15th April 2025

1. Telangana Becomes First State to Implement SC Sub-Categorisation
2. Siachen Day: Honouring the Bravehearts of the World’s Highest Battlefield
3. Milkfed Launches ‘Veera’ Mascot for Verka to Boost Nationwide Presence
4. India Finishes Second Overall in First ISSF World Cup 2025
5. Sivakami Honoured with Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025
6. Carlos Alcaraz Wins 2025 Monte Carlo Masters
7. Mario Vargas Llosa A Noble Award Winner Passed Away
8. Jean Marsh Emmy-Winning ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ Actress Passed Away
9. Bohag Bihu 2025: A Celebration of Assamese New Year and Harvest Joy
10. World Chagas Disease Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance
11. Virat Kohli’s 100th T20 Half-Century A Landmark for King
12. Indian Men’s Recurve Team Wins Silver in Stage 1 At Archery World Cup 25
13. Oscar Piastri Wins 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix
14. Aamir Khan Honoured at Macau Comedy Festival 2025
15. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
16. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully trialled the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system
17. Maharashtra-ROSATOM Partnership for Thorium Reactor
18. Odisha Launches Unified Health Insurance Scheme
19. Punjab Bans Hybrid Rice Seeds
20. India Launches Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk
21. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently introduced the BM-04, a next-generation short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)

State News

1. Telangana Becomes First State to Implement SC Sub-Categorisation

• What:
  • Telangana government issued a gazette notification to implement Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-categorisation, dividing SCs into three groups with separate reservations within the 15% SC quota.
• Why:
  • The move aims to ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits among different SC sub-castes and address long-standing demands for classification.
• Tell me more:
  • The Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2025, was implemented after receiving the governor’s assent on April 8, 2025, and published in the Telangana Gazette on April 14, 2025.
  • Group I will get 1% reservation, Group II will get 9%, and Group III will get 5% within the total 15% SC quota.
  • Group I includes 15 socio-economically backward castes, Group II has 18, and Group III has 26 such castes.
  • The reservation will be applied in employment and education.
  • If the SC population increases in the 2026 census, reservation will be adjusted as per their population.

Source: IE

2. Milkfed Launches Mascot ‘Veera’ for Verka Dairy Brand

• What:
  • Milkfed, a Punjab-based milk cooperative, launched its mascot ‘Veera’ for the Verka dairy brand to promote its products and boost sales.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to popularize Verka products and increase their reach across the country.
• Tell me more:
  • The mascot ‘Veera’ represents a smiling young Sikh boy with folded hands, symbolizing warmth and greetings.
  • The launch coincided with the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a ₹135 crore project in Amritsar district.
  • The project focuses on enhancing the production capacity of sterilized flavored milk and new fermented dairy products like lassi, curd, and flavored milk.
  • Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that Verka products will now also be available on e-commerce platforms for global accessibility.

Source: NOA

3. Odisha Launches Unified Health Insurance Scheme

• What:
  • Odisha launched a unified health insurance scheme integrating Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, and Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to provide universal healthcare coverage to around 352 lakh people across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme offers ₹5 lakh health coverage per family annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members.
  • Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana covers all individuals aged 70 years and above, regardless of income.
  • Nadda also inaugurated the new Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Postgraduate Institute of Pediatrics building during his visit.

Source: NOA

Defence News

1. India Successfully Tests Laser-Directed Energy Weapon System

• What:
  • India successfully tested the indigenously developed 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool.
• Why:
  • The trial demonstrates India’s capability to develop advanced defence technology to counter missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles effectively.
• Tell me more:
  • The system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in collaboration with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
  • It engaged fixed-wing drones, thwarted multiple drone attacks, and destroyed enemy surveillance sensors and antennae during the trial.
  • The laser-DEW system uses radar or Electro Optic (EO) systems to detect targets and engages them at the speed of light.

Source: IT

2. India Unveils Hypersonic Short-Range Ballistic Missile BM-04

• What:
  • DRDO revealed details of BM-04, a short-range ballistic missile with hypersonic capabilities, during the Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 defence exhibition in Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The missile is designed to neutralize enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems and ensure operational freedom for Indian defence forces in contested battlefields.
• Tell me more:
  • BM-04 has an operational range of 400 to 1500 kilometers and is powered by solid fuel.
  • It is equipped with a 500 kg conventional warhead and uses the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System and GPS for targeting.
  • The missile’s circular error probability (CEP) is less than 30 meters, ensuring high accuracy.
  • It is road-mobile and deployed using a six-axle Tatra launcher vehicle.
  • The missile’s design resembles the Agni I-class missile, indicating advancements in hypersonic technology.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Maharashtra Signs MoU with Russia for Thorium Reactor Development

• What:
  • Maharashtra signed an MoU with Russia’s ROSATOM to develop a Small Modular Reactor based on thorium fuel under the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ initiative.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to commercialize thorium reactors, ensure compliance with Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards, and establish an assembly line for thorium reactors.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed between Mahagenco and ROSATOM in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
  • The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will provide strategic support for the project.
  • A joint working group comprising representatives from Mahagenco, ROSATOM, MITRA, and Global Technology Alliance will oversee coordination and research.
  • All work will adhere to the guidelines of the Government of India and AERB.

Source: ET

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Punjab Bans Sale of Hybrid Paddy Seeds

• What:
  • The Punjab government has banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds (non-Basmati rice) due to high prices and lower milling returns for farmers.
• Why:
  • The ban aims to address issues like lower out-turn ratios (OTR) during milling and to prevent resistance from millers, as seen in the 2024–25 Kharif season.
• Tell me more:
  • Hybrid seeds reportedly fail to meet the 67% OTR mandated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), with millers claiming OTRs of 60%–63%.
  • Farmers prefer hybrid seeds for their short growth cycle, high yields, water savings, and lower stubble output.
  • Experts attribute poor milling results to delayed procurement, improper drying, and outdated milling equipment rather than seed quality.
  • Critics argue that the ban contradicts the Seed Act, 1966, and Seed Control Order, 1983, which allow the sale of Centre-notified seeds.

