12th-14th April 2025

1. Kumudini Lakhia (1930–2025) Kathak Legend Passed Away
2. India-Italy Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Focus on Trade, Defence, and IMEEC
3. ICC Initiative to Support Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
4. BR Ambedkar Remembrance Day History, Significance, Contributions
5. Madhya Pradesh Declares New Wildlife Sanctuary Named After Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
6. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 1919 A Tragic Event in Indian History
7. James Anderson Awarded Knighthood Honour
8. Ambrish Mithal Conferred with the Prestigious IOF 2025 CSA Medal of Achievement
9. Padma Shri Awardee Daripalli Ramaiah (“Vanajeevi”) Dies at 87 in Telangana
10. Virat Kohli Creates History: Becomes First Player to Score 1000 Fours and Sixes in IPL
11. Six Team Will Feature in Los Angeles Olympic 2028
12. DRDO Successfully Conducts Release Trials of LRGB ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI
13. ICCR Celebrates 75 Years of Cultural Diplomacy in Dhaka
14. Razorpay Launches Turbo UPI Plugin to Revolutionize Digital Payments
15. Kerala & Tamil Nadu Unite for Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025
16. Hyderabad to Host STREE Summit 2025 on Women’s Safety and Empowerment
17. Introduction of Best Stunt Design Category at the 100th Academy Awards (2027)
18. Breakthrough Prize 2025: Honouring the Frontiers of Modern Science
19. India Supports Sierra Leone’s USD 990,000 Aid Through UN Partnership
20. UK Set to Host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup
21. President Droupadi Murmu Conferred Honorary Doctorate in Slovakia
22. Japan Builds World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station in Record Time
23. UP Police Investigation Portal Wins SKOCH Award for Excellence in Police & Safety
24. Khultabad to be Renamed ‘Ratnapur’ A Cultural Reclamation Move by Maharashtra Government
25. ADB Projected India Economy Grow By 6.7% in FY2025
26. BlackRock Backs $750 Million Adani Private Bond Issue
27. Meghalaya’s Ryndia & Khasi Handloom Products Received GI Tag for Indigenous Textiles
28. India Global Forum’s NXT25 Summit 2025 held in Maharashtra
29. 8th Session of India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects held in New Delhi
30. India-Australia Signed MoU to Boost Bilateral Cotton Trade
31. Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025: Singapore’s Changi Named World’s Best Airport for 13th Time
32. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Represented India at 3rd BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture in Nepal
33. Mauritius Becomes the 1st African Country to Sign ISA’s Partnership Framework
34. Bangladesh Signs Artemis Accords with NASA for Non-Military Space Exploration
35. NaBFID Signs MoU with NDB to Strengthen Infrastructure Financing in India
36. Razorpay Partners with NBSL & Axis Bank to Launch ‘Turbo UPI Plugin’ on BHIM Vega
37. Piramal Finance & ICICI Bank Collaborate to Enhance Credit Access
38. GAIL Establishes ‘GAIL Global IFSC Limited’ for Global Operations
39. Renowned Publicist and Honorary Academy Awardee Marvin Levy Passed Away
40. Kavach 5.0 To Boost Mumbai Local Train Services by 30%
41. National Safe Motherhood Day 2025 – April 11
42. World Parkinson’s Day 2025 – April 11
43. World’s first baby born using fully automated AI IVF system

National News

1. India and Italy Strengthen Strategic Partnership

• What:
  • India and Italy expanded cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, and high technology under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29.
  • Both nations committed to implementing the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
• Why:
  • IMEEC seeks to enhance integration among Asia, the Middle East, and Europe via transport networks.
• Tell me more:
  • Talks were held between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani during his two-day visit to India.
  • JSAP covers diverse areas like trade, investment, defence, space, clean energy, and people-to-people ties.
  • An inaugural India-Italy Business, Science and Tech Forum was co-chaired by Jaishankar, Tajani, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
  • Over 100 Italian companies participated in the forum alongside Indian counterparts from key sectors.
  • An MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Italy’s Ministry of University and Research for scientific cooperation.

Source: ET

2. India Leads 3rd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Nepal

• What:
  • Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan represented India at the 3rd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting (BAMM) held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to enhance regional cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock to improve food security and sustainable development.
• Tell me more:
  • BIMSTEC includes seven member countries: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
  • The 1st BAMM was held in Myanmar in 2019, and the 2nd BAMM took place in India in 2022.
  • India proposed establishing a ‘BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Agriculture Cooperation’ to focus on precision agriculture, climate risk mitigation, natural farming, and AI technologies.
  • India offers fully funded BIMSTEC scholarships for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students from member nations to build agricultural capacity.

