- ECMS stands out as India’s first dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme focused exclusively on accelerating the manufacturing of electronic components.

Main Point :-   (i) In April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the scheme with a total outlay of Rs 22,919 crore, covering a period of six years from Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) to FY2031-32 (FY32).

      (ii) Additionally, the GoI has selected Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based startup Sarvam to develop India’s first indigenous AI Large Language Model (LLM) under the Rs 10,370 crore India AI Mission, further marking a milestone in India’s tech innovation landscape.

Main Point :-   (i) The contract was signed during a virtual ceremony attended by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, and Thierry Matho, Defence Minister of France.

      (ii) The agreement is a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal, meaning it was directly negotiated and concluded between the two governments, without the involvement of private entities.

(iii) Deliveries of the Rafale-M fighter jets are scheduled to begin by the end of 2029 and are expected to be completed by 2031.

      - Established in 2018 under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) serves as the central agency for coordinating efforts to combat cybercrime across India.

Main Point :-   (i) Amid the rising cases of cyber fraud affecting the general public, this initiative will aid in identifying perpetrators behind trans-national cybercrimes.

      (ii) These cyber frauds are often executed through fake websites, misleading social media pages, and paid advertisements on search engines. Fraudsters trick victims by sending OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or malicious links via phone or email. Once the unsuspecting user clicks the link or shares the OTP, their devices become compromised.

(iii) The government has urged citizens to report cyber fraud through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the cyber helpline 1930.

Main Point :-   (i) The primary objective of this initiative is to assist coastal communities in creating and managing MPAs by eliminating barriers that hinder their conservation efforts.

      (ii) Revive Our Ocean has also formed the Revive Our Ocean Collective, uniting local leaders and successful community organizations to promote collaborative marine protection.

(iii) Initially, the programme will focus on seven countries: United Kingdom (UK), Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico.

      - The Ebola strain involved in this outbreak was the SVD subtype, which, in past outbreaks, has had a fatality rate of 4 in 10 people infected.

Main Point :-   (i) SVD is a severe disease caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV), which belongs to the same family as the Ebola Virus (EBOV). SUDV was first identified in southern Sudan in June 1976.

      (ii) Prior to this outbreak, there had been 8 previous outbreaks caused by SUDV, with 5 occurring in Uganda and 3 in Sudan. Uganda last reported an SVD outbreak in 2022.

      - The platform offers virtual interactions with leadership and gamified modules covering company history, values, and culture.

Main Point :-   (i) Uniform onboarding is provided for thousands of employees annually, regardless of their location, and modules are accessible for 60 days post-joining for ongoing learning.

      (ii) Real-time HR dashboards track employee progress and reduce onboarding time, resulting in faster employee productivity.

(iii) Axis Max Life Insurance is a joint venture (JV) between Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) and Axis Bank Limited.

      - This record-setting painting is scheduled to be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games on May 4, 2025. This marks the first time the games are being hosted in Bihar, with events spread across cities like Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.

Main Point :-   (i) Madhubani, also known as Mithila painting, is a traditional folk art that originates from the Mithila region in Bihar, particularly the town of Madhubani. The artists used natural colors made from turmeric, beetroot, carbon, and flowers to craft the record-breaking painting.

      (ii) The second Guinness World Record was set in Bodh Gaya, where 375 Buddhist monks—aged between five and seventy—came together to perform a singing bowl ensemble. This gathering marked the largest-ever such performance linked to traditional Buddhist rituals and meditation.

(iii) This unique event was organised by the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA). Singing bowl performances are deeply connected with Buddhist culture, known for their calming effects and spiritual significance during meditation and ceremonies.

      - Swiggy will create a dedicated "Cooperative" category on its app, featuring a range of products including organic items, dairy, millets, handicrafts, and more—sourced from cooperative societies across India.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration will support cooperative brands in the areas of marketing, promotion, consumer technology, and capacity building.

      (ii) The MoU aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the ‘International Year of Cooperation’, further highlighting the global focus on strengthening cooperative systems.

(iii) On 24 April 2025, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani also inaugurated a state-of-the-art packaging facility of the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which will specialize in hygienic packaging of pulses and various organic food products.

      - India retained its position as the 5th-largest military spender, investing USD 86.1 billion, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year.

Main Point :-   (i) The top five military spenders – USA, China, Russia, Germany, and India – accounted for 60% of global military expenditure, with a combined total of USD 1635 billion.

      (ii) Over 100 countries increased their military spending in 2024, with the share of global GDP devoted to military expenditure rising to 2.5%.

      - Fali Sam Nariman, born on 10 January 1929, was an eminent Indian jurist and senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India. He served as a nominated member of the Upper House of India's Parliament from 1999 to 2005.

Main Point :-   (i) Fali Sam Nariman was appointed as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Geneva, Switzerland, from 1995 to 1997.

      (ii) He also served as a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris, and later became its Vice-President from 1998 to 2005. Additionally, he was elected President of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) from 1994 to 2002.

(iii) Fali S. Nariman was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1991 for distinguished service in jurisprudence and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007 for exceptional contributions to public affairs.

      - This penalty was imposed under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Main Point :-   (i) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd (MMFSL) was fined Rs. 6.77 crore for non-compliance with certain provisions of the 'Non-Banking Financial Company - Systematically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016' and Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Directions, 2016.

      (ii) The penalty was imposed under Clause (b) of Sub-section (1) of Section 58G read with Clause (aa) of Sub-section (5) of Section 588 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

      - The park will feature various modern facilities including a 20 Mega Liters per Day (MLD) Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant, a solar-powered energy facility, and plug-and-play Built-To-Suit (BTS) units. These facilities will help establish the park as a sustainable and energy-efficient textile hub.

Main Point :-   (i) In addition to industrial facilities, residential complexes will be built for the workers, ensuring that the workforce has comprehensive infrastructure within the project’s vicinity. The construction is expected to be completed within 14 months.

      (ii) The PM MITRA Park Project is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), which was announced by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget for Financial Year 2021-22. The Government of India (GoI) has allocated Rs 4,445 crore for the implementation of the scheme over seven years (FY22-FY28).

(iii) As part of the PM MITRA initiative, the Government of India has announced the establishment of seven sites across the country for setting up textile parks. These locations include Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Telangana (Warangal), Gujarat (Navsari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), and Maharashtra (Amravati).

      - RCS-UDAN operates on a market-driven approach where airlines assess passenger demand on specific regional routes and submit proposals during the bidding rounds. Selected airlines receive financial support, such as Viability Gap Funding (VGF), making air travel affordable while ensuring the economic viability of the operations.

Main Point :-   (i) The UDAN scheme has successfully operationalized 625 routes, connecting 90 airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, enhancing regional air connectivity across India.

      (ii) Over 1.49 crore passengers have benefited from affordable regional air travel, with 3 lakh UDAN flights operated, improving accessibility and convenience for citizens.

(iii) The scheme has contributed to the growth of regional airlines like Flybig, Star Air, and IndiaOne, facilitating air connectivity to key destinations and boosting trade, healthcare, and tourism across India.

Main Point :-   (i) During the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting 2025, Union MoS Sushri Karandlaje highlighted India's human-centric approach to technological transformation, aligning with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's vision of "Technology for Empowerment, Not Exclusion".

      (ii) During the meeting, a progressive declaration was adopted, focusing on two vital themes: the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of work, and the need for a just, inclusive transition in response to climate change challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) A Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) is capable of sustained flight at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (>6,100 kilometers per hour), powered by air-breathing scramjet engines that utilize supersonic combustion for extended performance.

      (ii) A Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) is an air-breathing propulsion system without any moving parts, designed to sustain combustion at supersonic speeds.

(iii) It employs a unique flame stabilization technique that allows combustion even when air enters the engine at speeds greater than 1.5 kilometers per second (km/s).

Main Point :-   (i) This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of space medicine. The collaboration will support India’s human space flight missions, particularly the Gaganyaan program, and enhance healthcare both in space and on Earth.

      (ii) The MoU aims to accelerate innovations in areas such as human physiological research, behavioral health studies, biomedical support systems, radiation biology, and medicine, among others.

(iii) The collaboration will also promote research opportunities in space medicine and lead to the development of new technologies that could benefit national priorities.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2025, World Veterinary Day was observed on 26th April 2025.

      (ii) WVA announced the theme for World Veterinary Day 2025 as "Animal Health Takes a Team."

(iii) In 2000, WVA initiated World Veterinary Day as an annual celebration.

Main Point :-   (i) On 8th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/125 and proclaimed 26th April of every year as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.

      (ii) The first-ever International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was observed on 26th April 2017.

      - The kits offer rapid, cost-effective, and point-of-care testing, overcoming challenges posed by traditional methods such as Pap smears and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA). These traditional methods are often inaccessible and time-consuming, but the new kits provide a faster and more affordable alternative, making cervical cancer screening more accessible, especially in rural areas.

Main Point :-   (i) These kits were validated through the "Validation of Indigenous Human Papillomavirus Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India" (I-HPV) study, conducted by renowned institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH). Additionally, international collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ensured that the kits met global standards.

      (ii) According to the WHO, India is home to a significant portion of the global burden of cervical cancer, with 1 out of every 5 women suffering from cervical cancer being Indian. Furthermore, 25% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in India, highlighting the urgent need for more effective screening methods.

(iii) The WHO recommends that countries adopt HPV testing to screen 70% of eligible women by 2030, with only two lifetime tests required at the ages of 35 and 45 years. This initiative aims to reduce cervical cancer rates globally, with India playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

      - The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen cooperation in critical mineral processing and sustainable resource development.

Main Point :-   (i) Two separate JDIs were signed by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan (Director, CSIR-IMMT), one with Dr. Andrei I. Golinei (Director, Chemical Technology Unit, JSC Rosatom Science) and another with Dr. Michael R. Filonov (Vice Rector, NUST MISIS), in the presence of Anoop Kumar Srivastava, Counsellor (Space) from the Embassy of India in Moscow.

      (ii) The collaborations are coordinated by Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head of Business Development from CSIR-IMMT, and Dr. Konstantin V Ivanovskikh, Deputy Director for Science and Innovation, Griedmet JSC, and Dr. Korotchenko Natalia, Director, MISIS Information and Marketing Centre, NUST MISIS.

(iii) The collaboration focuses on research and development in process metallurgy, especially on technologies for extracting and processing critical minerals.

Main Point :-   (i) The report highlighted that India has made significant strides in poverty reduction, with employment growth outpacing the working-age population since 2021-22.

      (ii) The report also indicated that the decline in India's extreme poverty rate was highest in rural areas, where it dropped from 18.4% to 2.8%. Urban extreme poverty decreased from 10.7% to 1.1%, narrowing the rural-urban poverty gap from 7.7% to just 1.7%, reflecting a 16% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) decrease.

(iii) According to the World Bank's findings, India's employment rates, especially among women, are increasing. Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6% in the 1st Quarter (Q1) of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), the lowest since 2017-18.

Main Point :-   (i) The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Government of Punjab, has been requested to issue an order for the winding up of the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank.

      (ii) On liquidation, each depositor is entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim up to Rs. 5 lakh under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961.

