhi
has assumed additional charge as the CMD of Bharat
Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). − Established in – 2011
⇢ He succeeds G. Krishnakumar.

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 South Asia envoy appointed TPG acquires stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla
⇢ Arunabha Ghosh, the founder and CEO of the Council of ⇢ US-based TPG Inc has signed a binding agreement to
Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), has been acquire a 35% stake in SCHOTT Poonawalla Pvt Ltd, an
appointed as the South Asia envoy for the 30th Indian Joint Venture (JV) of SCHOTT Pharma AG & Co.
Conference of Parties (COP-30), which will be held in ⇢ The stake is being sold by Serum Institute of India Pvt
Belem, Brazil. Ltd (SII).

New MD for Titan Company Limited SMBC to buy stake in Yes Bank
⇢ Ajoy Chawla has been appointed as the MD of Titan ⇢ The Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Company Ltd. Corporation (SMBC) has signed an agreement to acquire
⇢ He succeeds CK Venkataraman. a 20% stake in YES Bank Ltd through a secondary stake
purchase valued at around ₹13, 483 crore.
New CEO for NTPC Green Energy Ltd
⇢ NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) has appointed Sarit CCI approves stake acquisition in EPL Ltd
Maheshwari as its new CEO and designated Key ⇢ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has
Managerial Personnel (KMP). approved the acquisition of a 24.9% stake in EPL Ltd by
⇢ He succeeds Rajiv Gupta. Indorama Netherlands from Blackstone for ₹1,908 crore.
⇢ NGEL was integrated in 2022. ⇢ The Letter of Intent (LoI) flags the way for Starlink to
obtain a Global Mobile Personal Communication by
Satellite (GMPCS) licence, essential for offering satellite-
based internet services in India.

ACQUISITION
⇢
CCI Approves Patanjali's Acquisition
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has
AGREEMENTS
approved Patanjali’s acquisition of Magma General
Insurance for ₹4,500 crore. India and Italy signed MoU
⇢ Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research
Ambuja Cements acquires Orient Cement of Italy, recently visited India and met with Union
⇢ Ambuja Cements has taken over Orient Cement Ltd Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
(OCL), previously managed by the CK Birla Group. ⇢ They discussed the implementation of the 2025-27
⇢ Ambuja Cements now owns a 46.66% stake and has full Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological
control of OCL. Cooperation under the Joint Science and Technology
⇢ Appointments: Vaibhav Dixit: Executive Director (ED), Agreement Programme (JSAP) 2025-29.
Vinod Bahety: Chairman, and Kajal Sarda: Chief ⇢ The Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation
Financial Officer (CFO). (EPOC) for 2025-27 was also signed.
⇢ The current programme includes joint funding for 10
CCI approves acquisition deal research mobility proposals and 10 collaborative
⇢ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has research projects.
approved the acquisition of AAM India Manufacturing ⇢ Over 150 joint research projects have been successfully
Corporation Pvt Ltd (AAMCPL) by Bharat Forge Ltd implemented under this framework so far.
(BFL). ⇢ The minister also briefed about India’s Deep Ocean
⇢ The CCI has also approved wealth management Mission, which aims to send a submersible 6,000 meters
company 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and Bharti Life deep into the ocean, with a trial dive of 500 meters
Ventures Pvt Ltd (BLVPL) to acquire certain stakes in planned for 2026.
Bharti Axa Life Insurance Company Ltd (BALIC).
India and Slovakia sign Defence MoU
NABARD invests in 24x7 Moneyworks ⇢ India has signed its first defence MoU with Slovakia to
⇢ NABARD has acquired a 10% stake in the bootstrapped enhance India’s indigenous defence production
startup 24x7 Moneyworks Consulting Pvt Ltd. capabilities.
⇢ The partnership aims to promote the adoption of
'eKisanCredit (eKCC)', a digital loan origination platform Mahagenco and ROSATOM signs MoU
for cooperative banks and rural institutions. ⇢ Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd
(MAHAGENCO) has signed an MoU with the Russia-
LIC increases stake in Bank of Baroda based ROSATOM to jointly develop a thorium-fuelled
⇢ LIC has increased its stake in Bank of Baroda (BoB) from Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Maharashtra.
5.03% to 7.05%. ⇢ The development of the reactor will be in accordance with
⇢ The purchase was made through the Open Market the safety standards of the Atomic Energy Regulatory
Purchases (OMP). Board (AERB) and the Government of India.

AMSL acquires IDL Explosives Limited CREDAI signs MoU with NSDC and QCI
⇢ Apollo Micro Systems Ltd (AMSL) has signed a Share ⇢ The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’
Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire 100% equity stake Associations of India (CREDAI) has signed an MoU with
in IDL Explosives Ltd for ₹107 crore. the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and
the Quality Council of India (QCI).

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⇢ The purpose is to establish a collaborative framework for ⇢ Rhenus Logistics India Pvt Ltd will deploy 100 cargo
skill training, capacity building, and worker certification vessels along with pusher tugs in a phased manner.
in the construction and real estate sector. ⇢ In the first phase, about 20 barges and six pusher tugs will
be deployed from the third quarter of 2025.
Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of
India (CREDAI): India, Denmark to enhance energy ties
− President –Shekhar G Patel
⇢ India has signed an initial agreement with Denmark to
− DG&CEO – Atul Rai enhance cooperation in the energy sector.
− Headquarters – New Delhi (Delhi) ⇢ The agreement aligns with India’s target of net-zero
− Established in– 1999 emissions by 2070.

India, South Africa talk PTA deal India UK Free Trade Deal Sealed
⇢ India and South Africa have held talks on a preferential ⇢ India and the UK have signed a free trade agreement
trade agreement (PTA) or a limited trade deal via the (FTA) and a double contribution convention.
South African Customs Union (SACU) to expand trade ⇢ As per the FTA, 99% of Indian exports will benefit from
ties. zero duty in the U.K. market.
⇢ South Africa is India’s largest trading partner in Africa. ⇢ The automotive tariffs will be reduced from over 100% to
⇢ Bilateral trade between the countries stood at $19.25 10% under a quota.
billion in FY24. ⇢ It will also reduce import duty on 90% of tariff lines, with
⇢ Nearly 95% of the trade between India and SACU nations 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.
happens with South Africa.
Cultural cooperation agreement
SBI signs MoU ⇢ Britain’s minister Lisa Nandy has signed a cultural
⇢ SBI has signed an MoU with the Land Ports Authority of cooperation agreement with Union Minister Gajendra
India (LPAI) to enhance banking services infrastructure Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi.
at 26 land ports bordering India’s neighbouring ⇢ The new UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation
countries. aims to enhance two-way cultural exchanges through
⇢ The aim is to increase trade transactions from the current arts and heritage.
₹80,000 crore to ₹2 trillion by 2030.
United Kingdom (UK):
⇢ LPAI currently operates 15 land ports across 8 border
− Prime Minister– Keir Starmer
states.
− Capital- London
Sa-Dhan signs MoU with BoI − Currency- Pound Sterling
⇢ Sa-Dhan has signed an MoU with Bank of India to
enhance financial access for small, micro, and women- Intel signs MoU with IndiaAI
led enterprises. ⇢ Intel has signed an MoU with the IndiaAI mission to
⇢ The aim is to achieve National Financial Inclusion and launch an initiative aimed at strengthening AI capabilities
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). and skills across India.
⇢ The collaboration will focus on 4 programs: YuvaAI,
India and Chile to deepen trade ties with CEPA StartupAI, IndiaAI Dialogues, and Enabling Bhashini for
⇢ India and Chile have signed the Terms of Reference scaling to remote regions.
(ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA). DST partners with DRDO
⇢ The ToR were signed by: ⇢ An institute of the Department of Science and
▪ HE Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile in India Technology (DST) has signed an MoU with a DRDO
▪ Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of institute.
Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry ⇢ The MoU aims to utilize the observational facilities and
scientific expertise of the Aryabhatta Research Institute
Chile:
of Observational Sciences (ARIES) to strengthen India’s
− President – Gabriel Boric Font Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.
− Capital – Santiago
C-DOT partners with CSIR-NPL
− Currency – Chilean Peso
⇢ The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has
IFSCA and NISM tie up for capacity building signed an MoU with CSIR–National Physical Laboratory
⇢ The International Financial Services Centres Authority (CSIR-NPL).
(IFSCA) has signed an agreement with the National ⇢ The aim is to promote collaborative research and
Institute of Securities Markets (NISM). innovation in quantum and classical communication
⇢ NISM is designated as a training partner for IFSCA and its technologies.
registered intermediaries.
HLL Lifecare partnership with STO
⇢ NISM is a public trust established in 2006 by SEBI.
⇢ HLL Lifecare Ltd, under the Ministry of Health & Family
IWAI partners with Rhenus Logistics Welfare (MoH&FW), has signed an agreement with the
⇢ The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has State Trade Organisation Plc (STO) of the Maldives for
signed an MoU with Rhenus Logistics India Pvt Ltd to the import and distribution of essential goods, under PM
operate barge services in various national waterways. Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

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Maldives: ▪ Alignment- Supports EU Hydrogen Strategy and
− President- Mohamed Muizzu India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

− Capital- Male India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC):

− Currency- Maldivian Rufiyaa − Established in 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
ADB and FAO partnered for agrifood
− Purpose: Strengthen bilateral trade & technology
⇢ The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has cooperation between India and the EU.
signed a framework agreement with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) to promote digital and AI- Adani partners with Bhutan
powered agricultural investment solutions across 9 ⇢ The Adani Group has signed an MoU with Druk Green
Central and South Asian countries. Power Corporation (DGPC) to develop 5,000 MW of
⇢ ADB has pledged to provide an additional $26 billion to hydropower projects in Bhutan.
enhance long-term food and nutrition security in Asia ⇢ DGPC holds a majority stake of 51%, while Adani holds
and Pacific Countries (APAC). 49%.
⇢ With this, the total funding for food security initiatives for
2022-2030 reaches $40 billion. India signs MoUs with Maldives

Asian Development Bank (ADB): ⇢ India has signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives to improve
ferry services in the island nation.
− President– Masato Kanda (Japan)
⇢ The MoUs are signed under the Indian grant assistance
− Headquarters– Manila, the Philippines
scheme High Impact Community Development Project
− Established in – 1966 (HICDP) Phase III.
⇢ Under this phase, 13 projects have been launched with a
HCLTech partners with IIT Guwahati
grant of MVR 100 million (about ₹55 crore).
⇢ HCLTech has signed an MoU with IIT Guwahati to provide
advanced education in AI to its employees.

