26th-28th April 2025

1. Hubballi Airport Wins Platinum Honour for Green Initiatives
2. Payal Kapadia Receives Prestigious French Honour
3. India to Allow 49% Foreign Stake Investment in Nuclear Power
4. Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd
5. Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan Passes Away At The Age of 92
6. China Has Tested A Revolutionary Type Of Hydrogen Bomb
7. India’s Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Haemophilia
8. India’s Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways In FY 2024–25
9. NASA’s Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf): A New Era of Precision Gravity Mapping
10. The Bullseye Galaxy: A Cosmic Marvel with Nine Rings
11. DRDO Achieves Major Hypersonic Tech Milestone with Scramjet Combustor Test
12. India–France Rafale-M Jet Deal Set To Be Finalised
13. FTII Declared ‘Institution Deemed to be University
14. Similipal Officially Accorded As National Park’s Status
15. World Immunization Week 2025, History, Theme, Importance
16. Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Indian to Reach 12,000 Runs in T20s
17. Kriti Sanon Becomes the First Indian Brand Ambassador for Dreame Technology
18. Former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan Passes Away at the Age of 84
19. Stacie Sire Appointed as Vice President and Managing Director of Boeing (BIETC)
20. Campbell Wilson to Step Down as Air India Express Chairman
21. Exercise ‘Aakraman’ Indian Air Force Drills with Rafales and Su-30s
22. International Delegate’s Day 2025, Date, History
23. Kumar Mangalam Birla to Receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024
24. Stanford’s AI Index 2025: Top 10 countries by total AI investment (2025)
25. World Malaria Day 2025 Date, Theme, Significance
26. RBI Cancels Licence of Ajantha Urban Co-op Bank Maryadit
27. Odisha’s Similipal Officially Declared as India’s 107th National Park
28. UNDP Joined Global Network to Help Countries Cope with Climate Change
29. EMF Launches India’s First BSE Internet Economy Index Fund
30. Sunil Bharti Mittal Joins WBG’s Private Sector Investment Lab to Boost Developing Economies
31. Bhavesh Kumar Appointed CEO of UIDAI; K.K. Pathak Named Additional Secretary in Cabinet Secretariat
32. Govt Appoints IAS Officer Jitendra Srivastava as CMD of REC Ltd
33. NABARD Acquires 10% Stake in 24×7 Moneyworks Consulting
34. INS Surat Successfully Tests MR-SAM in Arabian Sea
35. Indian GM Koneru Humpy Clinches FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 in Pune
36. Former ISRO Chairman and Padma Awardee A. K. Kasturirangan Passes Away
37. Former Australia batter Keith Stackpole Passed Away
38. World Malaria Day 2025 – April 25
39. International Delegate’s Day 2025 – April 25
40. World Penguin Day 2025 – April 25
41. CSIR-IMMT signs Agreement with Russia to Advance Critical Mineral Technologies
42. RBI cancels license of Imperial Urban Co-op Bank over inadequate liquidity
43. RBI imposes Penalties on Indian Bank, IOB and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services
44. Humanitarian Madhusudhan Sai Honoured with Fiji’s Highest Honour
45. ISRO takes up Lead Role of ‘International Charter Space and Major Disasters’
46. RIL Appoints Anant Ambani as ED; Becomes 1st Indian Company to Cross Rs 10 Lakh Crore Equity
47. DRDO-DRDL Achieves 1,000-Second Scramjet Test for Hypersonic Missile Development
48. ISRO & SCTIMST Signed MoU to Propel Space Medicine Advances
49. ‘Beyond the Courtroom’ By Fali S. Nariman
50. World Veterinary Day 2025 – April 26
51. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025 – April 26
52. World Intellectual Property Day 2025 – April 26
53. A. Jayathilak Appointed as 50th Chief Secretary of Kerala

National News

1. India Plans to Allow Foreign Investment in Nuclear Power

• What:
  • The Indian government is considering allowing foreign companies to own up to 49% in nuclear power plants.
• Why:
  • The move aims to expand India’s nuclear sector and help replace coal-based power with cleaner alternatives to reduce carbon emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • Foreign investment in nuclear power could affect tariff talks with the United States, but officials are unsure if it will be linked to any trade deal.
  • India signed a civil nuclear agreement with the United States in 2008, but American firms hesitated to invest due to liability risks and investment restrictions.
  • The government wants to raise nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, which is twelve times the current capacity.
  • The government plans to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1960, in the July monsoon session of Parliament.
  • Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act would let the government give licences to private companies for building, owning, and operating nuclear plants, as well as mining and making atomic fuel.