Source: PIB

3. Kavach 5.0 to Revolutionize Mumbai Suburban Rail Services

• What:
  • Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the implementation of Kavach 5.0, an advanced Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, to increase train frequency by 30%.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to improve Mumbai’s suburban train infrastructure, enhance safety, and provide more services for the 80 lakh daily commuters.
• Tell me more:
  • Kavach 5.0 will reduce the gap between trains from 180 seconds by 30%, allowing a higher number of train services.
  • The system automatically applies brakes if the Loco Pilot fails to maintain speed limits and ensures safe operations during bad weather.
  • Projects worth ₹17,000 crore are under implementation to improve infrastructure and cater to the growing demand in Mumbai local services.

Source: IE

State News

1. Tamil Nadu Prepares for Second Nilgiri Tahr Survey

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu’s forest department will conduct the second annual synchronised survey of the Nilgiri Tahr from April 24 to 27, covering 176 blocks across 14 forest divisions.
• Why:
  • The survey aims to monitor population trends, reproductive health, and threats to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Tell me more:
  • The survey includes advanced methodologies like Bounded Count and Double Observer techniques for fragmented and contiguous habitats.
  • Experts from IUCN-India, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and TANUVAS will support the survey spanning 2,000 km and 233 sq km.
  • Last year’s survey estimated Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Tahr population at 1,031, with Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park adding 827 Tahrs.
  • Training for field staff will be held from April 15 to 20, using specially designed datasheets for accurate data collection.

Source: IE

2. Hyderabad to Host Second Edition of Stree Summit

• What:
  • Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) will hold the second edition of its Stree Summit on April 15, focusing on empowering women in safety and security.
• Why:
  • The summit aims to foster dialogue, drive positive change, and empower women entrepreneurs to create or grow their businesses.
• Tell me more:
  • The event follows the UN Women’s theme “For all women and girls: Rights, equality, empowerment.”
  • Leaders, experts, and advocates will participate to promote safer environments for women.
  • The summit also focuses on educating potential women entrepreneurs about creating social enterprises.

Source: DC

3. UP Police’s Investigation Portal Wins SKOCH Award for Innovation

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh Police’s “investigation, prosecution and conviction portal” received the SKOCH Award at the national level under the “police & safety” category.
• Why:
  • The portal enhances monitoring of serious crimes, speeds up investigations and trials, and has significantly improved public trust in the state’s law enforcement.
• Tell me more:
  • DGP Prashant Kumar received the award certificate from ADG (technical services) Naveen Arora in New Delhi.
  • Team members Taru Mathur and Ankit Pratap Yadav received special commendation for their role in developing the portal.

Source: TOI

4. Meghalaya’s Indigenous Textile ‘Ryndia’ Secures GI Tag

• What:
  • Meghalaya’s handwoven, hand-spun, naturally dyed textile ‘Ryndia’ and Khasi handloom products received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Why:
  • The GI recognition aims to promote Meghalaya’s unique heritage and boost ‘Brand Meghalaya’ through indigenous products.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative was led by the state department of textiles with support from NABARD over four years.
  • Umden–Diwon was recognized as Meghalaya’s first eri silk village on February 12, 2021, marking the beginning of the journey.
  • The final consultative GI group meeting took place in Kolkata on November 20, 2024, with active participation from the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association and artisans.

Source: TOI

5. Maharashtra Signs MoUs Worth $50 Billion at NXT25 Summit

• What:
  • The Government of Maharashtra announced MoUs worth approximately $50 billion with domestic and global investors at the India Global Forum’s NXT25 Summit at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to boost infrastructure development and attract investments to strengthen Maharashtra’s economy.
• Tell me more:
  • MMRDA signed five major MoUs worth $49.02 billion for infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
  • Magnum Ice Cream Company, a division of Unilever, will establish its India headquarters in Mumbai, serving as the regional HQ for METSA (Middle East, Turkey, South Asia).
  • Magnum will also set up a Global Capability Centre in Pune with an investment of ₹900 crore ($108.4 million), creating over 500 direct jobs by 2029.

Source: TH

International News

1. ICCR Celebrates 75 Years of Cultural Diplomacy in Dhaka

• What:
  • The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Bangladesh celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) with cultural performances.
• Why:
  • The event highlighted ICCR’s contributions to promoting India’s cultural diplomacy globally and fostering cultural exchange.
• Tell me more:
  • ICCR was established on April 9, 1950, and has played a key role in cultural diplomacy.
  • ICCR has been a pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy for 75 years.

