29th April 2025

1. 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Youngest to Smash IPL’s Second-Fastest Century
2. Hindu Kush ICIMOD 2025 Report
3. The Kashmir Shawl Book by Rosie Thomas
4. Delhi Launches ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana’ Scheme Offering Free Rs 10 Lakh Health Cover to Seniors 70+
5. BRICS Adopts Declaration on AI, Climate Change, and Employment at 2025 Labour Ministers’ Meeting
6. National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) Honored with Udyog Vikas Award
7. India’s Breakthrough In Indigenous HPV Test Kits for Cervical Cancer Screening
8. Purple Cap Holder In IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Leads the Wicket-Takers List
9. IPL 2025 Orange Cap Holder: Virat Kohli Leads the Run-Scorers List
10. Kalaignar Centenary Park: A Modern Recreational Space with a Rich Legacy
11. Government Sanctions ₹40 Crore for Mangaluru’s Kallapu-Sajipa Riverfront Road Project”
12. Kuno National Park Achieves Conservation Milestone as Cheetah Nirva Gives Birth to Five Cubs
13. ISRO Conducts Short-Duration Hot Test of Semicryogenic Engine at IPRC
14. 11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting held in Brazil
15. Revive Our Ocean: A Step Toward Protecting Coastal Ecosystems Worldwide
16. SIPRI Report 2024: Global Military Spending Surpasses USD 2.7 Trillion; India Invests USD 86.1 Billion
17. Uganda Declares End to Ebola Sudan Virus Outbreak
18. Axis Max Life Launches AI-Enabled ‘Bandhan 2.0’ for New Hire Onboarding
19. Bihar Sets Two Guinness World Records for Madhubani Painting and Singing Bowl Ensemble
20. Thailand’s Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul elected as new BWF President
21. Neeraj Gupta Appointed as Chairman, Public Interest Director of NSE IX
22. China Launches Tianlian-2 (05) Data Relay Satellite to Support Space Station
23. 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship: India Tops Medal Tally with 87 Medals
24. Former VCOAS Lt Gen S. Pattabhiraman Passed Away
25. World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 – April 28

State News

1. Delhi Launches Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme

• What:
  • Delhi launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme on April 28, 2025, offering senior citizens aged 70+ an annual health cover of ₹10 lakh by combining central and state funds.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to address healthcare gaps for elderly citizens by providing equitable access to medical services and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
• Tell me more:
  • The ₹10 lakh coverage includes ₹5 lakh each from Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the Delhi government.
  • Benefits include free diagnostics, cashless treatments, and coverage for 961 medical procedures like chemotherapy and surgeries.
  • Eligibility requires permanent Delhi residency, age 70+, and an Aadhaar card.
  • Registration is available via empanelled hospitals, the Ayushman app, or the official portal.
  • Beneficiaries must choose between existing health schemes (CGHS/ECHS/private insurance) and Ayushman Vay Vandana.
  • Services are portable across 100+ empanelled hospitals in Delhi and nationally.
  • Health cards store medical records and enable seamless access to treatments.

Source: BS

2. Kalaignar Centenary Park Opens as Chennai’s New Landmark

• What:
  • Kalaignar Centenary Park on Cathedral Road, developed on 6.09 acres, was inaugurated in October 2024 and has become a popular spot for entertainment, greenery, and education.
• Why:
  • The park was created to offer a unique recreational and educational space for the public after the Tamil Nadu government regained the land following a 33-year legal battle.
• Tell me more:
  • The park is designed for the social media generation, with many photo-friendly spots.
  • The park is maintained by the Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops.

Source: TH

3. Karnataka Sanctions ₹40 Crore for Kallapu-Sajipa Riverfront Road Project

• What:
  • The Karnataka government sanctioned ₹40 crore for the ongoing Kallapu-Sajipa riverfront road project, adding to the earlier ₹15 crore, and approved ₹12 crore for a hanging footbridge and ₹200 crore for coastal erosion prevention.
• Why:
  • To enhance connectivity between Mangaluru and nearby areas and to prevent sea erosion along the Karnataka coast while supporting infrastructure development.
• Tell me more:
  • The total project cost of the riverfront road is ₹160 crore, with the latest sanction covering 25% of it.
  • A proposal for ₹70 crore to repair gaps in the sea protection wall near Someshwar, Batpady, and Ullal will be submitted soon.
  • Each of the 18 gram panchayats under Mangaluru Assembly received ₹1.5 crore for development.
  • The riverfront road is being constructed along the banks of the Netravathi river.