⇢
NLCIL & IREL MoU for critical minerals
NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) has signed an MoU with Mumbai RANK AND INDEXES
based IREL (India) Ltd to collaborate on the exploration,
assessment, and development of critical minerals,
THE Asia University Ranking 2025
including rare earth elements (REEs).
⇢ According to the "Asia University Rankings 2025"
GDAI partners with SEPC released by the Times Higher Education (THE), IISc
Bengaluru is the top-ranked Indian institute (38th
⇢ The Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) has
overall with a score of 65.2).
signed an MoU with the Services Export Promotion
Council (SEPC) to promote the gaming and esports ⇢ IIT Indore (131st) and IIT Guwahati (184th) are the only
sectors in India. two IITs among India’s top 10.
⇢ Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management
India-EU launch new initiatives Sciences (146th rank, score 48.1) is the highest-ranked
⇢ India and the European Union (EU) have launched 2 private university in India.
research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and ⇢ Tsinghua University (China) is ranked first with a score
Technology Council (TTC) with a joint investment of ₹391 of 92.5, followed by Peking University (China, score 92),
crore. National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang
⇢ The initiatives focus on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Technological University (NTU, Singapore).
Waste-to-Green Hydrogen (W2GH) technologies. ⇢ Japan has the highest representation with 119
⇢ Marine Plastic Litter (MPL): universities, followed by India with 107.
▪ Objective: Develop solutions for monitoring and Rank Name of the Institution Country
mitigating ocean pollutants (microplastics, heavy 1 Tsinghua University China
metals, organic waste). 2 Peking University China
▪ Funding: 3 National University of Singapore Singapore
o EU Contribution- €12 million (~₹115 crore) under
4 Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Horizon Europe research framework.
5 The University of Tokyo Japan
o India’s Contribution- ₹90 crore (~€9.3 million)
from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES),
Government of India (GoI). Rank Name of the Institute State
▪ Alignment- Supports UN Decade of Ocean Science, 38 IISc Bengaluru Karnataka
EU Zero Pollution Action Plan, and India’s National 111 Anna University Tamil Nadu
Marine Litter Policy.
131 IIT Indore Madhya Pradesh (MP)
⇢ Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH):
▪ Objective- Develop cost-effective methods to convert
biogenic waste into green hydrogen S&P Global Banking Ranking
▪ Funding:
⇢ According to the list of "world’s top 100 largest banks (by
o EU Contribution- €10 million (~₹96 crore).
assets)" released by S&P Global Market Intelligence, SBI
o India’s Contribution- ₹90 crore (~€9.3 million)
(43rd) and HDFC Bank Ltd (73rd) are the only two Indian
from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
banks featured in the list.
(MNRE), GoI

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⇢ Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is ⇢ Gujarat and Karnataka are the second and third top
ranked top, followed by Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) states respectively.
and China Construction Bank Corporation (CCB). ⇢ Goa (62.1 score) is ranked top in the North-East, Hilly &
⇢ The top four positions are held by Chinese banks. Small states (Group B) category.
⇢ HSBC Holdings is Europe’s largest bank and ranks 7th ⇢ The rankings are based on 7 pillars:
globally. ⇢ Economic Pillar:
Rank Bank Name Country ▪ Gujarat is ranked top
1 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China ▪ Sikkim is ranked top under the Group B category
China(ICBC) ⇢ Fiscal Pillar:
2 Agricultural Bank of China(ABC) China ▪ Odisha is ranked top
3 Construction Bank Corporation (CBC) China ▪ Uttarakhand is ranked top under the Group B
4 Bank of China Limited (BOC) China category
5 JPMorgan Chase & Co. USA ⇢ Financial Development: Maharashtra ranked top
43 State Bank of India (SBI) India ⇢ Infrastructure:
73 HDFC Bank India ▪ Punjab and Haryana ranked top
▪ Goa led the Group B states
World’s busiest Airports ⇢ Social Indicators:
⇢ According to the “Annual Rankings of the World’s ▪ Kerala is ranked top
busiest Airports 2024” released by the Airports Council ▪ Goa and Mizoram topped under the Group B
International (ACI) World, Indira Gandhi International category
Airport (New Delhi) is ranked 9th in the 'passenger ⇢ Governance Pillar:
category' ▪ Andhra Pradesh is ranked top
Rank Airport Location ▪ Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh topped under
1 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta USA the Group B category
International Airport ⇢ Environmental Performance: Karnataka, Telangana,
2 Dubai International Airport UAE Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu performed well:
3 Dallas Fort Worth International USA ▪ Karnataka leading in air quality and Renewable
Airport Energy
▪ Telangana in forest cover changes and potable water
Forbes India W-Power 2025
access
⇢ Forbes India, in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris, has ▪ Himachal Pradesh topped in renewable energy,
released the annual W-Power 2025 list which features 20 potable water, and change in forestcover under the
self-made women. Group B category
⇢ Initiative: Started in 2017 to highlight inspiring women
across various fields. Report by SIPRI
⇢ Selection Criteria: Based on financial success, influence, ⇢ According to a report by the Stockholm International
leadership, innovation, and societal impact. Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military
⇢ Jury Members: Industry leaders like Arundhati expenditure reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4%
Bhattacharya, Ashu Suyash, Meena Ganesh, and Swati increase compared to 2023.
Piramal. ⇢ Military expenditure accounted for 2.5% of global GDP
⇢ Some of the women featured in the list are: in 2024.
▪ Dr. Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy MD of the Rank Country Expenditure (in billions)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) 1 USA $997
▪ Kaku Nakhate, the India CEO of Bank of America 2 China
▪ Vishakha Mulye, the CEO of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd 3 Russia
(ABCL) 4 Germany
▪ Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the 5 India $86.1
2024 Paris Olympics
⇢ Key Honorees: World Press Freedom Index 2025
▪ Business & Finance: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Renuka ⇢ According to the 'World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)
Ramnath, Leena Nair, Vishakha Mulye. 2025' released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF),
▪ Sports: Manu Bhaker, Smriti Mandhana, P.V. Sindhu. Norway topped the index with a score of 92.31 (for the 9th
▪ Entrepreneurship: Anamika Khanna, Mira Kulkarni, consecutive year).
Rohini Iyer. ⇢ It is followed by Estonia and the Netherlands.
▪ Public Service & Academia: Mona Khandhar, Dr. ⇢ India is ranked 151st (159th in 2024).
Pratima Murthy.
⇢ The average score of all countries dropped to 54.7,
▪ Arts & Entertainment: Payal Kapadia, Sunidhi
categorizing the global situation as “difficult” for the first
Chauhan.
time.
▪ Corporate Leadership: Savitha Balachandran, Shefali
Rank Country Score
Goradia.
1 Norway 92.31
CareEdge State Rankings 2025 2 Estonia 89.46
3 Netherlands 88.64
⇢ According to the second edition of the state rankings
4 Sweden 88.13
released by CareEdge Ratings:
5 Finland 87.18
⇢ Maharashtra (56.5 score) is ranked top in the overall
151 India 32.96
composite rankings

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 India climbs in Human Development Index ⇢ He co-chaired the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence
⇢ According to the Human Development Index (HDI) 2025 Committee (JDC) meeting with Luisa Riccardi, Secretary
released by the United Nations Development General (SG) of Defence, Republic of Italy.
Programme (UNDP), India is ranked 130th. ⇢ He also participated in the India-Italy Defence Industry
⇢ India's HDI value increased to 0.685 in 2023, from 0.676 in Roundtable in Italy.
2022. ⇢ An MoU was signed between the Society of Indian
⇢ The Gross National Income per capita of India increased Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Federation of
by more than 4 times from $2167.22 (1990) to $9046.76 Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security
(2023). (AIAD) to promote cooperation in defence Research and
Development.
⇢ India’s HDI is reduced by 30.7% due to inequalities which
is one of the highest in the region.
Waterjet Propulsion System completes trials
⇢ 20% of Indian AI researchers are now staying in India,
⇢ The 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System, designed by
compared to nearly zero in 2019.
Larsen Turbo under the Technology Development Fund
⇢ Iceland, with an HDI value of 0.972, ranked at the top of
(TDF) scheme of DRDO, has successfully completed
the Index, followed by Norway and Switzerland.
preliminary sea trials onboard the Fast Interceptor Craft
⇢ South Sudan was placed at the bottom (193).
of the Indian Navy.

TCS global ranking in value terms ⇢ The Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)
system, capable of disabling missiles, drones and smaller
⇢ According to a brand ranking released by Kantar, TCS is
projectiles, also successfully completed trials.
ranked 45th globally, valued at $57.3 billion (a 28% year-
on-year increase). Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T):
⇢ Other Indian brands that featured in the list are HDFC − CMD- S.N. Subrahmanyan
Bank (56th), Bharti Airtel (66th), and Infosys (73rd). − Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Rank Brand Brand Value (in billions)
− Established in – 1946
1 Apple $1,299.65
2 Google Defence Literature Festival
3 Microsoft
⇢ The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), in
45 TCS $57.3
collaboration with Pentagon Press, has organised the 2nd
edition of the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam &
Kavach 2.0’ in New Delhi.

EXERCISES ⇢ The event was based on the theme ‘Securing India’s Rise
through Defence Reforms’.

INS Surat Tests Missile

Operation Sindoor
⇢ The Indian Navy’s P15B guided missile destroyer INS
⇢ The Indian Armed Forces has conducted ‘Operation Surat has successfully test-fired a Medium-Range
Sindoor’ targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system 70 km(Barak 8) in
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). the Arabian Sea.
⇢ The operation was launched to honour the women who ⇢ developed by;
lost their husbands in the Pahalgam terror attack. ▪ Defence Research and Development Organisation
⇢ India carried out 24 missile strikes across nine locations. (DRDO)
⇢ The official media briefing on Operation Sindoor was ▪ Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
jointly led by: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander
Indian Navy:
Vyomika Singh, and Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary,
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). − Chief of Naval Staff– Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
− Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Quad conducts TTX in Honolulu − Established in -1950
⇢ The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) members
have conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) at the Asia- Indian Army's high-altitude expedition
Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Honolulu, ⇢ A team of 20 Indian Army personnel has completed a
Hawaii (USA). high-altitude adventure expedition named ARMEX-24,
⇢ The TTX simulated the launch of the Quad Indo-Pacific covering 146 km of rugged trails and steep gradients in
Logistics Network (IPLN). northern West Bengal and Sikkim.
⇢ The Quad members are India, Australia, Japan and USA. ⇢ The expedition included the time needed for the specially
selected team members to acclimatise to conditions
beyond 14,000 ft above the mean sea level.

DEFENCE ⇢
India and France conclude Rafale M deal
India and France have signed the Inter-Governmental
Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M
India-Italy strategic partnership fighter jets for the Indian Navy, worth ₹63,000 crore.
⇢ Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has visited Rome, ⇢ The Indian Navy currently operates MiG-29K jets (45 of
Italy to strengthen the strategic partnership between them) procured from Russia.
India and Italy in the defence sector. ⇢ The Indian Air Force (IAF) also operates 36 Rafale jets
acquired in 2016 for ₹60,000 crore.

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France: India-Maldives HADR exercise
− President– Emmanuel Macron ⇢ INS Sharda has participated in the first-ever India-
− Prime Minister - François Bayrou Maldives Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
− Capital– Paris (HADR) exercise in Maafilaafushi, Maldives.
− Currency– Euro ⇢ The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability
between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National
Philippines to receive BrahMos missiles Defence Force (MNDF).

⇢ The Philippines is set to receive its second batch of Maldives:

BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. − President – Mohamed Muizzu
⇢ The first batch of the missile system arrived in April 2024.
− Capital – Male
⇢ The total contract with Brahmos Aerospace, signed in
− Currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa
2022, is worth $375 million.
⇢ The Philippines is the first country to sign an agreement Stratospheric Airship Platform Trialed
with India to import BrahMos missiles, showcasing India's
⇢ DRDO has successfully conducted maiden flight-trials of
growing defence manufacturing capabilities under ‘Make
the Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial
in India’ (MII).
site in Madhya Pradesh.
⇢ It was jointly developed by DRDO (India) & NPOM
⇢ The airship, developed by the Aerial Delivery Research
(Russia).
and Development Establishment, Agra, was launched
⇢ Medium-range supersonic missile with a 290-km range
carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around
and a Mach 2.8 speed (3x speed of sound).
17 kilometers.
⇢ Capable of carrying warheads weighing 200–300 kg.
⇢ It uses Helium for lift and is powered by solar energy.
Drone testing runway unveiled ⇢ The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes.

