11th April 2025

1. BlackRock Backs $750 Million Adani Private Bond Issue
2. Strengthening India-Russia Bilateral Investment Ties through Strategic Projects
3. Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025
4. IIM-Ahmedabad to Set Up Campus in Dubai
5. CM Dhami Launches Bhagirath App for Water Conservation in Uttarakhand
6. Neelam Dhungana Appointed Acting Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank
7. DDLJ Statue To Be Unveiled at London’s Leicester Square
8. US Pauses Higher Tariffs for Most Countries but Hits China Harder
9. First-Ever PAI Baseline Report for FY23: Gujarat and Telangana Lead as Front Runners
10. IEPFA & IPPB Sign MoA to Launch Phase 2 of ‘Niveshak Didi’ to Boost Financial Literacy in Rural India
11. Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Inaugurates DFDR & CVR Lab at AAIB
12. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launched Digital Portal for National Waterways
13. BharatPe’s Resilient Payments secures RBI nod to operate as online PA
14. ADB Revised India’s GDP Growth forecast for FY26 to 6.7% amid USA Tariff Risks
15. GRSE Signed MoU with SDHI to Boost Indigenous Commercial Shipbuilding
16. Poonawalla Fincorp Launched Shopkeeper Loan Business for Small Retailers
17. GSL & IIT Hyderabad Partner to Transform Shipbuilding with AI and Digital Twin Technologies
18. IOC to Invest Rs 61,077 Crore in a Petrochemical Complex in Odisha
19. World Homeopathy Day 2025 – April 10
20. PM Modi Inaugurates Navkar Mahamantra Divas; Urges Nine Resolutions for Sustainable Future
21. Maharashtra Government renamed Khultabad as ‘Ratnapur’
22. Moody’s analytics lowers India’s GDP forecast to 6.1%

National News

1. India and Russia Agree on Six Strategic Projects

• What:
  • India and Russia agreed on six new strategic projects to enhance bilateral investment cooperation during the 8th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to strengthen economic ties and expand investment collaboration between India and Russia.
• Tell me more:
  • The session was co-chaired by Amardeep Singh Bhatia from India and Vladimir Ilichev from Russia.
  • The session was followed by the 2nd Edition of the India-Russia Investment Forum with participation from over 80 businesses.
  • The forum was organized in collaboration with Invest India, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.

Source: ET

2. Global Technology Summit 2025 in New Delhi

• What:
  • The 9th Global Technology Summit (GTS) was held from April 10-12 in New Delhi, co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to shape global technology policy conversations with a focus on innovation, resilience, and international cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • The theme for GTS 2025 was “Sambhavna,” meaning possibilities.
  • Over 40 public sessions featured discussions on topics like AI governance, cybersecurity, space security, and digital public infrastructure.
  • More than 150 speakers from over 40 countries participated, including nations like the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and Brazil.
  • The GTS Young Ambassadors program involved students and young professionals in policy discussions on responsible AI and global tech norms.
  • Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, delivered the inaugural address.

Source: MEA GTS

3. IIM Ahmedabad to Open Dubai Campus in 2025

• What:
  • IIM Ahmedabad is establishing its first international campus in Dubai, offering a full-time One-year MBA program starting September 2025.
• Why:
  • The Dubai campus aims to cater to the advanced management learning and upskilling needs of global working professionals and entrepreneurs in the region, while also enhancing the supply of managerial talent.
• Tell me more:
  • IIMA plans to offer Open Enrolment and Customised Executive Education Programmes as the Dubai campus grows.
  • IIMA has been offering certificate executive education programs in Dubai for over 15 years and has a well-established alumni network in the area.
  • The Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning will promote research, teaching, training, and knowledge building in case methodology.