(iii) According to the data submitted by the bank to the RBI, 97.79% of depositors are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As of January 31, 2025, DICGC has already paid Rs. 541 crore of the total insured deposits.

Main Point :-   (i) Sri Madhusudhan Sai was honored for his significant contributions to healthcare and social welfare in Fiji, particularly through his Sri Satya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Hospital, the first state-of-the-art, fully free children’s hospital in the South Pacific region, providing treatment to children from all backgrounds.

      (ii) He is the founder of 'One World One Family', a global humanitarian mission that operates in over 80 countries, working to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, and education.

(iii) The Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF) is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Republic of Fiji, established on 1st March 1995 under the Fiji Honours and Awards Act. This prestigious award recognizes individuals, both Fijian nationals and non-citizens, for their eminent achievements and merit of the highest degree in service to Fiji or to humanity at large.

      - The International Charter operates as a collaborative initiative involving 17 member organizations. These members voluntarily supply Earth observation data and value-added products to assist in managing disasters across the globe. The Charter’s services extend to more than 120 countries, ensuring even nations with limited space capabilities can access vital satellite-based information.

Main Point :-   (i) Assuming the lead role places India at the strategic core of coordinating global disaster response efforts through space-based assets. ISRO’s responsibilities include managing activation requests, ensuring the rapid delivery of satellite products, leading strategic planning activities, supervising the delivery of satellite imagery from partner agencies, and promoting training, outreach, and capacity-building efforts.

      (ii) Since 2021, ISRO has actively contributed to the Charter by responding to 153 activation requests and delivering nearly 700 Earth observation products. These contributions include flood extent maps, landslide assessments, infrastructure damage evaluations, and aiding in post-disaster recovery planning efforts across various affected regions.

(iii) Not only has India contributed significantly to Charter operations, but it has also benefited from Charter activations during times of natural calamities within the country. This two-way engagement reinforces India’s role as both a benefactor and a beneficiary within the global disaster management community.

      - Anant Ambani becomes the first among the Ambani siblings to assume an Executive Director (ED) role at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL); he has also been serving as a Board Member of Jio Platforms Limited (since March 2020), Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (since May 2022), and both Reliance New Energy Limited and Reliance New Solar Energy Limited (since June 2021).

Main Point :-   (i) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Indian company to surpass ₹10 lakh crore in total equity. This landmark follows RIL’s earlier achievement in 2024, when it became the first Indian firm to cross ₹20 lakh crore in market capitalization. The company’s consistent growth reflects its strong market leadership and strategic expansions.

      (ii) The surge in RIL’s equity value has been driven by robust performances in its consumer businesses and its oil-to-chemicals (O2C) segment. Demonstrating its financial strength, RIL reported a 2.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in its annual consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) and share of profit/(loss) from associates and joint ventures, reaching ₹81,309 crore (approximately USD 9.5 billion).

(iii) Additionally, RIL announced a significant capital expenditure of ₹131,107 crore (around USD 15.3 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. This investment highlights RIL’s commitment to future growth, focusing on strengthening its businesses across energy, digital services, and retail sectors.

      - In the final round, Humpy defeated Bulgarian International Master (IM) Nurgyul Salimova, while Zhu Jiner secured second place by defeating Russian IM Polina Shuvalova. Indian IM Divya Deshmukh finished third with 5.5 points.

Main Point :-   (i) The 5th leg of the FIDE Women's Grand Prix (WGP) 2024-25 was played in a 10-player round-robin format featuring participants from various countries. Both Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner earned 117.5 WGP points each for their shared first-place finish.

      (ii) After five legs of the series, the cumulative Grand Prix standings are: Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia) with 308.34 points from 3 events, Koneru Humpy (India) with 279.17 points from 3 events, and Zhu Jiner (China) with 235 points from 2 events.

(iii) The FIDE Women's Grand Prix 2024-25 consists of six tournaments organized by FIDE, with each tournament featuring ten players, and each player participating in three of the six events. The series serves as a qualification pathway for the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026, which will determine the challenger for the Women's World Chess Championship. The final leg of the WGP series is scheduled to be held in Großlobming, Austria, from May 5 to 16, 2025.

      - This edition, themed "Sustainable Energy at Airports," received a record 39 submissions, reflecting the aviation sector's strong commitment to reducing environmental impact through innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) Hubballi Airport was honoured for implementing an 8 megawatt (MW) solar power plant within its premises, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy usage.

      (ii) Kempegowda International Airport received Silver recognition in the 15–38 million passengers per year category for its project titled "Sustainable Energy for a Greener Perpetuity."

(iii) Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) also received Silver recognition for setting up a 12 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant.

Main Point :-   (i) Launched in June 2023, the PSIL is a collaborative initiative between the WBG and global private sector leaders.

      (ii) It is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential pic based in London, the United Kingdom (UK).

Main Point :-   (i) Jitendra Srivastava is a 2000 batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre. His career spans significant roles across key sectors, including finance, power, education, public health, and infrastructure.

      (ii) Prior to joining REC, he was serving as Joint Secretary in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) since January 2023.

(iii) He has earlier served as Secretary in the Home Department and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in the Government of Bihar.

Main Point :-   (i) The eKCC platform integrates: Land records, Aadhaar and eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer), Core banking systems, and ePACS (Digital PACS).

      (ii) This enables end-to-end automation of loan disbursals, reducing processing time and enhancing transparency.

(iii) As of March 2025, India has 7.71 crore operational KCC holders, including 1.24 lakh for fisheries and 44.4 lakh for animal husbandry.

      - The missile is 4.5 meters long, weighs approximately 275 kilograms (including a 60 kg warhead), and has a diameter of 22.5 cm at the missile body, expanding to 54 cm at the booster stage. First tested in 2016, MR-SAM has undergone several successful trials, proving its effectiveness against high-speed aerial targets.

Main Point :-   (i) INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 158 Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyers of the Indian Navy (IN), ranking among the world’s largest and most advanced destroyers.

      (ii) The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor systems and network-centric warfare capabilities, with 75% of its components being indigenously manufactured, in line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

(iii) The ship measures 164 meters in length, has a displacement of approximately 7,400 tons, and can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots (around 56 km/h).

      - The crew of Shenzhou-20 will also replace the Shenzhou-19 team, who are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29, 2025. This mission is an important step in advancing China’s space capabilities and furthering the scientific research aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

Main Point :-   (i) The crew members of the Shenzhou-20 mission include Commander Chen Dong, a veteran astronaut and former fighter pilot, who holds the record for the longest cumulative stay (200+ days) in space by a Chinese national. This marks his third spaceflight. Joining him is Chen Zhongrui, a 40-year-old former Air Force pilot who is embarking on his first space mission. The team is also joined by Wang Jie, a 35-year-old former space technology engineer, making his debut as an astronaut.

      (ii) The Tiangong Space Station, where the crew will be stationed, is a permanently crewed orbital facility constructed and operated by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The station became fully operational in October 2022 and is designed with a T-shape structure consisting of three core modules: Tianhe (Harmony of Heavens), Wentian (Quest for Heavens), and Mengtian (Dreaming of Heavens).

(iii) With a total mass of around 100 metric tons, Tiangong orbits the Earth at an altitude ranging from 340 to 450 kilometers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It serves as a key milestone in China’s space exploration efforts, providing a platform for long-term research and development in space science and technology.

Main Point :-   (i) Labeo uru was discovered in the Chandragiri River (Karnataka). The species was named after a traditional wooden dhow ('uru'), due to its sail-like elongated dorsal fin.

      (ii) Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish, was identified in the Chalakudy River (Kerala) and is locally known as "kaka chekida".

(iii) Both species are endemic to their respective river systems, highlighting the unique aquatic biodiversity of the region.

      - Edelweiss BSE Internet Economy Index Fund is an open-ended index fund designed to replicate the performance of the BSE Internet Economy Total Return Index. The New Fund Offering (NFO) opens for subscription on April 25, 2025, and will close on May 9, 2025. This fund offers investors a unique opportunity to participate in India's rapidly evolving digital economy.

Main Point :-   (i) The underlying index includes the top 20 companies from the BSE 500, selected based on their six-month average market capitalization. It spans 11 sub-industries such as e-retail, internet and catalogue retail, e-learning, digital entertainment, fintech, and other digitally driven sectors, reflecting the breadth of India’s internet ecosystem.

      (ii) Investors can start with a minimum investment of Rs. 100 and add in multiples of Rs. 1 thereafter. According to the Scheme Information Document (SID), an exit load of 0.10% will be applicable if units are redeemed or switched within 30 days from the date of allotment. No exit load is charged for redemptions made after the 30-day period.

(iii) The fund will be managed by Bhavesh Jain and Bharat Lohoti, Co-Heads of Factors Investing at Edelweiss Mutual Fund. The NFO, or New Fund Offering, represents the initial phase where the Asset Management Company (AMC) sells units of the scheme to investors to raise capital and attract early participation.

Main Point :-   (i) For his immense contributions to the field of science and engineering, he was honoured with several of India’s highest civilian awards: Padma Shri in 1982 (India's fourth-highest civilian award), Padma Bhushan in 1992 (India's third-highest civilian award), and Padma Vibhushan in 2000 (India's second-highest civilian award).

      (ii) Dr. Kasturirangan's legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and researchers, leaving an indelible mark on India's advancements in space exploration and technology.

Main Point :-   After retiring from cricket in 1974, Stackpole had a long and distinguished career in media and broadcasting.

Main Point :-   (i) WMD was established by WHO member states during the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2007.

      (ii) The first World Malaria Day was observed on April 25, 2008.

(iii) The concept of WMD originates from Africa Malaria Day, initiated in 2001 by African countries following the Abuja Declaration, which was signed by 44 malaria-endemic countries at the African Summit on Malaria.

Main Point :-   (i) In April 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/73/286, officially proclaiming 25 April as International Delegate's Day.

      (ii) The first International Delegate's Day was celebrated on 25 April 2020.

(iii) The date commemorates the opening of the San Francisco Conference (also known as the UN Conference on International Organization) held on 25 April 1945.

      - A related observance, Penguin Awareness Day, is observed every year on January 20th to celebrate penguins and highlight the environmental threats they face.

Main Point :-   (i) Penguins are captivating flightless birds adapted to aquatic life. They live exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, from the icy expanses of Antarctica to the temperate coasts of Africa and South America. There are 18 species of penguins, with 11 classified as "Globally Threatened" by the IUCN Red List.

      (ii) The Antarctic Treaty System, signed in 1959 and updated in 1991, provides protection for all 18 types of penguins in Antarctica by banning hunting and egg collection activities.

(iii) Other significant conservation efforts include the Põhatu Marine Reserve in New Zealand, which protects the largest group of little blue penguins, and the establishment of no-fishing zones near six important African penguin breeding sites in South Africa in 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) The IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), has expanded the number of NWs from 5 to 111 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. ii. Simultaneously, the operational length of NWs has increased from 2,716 km (2014-15) to 4,894 km (2023-24).