Source: TOI

State News

1. FTII Pune Notified as “Institution Deemed to be University”

• What:
  • The Union Ministry of Education has notified the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune as an “Institution Deemed to be University.”
• Why:
  • The new status aims to promote excellence in audiovisual education and research at FTII.
• Tell me more:
  • FTII was established in 1960 by the Government of India on the premises of the former Prabhat Studios.
  • The institute was originally called the Film Institute of India and worked under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • In 1971, ‘Television’ was added to its name, and Doordarshan’s television training wing moved from Delhi to Pune in 1974.
  • FTII became an autonomous society under the I&B Ministry, managed by a council and a director.
  • The “deemed-to-be-university” status is given by the central government, based on UGC advice. It requires proven excellence, such as NAAC ‘A’ grade, NBA accreditation, or high NIRF ranking.
  • The new status allows FTII to start new courses with Executive Council approval and necessary statutory clearances.

Source: IE

2. Similipal Declared India’s 107th National Park

• What:
  • The Odisha government has declared Similipal as a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making it India’s 107th national park.
• Why:
  • The move aims to strengthen ecological heritage, uplift tribal communities, and ensure sustainable development in the region.
• Tell me more:
  • Similipal National Park is located in Mayurbhanj district and is now the largest national park in Odisha, covering 845.70 sq km.
  • The park includes the Similipal Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger habitat in Odisha, with rich biodiversity including tigers, elephants, and unique flora.
  • National parks under the Wildlife Protection Act must be ecologically, geomorphologically, and naturally significant, and are fully protected from human habitation and livestock grazing.

Source: TOI

International News

1. China Tests New Hydrogen-Based Explosive Device Using Magnesium Hydride

• What:
  • China successfully tested a new hydrogen-based explosive device developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation that uses magnesium hydride for a powerful fireball without nuclear materials.
• Why:
  • The device aims to provide a precise, non-nuclear weapon capable of causing sustained high heat damage to critical infrastructure and strategic targets amid rising regional tensions.
• Tell me more:
  • The breakthrough coincides with rising China-Taiwan tensions and reflects China’s broader military modernization including clean energy warships and methane-powered rockets.
  • This device is chemically based and does not use nuclear fission or fusion, so it produces no radiation or massive shockwaves like nuclear bombs.
  • It is distinct from thermonuclear bombs and classified as a non-nuclear weapon.
  • The device’s ability to cause precise, intense heat damage could reshape future conflict strategies with minimal collateral damage.

Source: ET

2. UNDP Joins Santiago Network for Climate Loss and Damage

• What:
  • UNDP has joined the Santiago Network to help address loss and damage caused by climate change, especially in developing and vulnerable countries.
• Why:
  • The membership aims to strengthen support for countries facing climate impacts and to build resilience through disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The Santiago Network was established in 2019 to bring together organizations, networks, and experts to find solutions for climate-related loss and damage.
  • The secretariat of the Santiago Network is co-hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Geneva.
  • UNDP has supported 30 countries in improving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with a focus on loss and damage solutions.
  • Through the Small Grants Programme, UNDP empowers local communities to implement resilience projects.
  • UNDP helps countries develop financial tools such as insurance and data-driven models to address climate impacts.
  • Membership in the Santiago Network will allow UNDP to expand technical assistance and outreach to those most affected by climate change.
  • The membership will also strengthen UNDP’s engagement with the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which was established at COP27.
  • Initial pledges to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage have reached $700 million, but experts estimate annual finance needs could reach hundreds of billions of dollars by 2030.
  • UNDP supports climate action and disaster risk reduction in over 140 countries.