Source: NOA

2. India Supports Sierra Leone with $990,000 for Disability Project

• What:
  • India will provide $990,000 funding support to Sierra Leone for the project “Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons.”
• Why:
  • The project aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
• Tell me more:
  • The project includes refurbishing centres, developing training curricula, adopting technology for mobility, and establishing a loan programme for tools.
  • India-UN Development Partnership Fund is supporting the initiative in collaboration with UNDP.
  • India’s developmental cooperation with Sierra Leone aggregates to $250 million across various sectors.
  • More than 450 Sierra Leone nationals have benefited from India’s Pan-African Tele-Education and Tele-Medicine initiative.

Source: BS

3. Japan Builds World’s First 3D-Printed Railway Station

• What:
  • Japan constructed the Hatsushima Station, the world’s first 3D-printed railway station, in Arida City, replacing a wooden structure built in 1948.
• Why:
  • The innovation addresses challenges in maintaining rural rail infrastructure due to declining population and labour shortages.
• Tell me more:
  • The station was built using pre-made 3D-printed components, completed in under six hours, and spans 10 square metres.
  • The walls and roof were printed at a factory in Kumamoto prefecture, reinforced with concrete and steel, and transported over 800 km to the site.
  • The project cost half of a traditional concrete building and features earthquake-resistant design.

Source: N18

4. Mauritius Signs Solar Partnership Framework with ISA

• What:
  • Mauritius signed the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to advance solar energy cooperation and clean energy transition.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to support Mauritius’s clean energy transition and strengthen solar energy infrastructure in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Mauritius is the first African country and fourth globally (after Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba) to sign the CPF.
  • The framework will last three years, renewable by mutual consent, and will include developing solar roadmaps, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives.
  • Projects under CPF include rooftop solar, floating solar, agrivoltaics, solar water pumping systems, and solar for green hydrogen.
  • ISA has supported Mauritius by solarising the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital under its CARES initiative in June 2024.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Razorpay Launches Turbo UPI Plugin in Partnership with BHIM Vega

• What:
  • Razorpay partnered with NPCI BHIM Services Ltd (NBSL) and Axis Bank to launch the Razorpay Turbo UPI plugin on the BHIM Vega platform.
• Why:
  • The solution aims to reduce friction in online payments, increase transaction success rates, and deliver a seamless payment experience.
• Tell me more:
  • The Turbo UPI plugin enables businesses to offer in-app payments, allowing customers to complete transactions instantly without switching to third-party apps.
  • Razorpay’s CEO stated that this integration eliminates redirections, ensuring fewer drop-offs and higher success rates.

Source: BS

2. Piramal Finance Partners with ICICI Bank to Expand Credit Access

• What:
  • Piramal Finance Limited partnered with ICICI Bank to improve credit accessibility for middle and low-income borrowers in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to provide affordable loans and strengthen India’s credit ecosystem, focusing on home loans and loans against property.
• Tell me more:
  • Piramal Finance combines its ‘High Tech + High Touch’ approach with ICICI Bank’s financial expertise.
  • The partnership targets Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering tailored credit solutions to MSMEs and home loan seekers.

Source: BS

3. GAIL India Incorporates Subsidiary for Infrastructure Financing at GIFT City

• What:
  • GAIL India Ltd established a wholly owned subsidiary, GAIL Global IFSC Limited, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
• Why:
  • The subsidiary aims to undertake global corporate treasury activities and ship leasing operations, expanding beyond GAIL’s core natural gas business.
• Tell me more:
  • The subsidiary was incorporated on April 7, 2025, with an authorized share capital of ₹17 crore and paid-up capital of ₹8.5 crore.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas approved its formation, with clearance from DIPAM.
  • GAIL holds 100% equity in the new entity, with shares issued at ₹10 each.

Source: CNBC

Defence News

1. DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’

• What:
  • DRDO conducted successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
• Why:
  • The trials demonstrated the bomb’s accuracy and range, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Tell me more:
  • The LRGB is a 1,000-kg class bomb designed by Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
  • The trials showcased a range close to 100 km with pin-point accuracy using multiple warhead configurations.
  • Development-cum-Production Partners like Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and MSMEs contributed to its realization.
  • Certification and quality assurance were provided by Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.