      (ii) Various digital tools like the Least Available Depth Information System (LADIS), River Information System (RIS), Car-D, Portal for Navigational Information (PANI), and Management Information and Reporting Solution (MIRS) were launched by the IWAI to boost the Ease of Doing Business.

(iii) India aims to increase the Inland Water Transport (IWT) modal share from 2 percent to 5 percent, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.

      - Similipal is divided into two divisions: the Similipal South Wildlife Division, which comprises seven ranges including Pithabata North, Nawana South, Jenabil, among others, and the Similipal North Wildlife Division, which includes four ranges such as Barrehipani, Chahala, Nawan North, and Talabandh wildlife ranges. The name ‘Similipal’ is derived from the ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, which is abundantly found in the region.

Main Point :-   (i) Similipal hosts rich biodiversity, with more than 360 species of birds, 55 species of mammals including leopards and sambar, 62 species of reptiles, and 21 species of amphibians. It is notably home to around 40 wild tigers, including the world's only population of wild melanistic (black) tigers, and serves as a natural habitat for 25% of Odisha’s elephant population.

      (ii) The Similipal landscape spreads over 2,750 square kilometers, with approximately 2,306 square kilometers forming the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). This vast and ecologically significant area plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and habitat protection within the state.

(iii) In 2007, the Odisha government notified 1,194.75 square kilometers of the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) as the core critical tiger habitat. Furthermore, since 2009, Similipal has been recognized as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), highlighting its global ecological significance.

Main Point :-   (i) This latest edition ranked 853 universities from 35 countries/territories, up from 739 universities in 2024, evaluating their research, teaching, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

      (ii) Among India's top 10 universities, only two Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) — IIT-Indore (Madhya Pradesh), ranked 131st, and IIT-Guwahati (Assam), ranked 184th — featured on the list.

(iii) Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, with an overall score of 48.1, ranked 146th (up from 150th in 2024), and emerged as the highest-ranked private university in India for the second consecutive year.

Main Point :-   (i) A 2023 study showed that between 2000 and 2019, the world suffered at least USD 2.8 trillion in climate-related damages, amounting to nearly USD 16 million every hour.

      (ii) Vulnerable countries, despite being least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), are most affected by climate change. For instance, the 2022 floods in Pakistan impacted 33 million people and caused economic damages close to USD 30 billion.

(iii) The Santiago Network was established in 2019 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to bring together organizations, networks, and experts to support the implementation of solutions that avert, minimize, and address loss and damage due to climate change. Its secretariat is co-hosted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Geneva, Switzerland.

      - The RBI found that allowing the bank to continue operations would be against public interest, particularly affecting depositors, as the bank was unable to meet its deposit repayment obligations.

Main Point :-   (i) Following the bank's liquidation, depositors are eligible to receive insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the provisions of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961. The DICGC, headquartered in Mumbai, ensures protection of depositors' funds in such cases of bank failure.

      (ii) As of April 3, 2025, approximately 91.55% of the depositors qualified to receive the full insured amount of their deposits. In total, the DICGC had disbursed ₹275.22 crore to eligible depositors of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit.

(iii) As of March 31, 2025, a total of 23 Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) were operating under All-Inclusive Directions (AID), with the highest number in Maharashtra (9), followed by Karnataka (5), and Uttar Pradesh (4).

Main Point :-   (i) In 2017, her short film Afternoon Clouds was selected as the only Indian entry at the 70th CFF.

      (ii) Her experimental short And What Was the Summer Saying won the Special Jury Prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in 2018, and the Pramod Pati Award at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) in 2020.

(iii) In 2021, Payal Kapadia received the Oeil d'Or (Golden Eye) Award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival for her acclaimed documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing. In 2025, she further cemented her global reputation with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director and was ranked 5th in Cahiers du Cinéma's prestigious annual list of top filmmakers.

Main Point :-   (i) Senior IAS officer Abhishek Singh, a 1995 batch officer from Nagaland cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and will also hold the additional charge as Additional Secretary of MeitY.

      (ii) Keshav Kumar Pathak, a senior IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Secretary (AS) in the Cabinet Secretariat (CS).

      - Ambuja Cements appointed new leadership to steer OCL forward. Vaibhav Dixit was named Executive Director (ED), Vinod Bahety as Chairman and Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, while Sudhir Nanavati, Shruti Shah, and Ravi Kapoor joined as Independent Directors. Kajal Sarda was appointed the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing Prakash Chand Jain, effective April 23, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Since its acquisition by the Adani Group in 2022 from Switzerland-based Holcim Group for Rs 51,000 crore, Ambuja Cements has aggressively expanded its footprint in the cement sector through multiple acquisitions and plant upgrades.

      (ii) In June 2024, the Adani Group acquired Penna Cement Industries Ltd. (Hyderabad, Telangana) for Rs 10,422 crore, adding 14 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to its production capacity. In December 2024, it further expanded by purchasing Sanghi Industries Ltd. (Ahmedabad, Gujarat) for Rs 5,185 crore.

(iii) With these strategic acquisitions, the Adani Group aims to reach a cement production capacity of 140 MTPA by FY28. Meanwhile, UltraTech Cement, also backed by the Adani Group and based in Mumbai, continues to lead the market with a capacity of 183.06 MTPA.

      - The Government of India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a crucial water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, with immediate effect. This suspension will remain in place until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably halts its support for cross-border terrorism.

Main Point :-   (i) The government has decided to close the integrated Attari-Wagah Border, the international border between India and Pakistan, located near Attari, Amritsar, Punjab (India), and Wagah (Pakistan), with immediate effect. As a result, all cross-border movement through this route has been halted indefinitely.

      (ii) The Government of India has announced the suspension of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. Additionally, any SVES visa previously issued to Pakistani nationals is now deemed cancelled, and any Pakistani national currently in India under this scheme has been given 48 hours to leave the country.

(iii) The Government of India has decided to expel all Pakistani military, Naval, and Air advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them 'Persona Non Grata' and giving them one week to leave India. In response, India will also withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. Additionally, the Government of India has announced a reduction in diplomatic personnel at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, decreasing the staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.

      - The MoU will strengthen professional capacity in contributing to India's economic growth and development by enhancing the skills of auditors.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU includes a range of training programs aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of auditors. It covers training for recent recruits to help them build a strong foundation in auditing practices. Additionally, advanced programs for experienced officers will be provided to further develop their expertise in specialized areas. The MoU also includes Continuous Professional Education (CPE) programs to ensure that auditors remain updated with the latest industry developments and best practices.

      (ii) The training will have a practical, application-oriented approach, covering topics such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, forensic accounting, and fraud investigation.

(iii) The CAG of India, established in 1949, is the Supreme Audit Institution of India, based in New Delhi. It is the sole licensing and regulatory body for the financial audit and accounting profession in India.

Main Point :-   (i) During the visit, PM Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held official talks and co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).

      (ii) The SPC decided to establish a new Ministerial Committee focused on Defence Cooperation, Tourism, and Cultural Cooperation.

(iii) India and Saudi Arabia signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during PM Modi's visit, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

      - Interestingly, remittances for the purchase of immovable property abroad rose by 28.32 per cent, reaching USD 277.7 million. In addition, investments in equity and debt under the LRS increased by 8.27 per cent to USD 1,392.55 million during the same period.

Main Point :-   (i) In February alone, outward remittances fell by 2.44 per cent year-on-year to USD 1.96 billion from USD 2.01 billion in February 2024. This reflects a moderate decline in overall monthly remittance activity under the scheme.

      (ii) Despite the overall dip, the international travel segment grew by 3.5 per cent in February 2025, with remittances rising to USD 1.09 billion from USD 1.05 billion a year ago. However, remittances for overseas education declined sharply by 26.19 per cent to USD 182.17 million, and funds for maintenance of close relatives dropped by 11.78 per cent to USD 235 million.

(iii) The Liberalised Remittance Scheme was launched in 2004, initially with a remittance limit of USD 25,000. Over time, the limit has been revised in stages and currently allows all resident individuals, including minors, to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions, or a combination of both.

Main Point :-   (i) SVAMITVA is a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) aimed at providing ‘record of rights’ in the form of property cards to village household owners in inhabited rural areas across India.

      (ii) Initially launched with a budget of Rs 566.23 crore from Financial Year 2020-21 (FY21), the scheme has been extended until FY26 to continue its progress.

(iii) As of January 18, 2025, the Government of India (GoI) had distributed a total of 65 lakh SVAMITVA property cards to households in over 50,000 villages across 10 states, including 2 Union Territories (UTs).

      - The deployment will focus primarily on high-footfall branches, particularly those handling government salary accounts, pensions, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).

Main Point :-   (i) SBI offers a wide range of alternate banking channels to enhance customer convenience and reduce branch dependency, including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Automated Deposit Cum Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs), self-service kiosks, SWAYAM barcode-based passbook printing kiosks, cheque deposit kiosks, internet banking, mobile banking through the You Only Need One (YONO) application, and WhatsApp banking services—ensuring 24/7 secure and seamless access to banking services.

      (ii) As of December 2024, 98.1% of all transactions at SBI were carried out through alternate banking channels, marking a substantial rise from 88.1% in March 2019 and highlighting the bank's successful shift towards digital banking solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), based in Hyderabad (Telangana), has been designated as the registrar for the '.bank.in' domain. IDRBT has been authorized by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

      (ii) Banks are required to contact IDRBT at sahyog@idrbt.ac.in to begin their migration. IDRBT will provide technical and procedural guidance for the transition.

(iii) Banks will need to upgrade their IT infrastructure to comply with the new domain requirements, ensuring secure and uninterrupted digital banking experiences for users.

Main Point :-   - The World Bank noted that India’s GDP growth declined from 9.2% in FY24 to an estimated 6.5% in FY25, representing the slowest pace in four years.

      (i) For the South Asian region, the World Bank projects growth to decelerate to 5.8% in 2025, a 0.4 percentage point drop from its October 2024 estimates. However, for 2026, the region's growth is expected to recover slightly to 6.1%.

(ii) On April 22, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.2%, down from its January 2025 projection of 6.5%.

Main Point :-   (i) Nipun Aggarwal is a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience spanning aviation, finance, and energy sectors.

      (ii) He has previously held key roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Standard Chartered Bank, and BP PLC, bringing a rich background in banking and energy.

(iii) Before joining Air India, Aggarwal served as Senior Vice President at Tata Sons, where he was instrumental in driving transformation across several Tata Group companies.

      - Before his appointment as Deputy Governor in May 2021, T. Rabi Sankar served as an Executive Director (ED) at the RBI. Additionally, between 2005 and 2011, he worked as a consultant with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he contributed to the development of government bond markets and debt management systems in emerging economies.

Main Point :-   (i) Beyond T Rabi Sankar core responsibilities at the RBI, Rabi Sankar also holds several leadership positions in affiliated institutions. He serves as the Chairman of Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), is a Board Member of Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), and sits on the Governing Council of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT).

      (ii) As of April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India is led by four Deputy Governors: T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, and Poonam Gupta. Each plays a pivotal role in shaping the monetary policy and operational strategy of India's central banking system.