Source: UN

Banking and Economy

1. RBI Cancels Licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad due to inadequate capital and earning prospects.
• Why:
  • The cancellation was done because the bank could not pay its depositors in full and continuing its operations would harm public interest and depositors’ interests.
• Tell me more:
  • The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, has been asked to order the winding up of the bank and appoint a liquidator.
  • Depositors are entitled to receive insurance claims up to Rs 5 lakh per depositor from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • According to the bank’s data, 91.55% of depositors will get the full amount of their deposits from DICGC.
  • The bank is now prohibited from accepting or repaying deposits and cannot conduct any banking business.

Source: ET

2. Edelweiss Launches India’s First BSE Internet Economy Index Fund

• What:
  • Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched the Edelweiss BSE Internet Economy Index Fund, India’s first index fund offering exposure to the BSE Internet Economy Index.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to give investors a chance to invest in a portfolio focused on the internet and digital economy sectors, taking advantage of India’s rapidly growing digital economy.
• Tell me more:
  • The fund is an open-ended index fund that will replicate the BSE Internet Economy Total Return Index.
  • The index covers 11 sub-industries such as e-retail, internet and catalogue retail, e-learning, digital entertainment, financial technologies, and other digital sectors.
  • The BSE Internet Economy Index includes the top 20 companies from the BSE 500, selected based on their six-month average market capitalisation.
  • Investors can start with a minimum investment of ₹100 and in multiples of ₹1 after that.
  • If units are redeemed or switched out within 30 days of allotment, an exit load of 0.10% will be charged; there is no exit load after 30 days.
  • The fund’s objective is to provide returns that closely match the BSE Internet Economy Total Return Index, before expenses and subject to tracking errors.
  • Bhavesh Jain and Bharat Lohati are the designated fund managers.

Source: BS

3. Sunil Bharti Mittal Joins World Bank’s PSIL Initiative

• What:
  • Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises, has joined the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL) initiative, which brings together global industry leaders to drive large-scale solutions.
• Why:
  • The move aims to expand PSIL’s membership to include leaders experienced in job creation in developing economies, aligning with the World Bank’s focus on jobs as a key driver of development.
• Tell me more:
  • The World Bank Group announced the next phase of PSIL, increasing its membership to include leaders from sectors important for job creation such as infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
  • Other new members include Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group), Mark Hoplamazian (Hyatt Hotels Corporation), and Bill Anderson (Bayer AG).
  • The Lab’s work has been consolidated into five focus areas: regulatory and policy certainty, political risk insurance, reducing foreign exchange risks, focus on junior equity capital, and securitisation.
  • Examples include supporting governments in creating stable regulatory frameworks, increasing the use of political risk insurance, scaling local currency financing, launching the Frontier Opportunities Fund, and collaborating with institutions to unlock capital from pension funds and insurers.
  • The founding members included executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group.

Source: BS

4. Nabard Invests in Agri Fintech Startup 24×7 Moneyworks

• What:
  • Nabard has acquired a 10% stake in 24×7 Moneyworks Consulting Pvt Ltd, marking its first investment in a bootstrapped startup.
• Why:
  • The investment aims to support digital transformation in rural India and improve access to agricultural credit.
• Tell me more:
  • 24×7 Moneyworks’ main platform, eKisanCredit (eKCC), is a fully digital loan origination system for Cooperative Banks, PACS, and RRBs.
  • The eKCC platform integrates with land records, Aadhaar, eKYC, core banking systems, and ePACS for complete automation of the rural credit process.
  • Nabard has piloted eKCC across various banks over the past two and a half years, and it is now ready for a nationwide roll-out.
  • eKCC is designed to improve access, transparency, and efficiency in agricultural credit delivery.
  • The collaboration will help Cooperative Banks, PACS, and RRBs provide faster, transparent, and inclusive credit services to small and marginal farmers.

Source: BS

5. RBI Cancels Licence of Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of Jalandhar-based Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank due to inadequate capital and earning prospects.
• Why:
  • The licence was cancelled because the bank could not pay its depositors in full and continuing its business would harm public interest and the interests of depositors.
• Tell me more:
  • The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Punjab, has been asked to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator.
  • On liquidation, every depositor is entitled to receive deposit insurance up to Rs 5 lakh from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • As per the bank’s data, 97.79% of depositors will get the full amount of their deposits from DICGC.
  • As of January 31, 2025, DICGC has already paid Rs 5.41 crore of the total insured deposits.
  • The bank is now prohibited from accepting or repaying deposits and cannot conduct any banking business.

