05th-07th April 2025

1. MoWCD Released Report on Climate Change: Women and Children as Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
2. 6 more Products from TN Gets GI Tag, bringing TN’s total GI Tag Products to 69
3. GI Recognition for 7 New West Bengal Products Takes State Total to 39
4. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 in New Delhi
5. MoD Grants In-Principle Approval for Adilabad Airport in Telangana
6. DoT & RPF Collaborate to Enhance Mobile Phone Security for Train Passengers
7. India Assist Signed MoU to Launch UAE Operations
8. 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting Held in Brazil
9. Securis Finance Secures RBI NBFC Licence to Offer Education Loans
10. India Post Collaborates with Nippon India MF to Launch Door-to-Door KYC Services
11. RBI Retains FPI Investment Limits in Government & Corporate Bonds for FY26
12. HIL Ltd Rebrands as Birlanu Ltd
13. MSRDC Honored with SKOCH 2025 Award for Samruddhi Mahamarg Project
14. Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi Appointed as President of ACC
15. Paras Defence Partners with MicroCon Vision for Drone Camera Supply to India
16. South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Signed USD 253.6 million Deal with L&T to Export K9 Howitzer to Indian Army
17. Eminent Malayalam Linguist & Sahitya Akademi Awardee Venugopala Panikkar Passes Away
18. Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils CSIR-NAL’s Indigenous Trainer Aircraft ‘HANSA-3(NG)’ to Boost Pilot Training Ecosystem
19. IR & DMRC Sign MoU for Automatic Wheel Profile Measurement Systems
20. India Launches Inter-Ministerial Study to Detect Zoonotic Diseases Using One Health Approach
21. HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank and SSIL Designated as Corporate Agents in GIFT City
22. NABARD Extends Rs 5,830 Crore Assistance to Jharkhand in FY25 to Boost Rural Infrastructure
23. RBI Imposes Penalties on Karnataka Gramin Bank & SCDCC Bank
24. Adani Group Bags 4 Gold Awards at IAA Olive Crown Awards 2025
25. Shaleen Toshniwal Assumes Charge as 20th Chairman of MATEXIL
26. DRDO & IA Conduct Four MRSAM Flight Tests off Odisha Coast
27. National Maritime Day 2025- April 5
28. International Day of Conscience 2025 – April 5
29. Haryana Declares Two Harappan Sites in Bhiwani District as Protected Monuments
30. Meghalaya CM Conrad Kongkal Sangma Launches DRMS for Real-time Reporting of Disasters
31. Meta Launches Llama-4 AI Suite: Scout, Maverick & Behemoth to Rival ChatGPT, Gemini
32. India-Sri Lanka Sign Historic Defense Pacts For The Future
33. World Health Day 2025
34. Tamil Nadu Sets a New High with 9.69% Growth
35. Samata Diwas 2025: Observing Birth Anniversary Of Babu Jagjivan Ram
36. PM Narendra Modi Conferred Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour – Mithra Vibhushana
37. Bangladesh Takes Over Chairmanship of BIMSTEC for Next Two Years
38. PM Modi’s Visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka for BIMSTEC Summit
39. HIL Ltd Rebrands as BirlaNu Limited
40. Indian Army’s MRSAM Missile Tests Prove War-Readiness
41. India Post & Nippon India Mutual Fund Join Hands to Offer Door-to-Door KYC Services
42. India Urges BRICS on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ for Mobilizing $1.3 Trillion in Climate Finance
43. Rongali Bihu: Assam’s Celebration of New Beginnings and Agricultural Prosperity
44. YuvaSpark Founder Akarsh Shroff Conferred with National Youth Award for Transforming Early Education in India
45. Veteran Actor Ravikumar Passes Away at 71
46. India Ranks 36 in Network Readiness Index
47. Indian Army’s Batalik Cricket League 2025
48. Rajasthan Tops Solar Installations In Indian Railways Stations and Service Buildings
49. Centre Withholds SSA Funds to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal for FY 2024-25
50. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal confers ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at Startup Mahakumbh 2025
51. Grand Finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

