23rd April 2025

1. India’s First Quantum Key Distribution Over MCF Achieved by C-DOT & STL
2. Jharkhand & SBI Sign MoU to Provide Insurance Benefits to Employees
3. AU Small Finance Bank Launches Concierge Services for Premium Clients
4. RBI cancels banking licence of Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sah Bank
5. Telangana Collaborates with Japanese Firms to Establish Eco Town in Hyderabad
6. Fitch Ratings lowers India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.4% for FY26
7. Tata Sons’ Agratas Secures USD 990.79 Million Loan to Build UK’s Largest Battery Facility
8. England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith and Sophie Ecclestone Among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year 2025
9. Renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal Passed Away
10. Amarjit Singh Dulat launched his book titled “The Chief Minister and the Spy”
11. International Mother Earth Day 2025 – April 22
12. J&K Launches ‘e-SEHAT App’ for Digital Healthcare Services
13. Virat Kohli Makes History with Most Fifty-Plus Scores
14. ‘Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav’ in Agartala Inaugurated By Manik Saha
15. Priyanka Chopra, Ang Lee, Megan Thee Stallion to Be Honoured at 4th Annual Gold House Gold Gala
16. Maharashtra Governor Presents Yashraj Bharti Samman Awards 2025
17. Government Re-Appoints T. Rabi Sankar as RBI Deputy Governor
18. Fire Safety Week 2025: Health Ministry Leads Nationwide Drive to Strengthen Fire Safety
19. US Vice President JD Vance Receives Guard of Honour During First Official Visit to India
20. Achyuta Samanta Conferred Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025
21. 50 Years of Aryabhata Satellite: A Milestone in India’s Space Odyssey
22. SJVN Releases ₹269.97 Cr Land Compensation for 3,097 MW Etalin Hydro Power Project in Arunachal Pradesh
23. Trump, Musk, Yunus Shine in TIME’s 2025 Influential People List
24. Nishchay Wins Silver with 19.59m Throw at Asian U-18 Athletics Championship
25. India Imposes 12% Tariff on Steel Imports

National News

1. US Vice President JD Vance’s First Official Visit to India

• What:
  • US Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks in New Delhi, focusing on trade, defence, and regional and global issues during Vance’s first official visit to India.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen India-US relations, advance negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, and enhance cooperation in various sectors for public welfare in both countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The four-day visit (April 21–24) includes meetings, ceremonial welcomes, and cultural tours in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The visit follows Vance’s diplomatic engagements in Italy and the Vatican and signals continuity in the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
  • The India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement is under negotiation, focusing on tariff and market access issues.

Source: TOI

2. India Celebrates 50 Years of Its First Satellite Aryabhata

• What:
  • On April 19, 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, from Kapustin Yar cosmodrome in the Soviet Union, marking its entry into the space age.
• Why:
  • Aryabhata symbolized India’s scientific ambitions and demonstrated the country’s ability to design and construct a scientific satellite independently.
• Tell me more:
  • The satellite used satellite tracking via tone ranging, voice and data links between the USSR and Bangalore, telemedicine to connect rural areas with hospitals, and meteorological data transmissions.
  • Despite going silent within five days, its mainframe remained active until March 1981, and it stayed in orbit until its atmospheric re-entry on February 10, 1992.

Source: TOI

State News

1. Jharkhand Govt, SBI Sign MoU for Employee Insurance Benefits

• What:
  • Jharkhand government and State Bank of India (SBI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide insurance and other benefits to government employees with salary accounts in SBI.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance the financial security and welfare of government employees in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by the special secretary of the finance department and the deputy general manager of SBI in the presence of the chief minister and finance minister.
  • Employees will receive accidental insurance cover up to Rs 1 crore, health insurance, and life insurance at no extra cost.
  • The plan will cover about 1.05 lakh government employees who have salary accounts with SBI.
  • Around 70,000 police personnel in Jharkhand were already receiving similar benefits through a previous MoU signed in September 2024.
  • The scheme is available for all government employees with salary accounts in SBI, ensuring their families are financially protected in case of any fatal accident.

Source: TOI

2. Telangana, Japan Firms Sign LoIs for Hyderabad Eco-Town

• What:
  • Telangana government signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with top Japanese eco-town companies to set up an eco-town in Hyderabad focused on recycling, waste management, and environmental restoration.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, job creation, and wealth generation in Telangana.
• Tell me more:
  • The Japanese companies involved include EX Research Institute, P9 LLC, Nippon Steel Engineering, New Chemical Trading, and Amita Holdings.
  • The LoIs were signed during the Telangana Rising delegation’s visit to Kitakyushu city, Japan, where Telangana’s Chief Minister and team were welcomed by Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi.
  • Kitakyushu is known for its urban transformation and environmental innovations, and the visit included tours of river museums, riverfronts, and recycling units.
  • Discussions included a proposal for a direct flight between Hyderabad and Kitakyushu and a suggestion to set up a Japanese language school in Hyderabad.
  • Both sides agreed on a time-bound action mechanism and regular progress reviews.
  • The collaboration may lead to a sister-city relationship between Hyderabad and Kitakyushu.
  • Mayor Takeuchi shared Kitakyushu’s journey from being highly polluted to becoming one of the cleanest cities and offered to share knowledge and technology with Telangana.