Source: TH

4. Cheetah Nirva Gives Birth to Five Cubs at Kuno National Park

• What:
  • Cheetah Nirva gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park (KNP), increasing the park’s cheetah population to 29 and India’s total to 31.
• Tell me more:
  • Before this birth, KNP housed 24 cheetahs, including 14 India-born cubs.
  • Two cheetahs (Prabhash and Pavak) were recently relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
  • Eight Namibian cheetahs were introduced to KNP in 2022, followed by 12 South African cheetahs in 2023.

Source: ET

5. Bihar Sets Two Guinness Records Ahead of Khelo India Games

• What:
  • Bihar achieved two Guinness World Records: largest Madhubani painting (201.17 sq ft) and largest singing bowl ensemble (375 monks), ahead of Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
• Why:
  • To celebrate Bihar’s cultural heritage as the “Land of Enlightenment” and promote the state’s role as host of the Khelo India Games.
• Tell me more:
  • Madhubani painting: Created by 50 women over 50 hours using natural colors, led by Padma Shri Baua Devi.
  • Singing bowl ensemble: Performed by monks aged 5-70 from various monasteries, organized by Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA).
  • Khelo India Games: Inaugurated by PM Modi on May 4, hosted across Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.

Source: TOI

International News

1. BRICS Labour Meeting Focuses on AI and Climate Action

• What:
  • India participated in the BRICS Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília, emphasizing AI ethics and climate-resilient job policies, leading to a joint declaration on inclusive governance.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen global cooperation for fair AI adoption and climate transitions while ensuring worker protection and green job creation.
• Tell me more:
  • Discussions centered on AI’s impact on employment and climate change challenges in the workforce.
  • India highlighted its National AI Strategy, focusing on ethical AI use and skilling through FutureSkills Prime.
  • The Namo Drone Didi program supports rural women in tech-enabled livelihoods.
  • India’s National Career Service (NCS) uses AI to link job seekers with employment opportunities.
  • Climate initiatives like the Sector Skill Council for Green Jobs and Mission LiFE promote sustainable practices.
  • India reduced GHG emissions (2020–2019) and pledged net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • The declaration commits BRICS nations to inclusive AI policies, fair climate transitions, and South-South cooperation.

Source: PIB

2. “Revive Our Ocean” Initiative Launched to Boost Marine Protection

• What:
  • A global initiative “Revive Our Ocean” launched on April 24, 2025, to expand community-led marine protected areas (MPAs) in seven countries and combat destructive fishing practices.
• Why:
  • To achieve the 30X30 biodiversity target (protecting 30% of oceans by 2030), empower local communities, and promote sustainable ocean management through tourism and fishing reforms.
  • Tell me more:
    • Focus countries: UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico.
    • Current status: Only 8% of oceans are MPAs, with just 3% fully protected.
    • Success stories:
      • Medes Island (Spain) generates €16 million/year from diving tourism.
      • Isle of Arran (Scotland) saw marine life double in protected zones.
      • Philippines’ Fish Forever program doubled fish stocks in 5 years.
    • Challenges addressed: Lack of awareness, restrictive policies, and inadequate tools for community-led MPAs.

Source: DTE

3. Uganda Declares End to Ebola Sudan Virus Outbreak

• What:
  • Uganda declared an end to the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak after 42 days without new cases, following its detection in Kampala in January 2023.
• Why:
  • The declaration aligns with WHO guidelines requiring two 21-day incubation cycles without new cases to confirm containment.
• Tell me more:
  • WHO guideline requires 42-day monitoring period for Ebola-free status.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Axis Max Life Launches AI-Driven Onboarding Platform

• What:
  • Axis Max Life Insurance launched Bandhan 2.0, an AI-powered platform using augmented reality for immersive employee onboarding.
• Why:
  • To enhance engagement, ensure uniform induction, and align with digital transformation goals for a future-ready workforce.
• Tell me more:
  • Features: Gamified learning, leadership interactions, and self-paced modules in English/Hindi.
  • Accessibility: Cloud-based platform available for 60 days post-joining.
  • Efficiency: Reduces onboarding time and provides real-time HR tracking.
  • Scale: Designed for thousands of employees annually across locations.
  • Parent company: Joint venture between Max Financial Services and Axis Bank.

Source: ANI

2. China Launches Tianlian II-05 Data Relay Satellite

• What:
  • China successfully launched the Tianlian II-05 satellite using a Long March-3B rocket to provide data relay services for spacecraft.
• Why:
  • To support manned missions, space stations, and resource satellites with communication and tracking services.
• Tell me more:
  • Launch centre: Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan.
  • Function: Offers telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) for low-Earth-orbit satellites and spacecraft launches.
  • Mission milestone: Marks the 572nd flight of China’s Long March rocket series.
  • Satellite type: Second-generation geosynchronous orbit data-relay satellite.