Source: TH

Science and Technology

1. World’s First AI-Powered Automated IVF Baby Born

• What:
  • A baby was born through a fully automated IVF procedure powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, developed by Conceivable Life Sciences, a biotechnology firm based in New York and Guadalajara.
• Why:
  • The innovation aims to eliminate variability in IVF procedures caused by human error, fatigue, and differing expertise levels.
• Tell me more:
  • The system automates all 23 steps of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) process using AI and digital control.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
  • The procedure was performed remotely at Hope IVF Mexico in Guadalajara, fertilizing five eggs, with one leading to the birth of a healthy baby boy.
  • AI identifies optimal sperm cells, immobilizes them with lasers, and injects them into eggs with precision.
  • The experimental process took slightly longer than traditional methods but is expected to become faster in future iterations.

Source: BT

Awards

1. Dr. Ambrish Mithal Honored with IOF Medal of Achievement

• What:
  • Dr. Ambrish Mithal received the 2025 CSA Medal of Achievement from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
• Why:
  • The award recognizes his significant contributions to osteoporosis research and awareness globally.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Mithal is the group chairman and head of endocrinology and diabetes at Max Healthcare.
  • The award was presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases in Rome, Italy.
  • He was the first to establish bone density measurement and osteoporosis services in India in 1996.
  • He chaired IOF’s Nutrition Working Group, publishing reports on global vitamin D status and recommendations.
  • He authored influential IOF Asia Pacific Audits in 2009 and 2013.

Source: HT

2. Oscars to Introduce Best Stunts Category at 100th Academy Awards

• What:
  • The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the creation of the Achievement in Stunt Design award for the 100th Academy Awards in 2027.
• Why:
  • The award aims to honor stunt performers for their innovative and creative contributions to filmmaking.
• Tell me more:
  • Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang highlighted the importance of stunt design since cinema’s early days.
  • Fans criticized the delayed introduction of the category and urged recognition for Chan’s contributions.

Source: HT

3. 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Physics Awarded to CERN Collaborations

• What:
  • The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to 13,508 physicists from CERN’s LHC collaborations: ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb.
• Why:
  • The prize recognizes their work on Higgs boson properties, mass generation mechanisms, discovery of new particles, and exploration of extreme conditions.
• Tell me more:
  • ATLAS and CMS collaborations will receive $1 million each, while ALICE and LHCb will receive $500,000 each.
  • Prize funds will support doctoral students conducting research at CERN through the CERN & Society Foundation.
  • The award honors publications based on LHC Run-2 data (2015–2024).
  • The High Energy Physics (HEP) Group from the University of Jammu was part of the international team for contributions to CERN’s ALICE experiment.
  • The Jammu team, led by Prof. Anju Bhasin, developed the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD) to study Quark-Gluon Plasma, a state of matter from moments after the Big Bang.

Source: IE JU

4. President Droupadi Murmu Honored with Doctorate in Slovakia

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Doctorate Honoris Causa degree by Constantine the Philosopher University in Slovakia during her state visit.
• Why:
  • The honorary degree recognizes her contributions to public service, governance, social justice, education, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation.
• Tell me more:
  • The ceremony took place in Nitra, Slovakia, marking the first visit by an Indian president to Slovakia in 29 years.
  • Constantine the Philosopher University is a notable institution promoting cultural and linguistic diversity.

Source: ANI

5. Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025

• Delhi airport is at 32nd position.

Source: cnn waa

Important Days

1. Ambedkar Jayanti – April 14

• What:
  • Ambedkar Jayanti, marking Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, is observed as Equality Day on April 14, 2025.
  • Madhya Pradesh declared its 25th wildlife sanctuary named after Dr. Ambedkar.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, and faced caste discrimination from childhood.
  • He pursued education at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and London School of Economics.
  • The Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary spans 258.64 sq. km in North Sagar forest division of Bundelkhand.
  • The sanctuary connects Panna Tiger Reserve and Madhav Tiger Reserve as part of a larger tiger-cheetah corridor initiative.
  • Madhya Pradesh plans to inaugurate the sanctuary on Ambedkar Jayanti and declare two more sanctuaries by April-end.

2. National Safe Motherhood Day – April 11

• Theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”

Source: N18

3. World Parkinson’s Day – April 11

Sports

1. ICC Launches Initiative for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers

• What:
  • ICC partnered with BCCI, Cricket Australia, and ECB to support displaced Afghan women cricketers with financial aid, coaching, and mentorship.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to ensure these cricketers can continue their careers and develop their skills despite challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • A total of 21 Afghan women cricketers, previously contracted by ACB, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control in 2021.
  • They settled in Canberra and Melbourne, competing in local club cricket.
  • Cricket Australia and former cricketer Mel Jones helped these players continue their careers in Australia.
  • Earlier this year, they played a match against Cricket Without Borders XI in Canberra before the Women’s Ashes Test.