Main Point :-   (i) On April 22, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved a joint proposal from 360 ONE Private Equity Fund and Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) to acquire certain stakes in Bharti Axa Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC), a private, unlisted limited liability company offering life insurance policies in India. The transaction will be executed in two stages: first, 360 Fund, through its schemes or affiliates, will acquire equity shares of BALIC from BLVPL.

      (ii) Subsequently, both 360 ONE and BLVPL will subscribe to additional equity shares in BALIC. BLVPL is the parent company of BALIC, and both are part of the Bharti Group. 360 Fund, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), focuses on investing across various sectors globally.

(iii) The CCI approved KGBPL's Rs 2,000 crore acquisition of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages' operations in North Gujarat and Diu. Supporting Coca-Cola’s strategy of franchising regional operations, the deal enables KGBPL—an authorized bottler in Rajasthan—to expand its distribution of non-alcoholic beverages into new markets.

Main Point :-   (i) LIC acquired an additional 10.45 crore shares of BoB through Open Market Purchases (OMPs) conducted over a period of one and a half years, from 20 November 2023 to 16 April 2025.

      (ii) With this acquisition, LIC’s total shareholding in BoB reached 36,47,58,678 shares, equating to a 7.053% stake in the bank.

(iii) The acquisition did not affect the total voting capital of Bank of Baroda, which remains at 10,34,27,24,358.

Main Point :-   (i) The bank posted a standalone net profit of Rs 17,616 crore in Q4 FY25, marking a 6.7% increase from Rs 16,512 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

      (ii) NII grew by 10.3% year-on-year, reaching Rs 32,070 crore, compared to Rs 29,080 crore in Q4 of FY24.

(iii) The total income for the quarter was Rs 89,488 crore, slightly lower than Rs 89,639 crore recorded during the corresponding period last year.

      - The satellite was developed by the Agency for Defence Development (ADD) and is being managed by the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). These institutions are responsible for advancing South Korea’s defense technologies and military capabilities.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the 425 Project, South Korea has made steady progress in building its satellite reconnaissance system. Unit 1, an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) satellite, was launched on December 1, 2023, providing high-resolution optical and infrared imagery.

      (ii) This was followed by the launch of Unit 2, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, on April 7, 2024, and Unit 3, also a SAR satellite, on December 21, 2024. Most recently, Unit 4—another SAR satellite—was successfully launched on April 22, 2025, significantly enhancing South Korea’s radar imaging capabilities.

(iii) The fifth and final satellite (SAR) under the 425 Project is scheduled for launch later in 2025. Once deployed, it will complete South Korea’s strategic satellite constellation, enabling real-time, round-the-clock monitoring of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding regions.

      - State-level and district-level activations will boost awareness and practical training. A WhatsApp-based learning program will help young individuals learn how to start and grow their own businesses.

Main Point :-   (i) A nationwide challenge that aims to discover high-potential business ideas from over 1,000 districts, with mentorship provided to the top emerging founders.

      (ii) BharatSparks a launchpad initiative where selected entrepreneurs from smaller towns will get the chance to pitch to investors, secure grants, and receive long-term support for their ventures.

(iii) A 7-part web documentary series showcasing real startup journeys from across India. It will feature innovators, investors, and policymakers, highlighting the grassroots startup ecosystem.

Main Point :-   (i) The machine melts the gold at temperatures above 1,200°C, performs real-time purity analysis, and calculates the payout amount based on the current market price of gold.

      (ii) A service charge of 18 yuan per gram (approximately ₹210) is deducted from the total value before the amount is transferred to the seller’s bank account.

(iii) This initiative marks a major step toward digital financial innovation in precious metals, bringing convenience, speed, and transparency to gold-to-cash transactions in China.

Main Point :-   (i) Banks will now be required to assign an additional 2.5% run-off factor on retail deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking (IMB) facilities.

      (ii) As a result, the stable retail deposits with IMB facilities shall carry a 7.5% run-off factor (up from the earlier 5%).

(iii) The less stable retail deposits with IMB shall now carry a 12.5% run-off factor (up from the earlier 10%). These changes aim to enhance the accuracy and resilience of liquidity risk management practices across the banking sector.

      - The report projects India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) at 0.9% of GDP in FY26 and 1.4% in FY27. In terms of employment, the unemployment rate is expected to remain static at 4.9% throughout this period, indicating stability in the labor market.

Main Point :-   (i) On the global front, the IMF forecasts the world’s GDP to grow by 2.8% in Calendar Year 2025 (CY25) and 3% in CY26. These growth projections have been revised downward from the previous estimate of 3.3% for both years, reflecting a combined downgrade of 80 basis points. This brings global growth below the 2009-19 average of 3.7%.

      (ii) Global inflation is expected to decrease more gradually, with projections of 4.3% in CY25 and 3.6% in CY26. This marks an adjustment from the previous forecast, with upward revisions for advanced economies and slight downward revisions for emerging markets. The easing inflation trend is seen as a positive sign for the global economy.

(iii) The IMF further revised the growth projections for emerging and developing economies, estimating growth rates of 3.7% for CY25 and 3.9% for CY26. These projections reflect a decrease in growth expectations for these economies as a whole, primarily driven by ongoing challenges in the global trade environment and geopolitical tensions.

Main Point :-   (i) The proposed facility will include a 400 MegaWatt (MW) data center cluster, envisioned to host India's most powerful AI supercomputing infrastructure, equipped with 25,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

      (ii) As per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership will combine the global data center expertise of NTT DATA with Neysa’s AI acceleration platform to co-develop cutting-edge AI-first solutions.

(iii) The facility will operate on a combination of grid and renewable energy sources, with a capacity of up to 500 MW, and will leverage advanced technologies such as liquid immersion cooling to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize was conferred on 7 recipients from six geographical regions, acknowledging their impactful environmental activism at the grassroots level.

      (ii) Batmunkh Luvsandash, a former electrical engineer from Mongolia, received the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize for Asia for his significant contribution to environmental conservation.

Main Point :-   (i) Captain Jagmohan was serving as the Director (Corporate Planning, Projects and Business Development) at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) prior to this appointment, and brings with him over 25 years of experience in the Indian Navy (IN) and shipbuilding industry.

      (ii) Earlier, as Head of Design at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata (West Bengal), he successfully led key defence projects such as the Advanced Stealth Frigate, P28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvette, and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for both the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

      - He brings over 16 years of cross-industry experience in digital lending, insurance, and enterprise software, with strong expertise in product development, customer service, and distribution.

Main Point :-   (i) TrillionLoans Fintech offers a diverse range of financial products, including merchant loans, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) finance, revenue-based lending, consumer credit, and vehicle loans.

      (ii) BharatPe, backed by Tiger Global, acquired a 51% stake in TFPL in May 2023, and later increased its shareholding to nearly 60%.

Main Point :-   (i) The ACA programme serves as the industry standard for assessing an airport's initiatives to manage and reduce carbon emissions.

      (ii) The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme comprises seven progressive levels that evaluate an airport’s efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions. These levels are: Level-1 (Mapping), where airports measure their carbon footprint; Level-2 (Reduction), which involves actively lowering emissions; Level-3 (Optimization), where airports engage stakeholders to reduce emissions collectively; Level 3+ (Neutrality), which requires offsetting residual emissions to achieve carbon neutrality; Level-4 (Transformation), focusing on aligning carbon management with global climate goals; Level-4+ (Transition), which incorporates long-term emissions reduction strategies; and Level-5, the highest level of carbon accreditation, awarded to airports that demonstrate exceptional performance in carbon management and alignment with net-zero targets.

      - Klaus Schwab, a German engineer and economist, founded the WEF in 1971, aiming to foster dialogue between political, business, and academic leaders to address global challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) Under his leadership, the WEF gained recognition for its annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, where global leaders from various sectors convene to discuss critical international issues.

      (ii) Schwab founded the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) and co-founded the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

(iii) He has received several accolades for his leadership and humanitarian contributions, including the Guggenheim Humanitarian Award, the Dan David Prize, and the Global Economy Prize.

      - The satellite’s primary mission was to conduct scientific experiments in Solar Physics, Aeronomy, and X-ray Astronomy. These studies contributed valuable data for ISRO's early research efforts despite technical setbacks.

Main Point :-   (i) Aryabhata made India the 11th country to launch a satellite into orbit. Although it faced a power failure after five days, it successfully transmitted critical data and stayed in orbit for nearly 17 years, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere on 11th February 1992.

      (ii) The satellite was named after the renowned ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi selected the name from a shortlist that included Aryabhata, Mitra, and Jawahar.

(iii) Aryabhata laid the groundwork for India’s satellite technology and inspired major missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. Since 1975, ISRO has developed 131 satellites, with 55 currently operational, showcasing India's strong presence in global space exploration.

Main Point :-   (i) The final hot test of the nozzle divergent was conducted for 665 seconds on 8 April 2025 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test followed three successful qualification tests, ensuring full readiness for operational deployment.

      (ii) This development brings multiple benefits—a 90% cost reduction in nozzle procurement, greater self-reliance in space technology, and increased strategic independence by reducing India’s reliance on foreign suppliers for critical rocket components.

      - Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024: Replacing the colonial-era Aircraft Act of 1934, this progressive legislation was passed in 2024 and came into force on January 01, 2025. It marks a major leap in regulatory modernization and streamlining of India’s aviation governance structure.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GoI) has laid the foundation stones for new terminal buildings at strategically important locations including Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Darbhanga (Bihar), and Bagdogra (West Bengal).

      (ii) Since 2014, out of 21 ‘in-principle’ approved projects, 12 Greenfield Airports have been operationalised, reinforcing regional connectivity and infrastructure expansion.

(iii) India witnessed a dramatic surge in domestic air travel, with 22 crore 81 lakh passengers in 2024, more than double the 10 crore 38 lakh passengers recorded over the 65-year period before 2014, highlighting the democratization of air travel across the country.

      - To create a widespread impact, the program will set up 30 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in women's colleges across six Indian states. These CoEs will serve as central hubs and will provide mentorship, resources, and support to an additional 150 spoke institutions located in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, thus expanding the reach of AI education and innovation to semi-urban and rural areas.

Main Point :-   (i) The implementation of this transformative program will be led by the Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Edunet Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The foundation will collaborate closely with academic institutions, government agencies, corporates, and industry leaders to ensure a holistic ecosystem approach that promotes industry-relevant skills and economic empowerment for women in AI.

      (ii) This initiative also aims to reshape traditional learning by integrating AI training into credit-linked university curricula, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP). The program promotes a flexible, interdisciplinary, and future-ready education model, fostering an inclusive workforce equipped to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.

(iii) With a strong emphasis on practical application and innovation, the program will provide access to AI certifications, internships, apprenticeships, fellowships, and career guidance. Special focus will be given to empowering women from rural areas, enabling them to innovate in the field of AI and significantly improve their economic and career prospects.

Main Point :-   (i) Real Madrid Men’s Football Team (Spain) was honoured for their exceptional teamwork and achievements in international football.

      (ii) Awarded to Lamine Yamal, a rising football talent from Spain, acknowledging his breakthrough in the global sports arena.