Source: GT

Reports and Indices

1. ICIMOD’s 2025 Snow Update Report

• What:
  • The 2025 Snow Update Report shows the Hindu Kush Himalaya region recorded its lowest snow persistence in 23 years, marking the third consecutive year of below-normal snow.
• Why:
  • The report highlights the urgent need to address declining snow levels, which threaten water security for nearly two billion people across 12 major river basins.
• Tell me more:
  • Snow persistence in the region was 23.6% below normal between November and March 2025.
  • All twelve major river basins, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, saw below-average snow cover.
  • The Mekong (-51.9%) and Salween (-48.3%) basins had the biggest declines in snow persistence.
  • Snowmelt contributes about 23% to the total yearly water flow in these rivers.
  • The Ganga basin recorded a 23-year low in snow persistence at -24.1%.
  • The report calls for better water management, drought preparedness, early warning systems, and regional cooperation.
  • ICIMOD urges investment in seasonal water storage and efficient use of meltwater.
  • The report is based on a 23-year data series from 2003 to 2025.

Source: ICIMOD

2. SIPRI: Global Military Spending Hits Record High Amid Conflicts

• What:
  • Global military expenditure rose by 9.4% to $2718 billion in 2024, the steepest annual increase since the Cold War, driven by conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine.
• Why:
  • Rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts prompted increased defense budgets worldwide, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
• Tell me more:
  • Top spenders: The US ($997B), China ($314B), Russia ($149B), Germany ($88.5B), and India accounted for 60% of global spending.
  • Regional trends:
    • Europe’s spending rose by 17% ($693B), with Germany (+28%) and Poland (+31%) leading growth.
    • Middle East spending surged 15% ($243B), with Israel’s expenditure jumping 65% ($46.5B).
  • NATO: Members spent $1506B (55% of global total), with 18 countries meeting the 2% GDP target.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. India Launches Indigenous HPV Test Kits for Cervical Cancer

• What:
  • India’s first indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening were validated by DBT’s Grand Challenges India initiative, developed by Molbio and Mylab.
• Why:
  • The kits aim to enhance cervical cancer screening accessibility and accuracy, addressing India’s high burden of the disease.
• Tell me more:
  • The kits detect eight high-risk HPV genotypes linked to over 96% of cervical cancer cases globally.
  • Validation involved AIIMS, NICPR, NIRRCH, and WHO’s IARC using chip-based RT-PCR technology.
  • Named Truenat® HPV-HR Plus (Molbio) and Patho detect (Mylab), they enable rapid, decentralized testing.
  • Cervical cancer causes 77,000 deaths annually in India, accounting for 25% of global cases.
  • WHO recommends HPV testing for 70% of women by 2030, with screenings at ages 35 and 45.

Source: TH

2. ISRO Successfully Tests Semicryogenic Engine for Second Time

• What:
  • ISRO conducted a successful 3.5-second hot test of its Semicryogenic Engine at IPRC, Mahendragiri, validating engine subsystems and operational sequencing after a previous test in March 2025.
• Why:
  • To validate design integrity, performance of critical subsystems, and pave the way for integrating the engine into ISRO’s launch vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • The test involved the Engine Power Head Test Article, excluding the thrust chamber, and achieved 60% of the engine’s rated power level.
  • Critical subsystems tested included low-pressure and high-pressure turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control systems.
  • Further qualification tests are planned to fully validate the engine system.

Source: ISRO

Awards

1. NICDC Wins Udyog Vikas Award for Palakkad Smart City

• What:
  • NICDC received the Udyog Vikas Award for developing the Palakkad Industrial Smart City, a 1,710-acre project in Kerala.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes NICDC’s role in advancing India’s industrial transformation through state-of-the-art smart cities and digital logistics solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Palakkad project spans Pudussery Central, Pudussery West, and Kannambra, located 21 km from Palakkad city.
  • It offers multi-modal connectivity (road, rail, air) and proximity to Cochin (120 km) and Coimbatore (50 km).
  • Key milestones: 81% land acquired, environmental clearances secured (January 2025), and EPC tender documents finalized.
  • NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL) showcased ULIP, integrating 43 systems from 11 ministries via 129 APIs.
  • ULIP has enabled 100+ crore API transactions and serves 1,300+ companies since its 2022 launch.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. World Day for Safety and Health at Work – April 28