Source: TOI

4. Digital Portal Launched to Boost Investment in National Waterways

• What:
  • Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched a digital portal developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to invite private investment in infrastructure development on National Waterways.
• Why:
  • The portal aims to simplify regulatory procedures, encourage private investment, and enhance Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in inland water transport.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch coincided with the introduction of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, which allows private entities to develop or operate terminals by obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NoC).
  • The first NoC was issued digitally to Marina India Infrastructure Private Limited for constructing a jetty at Malim on National Waterway-68 in Goa with an investment of ₹8 crores.
  • The jetty will berth up to 16 yachts and support river cruise tourism along the Mandovi River.
  • Cargo movement through inland waterways surged from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Uttarakhand Promotes Water Conservation with Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan

• What:
  • Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Bhagirath mobile app and a brochure based on the Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan 2025 theme, “Dhara Mera, Naula Mera, Gaon Mera, Prayas Mera” at a workshop.
• Why:
  • The app allows people to share information about critical and endangered water sources for government revival efforts, and to promote the state’s water conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • The Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) has been formed to conserve water sources, Naulas, Dharaas, and rain-fed rivers.
  • SARA is working with the Central Ground Water Board to recharge groundwater and is collaborating with IIT Roorkee and NIH Roorkee to prepare detailed project reports for river treatment.
  • Dhara Naula Conservation Committees have been formed at the village level to ensure villager participation.

Source: TOI

2. Maharashtra Plans to Rename Khultabad as Ratnapur

• What:
  • Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat announced plans to rename Khultabad town, where Aurangzeb’s tomb is located, to Ratnapur.
• Why:
  • The name change aims to restore historical names altered during Aurangzeb’s reign and promote the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.
• Tell me more:
  • Khultabad was earlier known as Ratnapur but was renamed during Aurangzeb’s rule.
  • The graves of Aurangzeb, Azam Shah, Nizam Asaf Jah, and others are located in the area.
  • The government plans to create a memorial showcasing the history of Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

Source: ET

International News

1. China Raises Tariffs Amid Escalating Trade War with U.S.

• What:
  • Beijing increased tariffs on U.S. imports to 125% in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s tariff hike on Chinese goods, intensifying the trade war.
• Why:
  • The move aims to counter U.S. actions and protect China’s economy from unilateral pressure.
• Tell me more:
  • U.S. stocks ended the week higher, gold surged to a record, and Treasury yields experienced the biggest weekly jump since 2001.
  • Inflation fears among U.S. consumers reached their highest level since 1981, while the dollar slumped.
  • Trump announced a reprieve for many nations but raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%.
  • The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply to 50.8 in April from 57.0 in March, with inflation expectations rising to 6.7%.

Source: RT

Banking and Economy

1. BlackRock Leads $750 Million Adani Bond Investment

• What:
  • BlackRock invested one-third of the $750 million private bond issuance by the Adani Group, which has a tenure of 3-5 years.
• Why:
  • The funds will be used to finance ITD Cementation’s acquisition and other growth opportunities, while also marking BlackRock’s expansion into India’s infrastructure sector.
• Tell me more:
  • This marks BlackRock’s first private placement in Indian infrastructure.
  • Other institutional investors, including Sona Asset Management, also participated in the bond issuance.
  • Renew Exim DMCC, an offshore entity of the Adani Group, raised the funds.
  • The Adani Group previously raised $200 million for Australian port operations in February.

Source: TH

2. RBI Grants Final Authorisation to Resilient Payments for PA Licence

• What:
  • Resilient Payments, a BharatPe Group company, received final authorisation from RBI to operate as an online payment aggregator (PA) and will launch its PA platform under the brand name ‘BharatPe X’.
• Why:
  • The licence allows Resilient Payments to settle ecommerce transactions under RBI regulation and offer financial services like early settlements and term loans in partnership with NBFCs and banks.
• Tell me more:
  • Resilient Payments received in-principle approval from RBI in January 2023.
  • The company plans to expand its payment solutions across tier 2 and 3 cities and invest in advanced technology infrastructure.
  • Other companies with PA licences include Razorpay, Google Pay, Zomato, and Cashfree.