Source: BS

6. RBI Imposes Penalties on Indian Bank and Mahindra Finance

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties on Indian Bank and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services for deficiencies in regulatory compliance.
• Why:
  • The penalties were imposed to address violations of banking regulations and ensure strict adherence to prescribed guidelines by financial institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian Bank was fined Rs 1.61 crore for contravening provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and not following directions on interest rates for advances, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, and lending to the MSME sector.
  • Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services was fined Rs 71.30 lakh for non-compliance with the Non-Banking Financial Company – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company Directions, 2016, and Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions.
  • The RBI clarified that these penalties are based on regulatory compliance deficiencies and do not question the validity of any transaction or agreement with customers.
  • For Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, issues included not disclosing processing fees in loan forms, not providing loan agreements or clear sanction letters, not giving final repayment notices before repossession or sale of vehicles, and allotting multiple customer identification codes instead of a unique code.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Stanford’s AI Index 2025

• What:
  • India attracted $1.16 billion in private AI investments in 2024, with total private AI investments reaching $11.29 billion from 2013 to 2024.
• Why:
  • The rise in investment aims to boost India’s position in the global AI sector and strengthen its startup ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • The global AI market grew to USD 279.22 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.9% from 2025 to 2030.
  • Global private AI investment increased by 44.5% between 2023 and 2024, marking the first year-over-year growth since 2021.
  • The United States raised nearly half a trillion dollars in private AI investment from 2013 to 2024, more than the rest of the world combined.
  • China invested $119.3 billion, the UK $28.2 billion, while Canada and Israel invested $15 billion each during the same period.
  • Europe saw a 60% increase in private AI investments since 2023, while China saw a decrease of 1.9%.
  • Other countries with significant AI investments include Israel ($15.0 billion), Singapore ($7.3 billion), Sweden ($7.3 billion), Japan ($5.9 billion), Australia ($4 billion), Switzerland ($3.9 billion), and the United Arab Emirates ($3.7 billion).
  • India is home to over 240 generative AI startups and is focusing on private funding to support artificial intelligence growth.

Source: IE

2. CSIR Signs Agreements with Russian Institutes for Critical Minerals

• What:
  • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through CSIR-IMMT, signed two Joint Declarations of Intent (JDIs) with Russian institutions JSC Giredmet and NUST MISIS to enhance cooperation in critical mineral processing and sustainable resource development.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to strengthen research and technological collaboration in critical minerals, which are important for India’s self-reliance and development goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The JDIs were signed by Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, with Dr Andrei I. Golinei of JSC Rosatom Science and Dr Michael R. Filonov of NUST MISIS.
  • The collaborations are coordinated by Dr Kali Sanjay from CSIR-IMMT and Dr Konstantin V. Ivanovskikh and Dr Korotchenko Natalia from the Russian institutes.
  • Anoop Kumar Srivastava from the Embassy of India, Moscow, was present to support the bilateral collaborations.
  • The CSIR-IMMT team met with Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Russia, and discussed the importance of R&D and technological cooperation in process metallurgy, focusing on critical minerals.
  • The focus is on research and development in process metallurgy and sustainable resource development for critical minerals.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO Successfully Tests Scramjet Engine for 1,000 Seconds

• What:
  • DRDO has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting ground testing of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor for over 1,000 seconds.
• Why:
  • The test aims to advance the development of critical hypersonic weapon technologies for the nation.
• Tell me more:
  • The ground test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, at the new Scramjet Connect Test Facility.
  • Hypersonic cruise missiles can travel at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound and use air-breathing engines.
  • Air-breathing propulsion systems with supersonic combustion are important for long-duration cruise conditions.

Source: NOA

2. India Signs Rs 63,000 Crore Deal for 26 Rafale Marine Jets

• What:
  • India and France signed a Rs 63,000 crore agreement for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air power, especially for operations from aircraft carriers.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed by defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, with Navy vice chief admiral K Swaminathan present.
  • The Rafale Marine jets will mainly operate from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
  • The contract includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seat trainers, along with some weapons, simulators, crew training, and five-year performance-based logistics support.
  • The 26 jets will be delivered in 37 to 65 months, with all deliveries to be completed by 2031.
  • India will pay an initial 15% instalment of the total cost.
  • The jets are equipped with Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles (70-km range), Scalp air-to-ground cruise missiles (over 300-km range), and Meteor air-to-air missiles (120 to 150-km range).
  • The Navy currently operates 40 MiG-29K jets from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, but these have faced serviceability issues.
  • The indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) is expected to take at least a decade to become operational, so the Rafale-M jets are an interim solution.

