03rd April 2025

1. Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Zero Poverty – P4 Policy’ Initiative
2. Nikhil Singhal Honored with Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award
3. Kamal Haasan Appointed Chairperson of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee South
4. Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan Inaugurates 62nd National Maritime Day and Merchant Navy Week
5. Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Passes Away at 65
6. India-China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
7. Free Bus Service for Women in Jammu & Kashmir
8. Niharika Singhania’s Gold in the Azelhof CSI Lier Equestrian Competition
9. International Mine Awareness Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance
10. Francesco Bagnaia Triumphs at Grand Prix of the Americas After Marc Marquez Crash
11. Aditya Birla Capital Merged With Aditya Birla Finance Ltd.
12. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Death Anniversary 2025: Remembering the Great Warrior
13. Warangal Chapata Chilli Receives GI Tag, Boosting Farmer Benefits
14. H Shankar Assumes Charge as Managing Director of CPCL
15. Sivasubramanian Ramann Appointed as New Chairperson of PFRDA
16. Poonam Gupta Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor Ahead of MPC Meeting
17. Swaminathan S. Iyer Appointed as Whole-Time Member (Life) of IRDAI
18. PM Laid Various Initiative in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
19. President Droupadi Murmu Releases Commemorative Stamp for RBI’s 90th Anniversary
20. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg top Forbes’ 2025 richest people in world
21. India & Nepal Sign MoUs for 10 HIDCPs in Nepal Under NRs. 625 Million Grant
22. Federal Bank, NPCI & Visa Launch Fed StarBiz Credit Card for Businesses Customers
23. Maharashtra Government Partners with Microsoft to Establish AI CoEs in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur
24. SC Ralhan Appointed as President of FIEO till 2027
25. Dhruva Space and Infosatell Collaborate to Enhance Satellite Communications
26. ICAR-CTCRI Develops New Biofortified Sweet Potato to Boost Tribal Food Security
27. International Children’s Book Day 2025 – April 2
28. Assam Launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’ to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

National News

1. 75th Anniversary of India-China Relations

• What:
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a ‘dragon-elephant tango’ to strengthen India-China relations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
• Why:
  • Xi emphasized mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence, and strategic cooperation to promote bilateral relations and global peace.
• Tell me more:
  • Xi highlighted the need for collaboration in major international affairs, modernization efforts, and building a multipolar world.
  • He called for deeper exchanges and cooperation between the two nations to safeguard peace along the border.
  • President Droupadi Murmu proposed stable and friendly relations to benefit both nations and the world.

Source: IT

State News

1. Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ Initiative

• What:
  • Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ initiative under the Swarnandra 2047 vision to make the state poverty-free by 2029.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to bridge the socio-economic divide by involving the wealthiest 10% of the population to support the bottom 20% poorest families.
• Tell me more:
  • The ‘P4’ stands for Public-Private-People Partnership.
  • Wealthy individuals contributing to the program are called ‘Margadarsies’ (mentors), while the underprivileged beneficiaries are termed ‘Bangaru Kutumbams’ (golden families).
  • The government will facilitate the program using digital dashboards for real-time tracking of progress.
  • Margadarsies will provide financial aid, career guidance, mentorship, and holistic development to Bangaru Kutumbams.
  • Two Bangaru Kutumbams were introduced to three Margadarsies, including industrialists P.V. Krishna Reddy, Anil Kumar Ch., and Sajjan Kumar Goyanka, during the launch event.
  • The government has identified 30 lakh families through Gram Sabhas for targeted support.

Source: TH

2. Nikhil Singhal Honored with Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award

• What:
  • Nikhil Singhal, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide and President of Noida High Rise Federation, received the Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award at Taj Lucknow.
• Why:
  • The award was given for his contributions to public relations and leadership in strategic communication.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented by former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at an event hosted by Tapasya Foundation Trust.
  • Nikhil Singhal expressed gratitude and credited his team at Vigor Media Worldwide for redefining public relations with innovation and integrity.
  • Under his leadership, Vigor Media Worldwide became a leading PR firm with a global clientele.

Source: BS

3. Maharashtra Governor Inaugurates 62nd National Maritime Day

• What:
  • Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 62nd National Maritime Day and Merchant Navy Week at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The event emphasized the importance of the maritime sector in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • The Governor called for better coordination among the Directorate General of Shipping, Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation, Railways, and traders.

Source: NOA

4. J&K Launches Free Bus Service for Women

• What:
  • The J&K government launched free bus services for women across the Union Territory, flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at SKICC in Srinagar.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to empower women through affordable, accessible, and safe mobility, fostering inclusive development.
• Tell me more:
  • The service applies to smart city e-buses and J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses.
  • J&K operates 200 e-buses in urban centers and 235 RTC buses on inter-district routes and highways.