• Theme: Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work

Source: ILO

Sports

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest IPL Centurion

• What:
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to score a century in IPL history and broke the record for the fastest hundred by any Indian in the tournament.
• Why:
  • Suryavanshi’s achievement set a new benchmark for young cricketers in the IPL, showcasing emerging talent in Indian cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Suryavanshi, aged 14 years and 32 days, scored 101 runs off just 38 balls, including 11 sixes and seven fours.
  • He reached his century in just 35 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred in IPL history.
  • Rajasthan Royals chased down Gujarat Titans’ target of 210 runs, finishing at 212 for two in 15.5 overs.
  • The previous record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian was held by Yusuf Pathan, who scored a 37-ball hundred in 2010 for Rajasthan Royals.
  • Chris Gayle holds the overall fastest IPL century record with a 30-ball hundred in 2013.

Source: HT

2. IPL 2025 Purple Cap Race Intensifies with Hazlewood Leading

• What:
  • Josh Hazlewood (RCB) leads the IPL 2025 Purple Cap race with 18 wickets, followed by Prasidh Krishna (17) and Noor Ahmad (14).
• Why:
  • The Purple Cap rewards the season’s top wicket-taker, highlighting individual bowling excellence in the tournament.
• Tell me more:
  • Top 5 bowlers: Hazlewood (18), Prasidh Krishna (17), Noor Ahmad (14), Mitchell Starc (14), Varun Chakaravarthy (13).
  • Historical records: Dwayne Bravo (2013) and Harshal Patel (2021) hold the record for most wickets (32 each).
  • Multiple winners: Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel have won the Purple Cap twice.
  • Trophy double: Only three bowlers (Sohail Tanvir, RP Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar) won the Purple Cap and IPL title in the same season.
  • National dominance: Indian bowlers have claimed the Purple Cap nine times, South Africans three times.

Source: OC

3. IPL 2025 Orange Cap Race Heats Up with Sai Sudharsan Leading

• What:
  • Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan leads the IPL 2025 Orange Cap race with 456 runs, followed by Virat Kohli (443) and Suryakumar Yadav (427).
• Why:
  • The Orange Cap recognizes the tournament’s top run-scorer, celebrating batting excellence in the IPL.
• Tell me more:
  • Top 5 batters: Sai Sudharsan (456), Virat Kohli (443), Suryakumar Yadav (427), Yashasvi Jaiswal (426), Jos Buttler (406).
  • Historical records: Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs in a season (973 in 2016).
  • Multiple winners: David Warner (3 times) and Virat Kohli (2 times) have won the Orange Cap multiple times.
  • Trophy double: Only Robin Uthappa (2014) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021) won the Orange Cap and IPL title in the same season.
  • National dominance: Indian batters have claimed the Orange Cap seven times, Australians six times.

Source: OC

4. India Dominates Asian Yogasana Championship with 83 Golds

• What:
  • India won a record 83 gold medals at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship in New Delhi, involving 21 countries.
• Why:
  • To promote yogasana as a competitive sport fostering physical and mental resilience across Asia.
• Tell me more:
  • Venue: KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
  • Participants: Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and others.
  • Medal tally: Japan (3 gold), Mongolia (1 gold), Oman (1 gold), Nepal (27 silver).
  • Event highlights: Cultural showcase and closing ceremony with Union Minister Harsh Malhotra.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Thai Businesswoman Elected First Female BWF President in Decades

• What:
  • Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul became the second female president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), bringing business acumen and a focus on global expansion.
• Why:
  • To boost badminton’s popularity, secure larger sponsorships, and address scheduling challenges while expanding into markets like the USA ahead of LA28 and Brisbane32 Olympics.
• Tell me more:
  • Initiatives: Introduced Thailand’s “Sport Street” (Sunday road closures for sports) and “Sport Every Event” (integrating sports into business/government gatherings).
  • Goals: Increase prize money, attract Asian sponsors, and promote outdoor badminton variants.

Source: IE

2. Former IAS Neeraj Kumar Gupta joins NSE International Exchange

• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) approved his appointment as Chairman and Public Interest Director on the governing board of NSE International Exchange or NSE IX with effect from April 1, 2025.

Source: PTI

Miscellaneous

1. The Kashmir Shawl Book by Rosie Thomas

Source: ETV

2. Former Indian Army Vice Chief Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman Passes Away

• Former Indian Army Vice Chief Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman (78) passed away, remembered as “a soldier at heart and a leader in spirit.”
• Key position: First Director General of Information Systems for the Indian Army.

Source: ET

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