09th April 2025

1. Viral Davda Appointed Deputy CIO at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
2. Satish Chavva Appointed as CEO of OIJIF
3. Ram Sahay Pandey Folk Dancer Passed Away
4. Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 13,000 Runs in T20 Cricket
5. President Murmu Receives City Key of Honour
6. Brazil’s Proposal for a UN-Backed Global Climate Action Council
7. Private firms get Rs.25,000 cr share in HAL’s 156 LCH mega deal
8. MoD Signs Rs.2385.36 Crore Contract with BEL for EW Suites for Mi-17 V5 Helicopters
9. Agricultural Product ‘Amalsad Chikoo’ from Gujarat Gets GI Tag
10. BoB Launched ‘BoB Square Drive Deposit Scheme’ of 444 days tenor at 7.75%
11. Axis Bank Introduces ‘In-App Mobile OTP’ to Enhance Cybersecurity
12. KMBL Partners with KSUM to Boost Kerala’s Startup Ecosystem
13. RBI Grants CoR to Piramal Finance to Operate as NBFC-ICC
14. Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Test Kalam-100 Engine for Vikram-1 Rocket
15. SDAL Develops Third-Stage Rocket Motor for Vikram-1 Satellite Launch Vehicle
16. USA and UK Selected to Host FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031 and 2035
17. Prevention of Blindness Week 2025 – April 1 – 7
18. International Romani Day 2025 – April 8
19. India’s 1st climate change station launched in J and K

State News

1. Amalsad Chikoo from Gujarat Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• What:
  • The Amalsad Chikoo from Gujarat’s Navsari district has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Why:
  • To recognize its unique characteristics, deep-rooted connection to the region, and provide legal protection and economic benefits to the farming community.
• Tell me more:
  • The GI tag was given to the Valsad Navsari Jilla Fal Ane Shakbhaji Sahakari Sangh Ltd.
  • Amalsad Chikoo is the third fruit in Gujarat to get the GI tag after Gir Kesar Mango and Kutchhi Kharek.
  • GUJCOST and Navsari Agricultural University facilitated the GI filing.
  • The GI area includes 51 villages of Gandevi taluka, 6 villages of Jalalpore taluka, and 30 villages of Navsari taluka.
  • The chikoo is known for its sweetness, fine texture, and long shelf life.

Source: IE

2. Kotak Mahindra Bank Partners with Kerala Startup Mission

• What:
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Kerala.
• Why:
  • To foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Kerala by providing financial resources, market linkages, and support to startups in various sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership focuses on startups in sectors like agriculture, medical technology, electronics, and space.
  • Kotak will offer banking solutions, organize masterclasses, and share knowledge on banking services, export documentation, and fundraising options.
  • The bank will connect Kerala startups with NRIs in global markets through its international branch offices.
  • KSUM will provide incubation, mentorship, funding assistance, and capacity-building programs to startups.
  • Startups will gain access to a network of investors, industry experts, and government initiatives.

Source: KMB

3. India’s First Climate Change Station Inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir

• What:
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first climate change station in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Why:
  • To study atmospheric and climate phenomena in the Himalayan region and enhance understanding of climate change impacts on the environment.
• Tell me more:
  • The station is named Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Center.
  • It is located at Mandlote village in Chenani tehsil.
  • The center is part of the Central University of Jammu.
  • Jammu and Kashmir Minister of Science and Technology Satish Sharma accompanied Union Minister Singh.
  • The inauguration took place at Nathatop in Udhampur district.

Source: ET

International News

1. Brazil Proposes New Climate Change Council Under UNFCCC

• What:
  • Brazil has proposed creating a new “Climate Change Council” under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Why:
  • To accelerate global climate action by fast-tracking decisions, better coordinating international efforts, and making climate action more effective.
• Tell me more:
  • The proposal is shared ahead of the UN climate conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
  • Brazil argues that the current process is too slow and complex.
  • Key developed countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden have responded cautiously to the idea.
  • These countries support the need for reform but warn against weakening the core UNFCCC process.
  • The proposal is currently informal but is expected to be a major topic at COP30.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Bank of Baroda Revises Fixed Deposit Offerings and Launches New Scheme

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda has revised its fixed deposit (FD) interest rates and launched a new FD scheme called ‘bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme’.
• Why:
  • To better align its FD offerings with changing market conditions and provide attractive interest rates to customers.
• Tell me more:
  • The revised rates and new scheme came into effect on April 7, 2025.
  • The changes apply to deposits below Rs 3 crore.
  • The bank has discontinued its special Utsav Deposit Scheme.
  • The new bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme offers a 444-day tenure.

Source: ET

2. Axis Bank Launches Industry-First In-App Mobile OTP Feature

• What:
  • Axis Bank introduced an In-App Mobile OTP feature on its mobile app ‘open’ to enhance authentication security and reduce OTP-related frauds.
• Why:
  • To provide faster, more secure authentication and reduce risks from cyber threats like SIM swap and phishing attacks.
• Tell me more:
  • The feature generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) directly within the app, eliminating dependence on telecom networks.
  • It is accessible globally and functions over the internet, benefiting seafarers, frequent international travelers, and NRIs.
  • Customers can use the Mobile OTP for logging into internet banking and authenticating transactions.
  • Real-time notifications for login and transaction attempts enhance transparency and account control.