Source: TH

5. Warangal Chapata Chilli Gets GI Tag

• What:
  • Warangal Chapata Chilli received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, becoming the 18th product from Telangana and the 665th in India to achieve this recognition.
• Why:
  • The GI tag aims to protect the unique characteristics of the chilli and help farmers command higher prices for their produce.
• Tell me more:
  • Known for its flaming red color and low pungency, the chilli scores 3,100-6,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
  • The GI application was filed in September 2022 by Thimmampet Chilly Farmer Producer Company Limited with support from JVR Horticultural Research Station.
  • The chilli is priced at ₹300 per kg currently but is expected to fetch ₹450-500 per kg post-GI recognition.
  • It joins Banaganapalli mango and Tandur Red Gram as GI-tagged agricultural products from Telangana.

Source: TOI

6. PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹33,700 Crore in Chhattisgarh

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹33,700 crore in Chhattisgarh during an event at Mohbhattha village, Bilaspur district.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to boost infrastructure, energy, transportation, and education sectors for overall development in Chhattisgarh.
• Tell me more:
  • Modi flagged off the MEMU train service in the Abhanpur-Raipur section and handed over house keys under PMAY-G to beneficiaries.
  • Key energy projects include NTPC’s Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III (₹9,790 crore), CSPGCL’s Super Critical Thermal Power Project (₹15,800 crore), and BPCL’s City Gas Distribution project (₹1,285 crore).
  • Infrastructure projects include upgraded sections of NH-930 and NH-43, and the Kondagaon-Narayanpur section of NH-130D worth ₹1,270 crore.
  • Railway projects include seven new projects spanning 108 km and three completed projects covering 111 km worth ₹2,690 crore. Modi also inaugurated 100% railway electrification in Chhattisgarh.
  • Educational initiatives include the launch of 130 PM SHRI Schools across 29 districts and Vidya Samiksha Kendra for monitoring education schemes.

Source: TOI

7. Maharashtra Partners with Microsoft to Set Up AI Excellence Centres

• What:
  • Maharashtra government signed an MoU with Microsoft to establish three Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance governance, improve efficiency, and support innovation using AI-driven solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Mumbai Centre for Geospatial Analytics will focus on satellite imagery and GIS-based applications for urban planning and disaster management.
  • The Pune Centre will integrate AI with forensic science to enhance criminal investigations and evidence analysis.
  • The Nagpur MARVEL Centre will focus on law enforcement, governance reforms, and AI training for government employees with Microsoft certifications through MS Learn.
  • Microsoft Copilot technology will be used for automated document management, grievance redressal, healthcare services, land records management, and traffic fine processing linked to Aadhaar.

Source: NOA

8. Assam Launches Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan for Women Entrepreneurs

• What:
  • Assam government launched the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’ (MMMUA), offering ₹10,000 seed capital to women entrepreneurs to boost self-employment opportunities.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to empower women financially and promote entrepreneurial success among women Self-Help Group (SHG) members.
• Tell me more:
  • Beneficiaries who utilize the seed capital effectively will receive ₹25,000 in the second year, comprising ₹12,500 as a bank loan and ₹12,500 as a state grant with interest borne by the government.
  • Successful entrepreneurs under the scheme will be eligible for ₹50,000 in the third year.
  • An e-commerce platform has been established to support women’s entrepreneurial efforts.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Aditya Birla Finance Merges with Aditya Birla Capital

• What:
  • Aditya Birla Finance merged with Aditya Birla Capital to form a unified NBFC, effective April 1, 2025, following NCLT Ahmedabad’s approval.
• Why:
  • The merger aims to simplify the corporate structure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance stakeholder value creation.
• Tell me more:
  • Vishakha Mulye was appointed as MD and CEO, and Rakesh Singh as Executive Director of the merged entity.
  • Independent directors Nagesh Pinge and Sunil Srivastav were also appointed.
  • As of December 31, 2024, ABCL managed assets worth over ₹5.03 lakh crore with a consolidated lending book of ₹1.46 lakh crore.
  • It reported a consolidated revenue of ₹28,376 crore and a profit after tax of ₹2,468 crore for the first nine months of FY25.
  • ABCL has a pan-India presence with 1,482 branches and over 2 lakh agents/channel partners.