Source: TOI

3. Indian Air Force Conducts Exercise Aakraman in Central Sector

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force is carrying out Exercise Aakraman over a large area in the central sector, involving its main fighter aircraft fleets led by Rafale jets.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to practise complex ground attack and electronic warfare missions in different terrains and enhance operational readiness.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Air Force operates two Rafale squadrons based in Ambala and Hashimara, West Bengal.
  • The exercise is being monitored by Air Headquarters and involves top pilots under the supervision of experienced instructors.

Source: ET

4. Indian Navy Conducts Successful Anti-Ship Missile Firings

• What:
  • The Indian Navy successfully carried out multiple anti-ship missile firings and a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) test by INS Surat to demonstrate readiness and precision strike capabilities.
• Why:
  • These tests aim to reaffirm the Navy’s commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests and to showcase the operational readiness of its platforms, systems, and crew.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Surat, the latest indigenous guided missile destroyer, successfully tested the MR-SAM system in the Arabian Sea, which is effective against surface-to-surface missiles and aerial threats with a range of about 70 km.
  • INS Surat is the fourth and final Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer under the P15B project, commissioned in January 2025, with 75% indigenous content.
  • The warship is equipped with BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles, AI integration, advanced radar, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the Pahalgam attack.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. India Launches First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia

• What:
  • The first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia in India has started through a collaboration between BRIC-inStem Bengaluru and CMC Vellore.
• Why:
  • The trial aims to find new treatment options for haemophilia, a genetic blood disorder where blood does not clot normally.
• Tell me more:
  • Union science and technology minister Jitendra Singh reviewed the progress of the work during his visit to BRIC-inStem.
  • BRIC-inStem has a Biosafety Level III laboratory, which is important for studying high-risk pathogens under India’s One Health Mission.
  • The newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE) at BRIC-inStem is working on birth defects and infertility through developmental biology research.

Source: ET

2. NASA to Launch First Quantum Gravity Gradiometer in Space

• What:
  • NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and partners are preparing to launch the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf), the first space-based quantum gravity gradiometer.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to test quantum sensing technology for mapping Earth’s gravity field from orbit with high precision.
• Tell me more:
  • QGGPf uses ultra-cold rubidium atoms and atom interferometry to detect gravitational anomalies caused by mass redistribution beneath Earth’s surface.
  • The instrument measures the difference in gravitational acceleration between two points, revealing variations in mass distribution.
  • The core sensor is compact (0.25 cubic meters, 125 kilograms) and is expected to be up to ten times more sensitive than existing classical sensors.
  • The mission is supported by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office and involves collaborations with small businesses and academic partners.
  • JPL is working with AOSense and Infleqtion on the sensor head, while NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Vector Atomic are developing the laser systems.
  • The main goal is to validate the technology in space, with potential applications in water resource management, subsurface geology, and national security.
  • QGGPf is scheduled for launch by the end of the decade and could inform future Earth science and planetary missions.
  • Past missions like GRACE and GRACE-FO provided gravity data, but QGGPf offers a new sensing method that could enhance or replace traditional approaches.

Source: TQI

3. Hubble Finds Galaxy with Record Nine Star Rings

• What:
  • NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured images of the massive galaxy LEDA 1313424, called the “Bullseye,” showing nine star-filled rings after a smaller blue dwarf galaxy passed through its center.
• Why:
  • The discovery helps scientists confirm theories about how rings form in galaxies after such rare cosmic collisions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Bullseye galaxy is about 250,000 light-years across, making it two and a half times larger than the Milky Way.
  • Hubble detected eight rings, and a ninth was confirmed using the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii.
  • Previous galaxies showed a maximum of two or three rings.
  • The discovery was published on February 4, 2025, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Source: NASA