⇢ PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated India’s first private Defence Research and Development Organisation
sector military drone testing runway and loitering (DRDO):
munition test facility in Nagpur. − Chairman – Dr Samir Venkatapathy Kamat

DRDO tests scramjet combustor − Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi

− Established in – 1958
⇢ The Defence Research & Development Laboratory
(DRDL), a unit of DRDO, has successfully conducted a
Arnala delivered to Indian Navy
1,000-second ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet
Subscale Combustor at its newly established Scramjet ⇢ The first of the eight ASW SWCs (Anti-Submarine
Connect Test Facility (SCPT) in Hyderabad. Warfare Shallow Water Craft) named ‘Arnala’ has been
delivered to the Indian Navy.
ALH Dhruv cleared for operations ⇢ The warship is indigenously designed and built by Garden
⇢ The Army and Air Force versions of the Advanced Light Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which were grounded since ⇢ The 77 m long warship is named after the historic fort
January, have been cleared for operations based on the ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
Defect Investigation (DI) Committee recommendations. ⇢ It is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a
⇢ It is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
⇢ It is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited
developed indigenously by HAL. (GRSE):
⇢ Over 340 ALH Dhruv helicopters have been
− Chairman and Managing Director - Commodore PR
manufactured so far, used across military and civilian
Hari
sectors.
− Headquarters- Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)
Army gets Igla-S missiles − Established in- 1884
⇢ The Indian Army (IA) has received a fresh batch of
Paras Defence partners with HevenDrones Israel
Russian-origin ‘Igla-S missiles’ procured under an
emergency procurement contract worth ₹260 crore. ⇢ Paras Defence and Space Technologies has partnered
⇢ The Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the IA, has with HevenDrones Israel to design, manufacture, and
issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to buy the following supply next-generation drone systems for India's
for the Very Short Range Air Defence System defence and homeland security.
(VSHORADS)- Next Generation (NG): 48 launchers, 48 ⇢ First of Its Kind in India: This JV will introduce hydrogen-
night vision sights, 85 missiles, and One missile test powered drones in India, enhancing flight endurance,
station. modular payloads, and ready-to-fly configurations.
⇢ Strategic Applications: The drones will support logistics
US approves military sale to India in remote and border areas, tactical surveillance, defence
⇢ The US State Department has approved a Foreign supply chains, and high-altitude missions.
Military Sale of $131 million to India for equipment ⇢ Roles of Companies: HevenDrones will provide
related to the Indo-Pacific maritime Domain Awareness technology, prototypes, and production manuals, while
(IPMDA) initiative. Paras Defence will handle manufacturing, regulatory
⇢ The sale includes the SeaVision software, technical approvals, sales, and operations in India.
assistance, and related logistics and programme support.

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 DRDO develops desalination membrane Mou with IBM
⇢ DRDO has successfully developed an indigenous ⇢ The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with
nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high- IBM to establish three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE):
pressure sea water desalination. ▪ Mumbai Centre for Geospatial Analytics
⇢ It has developed the technology for desalination plant in ▪ Pune Centre for Forensic AI
▪ Nagpur-based Maharashtra Advanced Research and
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships.
Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Ltd
Taiwan tests HIMARS system (MARVEL)

⇢ Taiwan has conducted its first live-fire test of the High New wildlife sanctuary
Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), supplied by ⇢ The Madhya Pradesh government has declared the
the USA, at the Jiupeng military base in Pingtung establishment of a new wildlife sanctuary named after Dr
country, Taiwan. BR Ambedkar in Sagar district.
⇢ HIMARS can be equipped with: ⇢ The sanctuary, named Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran,
▪ One pod containing six 227 Millimeter (mm) rockets is spread across an area of 258.64 sq km.
▪ A single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with ⇢ The declaration was made ahead of his 134th birth
a range of up to 300 Kilometres (km) anniversary.

Taiwan: Chhattisgarh partners with CMAI

− President – Lai Ching-te ⇢ The Chhattisgarh government has signed an MoU with
− Capital – Taipei City the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI).
− Currency – New Taiwan dollar ⇢ The aim is to make the state a textile and apparel
manufacturing hub.
Adani collaborates with Sparton
Krishak Kalyan Mission for MP
⇢ Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a binding
⇢ The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has given in-principle
collaboration agreement with Sparton (DeLeon Springs
approval for the launch of ‘Krishak Kalyan Mission’ for the
LLC) to assemble anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
integrated development of the agriculture sector.
solutions for the Indian Navy.
⇢ The Adani Group has also partnered with Israel Weapon Airport inaugurated in Amravati
Industries to manufacture assault weapons, sniper rifles, ⇢ Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has inaugurated an
and machine guns. airport at Amravati.
⇢ A pilot training school will be constructed nearby in 5-6
BrahMos Aerospace Facilities inaugurated months.
⇢ Union Minister Rajnath Singh has virtually inaugurated ⇢ The school will be the largest such institution in
the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Southeast Asia, it trains 180 pilots every year and have 34
Facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). aircraft for training.
⇢ The facility was built at a cost of ₹300 crore and spans
over 200 acres. Its foundation stone was laid in 2021.
Salary package deal for Jharkhand
⇢ The facility is designed to produce 80 to 100 BrahMos ⇢ The Jharkhand government has partnered with the SBI
missiles annually. to improve the salary package of state government
employees.
⇢ speeds - Mach 3.
Status of conservation reserve
Trials of Bhargavastra
⇢ The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has declared DPS
⇢ India has successfully conducted trials of its indigenous Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve.
low-cost counter-drone system named 'Bhargavastra' at
⇢ This is the first time a wetland connected to the Thane
the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Creek Flamingo Sanctuary has received formal
⇢ The system is developed by Solar Defence and protection.
Aerospace Ltd (SDAL). ⇢ Airport Safety Concerns Addressed: Conservation of the
⇢ The system can detect small and incoming drones at DPS lake reserve is expected to help prevent air accidents
distances up to 2.5 km. near Navi Mumbai International Airport.
⇢ the radar can identify small aerial threats within a range ⇢ Extension of Bor Wildlife Sanctuary: The board
of 6 to 10 km. approved expanding Bor Wildlife Sanctuary in Wardha to
include five villages—Garamsur, Yenidodka, Methiraji,
Umarvihori, and Maraksur.
⇢ Protection of Sacred Groves (Devrais) in the Western

STATE NEWS Ghats: The board decided to safeguard sacred groves and
form a committee under APCCF West to create proposals
for declaring them as conservation reserves
⇢ Action on Animal-Human Conflict: The Chief Minister
Godrej Capital partners with Telangana govt urged officials to resolve long-pending proposals related
⇢ Godrej Capital has signed an MoU with the Telangana to conflicts between wildlife and humans.
government to support the growth of micro, small, and
Maharashtra:
medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
− Chief Minister - Devendra Fadnavis
Telangana: − Governor- C.P. Radhakrishnan
− Chief Minister– Anumula Revanth Reddy − Capital– Mumbai
− Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma − Wildlife Sanctuaries– Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary,
− Capital – Hyderabad Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

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 Eco Town to be established in Hyderabad AI-Based Data Center Park in Chhattisgarh
⇢ Telangana has signed Letters of Intent (LoI) with 6 ⇢ Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai has laid the foundation
Japanese companies to establish an ‘Eco Town’ in stone of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based
Hyderabad focused on recycling, waste management, data centre park in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur.
and environmental sustainability. ⇢ The park, spread across 5.5 hectares, will be operated by
⇢ Telangana became the first Indian state to participate in RackBank Datacenters Pvt Ltd.
the Osaka World Expo in Japan. ⇢ The first phase will have a capacity of 5 megawatts and
⇢ The state government has also signed a tripartite may be expanded to 150 megawatts.
agreement with NTT Data and AI first cloud platform ⇢ An additional investment of ₹2,000 crore is expected.
company Neysa Networks to establish the ₹10,500 crore
New Guinness records by Bihar
AI data centre cluster in Hyderabad.
⇢ Bihar has set two Guinness World Records ahead of the
⇢ Participating Companies: Agreements signed with EX
Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
Research Institute Limited, P9 LLC, Nippon Steel
⇢ The first record was set for the largest Madhubani
Engineering, New Chemical Trading, and Amita Holdings.
painting (201.17 sq ft).
⇢ Eco Town Goals: Implementation of zero-emission
⇢ The second record was for the largest singing bowl
concepts and industrial waste recycling to create an
ensemble by 375 Buddhist monks of Bodh Gaya.
environmentally sustainable economy.
Bihar:
E-SEHAT App Launched − Chief Minister – Nitish Kumar
⇢ J&K CM Omar Abdullah has launched the e-SEHAT App. − Governor– Arif Mohammed Khan
⇢ The e-SEHAT App is a smart e-health solution that − Capital– Patna
provides tele-diagnosis for healthcare needs.
HP’s E-Kalyan Portal
Similipal declared National Park
⇢ Himachal Pradesh government has launched the 'E-
⇢ The Similipal Tiger Reserve (TR) in Mayurbhanj district of Kalyan Portal' to simplify the application process for
Odisha has been declared as a National Park (NP). various social security pension schemes in the state.
⇢ It becomes India’s 107th and Odisha’s 2nd protected area ⇢ It was developed by the Department for Empowerment
to be declared as NP (after Bhitarkanika). of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities,
⇢ It is also the largest NP in Odisha, having an area of 845.7 and Specially Abled (ESOMSA).
sq. km. ⇢ Eligible applicants can apply online directly or through
Lokmitra Kendras.
Approval for PM MITRA Park in MP
⇢ Madhya Pradesh gets the approval for the ₹2,100 crore Haryana government to launch HAIDP
PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM ⇢ The Haryana Cabinet has approved the Haryana
MITRA) Park project. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Project
⇢ The project will be the first integrated textile park in India. (HAIDP), backed by the World Bank (WB) for 2025-28.
⇢ The park, spanning 2,100 acres, is expected to attract ⇢ The project has an outlay of ₹474.39 crore with a funding
pattern of 70:30 between the WB and the state
investments and generate employment opportunities in
government.
the state.
⇢ The Haryana State Electronic Development Corporation
Madhya Pradesh (MP): Limited (HARTRON) of Haryana will act as the Nodal
− Chief Minister (CM)- Mohan Yadav Agency.
− Governor- Mangubhai C. Patel Haryana:
− Capital- Bhopal − Chief Minister– Nayab Singh Saini
− National Parks - Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh − Governor – Bandaru Dattatraya
National Park − Capital – Chandigarh
− National Parks – Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar
Flood protection project in UP
National Park
⇢ The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹200 crore
for flood protection projects in flood-prone districts before Garo and Khasi on Bhashini Platform
the upcoming monsoon. ⇢ The Meghalaya government has signed an MoU with the
⇢ Funds are allocated for strengthening embankments Digital India Bhashini Division, Ministry of Electronics
along Saryu, Ganga, Rapti, and Rohin rivers. and Information Technology (MeitY).
⇢ Irrigation department directed to implement state and ⇢ The aim is to launch and integrate Garo and Khasi
NABARD-funded projects urgently. languages into the BHASHINI platform.
⇢ Key Infrastructure Projects
Adishakti Abhiyan in Maharashtra
▪ Building RCC pillars, repairing embankments, anti-
erosion measures, and new pumping stations. ⇢ The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Adishakti
⇢ Major allocations for: Abhiyan with a budget of ₹10.5 crore.
▪ Pumping stations & embankment work at Gorakhpur. ⇢ Its aim is to boost women empowerment and primarily
▪ Bridge replacements at Amethi. focus on the key issues such as malnutrition, maternal
and infant mortality, domestic violence, sexual
▪ Embankment strengthening at Shravasti.
harassment and child marriage.
▪ Slope pitching at Azamgarh.
⇢ This approval was made during a special session at
▪ Anti-erosion measures at Ghazipur.
Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar, marking her
▪ Protection work at Bulandshahr.
300th birth anniversary.
▪ Embankment construction at Sitapur.

