Daily Current Affairs : 05 May 2025
Union Cabinet Approves Caste Census Inclusion, Sugarcane FRP Hike, and Meghalaya-Assam Greenfield Expressway Project.
National
On April 30, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the following key proposals:
- The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. This decision was made after several states conducted individual caste surveys that were criticized for lacking transparency and clear intent.
- As a result, the Government of India has decided to integrate caste enumeration within the main census framework rather than conducting separate surveys.
Main Point :-
(i) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the FRP of sugarcane for the sugar season 2025-26 (October to September) at Rs 355 per quintal for a basic recovery rate of 10.25%. This FRP will be effective from 1st October 2025 and will be applicable to all sugar mills purchasing sugarcane from farmers.
(ii) The CCEA, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, also approved a major infrastructure project for the development, maintenance, and management of a Greenfield High-Speed Corridor along National Highway 06 (NH-06).
(iii) The expressway will stretch 166.80 kilometres, connecting Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong), Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar), Assam. It will be a four-lane, access-controlled expressway, with 144.80 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam, developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at an estimated cost of Rs 22,864 crore.
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Maharashtra Approves Indiaβs First Shipbuilding, Repair, and Recycling Policy 2025.
National
In April 2025, the Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, approved the 'Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025', making Maharashtra the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy in the maritime manufacturing sector.
- This landmark initiative is in line with the Union Government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to position India among the top five global shipbuilding nations by 2047.
- The policy emphasizes transforming Maharashtra into a maritime hub through key strategic investments and employment generation.
- It targets an investment of Rs 6,600 crore by 2030, aiming to create 40,000 jobs in the shipbuilding, repair, and recycling ecosystem.
Main Point :-
(i) The policy offers attractive financial incentives to boost investment in the maritime sector. It includes a capital subsidy of 15% of the project cost, support of up to Rs 1 crore per project for skill development, and funding of up to Rs 25 crore for research and development (R&D) activities. These measures are designed to promote innovation, workforce training, and technological advancement in shipbuilding and allied industries.
(ii) To facilitate infrastructure development, the policy ensures concessional land allotment to eligible maritime projects on long-term leases of 30 years, with an option for renewal.
(iii) This provision aims to make land acquisition more accessible and affordable for industry players, thereby accelerating the establishment of shipyards, repair docks, and recycling facilities in Maharashtra.
About the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
Cabinet Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
Headquarters: New Delhi
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MoHFW Launches New Digital Platform to Ensure Faster Services for CGHS Beneficiaries.
App and Web Portal
In April 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched a new version of its flagship programme, the Health Management Information System (HMIS), to provide faster services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
- The platform was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and went live on April 28, 2025.
- Besides HMIS, the MoHFW also re-launched the CGHS mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms with a redesigned interface and enhanced digital services to improve the user experience and accessibility for beneficiaries.
Main Point :-
(i) The earlier CGHS websites, www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in, were officially deactivated. All services and updates are now available only on the new portal: cghs.mohfw.gov.in.
(ii) The upgraded HMIS offers faster, more transparent, and user-friendly access to CGHS services. The old software, in use since 2005, was outdated in terms of IT standards, cybersecurity, and usability.
(iii) The new system introduces features like PAN-based beneficiary identification, real-time tracking, automated payment verification, and fully online application workflows.
About MoHFW
Minister : Jagat Prakash Nadda
Headquarters: New Delhi
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India's Coastline Length Updated to 11,098.81 km After Methodology Revision.
National
In April 2025, as per the Survey of India (SoI) data, Indiaβs coastline length was officially updated to 11,098.81 kilometers (km), marking an increase of 3,582.21 km or nearly 50% from the earlier figure of 7,516.60 km recorded since the 1970s.
- This revision is the result of a multi-year scientific assessment led by the Dehradun (Uttarakhand)-based National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) in coordination with SoI.
- As per the revised measurements, Gujarat holds the longest coastline among states, while Goa has the shortest.
- Among union territories (UTs), the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands have the longest coastline, whereas Puducherry has the shortest.