(iii) Presented to Jiang Yuyan, a para swimmer from China, for her inspirational performances and accomplishments in para swimming.

Main Point :-   (i) Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indies batter, was named the Leading T20 Player in the World.

      (ii) Quinn Rooney’s photograph, which captures Australia’s Nathan Lyon and nearly the entire Australian team appealing for an LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decision against Mohammed Siraj of India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was awarded the Wisden Photograph of the Year 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) After retiring, he served as an Advisor on Jammu and Kashmir in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) from 2000 to 2004.

      (ii) Dulat is also the author of the widely discussed book Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years (2015) and co-authored The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace (2018) with Asad Durrani, the former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Main Point :-   (i) The first official observance of the UN's International Mother Earth Day occurred on April 22, 2009.

      (ii) Earth Day was first proposed by American peace activist John McConnell during a 1969 UNESCO conference held in San Francisco, United States of America (USA). His vision aimed to dedicate a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. This idea laid the foundation for what would become a global environmental awareness movement.

(iii) The inaugural Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and is recognized as the beginning of the modern environmental movement. In 2025, the world marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

      - The app also provides detailed information on government-sponsored health insurance schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), helping users understand their benefits and entitlements.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, the e-SEHAT App plays a significant role in skill development and training. It offers modules on Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), vital for both healthcare workers and the general public.

      (ii) The app hosts Continuing Medical Education (CME) and training workshops for healthcare professionals to stay updated on the latest medical practices and innovations, ensuring better service delivery.

(iii) Overall, the launch of the e-SEHAT App marks a major step forward in digitizing healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir, bridging the urban-rural health divide, and empowering both providers and beneficiaries with accessible, reliable medical services.

      - The mission aims to double cruise passenger traffic in India within 5 years (by 2029), boosting the nation’s cruise tourism sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India’s Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 aims to position India as a major global player in both ocean and river cruising. India’s cruise market is expected to grow 8-fold over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable income.

      (ii) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), functioning under the MoPSW, is working to develop navigational channels on select waterways.

(iii) This includes installation of navigational aids and undertaking dredging operations (removal of sediments) to ensure smooth cruise navigation in NWs.

      - A core feature of the DBT system is the JAM Trinity—Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar IDs, and Mobile numbers—which ensures direct and secure fund transfers to beneficiaries. The assessment, based on data from 2009 to 2024, highlights DBT’s impact on enhancing budgetary efficiency, promoting subsidy rationalisation, and achieving better social welfare outcomes.

Main Point :-   (i) Key findings from the assessment reveal that during the Pre-DBT Era (2009-2013), subsidies accounted for 16% of total government expenditure, amounting to Rs. 2.1 lakh crore annually, but the system suffered from significant leakages.

      (ii) In contrast, the Post-DBT Era (2014-2024) saw a reduction in subsidy expenditure to 9% of total expenditure in 2023-24, with beneficiary coverage increasing dramatically by 16 times, from 11 crores to 176 crores. Additionally, there was a COVID-19 Outlier where a temporary spike in subsidies occurred during the 2020-21 fiscal year due to emergency fiscal measures.

Main Point :-   (i) The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State (MoS) Shantanu Thakur (MoPSW), Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME), Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority (MBPA), Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairman of MBPA, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Dhruv Kotak, Managing Director of J.M. Baxi, among other key dignitaries.

      (ii) MICT has been built at a total cost of ₹556 crore as part of the Cruise Bharat Mission. The terminal was created to promote cruise tourism across India and is aligned with global benchmarks for design and functionality.

(iii) The project was developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with operational management of the terminal being handled by JM Baxi & Co. (Mumbai) and Ballard Pier Port Private Limited (Mumbai).

      - The APMU functions as a specialized entity that oversees the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program.

Main Point :-   (i) The ABP program involves continuous monitoring of athletes' biological indicators, such as blood parameters and hormone levels, to identify possible doping practices without directly detecting banned substances.

      (ii) The launch of the APMU reflects India’s commitment to ensuring clean, fair, and transparent sporting practices.

(iii) The Athlete Biological Passport Operating Guidelines were introduced by WADA and have been in effect since 1 December 2009.

Main Point :-   (i) Banks are also allowed to offer additional banking facilities—such as internet banking, debit cards, and cheque book facilities—to minor accounts, depending on their risk management policies.

      (ii) RBI has permitted minors below the age of 10 to open accounts as well, only through their natural or legal guardians.

(iii) It has specifically clarified that such accounts can now also be opened with the mother as the guardian.

Main Point :-   (i) Employees will receive accidental insurance coverage of up to ₹1 crore in case of death or disability due to accidents.

      (ii) Additional health and life insurance benefits will be provided at no extra cost.

(iii) Earlier, about 70,000 police personnel were covered under similar benefits (as of September 2024). With this new MoU, an additional 1.05 lakh employees will be included, taking the total coverage to approximately 1.75 lakh state government employees.

Main Point :-   (i) The implementation of the PAN-based trading freeze mechanism will be carried out in two phases—Phase-I will begin on July 01, 2025, for the top 500 listed companies (based on market capitalization), while Phase-II will cover the remaining listed companies starting from October 01, 2025. Listed companies are required to confirm the submitted data at least two trading days (T-2) before the trading window closure date. Following this, the Designated Depository (DD) will forward the verified information to stock exchanges and depositories at least one day prior to the closure period.

      (ii) Depositories will issue standardized formats and submission timelines to maintain consistency in reporting and compliance.

(iii) Any discrepancies or disputes in the process will be resolved through coordination among depositories, stock exchanges, and listed companies, as per SEBI.

      - The service includes international travel planning, airport lounge access, and visa support, making travel smoother and more luxurious for premium clients.

Main Point :-   (i) Concierge services help in exclusive event organization, premium stadium seating, dining reservations, personalized shopping experiences, and even golf bookings for an elevated lifestyle.

      (ii) Clients also get access to business-related assistance such as conference updates, courier services, and other professional support solutions tailored to their needs.

(iii) To avail AU SFB’s Concierge Services, clients under the AU ivy program must maintain an average quarterly balance of ₹25 lakh in their savings account or have a Total Relationship Value (TRV) of ₹2 crore at the group level. Meanwhile, the AU Eternity program is tailored for individuals seeking high-interest returns and exclusive luxury privileges, with detailed eligibility criteria available on the official AU SFB website.

Main Point :-   (i) The Letters of Intent (LoIs) were signed with several renowned Japanese companies to facilitate the development of the proposed 'Eco Town' in Hyderabad. The companies involved include EX Research Institute Limited, P9 Limited Liability Company (LLC), Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., New Chemical Trading Co., Ltd., and Amita Holdings Co., Ltd..

      (ii) These collaborations aim to strengthen efforts in environmental restoration, recycling, and waste management through innovative Japanese technologies and practices.

(iii) In addition to these agreements, Toshiba Transmission Distribution Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. (TTDI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation (Japan), announced a major investment of ₹562 crore in Telangana. This investment will be used to set up a new manufacturing facility for surge arresters and expand existing infrastructure for transformers and gas-insulated switchgear at the company’s plant located in Rudraram, Telangana.

      - Fitch also downgraded its global growth forecast for 2025 by 0.4 percentage points, with both China and the United States seeing a 0.5 percentage point cut in their respective growth projections.

Main Point :-   (i) Global economic growth is now projected to stay below 2% in 2025, marking the weakest pace since the 2009 financial crisis, excluding the pandemic years.

      (ii) In February 2025, Moody’s Ratings also revised India’s 2025 GDP growth forecast to 5.5-6.5%, down from 6.6%.

      - The battery manufacturing facility will be located at the Gravity Smart Campus in Somerset, UK, and is scheduled to begin production by 2026.

Main Point :-   (i) The facility is expected to contribute nearly 50% of the UK’s projected battery manufacturing capacity for the automotive sector by the early 2030s.

      (ii) Jaguar Land Rover, a Tata Motors subsidiary, is anticipated to be the anchor customer. The plant will significantly aid the UK’s transition to electric mobility.

(iii) A bridge loan is a short-term financing option used to bridge the gap between two major financial events, such as buying a new asset before selling an existing one.

      - C-DOT developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems, which have been approved by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the DoT.

Main Point :-   (i) The test validated the coexistence of quantum and classical communication on the same optical fibre, allowing for secure and cost-efficient data transmission.

      (ii) Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method of secure encryption key exchange based on quantum mechanics principles.

(iii) Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) is an advanced optical fibre featuring multiple cores (channels) within a single cladding, enabling concurrent data transmission through multiple paths.

      - RBI found the bank’s continued operations detrimental to depositors, as it was unable to repay its depositors in full.

Main Point :-   (i) The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) has disbursed ₹47.89 crore to eligible depositors under Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961.

      (ii) Depositors are insured for up to ₹5 lakh per account as per DICGC norms.

      - He founded the National Angioplasty Registry of India (NARI) to promote standardization in cardiac procedures and foster innovation, and also served as the President of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology from 1995 to 1997.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal received the prestigious Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1996 for excellence in the field of medicine.

      (ii) In 2003, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Chennai conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa).

(iii) He was also recognized with the "Rashtriya Samman" in 2000, awarded to top taxpayers in the country.

      - This exercise aims to foster better coordination and joint operations, allowing air forces from diverse nations to refine their combat techniques and share valuable insights, strengthening global defense partnerships.

Main Point :-   (i) India’s participation in Exercise Desert Flag-10 involves the deployment of MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The primary objectives of India’s involvement include conducting complex and diverse fighter engagements in a multinational environment, exchanging operational knowledge and mission planning strategies with global air forces, and enhancing interoperability. Additionally, the exercise provides an opportunity to build mutual trust with partner nations.

      (ii) India's strong defence cooperation with the UAE is highlighted through regular engagements such as annual Defence Dialogue and the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC). This collaboration also includes naval and military training exchanges, along with regular port calls, strengthening the defense ties between the two nations.

(iii) To facilitate deeper defence engagements, India has posted a resident Defence Adviser (DA) at the Indian Embassy in UAE since March 2013. These efforts align with the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deepen defence, energy, and security cooperation between India and the UAE.

Main Point :-   (i) The product includes complimentary Health Management Services (HMS) worth Rs 36,500 per year, covering regular health check-ups, OPD consultations, pregnancy-related support, and nutrition counseling.

      (ii) As of March 31, 2024, the company reported a Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) of 99.23% and a solvency ratio of 432%, highlighting its financial strength and reliability.

      - Since then, the day has been commemorated each year with conferences, award ceremonies, and dialogues between senior civil servants and government leaders.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 Civil Services Day was organized as a full-day conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event brought together top civil servants, government officials, and dignitaries to discuss public administration reforms and governance strategies.

      (ii) One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025. These awards recognize outstanding innovations, initiatives, and reforms carried out by various government departments and officers across the country.

(iii) During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPPG&P), shared that the IAS 2023 batch includes 74 women officers, the highest number to date, accounting for 41% of the total 180 officers in the batch.