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Maharashtra: ▪ ‘AI Pragya (Artificial Intelligence Programme for
− Chief Minister– Devendra Fadnavis Resourcefulness, Awareness, Growth, and Youth
Advancement)’.
− Governor – C P Radhakrishnan
⇢ The UP AGREES aims to transform agriculture in 21
− Capital – Mumbai
districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions.
− National Parks – Tadoba National Park, Chandoli
⇢ The ₹4,000 crore project will receive ₹2,737 crore as a
National Park
loan from the WB for six years, while the UP government
Odisha CM launches Shramik Sathi App will contribute ₹1,166 crore.
⇢ AI Pragya aims to build an AI talent base by training 10
⇢ Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi has launched the
‘Odisha Shramik Sathi’ mobile app during the state-level lakh youths across the state.
Labour Day celebration. Uttar Pradesh:
⇢ The app will help construction workers in the state avail
− Chief Minister– Yogi Adityanath
welfare services from their homes.
− Governor – Anandiben Patel
⇢ He also announced a ₹100 hike in the average daily
minimum wage, enhancing the livelihood security of − Capital – Lucknow
labourers. − National Park–Dudhwa National Park

AP partners with Creativeland Asia Welfare schemes for Assam Tea workers
⇢ Andhra Pradesh has partnered with Creativeland Asia ⇢ The Assam government has approved the “Eti Koli Duti
(CLA) to develop “Creatorland”, India’s first Transmedia Paat” scheme to provide financial assistance to tea
Entertainment City. garden workers.
⇢ The project was signed during the WAVES summit. ⇢ Under the scheme, the government will provide a one-
⇢ The project is expected to attract investments ranging time assistance of ₹5,000 to each permanent and
from ₹ 8,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore over the next 5–6 temporary worker in the tea gardens of Assam.
years.
⇢ The scheme will be launched in October 2025.
Haryana govt announces a new scheme ⇢ The announcement was made during the 200th
anniversary celebration of the state Tea.
⇢ The Haryana government has approved the “Pandit
Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” to Assam:
provide financial assistance to senior artists and scholars
− Chief Minister– Himanta Biswa Sarma
in the state.
− Governor – Lakshman Prasad Acharya
⇢ Under the scheme, eligible artists will receive a monthly
honorarium of ₹10,000. − Capital – Dispur
− National Park– Kaziranga NP, Manas NP
May 5 as Traders Day in TN
⇢ Tamil Nadu government has announced May 5 as the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan
official Traders’ Day at the 42nd annual meeting of the ⇢ The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the
Traders’ Association. ‘Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan’ to combat
malnutrition among children (aged 3-6) in 8 aspirational
AI based agri app launched
districts of the state.
⇢ Karnataka-based SBOF Agrosmart Pvt Ltd has launched
⇢ The scheme has been allocated a budget of ₹254.8 crore.
SBOF Agrosmart, which is touted as India’s first AI-based
all-in-one agriculture app. Uttarakhand secures funding from EIB
⇢ The application offers 24/7 multlingual chatbot
⇢ Uttarakhand has secured funding of ₹1,910 crore from
assistance to the farmers.
the European Investment Bank (EIB) to improve urban
Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project infrastructure development across the state.
▪ Pithoragarh-Drinking water and sewerage system
⇢ The governments of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
development.
have signed an MoU to implement the Tapti Basin Mega
▪ Sitarganj, Rudrapur, Kashipur-Enhancement of
Recharge Project.
drinking water supply infrastructure.
⇢ The signing took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
⇢ The project, worth ₹19,244 crore, is considered the world’s
largest groundwater recharge initiative.

FESTIVALS
⇢ It aims to tackle water scarcity, ensure sustainable
irrigation, and strengthen
⇢ drinking water supply through groundwater recharge.
⇢ It will provide permanent irrigation to:
▪ 1,23,082 hectares in Madhya Pradesh Strawberry Festival 2025
▪ 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra ⇢ The Government of Meghalaya has organised the 2-day
Strawberry Festival 2025.
UP Govt & World Bank launch initiatives
⇢ The festival is across three locations:
⇢ The Uttar Pradesh government and the World Bank ▪ Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district
(WB) have jointly launched two initiatives: ▪ Syntung in East Khasi Hills
▪ ‘UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and ▪ Darechikgre in West Garo Hills
Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening)’ and

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 China launches 10G broadband network

SCIENCE ⇢ China, in collaboration with Huawei, has launched the

world’s first 10-Gigabit (10G) broadband network in
Sunan County, Hebei Province.
New beetles species discovered ⇢ Next-Gen Technology is powered by 50G PON (Passive
⇢ The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in collaboration with Optical Network) technology and Dense Wavelength-
Division Multiplexing (DWDM).
Museum Koenig Bonn, Germany, has discovered six new
species of Sericinae scarab beetles in the Northeast ⇢ Speed Boost: Upgraded single-user speeds from gigabit
India and the Western Ghats of Kerala. to 10G, with download speeds reaching 9,834 Mbps,
uploads at 1,008 Mbps, and latency as low as 3 ms.
⇢ The findings are published in the Zootaxa journal.
⇢ Advanced Applications: Supports cloud gaming, AI-
All-female crew in space driven smart homes, smart cities, telemedicine, remote
education, smart agriculture, and autonomous driving
⇢ Katy Perry and five other women have successfully
systems.
completed a spaceflight on a Blue Origin rocket.
⇢ The other members include Lauren Sanchez (Bezos’ Agreements with Russian institutions
fiancee), Gayle King (CBS host), Aisha Bowe (former NASA
⇢ The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
rocket scientist), Amanda Nguyen (scientist) and
has signed two Joint Declarations of Intent (JDIs) with:
Kerianne Flynn (film producer).
⇢ The State Research and Design Institute of the Rare
⇢ This is the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Metal Industry (JSC Giredmet)
Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, orbited the Earth in
⇢ The National University of Science and Technology
1963.
MISIS, Moscow (NUST MISIS)
⇢ The aim is to promote cooperation in critical mineral
Test flight of Spectrum rocket
processing and sustainable resource development.
⇢ Germany-based Isar Aerospace has conducted the first
test flight of its Spectrum rocket from the Andøya China Launches First Gold Recycling ATM
Spaceport in Norway. ⇢ China has launched its first “gold recycling ATM” at the
⇢ The rocket was 28 m long, two-stage rocket and designed Global Harbor shopping mall in Shanghai.
for launching small and medium satellites. ⇢ The machine, developed by the Kinghood Group, allows
⇢ The rocket lifted off successfully but was intentionally users to exchange gold jewelry for instant cash.
terminated 30 seconds into the flight, crashing into the
sea in a controlled manner. QKD transmission tested
⇢ The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and
Second docking of satellites Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL) have successfully tested
⇢ ISRO has successfully conducted the second docking of India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
two satellites as a part of its Space Docking Experiment transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF).
(SpaDeX) mission.
⇢ The two satellites are SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target). ISRO develops alternate for Columbium material
⇢ With this, India becomes the fourth country to ⇢ ISRO has developed an alternative to the imported
successfully demonstrate this technology. Columbium material which is used for the nozzle
⇢ The SpaDeX mission aims to develop and demonstrate divergent in the fourth stage of the PSLV launch vehicle.
the technology required for spacecraft rendezvous, ⇢ ISRO has developed the nozzle divergent made of Stellite,
docking and undocking, using two small satellites. a cobalt-based alloy with additions of Chromium, Nickel,
Tungsten and Iron.
Nuclear-powered battery unveiled ⇢ This will help ISRO save 90% of the cost incurred on
⇢ China-based Betavolt has unveiled a nuclear-powered imported Columbium.
battery named “BV100”.
ISRO microgravity experiments on ISS
⇢ The coin-sized battery uses nickel-63, a radioactive
⇢ ISRO has shortlisted 7 microgravity research
isotope, to generate electricity.
experiments to be conducted on the International
⇢ Diamond semiconductors are used to convert the
Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4
radioactive decay into usable power.
mission (Ax-4).
⇢ The BV100 is expected to last for 50 years on a single
⇢ Three of the research centres are based in Karnataka: IISc
charge.
Bengaluru, Institute of Stem Cell Science and
⇢ It currently delivers 100 microwatts of power at 3 volts. Regenerative Medicine (InStem), and University of
Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
Google Unveils Ironwood AI Chip
⇢ Google has launched its seventh-generation AI chip China Sent Astronauts to Tiangong Space Station
named “Ironwood”. ⇢ China has sent three astronauts to its Tiangong space
⇢ The processor is designed to speed the performance of AI station.
applications. ⇢ The mission, named Shenzhou-20, marks the 15th crewed
⇢ It can be used in groups of as many as 9,216 chips. and 20th overall spaceflight of China under its Shenzhou
program.
IISR develops light coloured turmeric ⇢ Pakistan is currently conducting a preliminary selection
⇢ The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), process to send an astronaut on a future Shenzhou flight,
Kozhikode, has developed a new light-coloured turmeric making them the first foreign astronaut to enter China’s
variety named “IISR Surya” for the masala industry. space station.