Main Point :-
(i) In April 2025, Indiaβs coastline length was officially revised to 11,098.81 km, up by 3,582.21 km from the earlier figure of 7,516.60 km used since the 1970s. This revision was led by the National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) and Survey of India (SoI) using modern scientific methods.
(ii) The older data was based on outdated methods with a smaller scale (1:4,500,000), while the updated data used a more accurate 1:250,000 scale and GIS technology. The new figure also includes 1,298 offshore islands/islets, which were earlier missed.
(iii) The revised length was accepted in January 2024 during a meeting at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), New Delhi, with all coastal States/UTs. Gujarat now has the longest coastline among states, while Goa has the shortest; among UTs, Andaman & Nicobar Islands lead, and Puducherry is the shortest.
About Survey of India (Sol)
Surveyor General of India : Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
Headquarters : Dehradun
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MHA Forms High-Level Panel Led by Union Minister Amit Shah for National Disaster Management.
National
On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, constituted a High-Level Committee (HLC) under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This committee aims to enhance national disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, as mandated by the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The HLC was established under sub-section (2) of Section 8B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as amended by the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2024. This provision empowers the central government to constitute a high-level committee for overseeing disaster management efforts.
- The committee comprises key government officials, including Union Minister Amit Shah (Chairperson), Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Ministry of Finance), and Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
- The primary objective of the HLC is to strengthen India's resilience against natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents. It seeks to ensure a coordinated national disaster management strategy.
Main Point :-
(i) Key responsibilities of the committee include guiding national disaster management policies, coordinating efforts among various ministries and agencies, overseeing long-term risk reduction strategies, and monitoring the preparedness levels of States and Union Territories.
(ii) By incorporating representatives from finance, agriculture, and planning sectors, the committee adopts a multi-sectoral approach to ensure efficient resource utilization, cohesive policy implementation, and effective execution of disaster risk plans.
(iii) This initiative underscores the government's commitment to bolstering disaster management frameworks and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens through proactive and coordinated efforts.
About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Union Minister : Amit Shah
Headquarters: New Delhi
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Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates Worldβs First Energy Transmission Garden in Hyderabad.
National
In April 2025, Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, recently inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the worldβs first energy transmission garden at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, Telangana.
- The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MoC) as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system.
Main Point :-
(i) The garden hosts 40 species of medicinal trees, such as Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond, chosen for their spiritual and healing properties.
(ii) Designed to emit Pranahuti (yogic transmission), it includes acupressure pathways, percolation pits, and sloped landscapes to enhance rainwater harvesting and promote ecological sustainability.
About Telangana
Chief Minister (CM): A Revanth Reddy
Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
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India Conducts First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Hemophilia.
National
India achieved a significant milestone in medical science in April 2025, by conducting its first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia.
- The trial was carried out through a collaboration between Bengaluru-based Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council's (BRIC's) Institute for Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore in Vellore, Tamil Nadu (TN).
- This achievement was announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), during his inspection of facilities at BRIC-inStem.
- Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder where blood does not clot normally, leading to abnormal bleeding.
Main Point :-
(i) In this trial, patients with severe haemophilia A received autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) that were genetically modified using lentiviral vectors to express the Factor VIII gene.
(ii) These modified cells were transplanted back into the patients, enabling their bodies to naturally produce the necessary clotting factor.
(iii) Indiaβs Biotechnology sector experienced remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold to reach USD 165.7 billion in 2024, with a target to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
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UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks, North Korea and Saudi Arabia Included for the First Time.
International
In April 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGP), under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its Global Geoparks Network (GGN). The list was announced as part of the networkβs 10th anniversary celebrations.
- North Korea marked a historic first with the inclusion of Mt. Paektu, while Saudi Arabia debuted with North Riyadh and Salma. India does not have any site featured in the latest list.
- In April 2025, UNESCO added 16 new Global Geoparks to its Global Geoparks Network (GGN), spanning 11 countries. China received recognition for two new sites: Kanbula and Yunyang. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) joined the network for the first time with the inclusion of Mt Paektu. From Ecuador, two sites were added β Napo Sumaco and Tungurahua Volcano. Indonesia also saw the addition of two geoparks: Kebumen and Meratus.