National News

1. Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 Inaugurated

• What:
  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The event aims to nurture future leaders and promote youth engagement in policymaking.
• Tell me more:
  • The festival included district-level events (16th–27th March) and state-level events (23rd–31st March), culminating in the national round with 105 state-level winners.
  • Over 75,000 youth participated by submitting one-minute videos.
  • Day 1 featured debates on topics like One Nation, One Election and Viksit Bharat, with participants acting as MPs and Ministers.
  • A master class on public speaking was conducted by MP Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi.
  • Day 2 includes a visit to the new Parliament building, discussions on electoral reforms, and presentation of National Youth Awards for 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Source: PIB

2. DoT and RPF Collaborate for Mobile Safety in Trains

• What:
  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) have partnered to trace and recover lost or stolen mobile phones of train passengers.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and prevent misuse of lost or stolen mobile phones.
• Tell me more:
  • The Rail Madad app has been integrated with DoT’s Sanchar Saathi platform.
  • Passengers can now lodge complaints about lost or stolen phones on the Rail Madad app, and the details will be shared with the Sanchar Saathi portal for action.
  • Sanchar Saathi can block stolen phones, trace them, and generate alerts for RPF.
  • A training session was conducted for over 250 RPF officers from 17 divisions to familiarize them with the Sanchar Saathi platform.
  • Since its launch, Sanchar Saathi has blocked around 30 lakh mobile devices, traced 18 lakh devices, and recovered 3.87 lakh handsets.

Source: PIB

3. India Launches Scientific Study on Zoonotic Diseases

• What:
  • India launched an inter-ministerial scientific study to detect zoonotic diseases in bird sanctuaries and wetlands across Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Why:
  • The study aims to prepare the country for future pandemics by monitoring human, bird, and forest health using the One Health approach.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative was launched at ICMR Headquarters and involves periodic sampling of birds, humans, and environmental specimens.
  • Advanced tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) will be used for early pathogen detection.
  • The study focuses on sanctuary workers and nearby residents who are vulnerable to zoonotic transmission.
  • Ministries of Environment, Health, and Agriculture are collaborating to establish India’s first early warning system for zoonotic spillovers.

Source: IE

4. Indian Railways Promotes Solar Energy for Sustainability

• What:
  • Indian Railways is promoting solar energy to align with government policies on renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and financial savings.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to transition to renewable energy and achieve long-term financial savings.
• Tell me more:
  • About 209 MW of solar plants have been installed at 2249 railway stations and service buildings across India.
  • Solar plants are primarily set up through Power Purchase Agreements under developer mode.
  • Top 5 states (rank-wise) – Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this information in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Tamil Nadu Gets Six New GI Tags for Unique Products

• What:
  • Six products from Tamil Nadu have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, increasing the state’s total to 69.
• Why:
  • The GI tags aim to promote recognition and protection of unique regional products and support farmers.
• Tell me more:
  • The new GI-tagged products are Panruti Palappazham (jackfruit), Panruti Cashew, Puliyankudi Acid Lime, Virudhunagar Samba Vathal (dried red chillies), Chettikulam Small Onion, and Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice.
  • Panruti is India’s largest producer of jackfruit, known for its distinct aroma and balanced flavor.
  • Puliyankudi Acid Lime has high juice yield and vitamin C content, grown in Tenkasi district.
  • Virudhunagar Samba Vathal is appreciated for moderate heat and vibrant red color.
  • Chettikulam Small Onion has high pungency and long shelf life due to traditional storage methods.
  • Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice is pest-resistant and nutrient-rich, ideal for sustainable farming.

Source: TOI

2. Bengal Receives GI Tags for Seven Unique Products

• What:
  • Seven products from Bengal received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, bringing the state’s total to 32.
• Why:
  • The GI tags aim to boost the marketing and commercial utilization of Bengal’s unique products.
• Tell me more:
  • The newly tagged products include nolen gur-er sandesh, Baruipur guavas, Kamarpukur’s white bonde, Murshidabad’s chhanabora, Bishnupur’s motichur laddoo, Radhunipagal rice, and Malda’s nistari silk yarn.
  • Applications for GI recognition were filed by various organizations such as Baruipur Farmers Producer Company and Malda Silk Yarn Producers Association.
  • Misti Udyog applied for GI recognition for several confections, including Kamarpukur’s white bonde and nolen gur-er sandesh.
  • Bengal already has GI registrations for products like Darjeeling tea, Joynagar’s moa, Burdwan’s sitabhog and mihidana, and Baluchari sarees.