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 Pact on Space Medicine ⇢ The programme is in collaboration with Emory University,
USA at CMC, Vellore.
⇢ ISRO has signed an MoU with Sree Chitra Tirunal
▪ Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder in which
Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST)
blood doesn’t clot normally, causing abnormal
to collaborate in the field of space medicine.
bleeding.
⇢ The partnership is named ‘Framework Memorandum of
Understanding on Cooperation in Space Medicine’. Quantum Valley Tech Park
⇢ TCS and IBM are partnering to participate in the
China launches Tianlian 2 05 satellite
Quantum Valley Tech Park that is being built by the
⇢ China has launched the Tianlian-2 (05) satellite, a Andhra Pradesh government in Amaravati.
second-generation geostationary orbit (GEO) data relay ⇢ The tech park will be anchored by an IBM Quantum
satellite. System Two installation, with a 156-qubit Heron
⇢ The satellite was launched on a Long March 3B rocket quantum processor, the largest quantum computer in
from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan India.
Province, Southwest China.
Airtel Africa partners with SpaceX
IIT-M filed 417 patents in 2024-25 ⇢ Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to provide
⇢ IIT Madras has filed 417 Patents in FY25, a 10% increase Starlink's satellite internet services to its customers in
compared to FY24. the continent.
⇢ The institute also filed 39 designs, 6 copyrights, and 1 ⇢ The partnership aims to improve digital connectivity in
trademark, taking the total count to 463. rural areas using SpaceX’s low Earth orbit satellite
network.
Amazon launches Kuiper satellites
Pangenome of Asian rice
⇢ Amazon has launched the first 27 satellites for its Project
⇢ Researchers from China have developed the first-ever
Kuiper at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida,
pangenome of Asian rice by integrating genetic data
USA.
from 144 wild and cultivated rice varieties from Asia.
⇢ It is a $10 billion initiative to provide broadband internet
⇢ The pangenome is expected to enhance climate
globally.
resilience in rice crops.
⇢ Amazon plans to launch a total of 3,236 satellites into
low-Earth orbit for the project which was unveiled in 2019. Karnataka Govt ties up with IN-SPACe
⇢ It was deployed at 450 km, and will ascend to 630 km ⇢ The Indian National Space Promotion and
⇢ It was integrated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Karnataka
advanced data processing government have signed MoUs to make the state India’s
top commercial space launch-pad.
34 Supercomputers deployed across India ⇢ One MoU is for building a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for
⇢ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology space technologies in Bengaluru.
(MeitY) has announced that 34 supercomputers, having ⇢ The other is for a public-private space manufacturing
a combined computing power of 35 Petaflops (10 lakh park to anchor next-generation satellite and launch-
gigabytes, gb), have been deployed across India under vehicle production.
the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
ITERs core magnetic system completed
⇢ NSM was launched in 2015 by the Government of India
with the aim of making the country strong in the field of ⇢ Scientists working on the world’s largest nuclear fusion
supercomputing. project 'ITER (International Thermonuclear
⇢ NSM launched to develop high performance computing Experimental Reactor)' have completed its main magnet
system.
(HPC) system.
⇢ The final part of the magnet system was the sixth module
Genome edited rice developed of the Central Solenoid.
⇢ The ITER is a joint scientific effort of more than 30
⇢ The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has
countries, including India, China, USA, Russia, Japan,
developed two new genome-edited rice varieties.
South Korea, and members of the European Union.
⇢ This is the first time such an achievement is made in the
country using genome editing technology.
⇢ The first variety is named DRR Dhan 100 Kamala which is

⇢
developed from Samba Mahsuri.
The second variety is from Maruteru 1010 (MTU1010). SPORTS
IIT Bombay tech in AC air purifier
Will Pucovski announces retirement
⇢ AIRTH, a startup, has launched the first AC air purifier
⇢ Will Pucovski, an Australian cricketer, has announced
which uses the Filtrix.
retirement from all forms of cricket.
⇢ Filtrix is a filtration technology developed by IIT Bombay.
⇢ He won the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award
⇢ The technology is used in over 30,000 ACs across India. in 2019.

Gene therapy trial for haemophilia A Ganguly reappointed as ICC Chairperson

⇢ India has conducted its first human clinical trial of gene ⇢ Sourav Ganguly, a former Indian cricket captain, has
therapy for haemophilia A (FVIII deficiency) at Christian been reappointed as the Chairperson of the
Medical College (CMC) Vellore. International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket
⇢ This was announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. Committee in April 2025.
⇢ He succeeds Anil Kumble.

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⇢ Other members of the Men’s Cricket Committee include Sourav Kothari wins IBSF World Billiards
VVS Laxman (India), Hamid Hassan (Afghanistan),
⇢ Sourav Kothari has won the 2025 IBSF World Billiards
Desmond Haynes (West Indies), Temba Bavuma (South
title, defeating Pankaj Advani in the final held in Carlow,
Africa), and Jonathan Trott (England).
Ireland.
⇢ The ICC Women’s Cricket Committee was also
⇢ With this win, Sourav Kothari became the third Indian to
reconstituted with Catherine Campbell (New Zealand) as
win both IBSF and WBL World Billiards titles.
Chair, Avril Fahey (Australia), and Pholetsi Moseki (South
Africa). Asian U18 Athletics Championships 2025
Cricket in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics ⇢ India finished 8th in the medal tally with 11 medals (1 gold,
5 silver, and 5 bronze) at the 6th Asian U18 Athletics
⇢ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has
Championships 2025 held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
confirmed that cricket will be included in the 2028 Los
Angeles Olympics. ⇢ China topped the tally with 36 medals, followed by
⇢ The sport will feature 6 teams each in the men’s and Uzbekistan (12).
women’s T20 format. ⇢ Himanshu Jakhar won India’s first-ever gold in the boys’
javelin throw event with a 67.57 m throw.
India shines at EGMO 2024 ⇢ Nischay became the only Indian to win two medals at the
⇢ India won 2 silver medals and 2 bronze medals at the event:
14th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) ▪ Silver in boys’ shot put
2025 held in Prishtina, Kosovo. ▪ Bronze in boys’ discus throw
⇢ The four-member team, led by Dr Mrudul Thatte from the
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), finished FIDE Women’s Grand Prix
12th overall. ⇢ Koneru Humpy, an Indian chess grandmaster (GM), has
won the fifth leg of the International Chess Federation
Knighthood for James Anderson (FIDE) Women’s Grand Prix (WGP) 2024–25 held in
⇢ James Anderson, a former England cricketer, has been Pune.
knighted for his contributions to the sport of cricket. ⇢ She won the title on tiebreaks after tying with Chinese
⇢ He is the only sportsperson to be included in the GM Zhu Jiner.
resignation honours list of the former British PM Rishi ⇢ This is her 8th FIDE Women’s Grand Prix title.
Sunak. ⇢ In the final round, she defeated Bulgarian International
Master (IM) Nurgyul Salimova.
Saudi Arabian GP 2025
⇢ Oscar Piastri, an Australian national racing for McLaren, Khel Ratna award 2023
has won the Formula One (F1) Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ⇢ Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has presented
2025. the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award to the
Rank Player Brand badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag
1 Oscar Piastri, Australia McLaren Shetty.
2 George Russell, UK Mercedes
⇢ The pair:
3 Lando Norris, UK McLaren ▪ Became no. 1 in the Badminton World Federation
(BWF) rankings in 2023
▪ Won gold at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou
Carlsen wins Freestyle Chess Grand Slam
▪ Were shortlisted for the award in 2023
⇢ Magnus Carlsen of Norway has won the Freestyle Chess
Grand Slam 2025 held in Paris, France. New BWF president elected
⇢ He defeated Hikaru Nakamura of USA in the finals and
⇢ Khunying Leeswadtrakul of Thailand has been elected
won a cash prize of $200,000.
as the new President of the Badminton World
⇢ Arjun Erigaisi of India ranked fifth in the tournament. Federation (BWF) for a term of 4 years.
⇢ Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured 9th
⇢ She is the second woman to hold the position, after Lu
place in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
Shengrong of China.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 ⇢ She succeeds Poul-Erik Larsen of Denmark.

⇢ Oscar Piastri, an Australian national racing for McLaren, Badminton World Federation (BWF):
has won the Formula One (F1) Bahrain Grand Prix 2025. − Headquarters- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ISSF World Cup 2025 − Established in- 1934

⇢ India finished third in the medal tally with 7 medals (2 Neeraj Chopra wins athletics event
gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze) at the International Shooting
Sport Federation (ISSF) Rifle/Pistol and Shotgun (RPSH) ⇢ Neeraj Chopra, an Indian javelin thrower, has won gold
World Cup 2025 held in Lima, Peru. at the Potch Invitational Meet in Potchefstroom, South
⇢ China topped the tally with 13 medals, followed by the Africa.
USA. ⇢ He won with a throw of 84.52 m.
⇢ Suruchi Singh won gold in the women’s 10m air pistol
India wins Asian Yogasana Championship
event, defeating double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.
⇢ The pair of Suruchi Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary has ⇢ India has won 83 gold medals and ranked top at the 2nd
won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, Asian Yogasana Sport Championship held at the KD
defeating Hu Kai and Yao Qianxun of China. Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New
⇢ Gold medallists from the Lima event have qualified for the Delhi.
season-ending ISSF World Cup Final (WCF) 2025 in ⇢ Japan ranked second, followed by Mongolia, Oman, and
Doha, Qatar. Nepal.

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 Cricket and MMA in Asian Games Virat Kohli retired from Test Formats
⇢ The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi- ⇢ Virat Kohli, an Indian cricketer, has announced
Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee retirement from Test cricket.
(AINAGOC) of Japan have retained Cricket and included ⇢ He has played 210 Test innings and has scored 9,230 runs,
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
⇢ These sports will feature in the 2026 Asian Games, ⇢ He has scored a highest of 254*.
scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
⇢ the nation’s most successful Test Captain from 2014 to
Youngest to score IPL century 2022.
⇢ Kohli-led India held the Number 1 spot on the ICC) Test
⇢ Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old player of Rajasthan
Team Rankings for five years from 2016 to 2021.
Royals, becomes the youngest player to hit a century
(100 runs) in the history of the Indian Premier League ⇢ Awards and honours;
(IPL). ▪ Arjuna award -2012
⇢ He achieved the feat in just 35 balls, in a match against ▪ Padma Shri - 2013.
Gujarat Titans during IPL 2025 at the Sawai Mansingh ▪ Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award - 2018.
Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan. ▪ Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World- 2018.

FC Goa wins Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 2
⇢ FC Goa has won the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 by ⇢ India has won 7 medals including 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4
defeating Jamshedpur FC by 3-0 in the final held at the bronze at the Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 2, held in
Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Shanghai, China.
⇢ Borja Herrera has won the Player of the Match award. ⇢ India ranked second in the medal tally, topped by South
⇢ With this win, the team has qualified for the Asian Korea with 7 medals (5 gold and 2 silver).
Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2 ⇢ Madhura Dhamangaonkar has won gold in the
(ACL2) Playoffs. Women’s Individual Compound event.
⇢ The Indian team comprising Ojas Deotale, Abhishek
Indian paddlers win title in Bangkok
Verma, and Rishabh Yadav has won gold in the Men’s
⇢ Ankur Bhattacharjee and Abhinandh Pradhavadhi won Compound Team event.
the Under-19 (U-19) boys doubles title at the WTT Youth
⇢ Archery World Cup 2025:
Star Contender Table tennis in Bangkok, Thailand.
▪ Stage 1 - Florida, USA
⇢ The Indian duo defeated the Korean duo Lee Jungmok
▪ Stage 3 - Antalya, Turkey
and Choi Jiwook 3-1 in the final.
▪ Stage 4 - Madrid, Spain
⇢ U-19 Girls’ Doubles: Syndrela Das & Divyanshi Bhowmick
⇢ The World Cup Final will be held in Nanjing, China.
won silver, losing to Thailand’s Wirakarn Tayapitak &
Phatsaraphon Wonglakhon in the final.
China wins Sudirman Cup
⇢ U-15 Girls’ Singles: Divyanshi Bhowmick won silver, falling
⇢ China has won the Sudirman Cup 2025 Final, held in
1-3 to China’s Liu Ziling in the final.
Xiamen, China, securing their 14th title.
⇢ U-15 Girls’ Doubles: Riana Bhootia & Ananya
Muralidharan won silver in the final. ⇢ South Korea was the runner-up.
⇢ Tournament Prize Pool: $ 15,000
Asian Blitz Chess Championship 2025
Piastri wins Miami GP ⇢ Russian Grandmaster (GM) Ivan Zemlyanskii won the
⇢ Oscar Piastri, an Australian national racing for McLaren, open title ($2,500 cash prize) at the 2025 Asian Blitz
has won the Formula One (F1) Miami Grand Prix 2025. Chess Championship held at Al Ain, UAE.
⇢ This marks Oscar Piastri’s third consecutive win; ⇢ Kazakhstan’s Woman GM Alua Nurman won the
▪ Bahrain GP women’s crown ($1,500) at the same event.
▪ Saudi Arabia GP
Asian Chess Federation (ACF):
Rank F1 Driver Country
− President – Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan
1 Oscar Piastri, McLaren Australia
2 Lando Norris, McLaren UK − Headquarters –United Arab Emirates (UAE)
3 George Russell Mercedes UK − Established – 1951

Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket Brazil to host FIFA Women’s WC 2027
⇢ Rohit Sharma, an Indian cricketer, has announced ⇢ Brazil has been selected as the host for the FIFA
retirement from Test cricket. Women's World Cup 2027.
⇢ He has been leading the Indian Test team since February ⇢ This decision was made at the 74th FIFA congress, held in
2022. Bangkok, Thailand.
⇢ He played 67 tests, scored 4,301 runs at an average of ⇢ This edition will feature 32 national teams.
40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties.
⇢ His highest score was 212 vs South Africa (2019). New President of Marylebone Cricket Club
⇢ He captained India in 24 Test matches, securing 12 wins. ⇢ Edward Thomas Smith has been appointed as the
⇢ He holds the world record for the highest individual score President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
in ODI with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014 and three
⇢ He succeeds Lord King of Lothbury.
double centuries.
⇢ He received the Arjuna award in 2015 and Major Dhyan
Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020.