- Italy's new entry is Mur Geopark, while Norway added The Fjord Coast. South Korea (Republic of Korea) contributed two sites β Danyang and Gyeongbuk Donghaean. Making its debut, Saudi Arabia had North Riyadh and Salma included in the list. Other additions include Costa Quebrada from Spain, Arran from the United Kingdom of England and Northern Ireland, and Lang Son from Vietnam.
Main Point :-
(i) With these additions, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network now includes 229 sites across 50 countries, covering a total area of approximately 855,000 square kilometers.
(ii) UNESCO Global Geoparks serve as models for the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, support educational initiatives, and promote sustainable tourism.
(iii) To maintain standards, each Geopark undergoes a revalidation process every four years. A green card confirms the site's renewal for four years, while a yellow card grants renewal for two years. Among the 39 sites reviewed, 33 received green cards and 6 received yellow cards.
About UNESCO
Director-General : Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters : Paris, France
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Forbes India W-Power 2025: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia Shine Among Top 20 Self-Made Women in India.
International
In April 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Forbes India, in collaboration with France-based L'OrΓ©al Paris, unveiled its annual W-Power 2025 list, celebrating 20 exceptional self-made women who have exemplified leadership, innovation, and resilience across diverse sectors such as business, finance, sports, entertainment, and public service.
- The honorees included Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia, among others, recognized for their impactful contributions and unwavering commitment to building inspiring legacies.
Main Point :-
(i) W-Power Launched in 2017, this initiative seeks to spotlight self-made women who have forged their own paths to success, acting as role models for future generations.
(ii) The Forbes India editorial team curated the list using both primary and secondary research, focusing on entrepreneurs and professionals without inherited wealth or privileged positions.
(iii) Key evaluation metrics included a combination of financial success, influence and leadership, innovation, and societal impact, which collectively highlighted the honorees' ability to drive change, inspire others, and create lasting value across their respective fields.
About Forbes India
Editor: Suveen Sinha
Headquarter : Mumbai
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SRFTI Film βA Doll Made of Clayβ Secures Spot at Cannes Film Festival 2025.
International
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), has announced the entry of its film "A Doll Made Up of Clay" to the 78th Festival De Cannes.
- The film has been officially selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which highlights works by film school students from around the globe.
- The film has been written and directed by KokobGebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student at SRFTI under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle.
- The story revolves around a 23-year-old Nigerian footballer, Ahmed, who initially came to play seven-a-side games in the city but unexpectedly transitioned into acting.
Main Point :-
(i) The 23-minute experimental film was created as part of an academic project for the Department of Producing for Film and Television at SRFTI. It uniquely blends the Yoruba and Bengali languages.
(ii) SRFTI, established in 1995, is a premier autonomous institution dedicated to film and television education in India. It is named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray and is located in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
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FAO Unveils 'AIM4NatuRe Initiative' to Enhance Global Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring.
International
In April 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), based in Rome, Italy, launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4Nature) initiative to improve global monitoring of ecosystem restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and degraded farmlands.
- This four-year (2025-2028) initiative was launched with support of 7 million Great British Pounds (GBP), or approximately USD 9.38 million, from the United Kingdom (UK).
- Initial pilot projects will begin in Brazil and Peru, in collaboration with FAOβs Indigenous Peoples Unit, to incorporate traditional knowledge and biocentric practices.
Main Point :-
(i) The initiative builds upon FAOβs AIM4Forests, utilizing advanced tools such as the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) to improve restoration monitoring and reporting efforts.
(ii) It directly supports Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
(iii) The initiative addresses data gaps identified by a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) survey, revealing that 80% of countries lack the technical skills needed to track restoration.
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SBI Partners with LPAI to Strengthen Banking Services for Border Trade.