Source: ET

3. Poonawalla Fincorp Launches Shopkeeper Loan Business

• What:
  • Poonawalla Fincorp launched its Shopkeeper Loan Business to address financial challenges faced by small retailers and kirana stores.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness of small retail businesses through customized financial solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The loan addresses issues like cash flow, inventory, and customer management for small retailers.
  • It focuses on bridging the gap in timely credit access to support long-term business resilience.
  • Poonawalla Fincorp follows a risk-first and customer-centric approach to empower small businesses.
  • The company aims to help retailers thrive in a competitive environment by offering tailored financial solutions.

Source: BS

GDP Forecasts

1. India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised to 6.1% for 2025: Moody’s

• What:
  • Moody’s Analytics revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 6.4% to 6.1%, citing potential impacts of US tariffs if fully implemented after the 90-day freeze.
• Why:
  • The revision reflects concerns over trade balance disruptions due to a proposed 26% tariff on Indian goods like gems, jewellery, medical devices, and textiles.
• Tell me more:
  • External demand constitutes a small portion of India’s GDP, insulating overall growth from major shocks.
  • Moody’s expects the Reserve Bank of India to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing the policy rate to 5.75% by year-end.
  • Tax incentives announced earlier are expected to boost domestic economic activity and mitigate tariff impacts.

Source: TOI

Defence News

1. GSL and IIT Hyderabad Collaborate for AI-Powered Shipbuilding

• What:
  • Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) signed an MoU with IIT Hyderabad and other partners to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into shipbuilding and maritime sectors.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to revolutionize shipbuilding with AI, Geospatial Digital Twin solutions, and Industry 4.0 principles for enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU focuses on optimizing vessel design, improving shipyard security, and implementing advanced digital solutions.
  • AI-driven generative design and geospatial technologies will enhance speed, accuracy, and safety in shipbuilding processes.
  • Prominent leaders from GSL, IIT Hyderabad, and other organizations facilitated the partnership.

Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. India Inaugurates Advanced Black Box Lab for Aviation Safety

• What:
  • Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, inaugurated the Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder (DFDR & CVR) Laboratory at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to enhance aviation safety by enabling effective investigations into aircraft incidents and accidents.
• Tell me more:
  • The lab, referred to as the “Black Box Lab,” was established with an investment of ₹9 crore.
  • It can repair damaged black boxes, retrieve data, and analyze flight incidents using advanced tools like Cockpit Voice Recorder and Radar.
  • The lab meets international standards and fulfills India’s obligations as an ICAO member state.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supported AAIB in establishing the lab and manufacturing FDRs.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. DDLJ to be Honored with Statue in London

• What:
  • Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will have their bronze statues at London’s Leicester Square as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) is the first Indian film honored in the ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail.
• Why:
  • The statue celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary and acknowledges its global popularity, especially among the British South Asian community.
• Tell me more:
  • The statue will depict Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in an iconic DDLJ pose and will be unveiled in Spring.
  • Leicester Square is a fitting location, as it features in a scene where Raj and Simran first meet in the film.
  • The statue will be positioned on the eastern terrace outside the Odeon Cinema.
  • DDLJ joins film icons like Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, and Mary Poppins in the ‘Scenes in the Square’ trail.

Source: HT

Important Days

1. World Homoeopathy Day – April 10

• Theme: ‘Adhyayan, Adhyaapan, Anusandhaan’ meaning ‘Education, Practice and Research’.

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SDHI and GRSE Sign MoU to Boost Shipbuilding

• What:
  • Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) signed an MoU with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) to enhance India’s capabilities in commercial shipbuilding and offshore infrastructure.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to leverage design, infrastructure, and execution strengths to create a scalable and efficient shipbuilding framework.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU includes plans for sharing facilities, co-developing vessel platforms, and improving project turnaround times and cost-effectiveness.
  • It also focuses on vessel trials, ship repair, supply chain development, and manpower skilling.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Nepal Rastra Bank Appoints Acting Governor

• Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina has been appointed as the acting governor of Nepal Rastra Bank.
• Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is the central bank of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 1956.

Source: NOA

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