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 India’s trade data for FY25

REPORTS ⇢ According to data by the Ministry of Commerce &

Industry, India’s total exports in FY25 is estimated at
$820.93 billion, a 5.5% increase compared to $778.13
State of Social Protection Report 2025 billion in FY24.
⇢ According to the “State of Social Protection Report 2025: ⇢ Total imports are estimated at $915.19 billion, a 6.85%
The 2-Billion-Person Challenge” report released by the increase compared to $856.52 billion in FY24.
World Bank, nearly 2 billion people in Low-Income
Countries (LICs) and Middle-Income Countries (MICs) Export Value (in billions
Product
lacked access to adequate social protection in 2022. Growth of USD)
⇢ 3 out of 4 people in LICs still lack access to social Coffee 40.37% 1.81
protection services. Drugs &
9.39% 30.47
⇢ The report assessed 25 LICs, 25 MICs, and 23 High-Income Pharmaceuticals
Countries (HICs). Rice 19.73% 12.47
⇢ On average, women receive 81 cents for every $1 Jute Manufacturing 13.35% 0.38
received by men (across 27 sampled countries). Tea 11.84% 0.9
⇢ The three pillars of social protection are Social Plastic & Linoleum 10.2% 8.9
assistance, Social insurance and Labour market & Meat, Dairy & Poultry
12.57% 5.1
employment programs. Products

India Justice Report 2025 Report on Health standards in schools

⇢ According to the 4th edition of the India Justice Report ⇢ According to the Global Education Monitoring (GEM)
(IJR 2025) released by Tata Trusts, Karnataka is ranked report released by UNESCO, only 60% of countries (93 out
top among 18 large and mid-sized states (population over of 187) have legislation or standards regulating food and
1 crore) in justice delivery with a score of 6.78/10. beverages in schools.
⇢ Karnataka is the only state that fulfilled the reservation
⇢ Only 29% of these countries restrict food and beverage
quotas for Scheduled Caste (SC), Schedule Tribes (ST),
marketing in schools.
and Other Backward class (OBC) communities in both
⇢ The report further states that children who received
police and judiciary.
meals throughout primary school scored 18% higher in
⇢ Among smaller states (population below 1 crore), Sikkim
reading and 9% higher in math.
is ranked first, followed by Himachal Pradesh and
Arunachal Pradesh. ⇢ Biofortified crops (like zinc wheat and iron pearl millet)
⇢ The report is assessed across 4 pillars: police, judiciary, were integrated into school meals in six states.
prisons, and legal aid.
WTO lowers global trade forecast
⇢ India’s police-to-population ratio is 155 per 1 lakh
population, compared to the sanctioned strength of 197.5. ⇢ According to the latest “Global Trade Outlook and
⇢ The national per capita spending on police is ₹1,275. Statistics” report by the World Trade Organization
⇢ Gujarat has the highest number of HC judge and staff (WTO), global merchandise trade volume is expected to
vacancies. decline by 0.2% in 2025, under current tariff conditions.
⇢ India has only 21,285 judges (15 judges per million ⇢ The WTO had estimated a growth of 3% in October 2024.
population). ⇢ The global commercial services trade is expected to
⇢ Bihar has the highest pendency, with 71% of cases grow by 4% in 2025.
pending for more than 3 years. ⇢ Asia is expected to witness a modest growth of 1.6% in
⇢ Tamil Nadu is ranked top in prison management, with exports and imports.
good budget use and lowest staff vacancies and has the
best inmate-to-officer ratio of 22. Most dangerous country to drive
⇢ Karnataka has the highest share of undertrial prisoners ⇢ According to an annual report by Zutobi, South Africa is
(UTP) - 80%. the most dangerous country to drive in.
⇢ The industrial population in prisons has increased from ⇢ India is ranked 49th, placing it among the bottom 5 most
66% to 76% in the last 10 years. dangerous countries.
⇢ The national per capita spending on prisons is ₹57, with ⇢ Norway is ranked the safest for the 4th consecutive year.
Andhra Pradesh spending the highest per prisoner, ₹2.67 ⇢ The average number of estimated road traffic deaths per
lakh annually. 100,000 across all countries has decreased from 8.9 to 6.3
⇢ The national per capita spending on legal aid is just ₹6. since last year.
⇢ 165 HC judges were appointed in 2022 and 110 in 2023.
Report on DBT System
Last ⇢ According to a report by the BlueKraft Digital
Category Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3
Rank Foundation, India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system
Large and Karnataka Andhra Telangana West has helped the country save ₹3.48 lakh crore by
mid-sized Pradesh Bengal minimizing leakages.
states ⇢ The DBT system has reduced subsidy allocations from
Smaller Sikkim Himachal Arunachal Goa 16% (pre-DBT era: 2009-13) to 9% (post-DBT era: 2014-24)
states Pradesh Pradesh of total government expenditure.
⇢ Beneficiary coverage increased by 16 times from 11 crore
⇢ Bihar has the lowest ratio of 81. to 176 crore.
⇢ Only 960 of the 2.4 lakh women police personnel are in ⇢ Savings from food subsidies stood at ₹1.85 lakh crore
the Indian Police Service (IPS). (53% of total DBT savings).

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⇢ Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Report by NITI Aayog
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 98% of wages ⇢ According to the report “Enhancing MSMEs
were transferred on time, saving ₹42,534 crore. Competitiveness in India” released by NITI Aayog (in
⇢ Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), ₹22,106 collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness), the
crore were saved. share of micro and small enterprises accessing credit
⇢ Targeted fertilizer disbursement saved ₹18,699.8 crore. through scheduled commercial banks has increased
from 14% to 20% between 2020-24.
⇢ The report introduced the Welfare Efficiency Index
⇢ The share of medium enterprises has increased from
(WEI) which comprises three weighted components DBT
4% to 9%.
savings (50%), subsidy reduction (30%), and beneficiary
⇢ Only 19% of the credit demand of MSMEs were met
growth (20%).
formally by FY21, leaving a credit gap of ₹80 lakh crore.
⇢ The WEI improved from 0.3 in 2014 to 0.9 in 2023. ⇢ The report focused on 4 key sectors: textiles
manufacturing and apparel, chemical products,
HKH Snow Update Report 2025
automotive and food processing.
⇢ According to the HKH Snow Update Report 2025
released by the International Centre for Integrated Report by ADB and WEF
Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the Hindu Kush ⇢ According to the “Energy Transition Readiness
Himalaya (HKH) region has witnessed its third Assessment (ETRA) for Developing Asia and the Pacific”
consecutive below-normal snow year in 2025. report released jointly by the Asian Development Bank
⇢ The snow persistence was 23.6% below normal, the (ADB) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), Clean
energy investments in developing Asia increased by
lowest in 23 years.
over 900% to $729.4 billion (45% of global investments)
⇢ Snow persistence in the Ganga Basin dropped to -24.1%,
between 2013-2023.
the lowest in 23 years, while that of the Indus Basin ⇢ The People’s Republic of China (PRC) accounted for 90%
dropped to -27.9%. of the regional investments during 2013-2023.
⇢ The Brahmaputra Basin declined steadily to -27.9%, while ⇢ Green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, and
the Tibetan Plateau plunged to -29.1%. transition loans grew from $70 billion (2020) to $295
⇢ The Mekong (-51.9%) and Salween (-48.3%) basins saw billion (2022) in developing Asia.
the most severe declines in snow persistence. ⇢ Georgia, Malaysia, and Thailand have improved their
⇢ It is to be noted that the seasonal snowmelt contributes regulatory frameworks to accelerate clean energy
nearly 23% of the annual river flows in the HKH basins. transitions.
⇢ The demand for green hydrogen is expected to increase
Poverty in India declines by 2.5 to 3.5 times by 2040.
⇢ The report is ADB’s first attempt to assess regional
⇢ According to the “India Poverty and Equity Brief : April
countries capacity to transform their energy systems and
2025” report released by the World Bank; India’s extreme
it uses a new readiness framework based on the WEF’s
poverty rate has dropped from 16.2% (in 2011-12) to 2.3%
Energy Transition Index (ETI).
(in 2022-23).
⇢ 17.1 crore people have been lifted out of extreme TN tops in textile exports
poverty. ⇢ Tamil Nadu remained the top textile goods exporting
⇢ India has moved into the “Lower-Middle-Income” state in India in FY25 with $7.99 billion (26.81% share),
category. followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra, according to the
⇢ The decline rate in the extreme poverty line in rural areas data available in the Centre’s Niryat portal.
dropped from 18.4% to 2.8%. ⇢ The total export from India stood at $36.61 billion,
among which readymade garments contributed $15.99
⇢ Urban extreme poverty decreased from 10.7% to 1.1%.
billion.
⇢ 5 Indian states accounted for 65% of India’s extreme
poor in 2011-12: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West World Social Report 2025 released
Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. ⇢ According to the report “World Social Report 2025: A
⇢ The female employment rate stands at 31%. New Policy Consensus to Accelerate Social Progress”
⇢ There are 234 million more men than women in paid released by the UN Department of Economic and Social
work. Affairs (UN DESA):
⇢ The youth employment rate stands at 13.3%. ⇢ Nearly 60% of the global population faces economic
insecurity
⇢ Multidimensional Poverty Measure (MPM) has
⇢ Over 690 million people continue to live in extreme
decreased from 53.8% (in 2005-06) to 15.5% (in 2022-23).
poverty.
⇢ The Gini index on consumption inequality has decreased
⇢ The share of income owned by the richest 1% of the
from 28.8 (2011-12) to 25.5 (2022-23). population increased or remained stable at a high level
in 113 of 182 countries from 1990-2002.
World’s Best Passports ranking
⇢ Out of 27 Asian countries taken for the assessment:
⇢ According to the “World’s Best Passports” ranking for ▪ 13 countries have witnessed rising inequality
2025 released by Nomad Capitalist, Ireland is ranked top ▪ 12 countries have decreased inequality
with a “Nomad Passport Score” of 109. ▪ 2 countries are in the ‘No Trend’ category
⇢ Switzerland and Greece are jointly ranked second with a ⇢ Almost 80% in South Africa, 60% in Latin America, 50%
score of 108.5. in India, and 40% in the United States can still be
attributed to inequality based on race, caste, place of
⇢ India is ranked 148th with a score of 47.5, sharing the spot
birth, or family background.
with Comoros.