      - Swiggy will regularly post verified gig and delivery job opportunities on the NCS portal and conduct hiring processes through it, with API-based integration ensuring real-time job postings and seamless application tracking for users.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration will focus on inclusive hiring, with a special emphasis on providing employment opportunities for youth, women, and individuals seeking flexible work.

      (ii) The partnership will also support structured onboarding, digital empowerment, and enhance awareness about worker welfare schemes.

(iii) As of January 31, 2025, the NCS portal has over 1.25 crore active job seekers and 40 lakh registered employers.

Main Point :-   (i) The train operates daily between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Manmad Junction in Nashik district, Maharashtra, covering a journey of approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes.

      (ii) The initiative focuses on generating non-fare revenue while offering a practical service to passengers, particularly benefiting senior citizens, women, and those in need of emergency cash during travel.

      - Snow Persistence refers to the number of days snow remains on the ground after snowfall. It plays a critical role in maintaining the water supply, river flow, and ecological balance in snow-fed regions like the HKH.

Main Point :-   (i) The HKH Snow Update Report 2025 reveals alarming trends in snow persistence across major South Asian river basins. In the Ganga Basin, snow persistence peaked at +30.2% in 2015 but sharply declined to a 23-year low of just 24.1% in 2025, posing threats to early-summer river flows. Similarly, the Indus Basin, which saw a peak of +19.5% in 2020, experienced a drastic drop to -24.5% in 2024 and further plummeted to -27.9% in 2025, marking its lowest in two decades.

      (ii) In the Brahmaputra Basin, snow persistence that peaked at +27.7% in 2019 steadily declined to 27.9% in 2025. This trend raises concerns over the region’s water-dependent sectors like hydropower generation and agriculture. Meanwhile, the Tibetan Plateau, known as the source of many North Indian rivers, saw snow levels plunge from a significant +92.4% in 2022 to a worrying -29.1% in 2025, highlighting its growing climate vulnerability.

(iii) Other regional basins have also shown sharp reductions. The Mekong Basin recorded the most severe drop at -51.9%, closely followed by the Salween Basin at -48.3%. The Yangtze River Basin (Vangtze) also showed a notable decline at -26.3%. These findings underscore the regional scale of snow loss and its potential implications for water security, agriculture, and ecosystems across Asia.

      - According to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report, only 93 out of 187 countries have legislation, compulsory standards, or norms regulating school food and beverages. It was further revealed that only 29% of these countries have measures to restrict food and beverage marketing in schools.

Main Point :-   (i) The report showed that in 30 low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), food and nutrition education in schools is mainly integrated through extracurricular activities or project-based initiatives rather than as a standalone subject across the curriculum.

      (ii) The report highlighted that only 3 out of 28 countries regularly assess changes in attitudes, perceptions, knowledge, and practices related to food and nutrition. It also noted that 72% of countries have some restrictions on food marketing on school grounds, while 52% have national-level restrictions on food permitted near schools. This indicates a need for more comprehensive and consistent policies to promote better student health worldwide.

(iii) India's school meal program, now called PM-POSHAN, was nationalized in 2001 after a Supreme Court order, showing that children who received meals throughout primary school scored 18% higher in reading and 9% higher in math. Tamil Nadu, which pioneered school meals in 1925, introduced a breakfast program in 2022, increasing attendance from 60-70% to 90-95%.

      - In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signed an agreement to manufacture Shinkansen trains in India under the "Make in India" initiative, facilitating the transfer of Japanese high-speed rail technology to India.

Main Point :-   (i) The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSRC) is being developed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), a subsidiary of Indian Railways. Once completed, the corridor will enable bullet trains to run at speeds of up to 320 km/h, marking India’s entry into high-speed rail infrastructure.

      (ii) The donated Shinkansen trains include the E5 and E3 series. The E5 Series, introduced by East Japan Railway Company in 2011, is known for its aerodynamic design, advanced safety, and superior ride quality. The E3 Series, an older model used for mini-shinkansen services, is recognized for its efficient performance and reliability.

(iii) The India-Japan collaboration stems from an agreement signed in 2016 between PM Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, promoting high-speed rail technology transfer through the "Make in India" initiative. The trial data from the E5 and E3 series will help in the future indigenous production of the E10 (Alfa-X) series trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 400 km/h. The project is financially supported by around 80% low-interest yen loans from the Japanese government, and negotiations are underway for further loan frameworks to introduce the E10 trains.

Main Point :-   (i) During her address, the Union Minister praised BSE's technological advancements and its critical role in India's economic growth, emphasizing that BSE processes orders worth Rs 1,500 crore daily, highlighting its seamless integration with cutting-edge technology.

      (ii) Additionally, the market capitalization of BSE has reached Rs 400 lakh crore, positioning it among the top stock exchanges in the world.

Main Point :-   (i) In March 2024, PB Fintech's board approved the incorporation of PB Pay Private Limited to carry out domestic and cross-border payment aggregation services, supporting merchants through both offline and digital payment infrastructure.

      (ii) The company was incorporated in April 2024 with a proposed authorised share capital of Rs 50 crore and a paid-up share capital of Rs 27 crore.

(iii) The RBI introduced the Payment Aggregator (PA) framework in March 2020, requiring entities to obtain a license to onboard merchants and offer digital payment acceptance services.

Main Point :-   (i) Capitalmind AMC plans to launch actively managed equity schemes based on proven quantitative models like Adaptive Momentum and Surge India, which have shown consistent post-fee performance over the past five years.

      (ii) Currently, the firm manages over Rs 2,200 crore in assets under management (AUM) for more than 1,400 clients, maintaining a 98% annual client retention rate.

      - Core inflation, which excludes food and fuel components, edged up to 4.1%. This increase was mainly driven by a rise in costs related to gold, transportation, and education, indicating price pressures in essential services.

Main Point :-   (i) India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) also eased, falling to a six-month low of 2.05%. This decline points to a broader disinflationary trend in the economy, suggesting price stability across multiple sectors.

      (ii) Among items with the highest year-on-year inflation in March 2025, the top five were: coconut oil (56.81%), coconut (42.05%), gold (34.09%), silver (31.57%), and grapes (25.55%).

(iii) On the other hand, the steepest decline in prices was seen in: ginger (-38.11%), tomato (-34.96%), cauliflower (-25.99%), jeera (-25.86%), and garlic (-25.22%), showing relief in essential kitchen items.

      - Asia is projected to see modest growth in both exports and imports at 1.6%, while Europe anticipates 1.0% growth in exports and 1.9% in imports, reflecting a mixed regional recovery.

Main Point :-   (i) The imposition of reciprocal tariffs is estimated to reduce global trade growth by 0.6 percentage points, suggesting a significant impact of protectionist measures.

      (ii) Trade policy uncertainty could potentially further depress global trade growth by 0.8 percentage points, underlining the importance of stable international trade regulations.

Main Point :-   The turmeric contains curcumin content in the range of 2% to 3%, on par with other light-coloured turmeric varieties.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and became Archbishop in 1998. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

      (ii) In 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected Pope at the age of 76.

(iii) As Pope, he introduced several Vatican reforms, promoting transparency, financial accountability, and inclusivity. He was known for appointing diverse leaders to high-ranking roles within the Church.

Main Point :-   (i) Established in 2010 by the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) (formerly the Department of Public Information), the day was initiated to celebrate the richness of Chinese heritage and to encourage its broader use across all UN duty stations.

      (ii) The first Chinese Language Day was observed on 12 November 2010. However, from 2011 onward, the celebration is held annually on April 20, to coincide with Guyu, a solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, and to honour Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters.

Main Point :-   (i) On 27 April 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/284, officially designating 21 April as World Creativity and Innovation Day.

      (ii) WCID was first celebrated on 21 April 2018 following its UN recognition.

(iii) The day is observed in 50+ countries, including India, the United States of America (USA), and European Union (EU) nations.

Main Point :-   (i) The mission aims to boost farmers' income by ensuring fair pricing of agricultural produce, securing nutritional and food security, and offering sustainable livelihood opportunities.

      (ii) It emphasizes climate-resilient agriculture, encourages sustainable farming practices, and seeks to preserve biodiversity and traditional agricultural knowledge.

(iii) Madhya Pradesh's agricultural productivity rose significantly from 1,195 kg/hectare in 2002-03 to 2,393 kg/hectare in 2024, marking a 200% increase.

      - Electronics exports have surged 6 times to over Rs 3.25 lakh crore in the same period, and the sector now employs over 25 lakh people, with expectations of exponential growth in the coming years.

Main Point :-   (i) The newly inaugurated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Line at VVDN Technologies supports Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) of up to 850 mm × 560 mm in size and boasts an industry-leading speed of 2,50,000 components per hour (CPH). This high-speed capability significantly enhances the efficiency and scale of electronic product manufacturing.

      (ii) This state-of-the-art infrastructure will enable VVDN to produce large and complex products such as AI servers, networking equipment, and motherboards. The move is set to play a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on imports while strengthening the nation’s supply chain resilience in the electronics sector.

(iii) In addition, the newly opened Mechanical Innovation Park, spanning 1,50,000 sq.ft, is equipped with mold and tool-making setups, wire-cut machines, and advanced injection molding systems. The facility establishes a fully integrated design-to-manufacturing ecosystem, and is expected to generate over 3,000 new skilled jobs, further aligning with the Government of India’s vision for employment generation and fostering high-tech skills.

Main Point :-   (i) During the recent MoU signing event, CREDAI along with Canada-based Colliers (Toronto) jointly released a report titled ‘Sustainability in Real Estate: Towards a Greener Skyline’, showcasing India’s growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the real estate sector. The report highlights that approximately 66% of India’s Grade A office stock is now green-certified, with Hyderabad leading the way at 75% penetration.

      (ii) The report also sheds light on the industrial and logistics sector, where leasing in green-certified buildings witnessed a 20% rise in 2024, reaching an impressive 492 lakh square feet across six major Indian cities. This marks a significant shift towards environmentally responsible infrastructure in the country’s evolving real estate landscape.

(iii) CREDAI is India’s apex body of private real estate developers, representing over 13,000 members across 230 cities in 21 states, aiming to promote transparency, quality, and sustainable development while driving economic growth.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 edition emphasized critical areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, cyber technologies, drone warfare, space technologies, and semiconductors, reflecting the future trajectory of Defence Technology and Warfare.

      (ii) It also spotlighted themes like Defence Manufacturing, Aatmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) in defence production, and reforms in acquisition and procurement processes.

(iii) The event was held against the backdrop of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declaring 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms', with the goal of accelerating India’s transformation into a combat-ready, technologically advanced defence force.

Main Point :-   (i) A dedicated team of 20 military personnel was selected based on physical fitness, mental toughness, and team coordination.

      (ii) The team undertook 18 days of intense trekking (excluding 10 days of acclimatization), traversing challenging terrains with steep gradients, unpredictable weather, and rugged mountain trails.

(iii) The expedition route witnessed dramatic altitude transitions, ranging from sub-tropical forests to regions over 14,000 feet, pushing the soldiers to operate effectively in low-oxygen, high-stress environments, thereby testing their physical endurance and psychological resilience.