Source: IT

2. James Anderson Receives Knighthood for Services to Cricket

• What:
  • Former England fast bowler James Anderson was awarded a knighthood in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honors list.
• Why:
  • The honour recognizes Anderson’s contribution to cricket as England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker.
• Tell me more:
  • Anderson retired from Test cricket last summer with 704 wickets.
  • He is currently playing for Lancashire but missed the County Championship season due to a calf injury.
  • The resignation honours list allows outgoing UK Prime Ministers to recommend awards like knighthoods and damehoods.

Source: NOA

3. Virat Kohli Becomes First IPL Player to Hit 1000 Boundaries

• What:
  • Virat Kohli became the first player in IPL history to hit 1000 boundaries during the match against Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • The milestone highlights Kohli’s consistent performance and dominance in IPL over 18 seasons.
• Tell me more:
  • Kohli is close to becoming the second batter in T20 history to achieve 100 half-centuries, trailing David Warner’s record of 99 fifties.
  • Kohli has played in all 18 IPL seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Source: NOA

4. Los Angeles 2028 Olympics: Key Updates for Indian Campaign

• What:
  • The IOC approved the event programme and athlete quotas for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with cricket, squash, and compound archery included.
• Why:
  • The updates aim to ensure gender parity and introduce new sports to enhance global representation and competition.
• Tell me more:
  • Cricket will feature six teams in T20 format, with qualification pathways to be finalized.
  • Shooting finals in certain events have increased participants and introduced changes in formats.
  • Squash will debut with men’s and women’s singles events, each featuring 16 players.
  • Boxing will have full gender parity with an additional women’s weight category.
  • Table tennis will replace team events with men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and mixed team events.
  • Compound archery will debut with a mixed team event alongside five recurve events.

Source: IE

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Cotton Associations of India and Australia Sign MoU

• What:
  • The Cotton Association of India (CAI) and Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) signed an MoU for mutual cooperation in cotton production, trade trends, global pricing, and market outlook.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen trade between India and Australia and improve market access for their cotton industries.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by CAI President Atul Ganatra and ACSA Chair Cliff White.
  • The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement allows duty-free access for Australian cotton into India with a quota of 51,000 tonnes per year.
  • An Australian trade delegation led by ACSA Chair Cliff White participated in the event, including members from Austrade, Ecom Commodities, Olam Agri, and others.

Source: HBL

2. NaBFID and NDB Sign MoU for Infrastructure Financing

• What:
  • The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) signed an MoU with the New Development Bank (NDB) to develop a sustainable infrastructure financing market.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to bridge the infrastructure financing gap and promote clean energy and transportation projects.
• Tell me more:
  • NDB is a multilateral development bank established by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
  • The collaboration includes technical expertise exchange, thematic-level participation in infrastructure projects, and research and capacity-building initiatives.
  • NaBFID plans to work with NDB on projects like renewable energy, water management, and solar energy systems.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Kathak Pioneer Kumudini Lakhia Passes Away at 95

• What:
  • Kathak legend Kumudini Lakhia passed away in Ahmedabad at the age of 95, renowned for modernizing Kathak and liberating it from its traditional darbar roots.
• Tell me more:
  • Kumudini Lakhia was born in 1930 and trained under Pt Shambhu Maharaj and Sunder Prasad.
  • She founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad, nurturing generations of dancers.
  • Her teachings influenced prominent Kathak dancers like Aditi Mangaldas.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • Pt Shambhu Maharaj belonged to the Kalka-Bindadin gharana, a prestigious lineage in Kathak.

Source: HT

2. Padma Shri Awardee Daripalli Ramaiah Passes Away at 87

• What:
  • Environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Daripalli Ramaiah passed away at the age of 87 in Khammam due to a cardiac arrest.
• Tell me more:
  • Known as “Vanajeevi” or “tree-man,” Ramaiah planted one crore saplings in Khammam district and used his land for tree cultivation.
  • He wore a green board with the slogan “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshita” to spread awareness about saving trees.
  • He promoted Telangana’s Haritha Haram programme and inspired youth through his lifelong dedication to environmental protection.

Source: HT

3. Marvin Levy, Oscar-Winning Publicist for Spielberg, Passes Away

• What:
  • Marvin Levy, the only publicist to win an Oscar, passed away at the age of 96.
• Tell me more:
  • Levy worked with Steven Spielberg for over five decades, leading promotional campaigns for films like E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan.
  • He received an Honorary Oscar in 2018 for his exemplary career in film publicity.
  • Levy retired in 2024 after a career spanning decades and is survived by his wife Carol, two sons, and two grandsons.

Source: TOI

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