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 MSME Competitiveness Report ⇢ The report has removed Turkmenistan from the Watch
List due to efforts which are in alignment with the World
⇢ According to the ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in
Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade-related Aspects of
India’ report released by NITI Aayog in collaboration with
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC), Micro, Small &
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute 30.1% to India’s Major Ports achieved 4.3% growth in FY 2024-25
Gross Value Added (GVA).
⇢ Major Ports in India registered a 4.3% annual growth in
⇢ MSMEs account for 45.79% of total exports (₹12.39 lakh cargo handling in FY25, to 855 million tonnes.
crore) in FY25.
⇢ Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) led with 254.5
⇢ The proportion of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) million tonnes (29.8%).
accessing credit from scheduled commercial banks has ⇢ The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port
increased from 14% to 20% between 2020-2024. Authority (DPA) surpassed the 150-million-tonne cargo
⇢ The increase for medium enterprises is from 4% to 9%. handling mark for the first time.
⇢ About 35% of MSME clusters face issues with unreliable ⇢ Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) handled 7.3
electricity, poor internet connectivity, and high million TEUs, reflecting a 13.5% year-on-year growth.
technology costs. ⇢ Indian ports collectively allocated 962 acres for port-led
industrialization, projected to generate ₹7,565 crore in
Data on services trade by RBI FY25.
⇢ According to the “Data on services trade for March 2025” ⇢ Major Ports witnessed an 8% increase in total income in
released by the RBI, India’s total exports of goods and FY25, rising to ₹24,203 crore from ₹22,468 crore in FY24.
services reached a record high of $824.9 billion in FY25. ⇢ Between FY15 and FY25, cargo volumes surged from 581
⇢ This represents a 6.01% increase compared to $778.1 million tonnes to approximately 855 million tonnes,
billion in FY24. reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of
⇢ Services exports reached a record high of $387.5 billion 4%.
in FY25, a 13.6% increase. ⇢ Major Ports' total income more than doubled over the
past decade from ₹11,760 crore in FY15 to ₹24,203 crore in
⇢ In March 2025, services exports increased by 18.6% to
FY25, registering a 7.5% CAGR over 10 years.
$35.6 billion.
⇢ Output per Ship Berth Day (OSBD) rose from 12,458
⇢ Merchandise exports (excluding petroleum products)
tonnes to 18,304 tonnes over the decade.
reached $374.1 billion, a 6% increase from $352.9 billion in
⇢ Average Turnaround Time (TRT) improved by 48%,
FY24.
reducing from 96 hours in FY15 to 49.5 hours in FY25.
Mining sector reports strong growth in FY25 ⇢ Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time (on port account)
improved by 24%, decreasing from 5.02 hours in FY15 to
⇢ As per the provisional data released by the Ministry of
3.8 hours in FY25.
Mines (MoM):
⇢ Idle Time (%) dropped by 29%, from 23.1% in FY15 to 16.3%
⇢ India is the 2nd largest producer of Aluminium in the
in FY25.
world.
⇢ India is among the top 10 producers of refined copper in India records 5.4 million displacements
the world. ⇢ According to a report by the Geneva-based Internal
⇢ India is the 4th largest producer of iron ore in the world. Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), India recorded
⇢ In FY25: 5.4 million displacements in 2024, including 1,700
▪ Iron ore production reached 289 million metric tons displacements due to violence.
(MMT) (4.3% growth). ⇢ Assam witnessed 2.5 million internal displacements.
▪ Manganese ore production reached 3.8 MMT (11.8%
growth). PMFBY claim settlement report
▪ Primary aluminium production increased to 42 lakh ⇢ According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and
ton (LT) (from 41.6 lakh ton in FY24). Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), 97% (₹1,34,353 crore) of all
▪ Refined copper production reached 5.73 LT (12.6% reported claims (₹1,38,401 crore) under the PM Fasal
growth from 5.09 LT in FY24). Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather
Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) have been
India on Priority Watch List settled across India.
⇢ According to the ‘2025 Special 301 Report’ released by ⇢ Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu achieved
the United States Trade Representative (USTR), India is 100% claim settlement under the schemes.
placed on the ‘Priority Watch List’ for not providing ⇢ Andhra Pradesh topped the list of Indian states with the
adequate protection to Intellectual Property Rights highest shortfall in crop insurance payouts, with claims
pending worth ₹1,842 crore, followed by Maharashtra
(IPR).
and Rajasthan.
⇢ India, along with China and Turkey, is classified as a
⇢ Assam (94%), Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar
source country for counterfeit goods.
Islands had the lowest claims settlement ratios.
⇢ The report assessed over 100 trading partners and
⇢ Maharashtra filed the highest claims under the schemes
identified countries that do not meet the standards set by
in the last six years.
the USA for protecting IPR.
⇢ Maharashtra paid the highest claims during the last six
⇢ A total of 18 countries are placed on the ‘Watch List’.
years (as of March 2025), with ₹32,628 crore paid out.
⇢ Countries which were found to be origin for counterfeit ⇢ Goa and Andaman & Nicobar Islands paid the lowest
pharmaceuticals seized at the USA border in 2024 are claims during the last six years, with only ₹0.1 crore each
India, China, Hong Kong, UAE, and Singapore. paid, followed by Sikkim and Manipur.

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 Reports on Media and Entertainment ⇢ The unemployment rate in urban areas is 6.5%, while 14
⇢ Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. L Murugan has released out of every 100 youths are unemployed.
five reports at the WAVES 2025 Summit, which offers ⇢ The labour force participation rate (LFPR) stood at 42%
insights into India’s growing Media & Entertainment in April.
(M&E) industry. ⇢ The LFPR for females is 26.2%, compared to 57.8% for
⇢ The released reports are: males.
▪ Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment ⇢ The overall LFPR stood at 41.2% in rural areas and 39.9%
Sector 2024-25 (prepared by the MoI&B) in urban areas.
▪ “Legal Currents: A Regulatory Handbook on India’s
Media & Entertainment Sector 2025” (prepared by SBI in global top 100
Khaitan & Co.)
⇢ According to the report "Global Top 100 Most Profitable
▪ “A Studio Called India” (prepared by Ernst & Young
Companies" released by Bloomberg, SBI is ranked 98th.
(EY))
⇢ “From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator ⇢ SBI's net profit is $9.2 billion (₹77,561 crore) in FY25 with a
Economy” (prepared by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)) 31% annual growth rate.
⇢ Whitepaper on India’s Live Events Industry ⇢ SBI becomes the third Indian firm to enter the top 100
⇢ The Whitepaper on India’s Live Events Industry after ONGC (2009) and Reliance Industries (2021).
highlighted a 15% year-on-year (YoY) growth, with the ⇢ Alphabet is ranked first with an annual income of $111
sector generating ₹13 billion in revenue in 2024. billion, followed by Saudi Aramco.

Report by Ministry of Home Affairs Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report (SAPFR)
⇢ According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) ⇢ According to the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom
Statistical Report 2021 released by the Ministry of Home Report (SAPFR 24-25) titled ‘Frontline Democracy: Media
Affairs, the Crude Death Rate (CDR) in India (number of and Political Churn’ released by the International
deaths per 1,000 people) increased to 7.5 in 2021.
Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a total of 250 media rights
⇢ Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths.
violations were recorded in 8 South Asian countries.
⇢ The death rate in rural areas increased from 6.4 to 7.9,
⇢ Pakistan witnessed the “most violent year for
and in urban areas from 5.1 to 6.6 between 2020 and 2021.
journalists in the country”.
⇢ The birth rate declined from 36.9 in 1971 to 19.3 in 2021.
⇢ The report also dedicated a section titled ‘India:
⇢ Registered births reduced marginally by 0.1% from 24.22
Propaganda and the Press’ to the state of journalism in
million to 24.2 million.
India.
⇢ The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 39 per
1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021.
Primates in Peril Report
⇢ The Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 899 in 2014 to 913
in 2021. ⇢ The Primate Specialist Group (PSG) of the International
⇢ 8 states have attained the SDG target of MMR (<=70 by Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration
2030), 12 states/UT have attained the SDG target of with the International Primatological Society (IPS) and
U5MR (<=25 by 2030), and 6 states/UT have attained the Re:wild, has released the 12th edition of the report titled
SDG target of NMR (<=12 by 2030). “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered
⇢ Life expectancy was estimated at 69.8 years between Primates 2023 – 2025”.
2017 and 2021. ⇢ The report includes 6 species from Africa, 4 from
⇢ Life expectancy at birth: Madagascar, 9 from Asia and 6 from Neotropics (Central
▪ Highest: & South America).
o Delhi for males (73 years) ⇢ Known endangered primates mentioned in the report:
o Kerala for females (77.9 years)
⇢ Cross River Gorilla (Cameroon and Nigeria)
▪ Lowest:
⇢ Tapanuli Orangutan (Sumatra, Indonesia)
o Chhattisgarh (62.8 years for males and 66.4 years
for females) ⇢ 67 primates have been listed since 2000.
▪ Odisha recorded the maximum per annum average
increase in life expectancy for males, and Himachal India tops PMI ranking
Pradesh and Odisha for females. ⇢ According to a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report
released by JP Morgan for April 2025, India ranks top
Most spoken languages globally among the developed and emerging economies in terms
⇢ According to a recent research by Ethnologue, Hindi (3rd), of manufacturing and services activity.
Bengali (7th), Urdu (11th), Marathi (16th), and Telugu (18th) ⇢ India’s manufacturing PMI stood at 58.2 and services PMI
are among the top 20 most spoken languages stood at 58.7.
worldwide in 2025.
⇢ The Global Manufacturing PMI decreased from 50.3 in
⇢ Hindi, with 609.1 million speakers, is the 3rd most
March 2025 to 49.8 in April 2025.
spoken language globally and the most spoken
language in India, in 2025.
SIDBI report on MSME sector
⇢ English is the most spoken language globally with 1.53
billion speakers across 188 countries, followed by Chinese ⇢ According to a report by the Small Industries
Mandarin. Development Bank of India (SIDBI) titled ‘Understanding
the Indian MSME Sector: Progress, and Challenges’, the
Indias unemployment rate in April number of registrations on the Udyam Registration
⇢ According to the maiden monthly labour force survey Portal (URP) has increased to over 6.2 crore by March
released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the 2025.
unemployment rate of India stood at 5.1% in April 2025. ⇢ MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India’s GDP and provide
employment to over 11 crore individuals.