Source: TOI

3. Adilabad Airfield Approved for Civil Aircraft Operations

• What:
  • The Ministry of Defence granted in-principle approval for civil aircraft operations at Adilabad airfield in Telangana.
• Why:
  • The approval aims to develop the airfield as a joint-use facility for both civil and military purposes.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to establish a training facility at the airfield in the future.
  • The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been asked to acquire adjacent land for infrastructure like a civil terminal and aircraft parking apron.
  • A detailed proposal from AAI is required to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the IAF.
  • Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy thanked the Centre for approving Adilabad Airport, following a similar approval for Mamnoor Airport in February.

Source: ET

4. NABARD Extends Record Assistance to Jharkhand for Rural Development

• What:
  • NABARD provided Rs 5,830 crore to Jharkhand in FY 2024-25 to boost rural infrastructure and financial inclusion.
• Why:
  • The assistance aims to catalyse rural infrastructure development, livelihood promotion, and institutional strengthening in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Rs 2,701 crore was disbursed as long-term refinance, with major beneficiaries being Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank and Jharkhand State Cooperative Bank.
  • Rs 1,988 crore was allocated under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for critical projects like irrigation, rural bridges, and drinking water supply.
  • NABARD promoted 244 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), impacting over two lakh farmers, with 53 FPCs onboarded onto the ONDC platform.
  • Phase I of computerisation of 1,500 PACS was completed, including development of 281 ePACS.

Source: ET

5. Haryana Declares Two Harappan Sites as Protected Monuments

• What:
  • Haryana government declared two Harappan civilization sites in Bhiwani district, Mitathal and Tighrana, as protected archaeological monuments.
• Why:
  • The move aims to safeguard these ancient sites from encroachment and damage while preserving their historical and cultural significance.
• Tell me more:
  • Mitathal spans 10 acres and was first discovered in 1913 with findings like coins of Samudra Gupta.
  • Excavations at Mitathal revealed Copper-Bronze Age culture, town planning, arts, crafts, and artifacts like pottery, beads, bangles, terracotta, copper, ivory, and bone objects.
  • Tighrana showcases remains from Pre-Siswal, Pre-Harappan, and Post-Harappan settlements with evidence of Chalcolithic agricultural communities living in mud-brick houses.
  • Artifacts from Tighrana include wheel-made pottery painted in bichrome designs, copper tools, and green carnelian bangles indicating bead-making and jewelry production.

Source: IE

6. Meghalaya Launches Disaster and Relief Monitoring System (DRMS)

• What:
  • Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the Disaster and Relief Monitoring System (DRMS) to streamline disaster reporting, relief processing, and fund disbursement.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to ensure timely, transparent, and efficient disaster relief without delays or bureaucratic hurdles.
• Tell me more:
  • DRMS was developed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in collaboration with NIC Meghalaya.
  • It will serve as the mandatory platform for processing applications under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
  • The system enables real-time logging of disasters across districts and blocks, improving response time and coordination between Block Development Officers (BDOs), district administrations, and the department.
  • DRMS will cover all types of natural disasters, including floods, landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes.
  • Training will be provided to district administrations and concerned departments for effective implementation of the system.

Source: TP

7. Tamil Nadu Achieves Highest Real Economic Growth Rate

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu recorded a 9.69% real economic growth rate in FY 2024-25, the highest among Indian states and its best in the last decade.
• Why:
  • The growth reflects the state’s strong performance in services and manufacturing sectors, surpassing economic projections.
• Tell me more:
  • Services sector contributed significantly with professional services growing by 13.6%, communications by 13%, and trade, repair, hotels, and restaurants by 11.7%.
  • Manufacturing and construction in the secondary sector grew by 8% and 10.6%, respectively.

Source: LM

8. Rongali Bihu Festival in Assam

• Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu or Xaat Bihu, is a traditional Indian celebration primarily observed in Assam and other Northeastern states.
• The celebration commemorates the Assamese New Year, the arrival of spring, and the beginning of the harvest season. It is celebrated over seven days in Assam.
• Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu, the other two Bihu festivals, are observed in October and January, respectively.