Source: TOI

3. J&K Launches e-SEHAT App for J&K Healthcare

• What:
  • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched the e-SEHAT App in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a digital platform for healthcare needs across the Union Territory.
• Why:
  • The app aims to offer accessible tele-diagnosis and healthcare services, especially benefiting people in remote areas.
• Tell me more:
  • e-SEHAT is a smart e-health solution designed for the general public, healthcare professionals, and medical students.
  • The app offers tele-diagnosis features to address various healthcare needs.

Source: NOA

4. Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025 Inaugurated in Tripura

• What:
  • Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the ‘Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav’ 2025, a two-day cultural festival held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala.
• Why:
  • The event aims to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tripura’s indigenous communities and promote unity and tradition.
• Tell me more:
  • The festival is organised by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs with support from the Tribal Welfare Department, West Tripura Zilla Parishad, Agartala Municipal Corporation, and Pantiya Sporting Society.
  • Garia Puja is a major festival for the Tripuri community in Tripura, similar in significance to Durga Puja for Bengalis.

Source: ANI

Banking and Economy

1. AU Small Finance Bank Launches Concierge Services for Premium Clients

• What:
  • AU Small Finance Bank has launched exclusive ‘Concierge Services’ for its premium banking programs, AU ivy and AU Eternity.
• Why:
  • The service aims to provide seamless convenience and luxury experiences, enhancing customer experience for affluent clients.
• Tell me more:
  • The Concierge Services offer assistance with travel arrangements, scheduling appointments, and handling daily tasks for premium clients.
  • AU ivy and AU Eternity programs provide privileges such as global travel, luxury stays, overseas education support, dining privileges, airport services, golf benefits, shopping, gifting, luxury privileges, RSVP events, and digital solutions.
  • The services are designed to deliver personalized and swift assistance, going beyond traditional banking.
  • The bank’s goal is to provide best-in-class, curated services for its premium customers.

Source: UNI

2. RBI Cancels Licence of Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Shankarrao Mohite Patil Sahakari Bank Ltd., Akluj in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, effective from April 11, 2025.
• Why:
  • The licence was cancelled due to multiple regulatory concerns, including inadequate capital, poor earning prospects, and failure to comply with several sections of the Banking Regulation Act, making continued operation unsafe for depositors.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank is now prohibited from conducting any banking operations, including accepting or repaying deposits.
  • As of March 31, 2025, the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) has disbursed Rs 47.89 crore to eligible depositors based on claims and willingness submitted.
  • RBI has requested the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, to issue an order for winding up the bank and to appoint a liquidator.
  • The bank violated Section 11(1), Section 22(3)(d) read with Section 56, and failed to comply with provisions under Sections 22(3)(a) to 22(3)(e) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
  • The bank is unable to pay its depositors in full and its continued operation was found to be prejudicial to the interests of depositors and public interest.
  • Upon liquidation, depositors will be entitled to claim insurance for their deposits up to Rs 5 lakh as per DICGC guidelines and the DICGC Act, 1961.
  • RBI has assured that eligible depositors will receive their insured amounts without disruption.

Source: IC

3. Tata Sons Signs £750 Million Loan for UK Battery Plant

• What:
  • A unit of Tata Sons Pvt. has signed a £750 million ($990.79 million) loan with about 15 banks to build what could be Britain’s largest battery manufacturing facility.
• Why:
  • The loan will fund the construction of a major battery plant in the UK, supporting the country’s automotive sector and Tata’s expansion in battery cell production.
• Tell me more:
  • The loan is a two-year bridge deal, priced over the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA), and disbursement is ongoing.
  • This is among the three largest foreign currency loans for an Indian company in 2025.
  • Foreign-currency loans by Indian borrowers have increased by 23% to $6.6 billion so far this year.
  • The facility will be built by Agratas Energy Storage Solutions Pvt., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons.
  • Agratas develops battery cells with factories in India and the UK.
  • The UK factory is expected to be the largest in the country and, by the early 2030s, will supply nearly half of the projected battery capacity needed for the UK automotive sector.