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⇢ MSMEs contribution to India’s total exports has been:
▪ 43.59% in FY23
▪ 45.73% in FY24 OBITUARY
▪ 45.79% in FY25
⇢ Medium enterprises face the highest credit gap at 29%. Pope Francis passed away
⇢ The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector ⇢ Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), the first Latin
Enterprises (ASUSE 2023-24) shows female owned American and the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic
proprietary establishments increased to 26.2% in 2023- Church, passed away at the age of 86.
24.
⇢ As of January 2025, women-owned MSMEs accounted Dr K Kasturirangan passed away
for 20.5% of the entities registered on the Udyam ⇢ K Kasturirangan, former chairman of the Indian Space
platform. Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away at the age of
84.
⇢ He served as the fifth chairman of ISRO (1994 to 2003).
⇢ He was also the project director of India’s first two

BOOKS ⇢
experimental earth observation satellites BHASKARA-I &
II.
He steered the first operational Indian Remote Sensing
satellite IRS-1A.
Nan Kanda Bharatham translated to English ⇢ He was a recipient of Padma Shri in 1982, Padma
⇢ Sriram V has translated freedom fighter S Bhushan in 1992, and Padma Vibhushan in 2000.
Ambujammal’s 1973 Tamil autobiography “Nan Kanda ⇢ The first successful flight testing of Geosynchronous
Bharatham” into English as “The India I Saw:: A Glimpse Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) took place under his
into the Life of S. Ambujammal”. leadership.
⇢ The book was published by the Rupa Publications. ⇢ He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha.

New book launched by AS Dulat Matthew Kalarickal Passed Away

⇢ Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, an eminent cardiologist
⇢ Amarjit Singh Dulat, the former chief of the Research
known as the “Father of Angioplasty” in India, passed
and Analysis Wing (RAW), has launched his new book
away at the age of 77.
titled “The Chief Minister and the Spy” in New Delhi.
⇢ He performed India’s first angioplasty in 1986.
⇢ It is published by Juggernaut Books. ⇢ He received Padma Shri in 2000 and Dr BC Roy Award in
⇢ The book offers a personal and political account of Dr. 1996.
Farooq Abdullah, the former CM of Jammu and Kashmir
(J&K). Keith Stackpole passes away
⇢ Keith Raymond Stackpole, former vice-captain of the
Mere Achhe Din released Australian cricket team, passed away at the age of 84.
Himachal Pradesh CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh has released ⇢ He was one of Wisden’s ‘Cricketers of the Year’ in 1973.
a book titled “Mere Achhe Din”, authored by Hari Singh Rana,
a 90-year-old veteran social worker. Director Shaji N Karun passes away
⇢ Shaji N Karun, former chairman of the Kerala State Film
Book by Fali S Nariman released Development Corporation, passed away at the age of 73.
⇢ “Beyond the Courtroom: Reflections on Law, ⇢ He was a recipient of Padma Shri in 2010.
Constitution, and Nationhood”, a book written by Late ⇢ His debut film ‘Piravi’ (Birth), released in 1989, won several
Fali Sam Nariman, has been released. national and international awards.
⇢ The book contains a collection of his speeches, articles,
Baba Sivanand passed away
and lectures.
⇢ Baba Sivanand, a spiritual guru and yoga practitioner,
⇢ It is published by Hay House Publishers India Private
passed away at the age of 128.
Limited.
⇢ He is a recipient of Padma Shri in 2022.
New book on Ramanujan
KV Rabiya passed away
⇢ The National Archives of India (NAI), in partnership with ⇢ Kariveppil Rabiya, a pioneer of Kerala’s literacy
the Vani Prakashan Group, has launched a book titled movement, passed away at the age of 59.
“Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” at the ⇢ She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022.
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
⇢ The book is authored by Arun Singhal and DK Sharma. Professor Sunny Thomas passed away
⇢ Sunny Thomas, former National Rifle Shooting Coach of
New book by Kaunain Sheriff India, passed away at the age of 83.
⇢ Kaunain Sheriff M, the National Health Editor, has ⇢ He was the first shooting coach to be honoured with the
released his book titled “The Johnson & Johnson Files: Dronacharya Award in 2001.
The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant”.
DMK Afzal passed away
⇢ The book, published by Juggernaut Books, is an
investigation into one of India’s biggest medical device ⇢ DMK Afzal, a former Indian Footballer, passed away at the
controversies. age of 81.

Book by Shyam Sharma Subbanna Ayyappan passed away

⇢ Subbanna Ayyappan, former director-general of the
⇢ Shyam Sharma has launched his book, “India@2047:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), passed
Leading the Global Economic Order” at Juniper Hall,
away at the age of 69.
India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
⇢ He was awarded Padma Shri in 2022.
⇢ The book is published by AF Press, an imprint of ⇢ He is known for his contribution to the Blue Revolution.
Academic Foundation.

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 DAYS
Day Celebrated on Theme Key Points

Observed since – 2022

World Quantum Day
April 14 Symbolising – 4.14 (April 14), which is
the value of Planck’s constant

Observed by – International
Association of Art (IAA), and UNESCO
World Art Day April 15 DNA – Do No Algorithm Observed since – 2012
Commemorating – Birth anniversary
of Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci

Heritage under Threat from Observed by – International Council

Disasters and Conflicts: on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
International Day for
April 18 Preparedness and Learning
Monuments and Sites Also known as – World Heritage Day
from 60 years of ICOMOS
Actions

April 17 Access for All: Women and Girls Observed by – World Federation of
World Hemophilia Day
Bleed Too Hemophilia

World Liver Day

April 19 Food is Medicine’

World Creativity and

April 21 Step Out and Innovate
Innovation Day

Observed by – UN
Shakespeare at the UN:
English Language Day April 23 Observed since – 2010
Exploring the Timeless
Relevance of the Bard's Works Commemorating – Death
anniversary of William Shakespeare

Wednesday of last Observed by – International

Administrative Professionals
week of April (April Association of Administrative
Day
23 in 2023) Professionals (IAAP)
Observed since – 1952

Observed by – Ministry of Health &

Fire Safety Week April 21 to 25 Fire Safety in Health Facilities
Family Welfare (MoHFW)

Observed since – 2006

April 21 Commemorating – Sardar

National Civil Services Day Vallabhbhai Patel addressing newly
formed Administrative Service
Officers at the Metcalfe House, Delhi

Observed by – UN
International Mother Earth
April 22 Observed since – 2009
Day Our Power, Our Planet
Proposed by – John McConnell
(American peace activist)

International Girls in ICT

Observed by – UN and International
(Information and 4th Thursday in Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital
Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Communications April (April 24) Transformation
Observed since – 2011
Technology) Day

Commemorating – Birth anniversary

of anti-vivisection activist Hugh
World Day for Laboratory April 24
Dowding
Animals
Also known as – World Lab Animal
Day

The Role of Literature in

World Book and Copyright April 23 Observed by – UNESCO
Achieving the Sustainable
Day Observed since – 1995
Development Goals (SDGs)

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Day Celebrated on Theme Key Points

Observed since – 2001

World Intellectual Property Commemorating – Establishment of
April 26 Music and IP: Feel the Beat of IP
Day the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) in 1967

Observed by – World Veterinary

Last Saturday of Association (WVA)
World Veterinary Day
April (April 26 in Animal Health Takes a Team
Observed since – 2000
2025)

Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Observed by – WHO

World Malaria Day April 25
Reimagine, Reignite Observed since – 2008

Observed since – 2010

16th National Panchayati Raj
April 24 Commemorating – Establishment of
Day
first Panchayati Raj system in 1993

Commemorating – First day of the

April 25 San Francisco Conference (UN
International Delegate’s Day
Conference on International
Organisations) held in 1945

Revolutionising Health and Observed by – International Labour

World Day for Safety and
April 28 Safety: The Role of AI and Organization (ILO)
Health at Work
Digitalisation at Work Observed since – 2003

Observed by – International Theatre

Institute (ITI)
April 29 Observed since – 1982
International Dance Day Dance Unites the World
Commemorating – Birth anniversary
of Jean-Georges Noverre, the
inventor of the ballet dance

Observed by – UN
International Chernobyl Commemorating – The event of
April 26
Disaster Remembrance Day Chernobyl disaster which took place
in USSR (now Ukraine) in 1986

Last week of April

World Immunization Week Immunization for All is Humanly Observed since – 2012
(April 24-30 in
Possible Initiated by – World Health Assembly
2024)

Ayushman Bharat Diwas April 30 Launched by – PM Modi in 2018

Commemorating – Labour strike in

International Labour Day May 1 Social Justice and Decent Work
Chicago, USA in 1886 for 8-hour
(May Day) ,Safety and Health of Workers
workday

Reporting in the Brave New Observed by – UNESCO

World Press Freedom Day May 03 World – The Impact of Artificial
Observed since – 1994
Intelligence on Press Freedom
and the Media

International Leopard Day Scientific name of Leopard –

May 03
Panthera Pardus

World Laughter Day First Sunday of May Laugh for Health, Peace and Observed since – 1998
(May 4 in 2025) Happiness

Observed since – 1999

International Firefighters’ Commemorating – Death of 5
Day (St Florian’s Day) May 04 firefighters who fought a wildfire in
Linton, Australia in 1998
Symbol – Red blue ribbon

African World Heritage Day Observed by – UNESCO

May 05
Observed since – 2016

World Hand Hygiene Day It might be gloves. It’s always Observed by – WHO
May 05
hand hygiene

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Day Celebrated on Theme Key Points

Observed by – International
International Day of the
May 05 Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis Confederation of Midwives
Midwife (IDM)
Observed since – 1991

Observed since – 1992

International No Diet Day May 06
Symbol – Light blue colour ribbon
Established by – Mary Young

66th Raising Day of Border

May 07 establishment of the BRO- 1960
Roads Organisation (BRO)

First Tuesday of Observed by – Global Initiative for

World Asthma Day Make Inhaled Treatments
May (May 07 in Asthma (GINA)
Accessible for ALL
2024) Observed since – 1998

Observed since – 1996

World Athletics Day May 07 Relay Around the World
Initiated by – Primo Nebiolo, former
Challenge
President of World Athletics

Together for Thalassaemia: Observed since – 1994

World Thalassemia Day
May 08 Uniting Communities, Slogans – “WeAre1” and
Prioritizing Patients “PatientsFirst”

Observed since – 1948

Commemorating – The birth
World Red Cross and Red
May 08 Keeping Humanity Alive anniversary of Henry Dunant, the
Crescent Day
founder of Red Cross and the first
Nobel Prize winner

Observed since – 2005

Time of Remembrance and
Commemorating – Surrender of Nazi
Reconciliation for Those Who
May 08, 09 Germany in WWII
Lost Their Lives during the
Second World War Also known in Europe as – Victory
day

Second Saturday of Observed by – UN

World Migratory Bird Day May and October Creating Bird-Friendly Cities
Observed since – 2006
(May 10 and and Communities
October 11 in 2024)

International Day of Argania For promoting – Argan tree of

May 10 The Argan Tree Conservation
Morocco

Observed by – Technology
Development Board (TDB), under
Ministry of Science and
YANTRA – Yugantar for Technology(MoS&T)
National Technology Day
May 11 Advancing New Technology, Observed since – 1999
Research & Acceleration Commemorating – Operation Shakti
(Pokhran-II) nuclear tests and the
maiden flight of the indigenous
Hansa-3 aircraft

International Day of Plant The Importance of Plant Health Observed since – 2022
May 12
Health (IDPH) in One Health

Observed by – International Council

of Nurses (ICN)
Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring Observed since – 1965
International Nurses Day May 12
for nurses strengthens Commemorating – Birth anniversary
economies of British Nurse and statistician
Florence Nightingale, who is also
known as ‘The Lady With the Lamp’

Global Road Safety Week May 12 to 18 #MakeWalkingSafe and Observed by – WHO

#MakeCyclingSafe Observed since – 2013

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