      - The reactor is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI), a Chennai-based Public Sector Unit (PSU), which plays a pivotal role in India's advanced nuclear energy initiatives.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GoI) has set an ambitious goal of generating 100 Giga Watt (GW) of electricity from nuclear sources by 2047, as part of its long-term clean energy vision. Currently, India’s total installed nuclear power capacity stands at 8.18 GW.

      (ii) An additional 7.30 GW of nuclear power projects are either under construction or nearing completion, while 7.00 GW has been approved and is in the pre-project phase. With the completion of these projects, India’s nuclear power capacity is expected to rise to 22.48 GW by 2031–32.

(iii) Meanwhile, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has plans to further boost capacity by 15.40 GW through indigenously developed Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and an additional 17.60 GW through Light Water Reactors (LWRs) in collaboration with global partners. This expansion aims to help India reach a total nuclear capacity of 55 GW in the coming decades.

Main Point :-   (i) Mission Amrit Sarovar adopts a "Whole of Government" approach, involving coordination between multiple ministries and departments for seamless execution. The mission is further supported by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) for geospatial monitoring.

      (ii) As of March 2025, more than 68,000 Sarovars have been constructed or rejuvenated, out of which 46,000 were developed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

(iii) The recharge capacity from tanks, ponds, and water conservation structures has significantly increased from 13.98 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024, showcasing substantial progress in groundwater replenishment.

      - Currently, the shipping industry contributes to 3% of global GHG emissions.

Main Point :-   (i) The new carbon tax framework is expected to be formally adopted in October 2025, after which it will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships exceeding 5,000 gross tonnage, which currently contribute to 85% of total Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from international shipping. The carbon tax will officially be enforced from 2028, marking a significant regulatory step for the maritime industry.

      (ii) Under this framework, ships will be required to either transition to low-emission fuels or pay emission fees ranging from USD 100 to USD 380 per tonne, depending on their pollution levels. This pricing mechanism aims to push shipping companies towards cleaner energy alternatives while placing financial responsibility on higher emitters.

(iii) Since the shipping sector was not included under the 2015 Paris Agreement, this legally binding global carbon tax represents a major milestone in addressing emissions from the maritime domain. The initiative is projected to generate USD 30–40 billion in revenues by 2030, averaging USD 10 billion annually, all of which will be dedicated to decarbonizing the shipping industry. However, the framework is expected to cut CO2 emissions by only 10% by 2030, falling short of the IMO's target of a minimum 20% reduction.

Main Point :-   (i) ‘Amrit Vrishti’ was originally launched on 15th July 2024 and extended several times until its closure on 31st March 2025. The updated interest rates are effective from 15th April 2025.

      (ii) SBI has also revised interest rates for other FD tenures, implementing a 10 bps reduction effective from the same date — 15th April 2025.

(iii) The current interest rates for regular fixed deposits now range from 3.50% to 6.90% for tenures spanning 7 days to 10 years, while senior citizens receive between 4.00% and 7.50%, based on the duration.

Main Point :-   (i) CR Patil also unveiled several knowledge products developed under various initiatives of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Notable among them are Hydrophytes: Green Lungs of Ganga Volumes I & II and Protocols for Collection, Storage, and Transportation of Biological Samples of Freshwater Macrofauna.

      (ii) These publications reflect the strong scientific basis and practical relevance of the government’s efforts in biodiversity conservation.

(iii) These publications demonstrate the scientific depth and practical importance of MoJS’s ongoing efforts in biodiversity conservation.

      - IBCA holds a significant conservation role by working to combat major threats faced by big cats globally, including habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and escalating human-wildlife conflicts. The alliance aims to facilitate collaborative efforts, both nationally and internationally, to preserve these endangered species and their ecosystems.

Main Point :-   (i) The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by PM Modi in April 2023 to facilitate global conservation efforts for seven big cat species, including tigers, lions, and leopards, fostering international cooperation.

      (ii) IBCA achieved treaty-based intergovernmental status in 2025. It currently has 27 member countries, working together on capacity building, technology use, and research to ensure the survival of big cats, addressing threats like poaching and habitat loss.

(iii) On 17 April 2025, India signed an agreement to host IBCA's headquarters in New Delhi. This solidifies India’s commitment to big cat conservation and supports initiatives such as wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and international cooperation.

      - This was also the first time in India that GI certificates for 21 products were distributed at a single event by the Prime Minister since the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 came into effect in 2003.

Main Point :-   (i) Out of the 21 products awarded GI tags, 9 are from Varanasi, showcasing the city's strong cultural and craftsmanship traditions.

      (ii) Interestingly, Varanasi alone has 32 GI-tagged products, making it a global center for GI-recognized heritage items.

      - So far, Maharashtra has identified 160 routes under the UDAN scheme, with 105 of them already operational. The state's efforts to enhance regional connectivity through air travel were showcased during the event, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure.

Main Point :-   (i) Originally developed by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1992, Amravati Airport had remained non-functional for years. Its revival was spearheaded by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), which undertook significant infrastructure upgrades, including an extended runway and acquiring the necessary operating license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

      (ii) During the event, CM Fadnavis also announced the establishment of Southeast Asia’s largest pilot training institute in Amravati. The Flying Training Organisation (FTO) will open in the next six months, with 34 training aircraft. The institute aims to train 180 pilots annually, positioning India as a leader in aviation education.

(iii) Union Minister Rammohan Naidu highlighted the 40% increase in air passenger traffic over the last five years. He also pointed out the growth in India's airport infrastructure, with the number of airports in the country increasing from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2025, further emphasizing the importance of the UDAN scheme and regional connectivity.

      - The software is a symbol of india’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in advanced power sector technologies. It will be updated every year to keep up with the changing needs of the energy sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The STELLAR software will be shared free of cost with all State Electricity Distribution Companies (Discoms) and Load Despatch Centres, as per the Resource Adequacy Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in June 2023.

      (ii) This model helps in avoiding power cuts, finding the most cost-effective ways to generate and manage electricity, choosing the best energy storage methods for renewables like solar and wind, and supporting India’s goal of 24x7 reliable electricity supply under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

(iii) STELLAR comes with several key features that enhance power system planning and operations. It simulates the chronological operations of the power system, manages unit commitment constraints such as minimum operating levels and ramp-up/down times, and includes endogenous demand response to adjust electricity demand based on system needs. Additionally, it integrates ancillary services like frequency and voltage control and supports the optimal sizing and placement of energy storage systems. Overall, STELLAR is a significant step toward making India’s power sector more efficient, reliable, and future-ready.

      - The commemorative event was organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, showcasing India's pride in celebrating Dr. Ambedkar's life and ideals on an international stage. The event was also attended by Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India. He played a transformative role in shaping modern India, particularly in championing the rights of marginalized communities and promoting inclusive governance.

      (ii) As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constituent Assembly, Dr. Ambedkar is hailed as the Architect of the Indian Constitution. The Drafting Committee originally consisted of seven members: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, K. M. Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, Madhava Rao (who replaced B.L. Mitter), and T.T. Krishnamachari (who replaced D.P. Khaitan).

(iii) A tireless social reformer, Dr. Ambedkar led campaigns against caste-based discrimination and worked extensively for Dalit rights, women’s empowerment, and labour reforms. His slogan, "Educate, Agitate, Organize," continues to inspire human rights movements across the globe, cementing his legacy as a universal symbol of equality and justice.

      - HDFC Bank Limited also witnessed progress in the global chart, moving up one position to claim the 73rd spot. This reflects the bank’s steady performance and growing international stature in the banking industry.

Main Point :-   (i) China continues to dominate the global banking sector, with the top three spots on the list occupied by Chinese financial institutions. Leading the rankings is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) at rank 1, followed by the Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. (ABC) at rank 2, and China Construction Bank Corporation (CCB) at rank 3.

      (ii) The 2025 rankings provide crucial insight into the evolving dynamics of the global banking ecosystem, highlighting the increasing role of Asian banks and the gradual rise of Indian financial institutions on the world stage.

Main Point :-   (i) RBI cancelled the licence of Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-based Colour Merchants Co-operative Bank Limited due to inadequate capital adequacy, poor earnings prospects, and non-compliance with Section 11(1) and Section 22(3)(d) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

      (ii) RBI imposed penalties of Rs. 61.4 lakh on KMBL, Rs. 38.6 lakh on IDFC First Bank, and Rs. 29.6 lakh on PNB for regulatory non-compliance.

(iii) UK-based Revolut, a global financial application (App), received full authorization from the RBI to operate as a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuer and enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India.

Main Point :-   (i) Tata Neu Infinity SBI Card: Joining & annual fees are ₹1,499, with a Spend-Based Annual Fee Reversal at ₹3,00,000.

      (ii) Tata Neu Plus SBI Card: Joining & annual fees are ₹499, with a Spend-Based Annual Fee Reversal at ₹1,00,000.

(iii) In April 2025, New York (United States of America, USA)-based Mastercard Inc. partnered with Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu)-based City Union Bank Limited (CUB) to launch India’s first cricket-themed credit cards, offering exclusive benefits for fans of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership aims to provide comprehensive insurance offerings, including home, health, motor, and engineering insurance, to customers of SIDBI through its 123 branches across the country.

      (ii) The initiative focuses on strengthening insurance accessibility among MSMEs, a sector considered crucial for India’s economic development and job creation.

(iii) This tie-up will enable MSMEs to access both financial and insurance services through an integrated platform, simplifying processes and boosting protection for small businesses.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 edition of the TIME100 list was released with five international TIME covers, each spotlighting a standout personality from different categories. American actor Demi Moore was featured under the Icons category, while Serena Jameka Williams, the former American tennis champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, appeared under Titans. The Innovators category highlighted Snoop Dogg, the renowned American rapper and entrepreneur. Celebrated British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was featured under the Artists category. Lastly, Demis Hassabis, CEO of UK-based Google DeepMind, was featured under the Pioneers category.

      (ii) Leon Marchand, a 22-year-old Olympic swimmer from France, is the youngest person featured this year under the Icons category.

(iii) Meanwhile, Muhammad Yunus, 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, is the oldest person on the list, appearing in the Leaders category.

      - The Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), established in 2004 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), is an initiative designed to nurture responsible and impactful leaders committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive future. Selected members participate in a 3-year leadership program that includes collaborations with top academic institutions, immersive learning experiences, and global networking opportunities aligned with WEF's mission.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 Young Global Leaders (YGL) list by the World Economic Forum (WEF) features seven outstanding Indian personalities, showcasing India’s expanding role in global leadership and innovation.

      (ii) Among the honourees are Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO of Gurugram-based OYO Hotels and Homes, and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India. They are joined by Nipun Malhotra, founder of Delhi-based Nipman Foundation, known for his work in disability advocacy, and Alok Medikepura Anil, Founder and MD of Bengaluru-based Next Big Innovation Labs, a biotechnology firm.

(iii) Other distinguished Indians on the list include Natarajan Sankar, MD and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Mumbai; Manasi Subramaniam, Editor-in-Chief and Vice President of Penguin Random House India, New Delhi; and Anurag Maloo, a mountaineer, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker representing Jaipur-based Orophile Ventures Private Limited (Climbing4SDGs).