Source: cnbc

International News

1. 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

• What:
  • India emphasized collective leadership for advancing the 2030 Climate Agenda at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil.
• Why:
  • The aim is to strengthen BRICS’ role in global climate action and ensure a balanced transition aligning sustainability with development goals.
• Tell me more:
  • India called on BRICS nations to unite under the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action. It aims to strengthen climate financing mechanisms and achieve global sustainability commitments effectively.
  • India highlighted that the proposed $300 billion per year under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is insufficient compared to the required $1.3 trillion.
  • The Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid was presented as a key global renewable energy integration effort.
  • India reaffirmed commitments from the 2021 BRICS New Delhi Declaration promoting a diversified energy mix.
  • India called for collaboration on marine plastic pollution, air quality, and resource efficiency, citing initiatives like the Clean Rivers Programme and Sustainable Urban Management.
  • COP30 in Brazil was recognized as a critical moment for advancing global adaptation and resilience.

Source: PIB TOI

2. Bangladesh Assumes BIMSTEC Chairmanship for Two Years

• What:
  • Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC for the next two years. The chairmanship was handed over by the Prime Minister of Thailand.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Source: NOA DD

Banking and Economy

1. Securis Finance Approved as NBFC by RBI

• What:
  • Securis Finance, a subsidiary of FirstPay Technologies, received RBI approval to operate as a non-banking financial company (NBFC).
• Why:
  • The approval aims to address gaps in access to education loans and support students’ diverse educational needs.
• Tell me more:
  • Securis Finance plans to disburse ₹100 crore in education loans in its first year, targeting cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Pune.
  • Loans will range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for school fees, college tuition, coding boot camps, and entrance exam coaching.
  • The company aims to scale its loan book to ₹1,000 crore by 2030, supporting over 100,000 students annually.
  • Its AI-driven lending model focuses on academic performance alongside financial metrics and offers real-time application tracking through a proprietary platform.

Source: ET

2. India Post Partners with Nippon India Mutual Fund for Door-to-Door KYC

• What:
  • India Post has collaborated with Nippon India Mutual Fund to provide door-to-door KYC verification services for mutual fund investors.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to simplify mutual fund onboarding and improve accessibility for senior citizens, rural investors, and individuals with mobility challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • India Post’s extensive reach across remote areas makes it an ideal partner for expanding the investor base.
  • The service aligns with the Government of India’s Jan Nivesh initiative to promote financial inclusion.
  • India Post has previously conducted over 500,000 KYC verifications for UTI and SUUTI.
  • KYC compliance is mandatory for investing in mutual funds, requiring identity proof, address proof, and PAN details.

Source: ET

3. HIL Limited Rebrands as BirlaNu, Plans $150 Million Investment

• What:
  • HIL Limited, a subsidiary of CK Birla Group, has rebranded itself as BirlaNu Limited and announced plans to invest $150 million.
• Why:
  • The rebranding and investment aim to achieve the company’s goal of becoming a $1 billion entity by 2028.
• Tell me more:
  • BirlaNu operates 32 manufacturing facilities across India and Europe and serves customers in over 80 countries.
  • It focuses on sustainable building materials like pipes, construction chemicals, putty, roofs, walls, and floors.
  • The company introduced organic-based stabilizers (OBS) in UPVC pipe manufacturing, eliminating heavy metals.
  • Its AAC block capacity in Chennai has doubled to 4 lakh cubic meters annually, making it one of India’s largest facilities.
  • BirlaNu plans to bring its global premium flooring brand Parador to India as part of its expansion into home and interiors.

Source: ET

4. HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Stock Holding Corporation to Sell Insurance Products

• What:
  • HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Stock Holding Corporation have been permitted to act as corporate agents to sell insurance products to over 35 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).
• Why:
  • The initiative enables banks in GIFT City to sell insurance products along with their own services, expanding access for NRIs and PIOs.
• Tell me more:
  • The licenses were granted under the Insurance Act.
  • HDFC Bank Ltd, IDFC First Bank IFSC unit, and Stock Holding Securities IFSC Ltd are among the first entities to receive approval.
  • Corporate agents act as intermediaries to represent insurance companies and expand their reach.