Source: IE

Awards

1. P Sivakami Honored with Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025

• What:
  • Retired IAS officer and writer P Sivakami received the Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025 at the valedictory of the two-day Verchol Literary gathering.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes her contributions to addressing the issues faced by Dalits and marginalized communities through her writings and public life.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented by Neelam Cultural Centre during the Vaanam Art Festival.
  • The Verchol Literary gathering is an annual event organized as part of the Vaanam Art Festival.
  • The Neelam Cultural Centre promotes Dalit literature and culture through various initiatives.

Source: IE

2. Aamir Khan Honored at Macau Comedy Festival

• Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was honored at the Macau Comedy Festival in China for his contributions to cinema, especially his success in the Chinese market.
• The festival began on April 9, and Aamir will participate in a panel discussion titled “Laughter is the Best Medicine” about the social impact of comedy.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. Siachen Day – April 13

• What:
  • April 13 is observed as Siachen Day to honor the Indian Army’s successful Operation Meghdoot in 1984, which secured key positions on the Siachen Glacier.
• Why:
  • The operation aimed to preempt Pakistan’s attempts to seize strategic locations on the Siachen Glacier and establish India’s control over the world’s highest battlefield.
• Tell me more:
  • Operation Meghdoot was launched on April 13, 1984, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lieutenant General PN Hoon, and Major General Shiv Sharma.
  • Indian troops captured Bilafond La Pass and other key positions, gaining a strategic advantage in the Kashmir region.
  • The operation involved seamless coordination between the Indian Army and Air Force, with IAF helicopters like Mi-17 and Cheetah playing a critical role in transporting troops and supplies.
  • The Siachen Glacier is located at an altitude of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Range and is known as the highest militarized zone globally.
  • The glacier dominates key areas such as Shaksgam Valley (ceded to China by Pakistan), routes from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh, and the Karakoram Pass.

Source: BS

2. World Chagas Disease Day – April 14

• Theme: Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s role in Chagas disease

Source: WHO

Sports

1. India Secures Second Spot at ISSF World Cup 2025

• What:
  • India finished second in the standings at the first leg of the ISSF World Cup 2025 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, winning 8 medals including 4 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.
• Why:
  • The achievement highlights India’s strong performance in international shooting sports and showcases the talent of Indian shooters.
• Tell me more:
  • On the last day, Saurabh Chaudhary and Suruchi Singh won bronze in a mixed team event, defeating compatriots Manu Bhaker and Ravinder Singh by 16-8.
  • Other medal winners included Sift Kaur Samra, Rudrankksh Patil, Suruchi Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu, Esha Singh, Chain Singh, and the duo of Arya Borse and Rudrankksh Patil.
  • The second stage of the ISSF World Cup will begin tomorrow in Lima, Peru.

Source: NOA

2. Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Monte Carlo Masters Title

• What:
  • Carlos Alcaraz won his first Monte Carlo Masters title by defeating Lorenzo Musetti.
• Why:
  • The victory marks Alcaraz’s sixth Masters title and boosts his ranking to No. 2, displacing Alexander Zverev.
• Tell me more:
  • Musetti rose to No. 11 in rankings and highlighted his strong performance leading up to the French Open next month.
  • Carlos Alcaraz is a four-time Grand Slam winner.
  • The Monte Carlo Masters is part of the ATP Masters 1000 series, played on clay courts.

Source: HT

3. Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 100 T20 Half-Centuries

• What:
  • Virat Kohli achieved the milestone of 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket during his unbeaten knock of 62 runs against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • He has scored 100 fifties and 9 centuries in 405 T20 matches, placing him second on the all-time list behind David Warner.
  • David Warner leads the all-time T20 half-century list with 108 fifties.
  • Other notable players on the list include Babar Azam (90 fifties), Chris Gayle (88), and Jos Buttler (86).

Source: TOI

4. India Finishes Fourth at Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 1

• What:
  • India won four medals, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze, at the Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 1 in Auburndale, USA.
• Why:
  • The performance showcases India’s growing strength in archery and highlights individual and team achievements on the global stage.
• Tell me more:

Source: OC

5. Oscar Piastri (Australian) Wins 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix

Source: SS

Miscellaneous

1. Mario Vargas Llosa Passes Away at Age 89

• What:
  • Nobel Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa passed away peacefully in Lima at the age of 89.
• Tell me more:
  • Vargas Llosa won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 for his exploration of power structures and human resilience.
  • He authored notable works such as Conversation in the Cathedral (1969), The War of the End of the World (1981), and Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter (1977).
  • Born in Arequipa, Peru, he attended the National University of San Marcos and later studied in Madrid and Paris.
  • Vargas Llosa’s first novel, The Time of the Hero (1963), was translated into over a dozen languages.

Source: CNN

2. Jean Marsh, Co-Creator of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs,’ Passes Away at 90

• What:
  • Emmy-winning actress and co-creator of Upstairs, Downstairs, Jean Marsh, died at the age of 90 in London due to complications from dementia.
• Tell me more:
  • Marsh won an Emmy Award in 1975 for her role as Mrs. Rose Buck in Upstairs, Downstairs, which aired from 1971 to 1975 with 68 episodes.
  • The series was revived in 2010 for BBC One, where Marsh reprised her role.
  • Her other notable works include Frenzy, The Eagle Has Landed, Return to Oz, Willow, and The House of Eliott.
  • Marsh was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her contributions to arts and entertainment.

Source: TOI

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