4. ISRO Takes Lead Role in International Disaster Charter

• What:
  • India, through ISRO, has assumed the lead role of the “International Charter Space and Major Disasters” for six months starting April 2025.
• Why:
  • The lead role aims to coordinate global disaster response efforts using space-based technology and strengthen India’s initiative in space-based disaster management.
• Tell me more:
  • The tenure began with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)/ISRO organizing the 53rd meeting of the Charter in Hyderabad from April 14-17, attended by 22 foreign delegates from major global space agencies.
  • India is a signatory and founder member of the Charter, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025 and includes 17 member organizations.
  • The Charter provides Earth observation data and value-added products for disaster management worldwide.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Hubballi Airport Wins Platinum in Green Airports Recognition 2025

• What:
  • Hubballi Airport in Karnataka received the Platinum Recognition, the highest honor, in the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East for its efforts in sustainable energy at airports handling less than 6 million passengers per year.
• Why:
  • The award was given to recognize AAI’s innovative solar power plant project at Hubballi Airport, which aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • The recognition was announced during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference & Exhibition held in New Delhi on 16 April 2025.
  • This plant is the first in India to supply renewable energy to multiple airports within a state, including Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mysuru airports, with plans to extend to upcoming terminals in Karnataka.
  • The plant can generate over 11 million units of clean electricity annually, reducing an estimated 215,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifetime.

Source: PIB

2. Payal Kapadia Honoured with French Arts Award

• What:
  • Payal Kapadia was awarded the insignia of Officier des Arts et des Lettres in Mumbai for her contribution to cinema.
• Why:
  • The award was given to honour her achievements in filmmaking and to celebrate the ties between France and India in cinema.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony took place at the official residence of Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, and Mrs Ekaterina Burdina.
  • Payal Kapadia’s debut feature film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival last May.
  • The film is set in Mumbai and a coastal village in Maharashtra.
  • ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won Best International Feature at Gotham Awards, Best International Film at New York Film Critics Circle, and Best Film at Asian Film Awards.
  • The film received two Golden Globes nominations and a BAFTA nomination for Best Film Not in the English Language.
  • Kapadia met her French collaborators Thomas Hakim and Julien Graff after graduating from FTII, Pune.

3. Kumar Mangalam Birla Receives Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

• What:
  • Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group and Padma Bhushan awardee, was honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The award recognises Birla’s significant contribution to India’s growth and development.
• Tell me more:
  • The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar was instituted in 2022 in memory of Lata Mangeshkar by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan, a charitable trust managed by the Mangeshkar family.
  • Past recipients include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asha Bhosale, and Amitabh Bachchan.

Source: BT

4. Madhusudan Sai Receives Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honour

• What:
  • Karnataka-based humanitarian Madhusudan Sai was conferred with Fiji’s highest honour, the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’, by the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
• Why:
  • The award was given to Madhusudan Sai for establishing the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Fiji and for his humanitarian work supporting communities in Fiji and the Pacific region.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony took place at the State House of Fiji, the official residence of the President.
  • Previous recipients of the ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of India Droupadi Murmu.
  • The recognition highlights collective efforts to uplift and support communities across Fiji and the Pacific.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. World Immunization Week – April 24-30

• Theme: Immunization for All is Humanly Possible

Source: WHO

2. International Delegate’s Day – April 25

Source: UN

3. World Malaria Day – April 25

• Theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”

Source: PIB

4. World Penguin Day – April 25
5. World Veterinary Day – April 26
• Theme: Animal Health Takes a Team

Source: ET

6. International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day – April 26

Source: UN

7. World Intellectual Property Day – April 26

Source: WIPO

Sports

1. Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Indian to Score 12,000 T20 Runs

• What:
  • Rohit Sharma completed 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, becoming the second Indian and eighth player overall to reach this milestone during an IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Uppal Stadium.
• Why:
  • This achievement highlights Rohit Sharma’s consistency and excellence in T20 cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Rohit Sharma is the eighth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket.
  • Virat Kohli is the highest Indian run-scorer in T20s and fifth overall.
  • Chris Gayle holds the record for most T20 runs globally.
  • Mumbai Indians have won four matches in a row and are now third in the points table.