Source: HBL

5. Meta Introduces Llama 4 AI Models

• What:
  • Meta launched Llama 4, its newest series of open-weight AI models, including Llama 4 Scout and Llama 4 Maverick, available for download.
• Why:
  • The models aim to enhance Meta AI’s capabilities across services like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger and support developers in creating tailored AI-driven experiences.
• Tell me more:
  • Llama 4 Scout uses 17 billion active parameters, supports up to 10 million tokens, and runs on a single Nvidia H100 GPU.
  • Llama 4 Maverick features 17 billion active parameters with 128 experts and rivals OpenAI’s GPT-4o in reasoning and coding tasks.
  • Llama 4 Behemoth is a teacher model with 288 billion active parameters, excelling in STEM-focused evaluations and multilingual tasks.
  • Scout and Maverick are available for download via Meta’s official Llama website and Hugging Face.
  • Meta AI powered by Llama 4 is being integrated into WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram Direct, and web platforms.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Women and Children Face Greater Risks from Climate Change

• What:
  • A study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) highlights that women and children are 14 times more likely to die in disasters caused by climate change.
• Why:
  • The study aims to emphasize the need for gender-disaggregated data to design effective policies and disaster response plans.
• Tell me more:
  • The report titled How Does Climate Change Impact Women and Children Across Agroecological Zones in India reveals that women in poverty face higher risks due to cultural norms and responsibilities.
  • Climate-related disasters disrupt agriculture and food security, severely impacting rural women dependent on farming.
  • India ranks 138 out of 185 countries in the 2023 ND-GAIN Index, showing high vulnerability to climate change.
  • 27 out of 35 Indian states and Union Territories are highly prone to hydro-meteorological disasters like floods and droughts.
  • Odisha has established 21 district-level gender cells under its disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies with UNFPA support.

Source: DTE

2. India Ranks 36th in UNCTAD’s Frontier Technologies Index

• What:
  • India secured the 36th position out of 170 countries in the ‘Readiness for Frontier Technologies’ index in the UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025.
  • India improved its rank from 48th in 2022.
• Why:
  • The index evaluates countries based on ICT deployment, skills, R&D activity, industrial capacity, and access to finance to measure readiness for advanced technologies.
• Tell me more:
  • India ranks 99th in ICT, 113th in skills, 3rd in R&D, 10th in industrial capacity, and 70th in finance.
  • Developing nations like Brazil, China, India, and the Philippines are outperforming expectations in tech readiness.
  • India ranked 10th globally in private AI investments with $1.4 billion in 2023.
  • AI’s global market value is projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. Paras Defence Partners with Israeli Firms for Drone Camera Technology

• What:
  • Paras Defence signed an initial pact with Controp and MicroCon Vision, Israel, to supply advanced drone camera technology in India.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to improve India’s self-reliance in drone camera technology by reducing costs and increasing indigenous content.
• Tell me more:
  • Paras Defence will become the exclusive supplier of ISR payloads and EO/IR seekers in India, with MicroCon as its exclusive supplier for drone cameras.
  • The partnership will integrate AI-powered analytics, high-resolution imaging, and thermal vision to enhance surveillance capabilities.
  • Drone cameras, currently one of the most expensive payloads, will see a price reduction of 50-60%, making them more accessible for defence and commercial use.
  • The Indian drone market is projected to grow by 17% by 2029, driven by demand from defence, homeland security, disaster management, and industrial sectors.

Source: ET

2. Hanwha Aerospace Signs $253 Million Contract with L&T

• What:
  • Hanwha Aerospace signed a USD 253 million contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to supply components for 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers to the Indian Army.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to enhance India’s artillery modernization and operational readiness while increasing localization in defense manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • The new contract targets 60% localization, up from 50% in the first batch delivered in 2021.
  • The howitzers will be produced at L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat.
  • Upgrades for high-altitude operations, such as deployment in Ladakh, will be included.
  • K9 Vajra-T guns are known for precision strikes, cross-country mobility, and a range of over 40 km.
  • The project will generate over nine lakh man-days of employment and involve Indian MSMEs.