Source: BS

2. President Murmu Releases Stamp to Mark RBI’s 90th Anniversary

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu released a special postage stamp commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Why:
  • The stamp celebrates RBI’s contributions to financial stability, economic growth, and its role in fostering trust in India’s financial system.
• Tell me more:
  • The RBI was established on April 1, 1935, in Kolkata and has completed nine decades of service.
  • Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia praised RBI’s efforts in shaping India’s financial landscape and highlighted India Post’s role in financial inclusion through its vast network of post offices.
  • RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized the institution’s evolving role in balancing price stability, financial stability, and economic growth amidst global uncertainties and technological advancements.

Source: UNI

3. Federal Bank Launches Fed StarBiz Credit Card for SMEs

• What:
  • Federal Bank launched Fed StarBiz, a business credit card for SME customers, in collaboration with NPCI and Visa.
• Why:
  • The card aims to empower SME customers by providing financial flexibility and enhancing convenience in business transactions.
• Tell me more:
  • Fed StarBiz links directly to Overdraft (OD) or Cash Credit (CC) accounts with limits up to ₹50 lakh.
  • It supports transactions up to ₹3 lakh per day or the available limit on the underlying account, whichever is lower.
  • The card offers advanced security features like tokenization and encryption technologies.
  • All card transactions reflect in the linked OD/CC account, simplifying financial management.
  • It is available in both RuPay and Visa variants and has extensive merchant network coverage across India.

Source: BS

Science and Technology

1. India-Japan Collaboration for Satellite Ground Station Expansion

• What:
  • Dhruva Space and Japan-based Infostellar signed a collaboration to integrate Dhruva Space’s 3.8m S&X-band ground station antenna in Hyderabad into Infostellar’s StellarStation platform.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to expand the global ground station network and enhance satellite communication interoperability for mission-critical operations.
• Tell me more:
  • Dhruva Space plans to establish larger antennas with S, X, and Ka band capabilities for supporting Lunar and Deep Space Missions.
  • The Hyderabad antenna provides full hemispherical coverage with high reliability, optimizing data downlink opportunities for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
  • The collaboration was formalized during the Third India-Japan Space Dialogue held in Tokyo, Japan.
  • Infostellar specializes in Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) solutions and will onboard Dhruva Space’s antenna onto its cloud-based StellarStation platform after receiving necessary licenses.

Source: TH

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. ICAR-CTCRI Develops Biofortified Sweet Potato to Combat Malnutrition

• What:
  • ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) developed a biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato variety, SP-95/4, to strengthen tribal food security programs.
• Why:
  • The variety aims to address vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition among tribal communities through its high beta-carotene content.
• Tell me more:
  • SP-95/4 contains 8 mg/100g beta-carotene and has undergone successful trials in Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
  • In Attappady, Kerala, farmers achieved bumper yields under the Rainbow Diet and Punarjeevanam programs.
  • Individual tubers weigh an average of 300 grams and have a fusiform shape suitable for processing.
  • Plans are underway to expand cultivation in Attappady to 100 acres by the end of 2025.

Source: TH

Awards

1. Elon Musk Tops Forbes 2025 Billionaire List

• What:
  • Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, topped the Forbes 2025 Billionaire’s List with a net worth of $342 billion.
• Why:
  • Musk’s wealth grew by $147 billion in the past year, surpassing the second-richest person by $126 billion.
• Tell me more:
  • Mark Zuckerberg ranked second with a net worth of $216 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos at $215 billion.
  • The US leads the list with 902 billionaires, followed by China (516) and India in third place.
  • The combined net worth of all 3,028 billionaires on the list is estimated at $16.1 trillion.
  • The rankings were based on stock prices and exchange rates as of March 7, 2025.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – April 4

• Theme: Safe Futures Start Here

Source: UN

2. International Children’s Book Day – April 2

• Theme: The Freedom of Imagination

Source: UN

Sports

1. Niharika Singhania Wins Gold at Azelhof CSI Lier Competition

• What:
  • Indian equestrian Niharika Singhania secured first place in the Azelhof CSI Lier equestrian competition held in Belgium.
• Tell me more:
  • Niharika participated in the Two Phases special event, riding Hotese Charboniere.
  • The Azelhof CSI Lier competition is a prestigious international equestrian event showcasing top riders from around the world.

Source: NOA

2. Francesco Bagnaia Wins Grand Prix of the Americas MotoGP

• What:
  • Francesco Bagnaia won the MotoGP race at the Grand Prix of the Americas after Marc Marquez crashed during lap nine.
• Tell me more:
  • Alex Marquez finished second and moved to the top of MotoGP standings with 87 points, followed by Marc Marquez (86 points) and Bagnaia (75 points).
  • Fabio di Giannantonio secured third place in the race.