Source: BS

3. Piramal Finance Receives NBFC-ICC Certificate from RBI

• What:
  • Piramal Finance (PFL), a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises, received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Institution-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC).
• Why:
  • To transition from a Housing Finance Company (HFC) to an NBFC-ICC and align with its new business focus.
• Tell me more:
  • The CoR was granted under Section 45 IA of the RBI Act, 1934, on April 4, 2025.
  • PFL will no longer operate as a Housing Finance Company and has surrendered its HFC Certificate of Registration.
  • PFL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. HAL to Outsource Rs 25,000 Crore Work for Light Combat Helicopter Project

• What:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to outsource work worth around Rs 25,000 crore to private sector firms for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) project.
• Why:
  • To expand the defence industrial ecosystem in India and promote self-reliance while reducing foreign dependence in all HAL projects.
• Tell me more:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared a Rs 62,500 crore deal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters.
  • HAL will follow the Light Combat Aircraft manufacturing model for this project.
  • Around 40% of the work share in the project is planned to be outsourced to private industry.
  • The choppers will be manufactured in HAL’s Bengaluru and Tumkur facilities in Karnataka.
  • HAL’s current order book is over Rs 2 lakh crore, with expected orders of over Rs 70,000 crore in the near future.

Source: ET

2. Defence Ministry Signs Rs 2,385.36 Crore Contract with BEL

• What:
  • The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,385.36 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
• Why:
  • To enhance the operational survivability of Mi-17 V5 helicopters in hostile environments and promote self-reliance under the Make-in-India initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • EW suites are advanced systems designed to detect, intercept, disrupt, deceive, or deny enemy use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • The project falls under the “Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category.
  • Most sub-assemblies and components will be sourced from Indian manufacturers.
  • The initiative will boost participation from Indian electronics industries, including MSMEs.

Source: IT

3. Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Tests Third Stage of Vikram-1 Rocket

• What:
  • Skyroot Aerospace successfully tested the third stage, Kalam-100, of its Vikram-1 rocket for over 102 seconds.
• Why:
  • To prepare for India’s first private commercial space launch vehicle and advance the development of the Vikram-1 rocket.
• Tell me more:
  • The test featured an advanced flex nozzle for precise thrust vector control.
  • Kalam-100 generates a peak vacuum thrust of 100kN at an operating area ratio of 60 in flight.
  • The test used cutting-edge sensors to capture over 150 data channels.
  • Skyroot developed the automatic launch computer and flight avionics in-house.
  • The test incorporated an in-house developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA).
  • The test was conducted at Solar Group’s testbed in Nagpur.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. President Droupadi Murmu Receives ‘City Key of Honour’ in Lisbon

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon from the Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal.
• Why:
  • To strengthen India-Portugal bilateral relations and promote cooperation in various fields.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place at the City Hall of Lisbon on April 7, 2025.
  • The President attended a banquet hosted by the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. Prevention of Blindness Week – April 1-7

• The theme for World Glaucoma Week 2025, happening from March 9–15, is “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
• Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve.

Source: N18

2. International Romani Day – April 8

Source: EU

Sports

1. Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 13,000 T20 Runs

• What:
  • Virat Kohli became the first Indian batter to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket during an IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians.
• Why:
  • This milestone highlights Kohli’s exceptional performance and consistency in T20 cricket over the years.
• Tell me more:
  • Kohli achieved this feat in his 386th inning of the 403rd T20 match.
  • He is the second fastest to reach this mark after Chris Gayle, who did it in 381 innings.
  • Kohli made his T20 debut on April 3, 2007, for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh.
  • He has scored nine centuries and 98 fifties in his T20 career.
  • Kohli has scored 8119 runs in 256 IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and 4188 runs in 125 T20Is for India.

Source: N18

2. USA and UK to Host Women’s Football World Cups in 2031 and 2035

• What:
  • FIFA announced that the USA and UK are the sole bidders to host the 2031 and 2035 Women’s Football World Cups, respectively.
• Why:
  • To boost women’s football globally and further strengthen its presence in prominent football nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The USA, a four-time champion, has hosted the Women’s World Cup twice before.
  • The UK bid includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, collectively known as Team GB.
  • The USA hosting in 2031 would mark its first Women’s World Cup in 28 years.
  • The UK has never hosted a Women’s World Cup but hosted the Women’s European Championship in 2022.
  • The next Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil in 2027 with 32 teams, expanding to 48 teams in 2031.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Viral Davda Appointed as Deputy CIO of BSE

• What:
  • Viral Davda has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE).
• Why:
  • This appointment highlights BSE’s commitment to advancing its technology setup to meet changing market needs.
• Tell me more:
  • He previously worked at the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) for 15 years in senior leadership roles.
  • He won the “CTO of the Year” award in the NBFC category at the 2022 BFSI Technology Excellence Awards.
  • At BSE, he will focus on IT infrastructure developments, leveraging his expertise in technology strategy, innovation, and project management.
  • BSE currently processes data ingestion rates of 400GB daily and manages up to 100,000 orders per second.
  • Ramesh Gurram was recently named as Chief Information Security Officer at BSE.

Source: BFSI

2. Satish Chavva Appointed as CEO of Oman India Joint Investment Fund

• What:
  • Satish Chavva has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman India Joint Investment Fund – Management Company Private Ltd. (OIJIF).
• Why:
  • To drive strategic growth, create value for investors, and support the long-term success of OIJIF’s portfolio companies.
• Tell me more:
  • OIJIF is a private equity fund manager promoted by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and the State Bank of India (SBI).
  • Chavva previously worked at British International Investment (BII), U.K.’s development finance institution.
  • He has over 20 years of experience in private equity investing and finance.
  • Chavva holds a Bachelor of Technology from IIT Bombay, a Master of Science from the University of Texas, and an MBA from INSEAD.

Source: TH

Miscellaneous

1. Padma Shri Awardee Ram Sahay Panday Passes Away at 92

• Renowned Rai folk dance artist Ram Sahay Panday passed away in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district at the age of 92.
• His demise marks the loss of a celebrated artist who popularized Bundelkhand’s Rai folk dance nationally and internationally.

Source: IE

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