Source: DS ET

3. Indigenous HANSA-3(NG) Aircraft Launched for Pilot Training

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the indigenous HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) and announced private sector collaboration for its manufacturing.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to create a world-class flying training ecosystem in India and support the growing aviation sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for HANSA-3(NG) was granted to M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd. for manufacturing.
  • The aircraft will cater to flying clubs offering Private Pilot License (PPL) and CPL training.
  • HANSA-3(NG) features a glass cockpit, fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc3 Sports engine, bubble canopy, and electrically operated flaps.
  • It offers a range of 620 nautical miles, endurance of 7 hours, and a cruise speed of 98 KCAS.
  • CSIR-NAL has received over 110 Letters of Intent from Flying Training Organizations (FTOs).
  • A manufacturing facility will initially produce 36 aircraft annually, scaling up to 72 per year.

Source: PIB

4. India Successfully Tests MRSAM Army Variant

• What:
  • India conducted user trials of the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) Army variant from Odisha’s Abdul Kalam Island.
• Why:
  • The trials aimed to demonstrate the operational capability and killing efficiency of the advanced missile system.
• Tell me more:
  • Four rounds of flight trials were conducted against high-speed aerial targets at long and short ranges, both at high and low altitudes.
  • The MRSAM system was jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
  • It includes multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher system, and other vehicles.
  • The missile has a strike range of up to 100 km, flies at supersonic speed, and weighs 2.7 tonnes with a payload capacity of 60 kg.

Source: IE

5. Indian Army Organizes Batalik Cricket League for Kargil Vijay Diwas

• What:
  • The Indian Army organized the Batalik Cricket League at Jubar Stadium, Batalik, as part of Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26) 2025 celebrations.
  • Batalik A won the final match against Darchiks A by 47 runs.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote sports, engage local youth, and foster regional development.
• Tell me more:
  • A total of 13 teams participated in the tournament, divided into four pools.
  • Locally made Ladakhi Willow Cricket bats were procured from Maryul Willow and presented as trophies to support local artisans.
  • Col. Dinesh Singh Tanwar announced plans for a district-level Sherquilla Cricket League next month at the same venue.

Source: DE

Awards

1. Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg Wins SKOCH 2025 Award

• What:
  • The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd. (MSRDC) received the SKOCH 2025 Award for its Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg project.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes MSRDC’s successful implementation of the state’s longest expressway, completed in record time.
• Tell me more:
  • The project has boosted agricultural and industrial development in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, enhancing economic opportunities.
  • SKOCH Awards, established in 2003, honor excellence in governance, technology, and inclusive growth.

Source: ANI

2. Adani Group Wins Four Gold Awards at IAA Olive Crown Awards

• What:
  • Adani Group won four gold awards at the IAA Olive Crown Awards, including Corporate Social Crusader of the Year and Green Advertiser of the Year.
• Why:
  • The awards recognize the Adani Group’s commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on clean energy and quality of life.
• Tell me more:
  • The Pankha film won two gold awards in TV/Cinema (Corporate) and Digital categories.
  • The awards celebrate creative excellence in communicating sustainability.
  • The ceremony was held in Mumbai, with Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar as the guest of honour.
  • Ajay Kakar, Head of Corporate Branding, received the awards on behalf of the Adani Group.

Source: ANI

3. PM Modi Receives Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana’, the highest civilian honour of Sri Lanka.
• Why:
  • The honour recognizes Modi’s contributions to strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations and promoting friendship between the two nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was instituted in 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
  • The award was conferred by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake during Modi’s state visit on April 5.
  • It is given to heads of state and government leaders who maintain cordial relations with Sri Lanka.
  • The medal features Navarathna gems, a globe surrounded by lotus petals, a Pun Kalasa symbolizing prosperity, and Buddhist heritage symbols like the Dharma Chakra.
  • Only four individuals have received this award so far, including Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Palestinian leaders Mahmoud Abbas and Yasser Arafat (posthumously).

Source: IE

4. Akarsh Shroff Receives National Youth Award

• What:
  • Akarsh Shroff, founder of YuvaSpark, was conferred the National Youth Award on April 3, 2025, for his efforts in enhancing early childhood education in India.
• Why:
  • The award recognises outstanding contributions to national development and social service by individuals under 30 years of age.
• Tell me more:
  • Akarsh founded YuvaSpark in 2018 at the age of 17 to reform grassroots education through technology and innovation.
  • YuvaSpark has digitised learning in over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India using custom-curated vernacular content.
  • The organisation also supports infrastructure development in orphanages and government school libraries and provides smart devices to special schools.