Source: HT

2. Koneru Humpy Wins Pune Leg of FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

• What:
  • Indian chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won the Pune leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-25 after finishing level on points with China’s Zhu Jiner but securing the title on superior tie-breaks.
• Why:
  • The event highlights India’s strong presence in international chess and showcases Humpy’s continued excellence in global tournaments.
• Tell me more:
  • Both Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner scored 7 out of 9 points, with Humpy defeating Bulgarian player Nurgyul Salimova in the final round and Jiner winning against Russia’s Polina Shuvalova.

Source: FP

Memorandum of Understanding

1. ISRO and SCTIMST Sign MoU for Space Medicine Research

• What:
  • ISRO and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the field of space medicine.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to advance space medicine research and support India’s national human space programme and innovations in health and technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership is called ‘Framework Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Space Medicine’.
  • The MoU will encourage studies and experiments in space medicine, benefiting areas such as human physiological studies, behavioural health, biomedical support systems, radiation biology, countermeasures for health and performance in space, telemedicine, communication protocols, and crew medical kits for space missions.
  • ISRO chairman V Narayanan stated that the Gaganyaan mission aims to improve human research in the space environment.
  • The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will be used for advanced human research and technology development based on national priorities.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director at Reliance Industries

• What:
  • The Board of Directors of Reliance Industries Ltd appointed Anant M. Ambani as Executive Director for a five-year term starting May 1, 2025.

Source: ET

2. Kriti Sanon Named First Indian Brand Ambassador for Dreame Technology

• What:
  • Dreame Technology has appointed Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador to promote its smart home appliances in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Dreame Technology was founded in 2017 and is an international tech firm focused on smart appliances.
  • Dreame Technology started operations in India in early 2023 and offers products on Amazon India.
  • The company is focusing on intelligent cleaning and personal care solutions to help people save time on household tasks.

Source: TW

3. Boeing Appoints Stacie Sire as Head of BIETC

• What:
  • Boeing has appointed Stacie Sire as vice president and managing director of Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) and chief engineer of Boeing India.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to advance BIETC’s goals and priorities in India and strengthen Boeing’s business growth and engineering capabilities in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • BIETC stands for Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center.
  • Stacie Sire also serves as chief engineer for Boeing India.
  • Boeing’s India operations are based in Bengaluru.
  • Boeing’s supply chain in India includes more than 300 local companies.
  • Boeing’s annual sourcing from India exceeds $1.25 billion.

Source: ET

4. Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Key Appointments Announced

• What:
  • The central government has announced major senior-level bureaucratic changes, appointing several officers to new roles across ministries and departments.
• Tell me more:

Source: TP BS

Miscellaneous

1. Historian M G S Narayanan Passes Away at 92

• Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan, known as M G S Narayanan, a noted historian, researcher, and educator, passed away at the age of 92 in Kozhikode.

Source: IE

2. Former ISRO Chairman Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan Passes Away

• What:
  • Former ISRO chairman Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 84.
• Tell me more:
  • Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan served as ISRO chairman from 1994 to 2003.
  • He played a key role in the development of the PSLV.
  • He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009.
  • He was Director at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.
  • He was a member of the Planning Commission of India.
  • He chaired the committee for the National Education Policy 2020.
  • He received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards.

Source: BS

3. Former Australia Batter Keith Stackpole Passes Away at 84

• Keith Stackpole was named one of the five Wisden cricketers of the year in 1973.

Source: BBC

4. Beyond the Courtroom: Book Showcases Fali S. Nariman’s Legacy

• What:
  • Subhash Sharma curated and published the book “Beyond the Courtroom” after the death of Fali S. Nariman, featuring Nariman’s most influential speeches and thoughts on Indian democracy and constitutional law.
• Why:
  • The book was created to highlight Nariman’s constitutional expertise, his views on the Indian judiciary, and to preserve his legacy for future generations.
• Tell me more:
  • A key chapter, “The Silences in our Constitutional Law,” discusses how judicial interpretations have made the constitution dynamic.
  • Nariman traces the evolution of Article 368 and the tussle between Parliament and the Judiciary, including the first amendment, the introduction of Articles 31A and 31B, the 1971 amendments, and the Basic Structure Doctrine of 1973.
  • The book is divided into five sections: Nation, Judiciary, Constitution, Law, and Arbitration, and includes advice for young lawyers and ethical reflections.

Source: IE

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