Source: ET

4. SJVN Releases Rs 269.97 Crore for Etalin Hydro Power Project

• What:
  • SJVN Ltd released Rs 269.97 crore as land compensation for the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydro Power Project in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The compensation release is a key step to honour local community rights and support the development of the hydro power project.
• Tell me more:
  • The project involves constructing two dams on the Dri River and Talo (Tangon) River, along with an underground powerhouse complex.
  • It is scheduled for commissioning in December 2033.
  • The compensation amount was deposited in the joint account of the Deputy Commissioner and District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer, Dibang Valley.
  • SJVN signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Arunachal Pradesh government in August 2023 for this project and four other hydro projects in the state with a total capacity of 5,097 MW.
  • The combined investment for these projects is approximately Rs 60,000 crore.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Wisden Names Cricketers of the Year, Bumrah and Mandhana Honoured

• What:
  • Wisden has named England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, Liam Dawson, and Dan Worrall as its five Cricketers of the Year, while Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been crowned the leading cricketers in the world.
• Why:
  • The awards recognise outstanding performances in the previous English summer and celebrate global cricketing excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • Gus Atkinson took 12 wickets on his Test debut against West Indies and scored a maiden Test century against Sri Lanka.
  • Jamie Smith made his Test debut as England’s wicketkeeper and scored 280 runs in a three-match series against Sri Lanka.
  • Sophie Ecclestone became the first English woman in the Wisden quintet since 2019 and is the world’s number one ranked bowler in both white-ball formats.
  • Liam Dawson and Dan Worrall were also recognised for their performances.
  • Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana were named the world’s leading cricketers, while Nicholas Pooran of West Indies was named the world’s leading T20 player.

Source: BBC

2. Priyanka Chopra to Receive Global Vanguard Honor at Gold House Gala

• What:
  • Actor Priyanka Chopra will be honoured at the fourth annual Gold House Gala in May with the inaugural Global Vanguard Honor.
• Why:
  • The award recognises her 25-year career bridging Asian Pacific and Western cultures through her work in Hindi cinema and Hollywood, and her efforts to elevate underrepresented voices.
• Tell me more:
  • The Gold House Gala will be held on May 10 at the Music Centre in Downtown Los Angeles.
  • Over 600 guests are expected to attend the event, which celebrates the 2025 A100 List of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture.
  • Other honourees at the event include Jon M Chu, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ang Lee.
  • The theme of the gala is “First Light,” focusing on trailblazers who have paved the way for others.
  • Gold House CEO and co-founder Bing Chen highlighted the gala as a platform for launching the next wave of culture and honouring those who have been the first in their fields.

Source: HT

3. Yashraj Bharti Samman Award Presented to Service Organisations

• What:
  • Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan presented the 3rd ‘Yashraj Bharti Samman’ award to Jan Swasthya Sahayog, Pratham Education Foundation, and the Services Plus platform developed by the National Informatics Centre.
• Why:
  • The awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare, sustainable development, and good governance at the grassroots level.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony was held at a function attended by dignitaries including former Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Dilip Walse Patil and India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.
  • Jan Swasthya Sahayog was honoured for providing expert-led healthcare services in tribal areas.
  • Pratham Education Foundation was recognised for its role in sustainable development through education.
  • Services Plus platform was acknowledged for its contribution to good governance.

Source: TP

4. Achyuta Samanta Receives Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025

• What:
  • Founder of KIIT and KISS, Achyuta Samanta, was conferred the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025 in Kokrajhar, Assam, for his significant contributions to society through education and social empowerment.
• Why:
  • The award recognises individuals who have made remarkable contributions in various fields, especially in education and social reform, in memory of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma.
• Tell me more:
  • The award is instituted by the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust and is named after a revered spiritual leader and social reformer of the Bodo community, known as the Mech Gandhi of Assam.
  • The award was presented on the occasion of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma’s 166th birth anniversary.
  • Achyuta Samanta received a citation, a memento, and a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Mother Earth Day – April 22

Source: UN

2. ‘Fire Safety Week’ – April 21st to 25th

• Theme: ‘Fire Safety in Health Facilities’

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Nishchay Wins Silver in Asian U-18 Shot Put

• What:
  • Sixteen-year-old Nishchay won a silver medal with a personal best throw of 19.59 meters in the boys’ shot put event at the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
• Tell me more:
  • The Asian Under-18 Athletics Championship is held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. RBI Extends Tenure of Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar

• What:
  • The government has extended the term of RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar by one year till May 2026.
• Why:
  • The extension ensures continuity in leadership and expertise in key areas of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Tell me more:
  • He is also the Chairman of Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), a board member at ReBIT (Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited), and a member of the governing council at IDRBT (Institute for Development & Research in Banking Technology).

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Dr Samuel Mathew Kalarickal, Father of Angioplasty in India, Passes Away

• Dr Samuel Mathew Kalarickal, known for introducing the stenting procedure to India and called the ‘father of angioplasty in India’, died at the age of 77.

Source: IE

2. ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’ Book

• What:
  • Former RAW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat’s new book ‘The Chief Minister and the Spy’ has sparked a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir over claims regarding Farooq Abdullah’s stance on Article 370.
• Why:
  • The controversy arose due to allegations in the book that Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was willing to work with the Centre on the abrogation of Article 370 if taken into confidence, which has led to strong denials and political reactions.

Source: ET

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