Source: TH

5. Startup Maharathi Awards Conferred at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

• What:
  • Union Minister Piyush Goyal conferred the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to recognize and encourage contributions to India’s startup ecosystem, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and women-led startups.
• Tell me more:
  • A dedicated Startup India Desk will be set up with a toll-free number in regional languages to assist startups.
  • The Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore has been approved, with ₹2,000 crore to be disbursed this year.
  • The fund will support seed funding for small startups and deep-tech innovations in AI, robotics, quantum computing, biotech, and more.
  • The Grand Finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi showcased innovative solutions by various student teams.

Source: PIB PIB

Important Days

1. International Day of Conscience – April 5

• Theme: A vision grounded in love, conscience, and collective action

Source: UN

2. World Health Day – April 7

• UN Campaign: Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

Source: WHO

3. Samata Diwas (April 5) Celebrated to Honor Babu Jagjivan Ram

• What:
  • Samata Diwas is observed on April 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, a notable socialist leader and champion of social justice.
• Why:
  • The day honors Jagjivan Ram’s advocacy for equality and motivates people to stand against injustice, discrimination, and inequality.
• Tell me more:
  • Jagjivan Ram, born on April 5, 1908, was a national leader, freedom fighter, and advocate for the depressed classes.
  • He actively participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-untouchability campaign, organized the All India Depressed Classes League, joined the Congress Party, and later became the youngest minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s provisional government, serving as India’s first labour minister.

Source: ETV

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India Assist Launches UAE Assist for Travel Assistance

• What:
  • India Assist signed an MoU with UAE authorities to launch UAE Assist, offering complimentary travel assistance to UAE visa holders.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide real-time support and emergency assistance to over 40 million inbound visitors to the UAE annually.
• Tell me more:
  • UAE Assist marks India Assist’s entry into the global travel assistance market.
  • The service includes real-time resolution, on-ground help, and emergency advice for travelers.
  • India Assist has previously supported events like MahaKumbh and MotoGP.
  • The company plans further expansion into other countries soon.

Source: CNBC

1. India and Sri Lanka Sign Seven MoUs Across Key Sectors

• What:
  • India and Sri Lanka signed seven MoUs in sectors like defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance cooperation in strategic areas, and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
• Tell me more:
  • Defence MoU includes joint maritime surveillance, military exercises, and equipment support.
  • India’s UPI payment system will be implemented in Sri Lanka to boost digital infrastructure.
  • Renewable energy trade will be enhanced through a grid connectivity project, and ferry and aviation services will improve people-to-people ties.
  • Modi and the Lankan President inaugurated the Sampur solar power project and a temperature-controlled warehousing facility at Dambulla.
  • Solar rooftop systems will be supplied to nearly 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka.
  • India converted loans worth over USD 100 million into grants and reduced interest rates on existing credit under the debt restructuring agreement.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Mohsin Naqvi Appointed President of Asian Cricket Council

• What:
  • Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
• Tell me more:
  • The ACC represents Asia as a key region in world cricket.
  • ACC initiatives include sustainable cricket development and collaborative efforts among member boards.

Source: ET

2. Shaleen Toshniwal Appointed Chairman of MATEXIL

• What:
  • Shaleen Toshniwal took charge as the Chairman of MATEXIL.
• Tell me more:
  • Shaleen Toshniwal is the Joint Managing Director of Banswara Syntex Ltd. with over 23 years of experience in the textiles and clothing sector.
  • MATEXIL is an Export Promotion Council for manmade fiber and technical textiles.
  • MATEXIL promotes exports of manmade fiber textiles, including fiber, yarn, fabric, made-ups, and technical textiles.

Source: ANI

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Linguist T B Venugopala Panikkar Passes Away

• What:
  • T B Venugopala Panikkar, a linguist, writer, and former head of Calicut University’s Malayalam department, passed away at his residence at Thirichilangadi.
• Tell me more:
  • His notable works include Bhashartham, Noam Chomsky, Bhashalokam, and Vakkinte Vazhikkal.
  • His translation of the Tamil novel Koonanthoppu won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, and Bhashartham received the IC Chacko Endowment Award.

Source: TOI

2. Veteran Actor Ravikumar Passes Away at 71

• Actor Ravikumar, aged 71, passed away. He had acted in over 100 Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Source: TOI

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