Banking & Finance
In April 2025, State Bank of India (SBI), headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), based in New Delhi (Delhi). LPAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MoU aims to improve the banking services infrastructure at 26 land ports located along India's borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
- The MoU was signed by S N Panigrahi, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of SBI, and Vidyadhar Jha, Director (Operations) of LPAI.
- SBI will introduce Foreign Exchange (Forex) services, Letter of Credit (LC)/Bank Guarantee (BG), bulk cargo insurance, and digital banking solutions like YONO 2.0 and e-Trade at land ports within six months. The initiative aims to boost annual border trade from βΉ80,000 crore (2025) to βΉ2 trillion by 2030.
- Around 1,900 LPAI employees will receive SBIβs corporate salary packages, which include personal accident insurance, loan facilities, and discounted locker rentals. These benefits will also be extended to over 5,000 personnel from the BSF and Customs Department.
Main Point :-
(i) LPAI currently manages 15 land ports across 8 border states and plans to construct 11 additional ports in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
(ii) The partnership is set to streamline cross-border transactions and support management of βΉ71,000 crore worth of forex trade annually.
(iii) The MoU signifies a joint effort by SBI and LPAI under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to strengthen financial infrastructure and promote ease of doing border trade across Indiaβs northeastern and eastern borders.
About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)
Chairperson : Aditya Mishra
Headquarters: New Delhi
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Sa-Dhan Partners with Bol to Boost Financial Access for Small, Micro, and Women-Led Enterprises.
Banking & Finance
In April 2025, Sa-Dhan, a New Delhi (Delhi)-based Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for microfinance and impact finance institutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of India (BoI), headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra).
- The MoU aims to improve financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of India, thereby promoting financial inclusion and contributing to the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The MoU was signed by Jiji Mammen, Executive Director (ED) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sa-Dhan, and P. R. Rajagopal, Executive Director of BoI.
Main Point :-
(i) The collaboration focuses on enterprise financing by providing loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and individual entrepreneurs who are not part of SHGs. It also aims to foster co-lending partnerships with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to enhance credit access for underserved segments, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
(ii) Another major focus area is climate and green financing, where both Sa-Dhan and Bank of India will support initiatives promoting the adoption of climate-resilient technologies and investments in environmentally sustainable projects. The partnership also includes funding for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs to improve rural sanitation and access to clean drinking water.
(iii) In addition, the MoU emphasizes financial literacy, with plans to conduct workshops and awareness programs. These will aim to educate rural entrepreneurs about various government welfare schemes and promote the use of digital banking tools to improve financial inclusion.
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Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed as Chairman of Newly Reconstituted NSAB.
Appointment
In April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed Alok Joshi, former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as its new Chairman.
- This strategic development aims to enhance Indiaβs national security advisory framework in response to recent challenges.
- The reconstitution of NSAB followed a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, after the Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) terrorist attack.
- Alok Joshi, a 1976-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre, served as the Chief of R&AW from December 30, 2012, to December 31, 2014.
Main Point :-
(i) The newly formed seven-member NSAB includes eminent retired officials from Indiaβs military, police, and diplomatic sectors.
(ii) The NSAB, established in 1998, serves as a key advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC) of India, which is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
About National Security Council (NSC) β India
National Security Advisor (NSA): Ajit Kumar Doval
Headquarters: New Delhi
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National Archives of India Launches Book Titled "Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician".
Books & Authors
In April 2025, the National Archives of India (NAI), headquartered in New Delhi (Delhi), in collaboration with the Vani Prakashan Group, launched the book titled "Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician" at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
- The book is co-authored by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma and pays tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India's most iconic mathematicians.
Main Point :-
(i) The book offers an in-depth narrative of Ramanujanβs journeyβfrom his modest beginnings in Erode, Tamil Nadu (TN) to his extraordinary contributions to the global field of mathematics.
(ii) It focuses on his pioneering work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, most of which he achieved with minimal formal education.
(iii) The publication is enriched with original letters and archival documents, including Ramanujan's correspondence with renowned British mathematician G.H. Hardy, who played a crucial role in bringing his work to international prominence.