Source: BBC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Nepal Sign MoUs for Development Projects

• What:
  • India and Nepal signed 10 MoUs for high-impact community development projects worth NRs 625 million in the education, health, and culture sectors.
• Why:
  • These projects aim to enhance educational, healthcare, and cultural facilities in Nepal under Nepal-India Development Cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • The projects include constructing three schools, one monastery, one e-library, and two health post buildings.
  • India has undertaken over 573 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal since 2003, of which 495 have been completed.
  • The agreements reflect India’s continued support for Nepal’s growth by improving infrastructure in priority sectors.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. Kamal Haasan Appointed Chairperson of FICCI Media Committee South

• What:
  • Actor Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the Chairperson of FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Committee South during the Media and Entertainment Business Conclave South Connect 2025 in Chennai.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to promote India’s Media and Entertainment sector and develop it into a $100 billion industry with globally resonating content.
• Tell me more:
  • He highlighted animation and VFX as strengths positioning India as a global hub for content production.
  • FICCI’s Media and Entertainment report celebrates its 25th edition, aiming to bridge information gaps in the industry.

Source: TH

2. H Shankar Appointed MD of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd

• What:
  • H Shankar officially assumed charge as the Managing Director of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL).
• Tell me more:
  • He has led key infrastructure projects, introduced sustainable products, and contributed to developing fuels for space and defense sectors.
  • CPCL is a leading petroleum company involved in refining crude oil and producing value-added products.

Source: HBL

3. S Ramann Appointed Chairperson of PFRDA

• What:
  • S Ramann, Deputy CAG, has been appointed as Chairperson of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for a tenure of five years or until he turns 65.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to ensure leadership continuity and enhance the functioning of PFRDA following the end of Deepak Mohanty’s term in May 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Ramann belongs to the 1991 batch of Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS).
  • He served as Chairman & Managing Director of SIDBI from 2021 to 2024.
  • He was MD & CEO of National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL) and held senior roles in SEBI between 2007 and 2013.
  • He also worked as Principal Accountant General (Audit), Jharkhand, Ranchi during 2015-2016.

Source: BS

4. Poonam Gupta Appointed RBI Deputy Governor

• What:
  • Poonam Gupta, former World Bank economist, has been appointed as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a three-year term.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to utilize her extensive experience in economics and international financial systems to strengthen RBI’s leadership.
• Tell me more:
  • Gupta currently serves as Director General of NCAER and is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
  • She has held senior roles at the IMF and World Bank and chaired the Task Force on Macroeconomics and Trade during India’s G20 Presidency.
  • Her academic career includes positions at Delhi School of Economics, University of Maryland, and Indian Statistical Institute.
  • Gupta replaces Michael Patra as Deputy Governor ahead of RBI’s bi-monthly monetary policy meeting scheduled for April 7-9, 2025.

Source: ET

5. Swaminathan S Iyer Appointed Whole-Time Member of IRDAI

• What:
  • Swaminathan S Iyer has been appointed as the whole-time member (life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for five years or until he turns 62, whichever is earlier.
• Tell me more:
  • Iyer currently serves as Executive Vice-President at Tata AIA Life Insurance, overseeing legal, regulatory affairs, and ESG.
  • He previously worked as Senior Vice-President at HDFC Standard Life Insurance.
  • Iyer has over 34 years of experience in the life insurance industry.

Source: BS

6. SC Ralhan Assumes Charge as FIEO President

• What:
  • SC Ralhan has been appointed as the new President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), replacing Ashwani Kumar.
• Tell me more:
  • Ralhan has over 50 years of experience in exports, particularly in the engineering and hand tools industry, and is the Managing Director of Sri Tools Industries.
  • FIEO represents Indian exporters and works closely with the government to promote export growth.
  • Ralhan has held pivotal roles such as Regional Chairman of FIEO & EEPC, Board Member of ECGC, and Chairman of the Board of Governors at NIT Jalandhar.

Source: LM

Miscellaneous

1. Actor Val Kilmer Passes Away at Age 65

• What:
  • Actor Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia in Los Angeles.
• Tell me more:
  • Kilmer starred in iconic films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, Tombstone, and Heat.
  • He reprised his role as Iceman alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

Source: BBC

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Death Anniversary Commemorated

• What:
  • April 3, 2025, marks the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who passed away on April 3, 1680 at Raigad Fort.
• Tell me more:
  • Shivaji Maharaj died due to health complications including severe fever and dysentery.
  • Maharashtra and other regions commemorate the day with tributes, processions, and cultural events.
  • Earlier this year, February 18 marked the 395th birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj.

Source: BS

Start Quiz of 03rd April 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 03rd April 2025 on Desktop