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Gopalkrishna Gandhi Releases Memoir Titled 'The Undying Light'.
Books & Authors
In April 2025, renowned author and former Governor of West Bengal (WB), Gopalkrishna Gandhi released his memoir titled "The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India." The book was published by New Delhi (Delhi)-based Aleph Book Company, spans 624 pages, and is available in English in hardcover format.
- The memoir opens with a poignant, personal recollection of Mahatma Gandhiβs assassination, which the author witnessed at the age of three.
- From this deeply emotional starting point, the book expands into a broad and reflective account of Indiaβs political journey after 1947, interweaving personal memories with landmark historical developments.
- Offering an insiderβs view of Indiaβs socio-political landscape, the memoir is both historically rich and introspective. It serves as a valuable resource for students and competitive exam aspirants, providing context and commentary on pivotal moments in Indian history through the lens of lived experience.
Main Point :-
(i) Gopalkrishna Devadas Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari (Indiaβs last Governor-General), served as the Governor of West Bengal from 14 December 2004 to 14 December 2009.
(ii) With a distinguished background in public service and literature, his memoir contributes significantly to the canon of modern Indian political writing.
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International Workersβ Day 2025 Observed on May 1 to Honour Global Labour Contributions.
Important Days
International Workers' Day, also known as International Labour Day, is observed annually on May 1st to recognize the contributions of workers worldwide and advocate for workers' rights. In India, it is popularly referred to as May Day, Antar Rashtriya Shramik Divas, or Kamgar Din.
- The origin of this observance traces back to the Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago, United States. On May 4, 1886, a peaceful rally supporting the demand for an eight-hour workday turned violent after a bomb was thrown at the police, resulting in multiple casualties.
- To honor this event, the Second International (an international federation of socialist and labor parties) in 1889 declared May 1st as International Workers' Day.
Main Point :-
(i) On the occasion of Labour Day 2025, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India (GoI), signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
(ii) The initiative aims to enhance access to finance, technology, and ensure a safe, sustainable work environment for waste pickers across India.
(iii) On May 1, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the βOdisha Shramik Sathiβ mobile application during a state-level Labour Day celebration in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to support the welfare of labourers and workers in the state.
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World Tuna Day 2025 Observed on May 2 to Promote Tuna Conservation.
Important Days
The United Nations (UN)βs World Tuna Day is observed globally on 2nd May every year to highlight the ecological and economic significance of tuna species, advocate for sustainable fishing practices, and raise awareness about the impact of overfishing on marine biodiversity.
Main Point :-
(i) On 7th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially declaring 2nd May as World Tuna Day.
(ii) The resolution was spearheaded by Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries are vital to economic development and national GDP.
(iii) The inaugural World Tuna Day was observed on 2nd May 2017.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
Director-General : QU Dongyu (China)
Headquarters : Rome, Italy
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Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches 'E-Kalyan' Portal of ESOMSA to Streamline Welfare Schemes.
App and Web Portal
In April 2025, Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the E-Kalyan Portal, developed by the Department for Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). This digital initiative is aimed at streamlining the application process for various social security pension schemes across the state.
- The launch of the E-Kalyan Portal showcases the HP governmentβs dedication to transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in the delivery of social welfare schemes.
Main Point :-
(i) The portal is connected to multiple government databasesβHim Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and the Public Distribution System (PDS)βto facilitate automatic verification and minimize manual documentation.
(ii) Eligible beneficiaries can apply online directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan.
(iii) Applicants are digitally notified about application errors, verification status, and approvals, allowing them to track the process conveniently from home.
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A glimpse towards question answer.
Question :
What is the total estimated cost of the recently approved Greenfield expressway project connecting Meghalaya and Assam?
(1)
22,864 crore
(2)
25,000 crore
(3)
18,750 crore
(4)
15,000 crore
Ans :
22,864 crore
Question :
Which Indian state recently approved the countryβs first Shipbuilding, Repair, and Recycling Policy 2025?
(1)
Maharashtra
(2)
Andhra Pradesh
(3)
Tamil Nadu
(4)
Gujarat
Ans :
Maharashtra
Question :
Which ministry recently launched a revamped version of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) to provide faster services under the CGHS?
(1)
MoHFW
(2)
MoSPI
(3)
MoD
(4)
MeitY
Ans :
MoHFW
Question :
Recently, under which section of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, was the High-Level Committee constituted?
(1)
Section 8B(2)
(2)
Section 6
(3)
Section 12
(4)
Section 10
Ans :
Section 8B(2)
Question :
Recently, who inaugurated the world's first energy transmission garden in Hyderabad?
(1)
Jishnu Dev Varma
(2)
Nirmala Sitharaman
(3)
Narendra Modi
(4)
Revanth Reddy
Ans :
Jishnu Dev Varma
Question :
Who inaugurated India's first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia?
(1)
Dr. Jitendra Singh
(2)
Dr. Renu Swarup
(3)
Dr. K. VijayRaghavan
(4)
Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose
Ans :
Dr. Jitendra Singh
Question :
Recently, how many new sites were added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in April 2025?
(1)
16
(2)
10
(3)
25
(4)
11
Ans :
16
Question :
Recently, which film from SRFTI has been selected for the 78th Festival De Cannes 2025?
(1)
A Doll Made of Clay
(2)
Portrait in Motion
(3)
Echoes of Bengal
(4)
The Sound of Silence
Ans :
A Doll Made of Clay
Question :
Recently, which organization launched the AIM4Nature Initiative to enhance global ecosystem restoration monitoring?
(1)
FAO
(2)
WHO
(3)
UNEP
(4)
IUCN
Ans :
FAO
Question :
Recently, which Indian bank signed an MoU with LPAI to enhance banking services at land ports across Indiaβs borders?
(1)
SBI
(2)
ICICI Bank
(3)
HDFC Bank
(4)
Axis Bank
Ans :
SBI
Question :
Recently, which bank signed an MoU with Sa-Dhan to improve financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises in rural and semi-urban India?
(1)
Bank of India (BoI)
(2)
Union Bank of India
(3)
Bank of India
(4)
Canara Bank
Ans :
Bank of India (BoI)
Question :
Recently, who was appointed as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)?
(1)
Alok Joshi
(2)
Pankaj Mohan Sinha
(3)
Rajiv Ranjan Verma
(4)
Ajit Doval
Ans :
Alok Joshi
Question :
Recently, on which date was International Workersβ Day 2025 observed to honour global labour contributions?
(1)
1 May
(2)
15 March
(3)
26 April
(4)
5 June
Ans :
1 May
Question :
Recently, on which date was World Tuna Day 2025 observed to promote tuna conservation and sustainable fishing?
(1)
May 2
(2)
April 30
(3)
May 1
(4)
May 3
Ans :
May 2
Question :
Recently, which Chief Minister launched the 'E-Kalyan' portal to streamline welfare schemes in Himachal Pradesh?
(1)
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
(2)
Ashok Gehlot
(3)
Jairam Thakur
(4)
Bhupesh Baghel
Ans :
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Question :
Recently, what is the officially updated length of Indiaβs coastline as per the Survey of India (SoI) in April 2025?
(1)
11,098.81 km
(2)
7,516.60 km
(3)
10,456.29 km
(4)
12,201.54 km
Ans :
11,098.81 km
Question :
Recently, who among the following was featured in the Forbes India W-Power 2025 list?
(1)
Payal Kapadia
(2)
Hima Das
(3)
PV Sindhu
(4)
Nirmala Sitharaman
Ans :
Payal Kapadia
Question :
Recently, which organization launched the book titled "Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician"?
(1)
National Archives of India
(2)
National Book Trust
(3)
Indian National Science Academy
(4)
None of the above
Ans :
National Archives of India
Question :
Recently, who released the memoir titled "The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India"?
(1)
Gopalkrishna Gandhi
(2)
Arundhati Roy
(3)
Shashi Tharoor
(4)
Ramachandra Guha
Ans :
Gopalkrishna Gandhi