      - He is set to take charge on April 21, 2025, succeeding Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who voluntarily retired from ICAR and joined ICRISAT as DG in March 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, the ACC has approved the appointment of four officers from the 1989 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Income Tax cadre, as new members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), headquartered in New Delhi.

      (ii) The newly appointed members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) are Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Sanjay Bahadur, L. Rajasekhar Reddy, and G. Aparna. These appointments were recently approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) to strengthen the leadership within the Income Tax cadre.

Main Point :-   (i) India currently participates in a global hand and power tools trade valued at USD 100 billion, which is projected to reach USD 190 billion by 2035. The hand tools segment, currently worth USD 34 billion, is expected to grow to USD 60 billion, while the power tools segment—including accessories—is anticipated to rise from USD 63 billion to USD 134 billion, with electrical tools accounting for the largest share.

      (ii) China dominates the global export landscape, accounting for 50% (USD 13 billion) of hand tool exports and 40% (USD 22 billion) of power tool exports.

(iii) In contrast, India holds a modest share with 1.8% (USD 600 million) in the hand tools market and 0.7% (USD 470 million) in power tools.

      - In the financial year 2024-25, from April to December 2024, FDI inflows in both pharmaceuticals and medical devices reached ₹11,888 crores. Additionally, the Department of Pharmaceuticals approved 13 FDI proposals worth ₹7,246.40 crores for brownfield projects during the same period.

Main Point :-   (i) The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2020, is a transformative initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting investments, reducing reliance on imports, and increasing exports. The scheme is designed to enhance India's competitiveness in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals.

      (ii) The Department of Pharmaceuticals administers three PLI schemes to bolster manufacturing capabilities in the sector. Among them, the PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 February 2021, focuses on strengthening India’s pharmaceutical production and capabilities.

(iii) This PLI scheme has a financial outlay of ₹15,000 crores and offers financial incentives over six years (from FY 2022-23 to FY 2027-28) to 55 selected manufacturers. The scheme particularly supports the production of high-value pharmaceutical products across three key categories, further promoting India's growth in the global pharmaceutical market.

      - India’s service trade also saw significant growth. The estimated value of service exports during FY 2024-25 reached USD 383.51 billion, up from USD 341.06 billion in FY 2023-24. On the other hand, service imports rose to USD 194.95 billion, compared to USD 178.31 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Main Point :-   (i) With robust service exports and a controlled increase in imports, India’s services trade surplus for FY 2024-25 is estimated at USD 188.57 billion, marking a rise from USD 162.75 billion in FY 2023-24. This further emphasizes the strength of India’s service sector in driving foreign exchange earnings.

      (ii) In March 2025, the estimated services export value was USD 31.64 billion, increasing from USD 30.01 billion in March 2024. Interestingly, service imports declined to USD 13.73 billion in March 2025 from USD 16.60 billion in the same month of the previous year, further contributing to a positive trade balance in services.

(iii) Among notable export categories, coffee exports surged by 40.37%, rising from USD 1.29 billion to USD 1.81 billion. Drugs & pharmaceuticals exports increased by 9.39%, reaching USD 30.47 billion, up from USD 27.85 billion. Rice exports grew by 19.73% to hit USD 12.47 billion, while exports of jute manufacturing items, including floor coverings, rose by 13.35% to reach USD 0.38 billion in FY 2024-25.

      - The DUSTLIK-VI exercise focuses on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in semi-urban environments, simulating a range of counter-terrorism missions. These include territory capture, setting up a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level, implementing population control measures, conducting raids, executing search-and-destroy operations, and ensuring coordinated deployment of air assets to enhance operational synergy.

Main Point :-   (i) The participating contingents in DUSTLIK-VI include 60 personnel from a battalion of the Indian Army's JAT Regiment along with Garud Commandos from the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the Uzbekistan contingent comprises personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

      (ii) The key focus areas of DUSTLIK-VI include intensive counter-terrorism drills simulating scenarios like territory capture by terrorists, population control, raids, and search-and-destroy missions. A Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is established at the battalion level to facilitate coordinated planning and execution of operations between the participating forces.

(iii) Additionally, the exercise emphasizes the integration of air force capabilities such as Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO), Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE), reconnaissance, and logistics using helicopters. Advanced technology deployment also plays a crucial role, with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) measures to enhance operational efficiency.

      - During his visit to Rome, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), co-chaired the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting along with Luisa Riccardi, Secretary General of Defence, Republic of Italy. The meeting aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between both nations in key defence areas.

Main Point :-   (i) The JDC meeting highlighted crucial topics such as strengthening maritime security and improving information-sharing under the Trans Regional Maritime Network (T-RMN). Both sides also addressed regional security challenges in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), and discussed deeper collaboration in defence technology, armament production, and industrial tie-ups.

      (ii) Rajesh Kumar Singh also participated in the India-Italy Defence Industry Roundtable held in Italy. This event served as a platform for key stakeholders from both countries to explore industrial partnerships and collaborative opportunities in the defence manufacturing sector.

(iii) A key outcome of the roundtable was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), based in New Delhi, and the Federation of Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD), based in Rome. The MoU aims to boost cooperation in defence R&D, facilitate technology transfer, encourage joint production, and promote Business-to-Business (B2B) collaborations between Indian and Italian industries.

      - Additionally, to make these systems more accessible and inclusive, PACS now operate in 13 regional languages. Further strengthening the sector, a merger of dairy, fishery, and credit cooperatives has been undertaken to form Multipurpose PACS (MPACS), which are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and expand the services provided to rural communities.

Main Point :-   (i) A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the event between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) (based in Gujarat) and the Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Federation (MPCDF). This MoU aims to expand the role of cooperative dairy societies in improving milk production across MP.

      (ii) Madhya Pradesh currently produces around 5.5 crore liters of milk daily, contributing about 9% of India’s total milk output, but less than 1% of this is processed through cooperative dairies.

      - It was followed by Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in the USA, securing the 2nd and 3rd ranks, respectively.

Main Point :-   (i) According to ACI World’s latest preliminary data, global passenger traffic reached nearly 9.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase over 2023 and a 3.8% rise compared to pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

      (ii) The world’s top 10 busiest airports collectively accounted for 855 million passengers or 9% of total global traffic, showing an 8.8% increase over 2023 and 8.4% over 2019.

Main Point :-   (i) The report was prepared by the ASPIRE team (Atlas of Social Protection Indicators of Resilience and Equity) of the World Bank, in collaboration with departments focused on social safety nets, labour, skills development, and pensions.

      (ii) An analysis covering 73 countries, including LICs, MICs, and High-Income Countries (HICs), showed that between 2010 and 2022, social protection coverage increased by 10 percentage points, rising from 41% to 51% of the population.

(iii) Over the past decade, social protection systems in LICs and MICs have expanded to cover approximately 4.7 billion people—equivalent to three out of every four individuals. However, 1.6 billion people still remain uncovered, underscoring the massive gap that still needs to be addressed.

Main Point :-   (i) The report also forecasts that global economic growth will decline to 2.3% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024, reflecting global uncertainties and economic pressures.

      (ii) Additionally, it estimates that the South Asia region will experience 5.6% growth in 2025. This growth is expected to be supported by declining inflation and a more accommodative monetary environment across most countries in the region.

      - The PM’s Resignation Honours are awards granted at the request of an outgoing UK Prime Minister, allowing the British monarch to bestow honours such as peerages, knighthoods, and damehoods under the UK honours system. Notable cricketers who have received knighthoods include Australia’s Sir Donald Bradman (1949) and West Indies legends Sir Garfield Sobers (1975), Sir Everton Weekes (1995), and Sir Vivian Richards (1999).

Main Point :-   (i) Sir James Anderson made his debut for the England cricket team in December 2002, playing his first One-Day International (ODI) against Australia. He entered the Test cricket arena in 2003 against Zimbabwe at Lord's, where he made an impressive start by taking five wickets in his first innings.

      (ii) Over a career spanning more than two decades, Anderson represented England in 188 Test matches, 194 ODIs, and 19 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), amassing a total of 991 wickets across all formats. He retired from international cricket in July 2024 as the most successful Test seamer in history, with 704 wickets in Test matches alone.

(iii) James Anderson stands third on the all-time list for most Test wickets, behind Shane Warne of Australia (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka (800). Despite his international retirement, he extended his cricketing journey by signing a one-year contract with Lancashire in January 2025 to continue playing in the domestic circuit.

      - From 1987 to 1990, he practiced independently at the Bombay High Court in Mumbai, before shifting to its Nagpur Bench. There, he specialized in Constitutional and Administrative Law, gaining prominence for his legal expertise in public law matters.

Main Point :-   (i) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai served as Standing Counsel for multiple civic and educational bodies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Amravati Municipal Corporation, and Amravati University, contributing to governance and public interest litigation.

      (ii) He was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court on 12th November 2005, and was later elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 24th May 2019, marking a significant rise in his judicial career.

(iii) Justice Gavai was part of several landmark constitutional benches, including the 2023 ruling that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, converting Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory. He also contributed to the 2024 verdict striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme and the 2023 ruling against unlawful demolitions, widely known as the "bulldozer culture" judgment.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, the ICC Women's Cricket Committee was reconstituted, with Catherine Campbell (New Zealand) reappointed as Chair.

      (ii) Other newly included members are Avril Fahey (Australia) and Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket South Africa).

      - The 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System was developed at Larsen & Toubro’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex located in Surat, Gujarat, as part of the company’s efforts to boost indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Main Point :-   (i) This advanced propulsion system is engineered to support a range of critical naval operations, including high-speed interception, coastal patrolling, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. Its deployment is expected to significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s coastal security framework.

      (ii) Unlike conventional propeller systems, the waterjet propulsion system operates by accelerating water through a pump to generate thrust, enabling rapid response and high-precision maneuverability. This makes it highly suitable for Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) engaged in agile, high-speed missions.

(iii) The system is equipped with integrated steering and braking mechanisms, allowing for a compact design that ensures better control at elevated speeds. It also delivers enhanced efficiency, reduced noise levels, and is capable of operating effectively in shallow-water environments.

      - It is engineered to operate reliably across extreme temperature ranges — from -60°C to +120°C — without the risk of explosion or fire, ensuring safety in high-demand environments.

Main Point :-   (i) The battery functions as Nickel-63 decays, emitting high-speed beta particles (electrons) that strike a semiconductor layer. This interaction generates electron-hole pairs, which are then converted into electric current.

      (ii) After 50 years, Nickel-63 decays into stable, non-radioactive copper, making the battery environmentally safe post-use.

      - This species is distinguished by its fiery orange-and-black eyes, a reticulated throat pattern, and a smooth, rhythmic call that is most commonly heard at dusk.

Main Point :-   (i) The name "aryatium" not only pays tribute to Arya Vidyapeeth College but also reflects the institution's impact on the community.

      (ii) In 2022, the nearby area was renamed from "Sharabbhati" (formerly known for liquor brewing) to "Aryanagar", symbolizing a move toward community upliftment and educational pride.

(iii) Although first observed in 2004, the species was misidentified as Leptobrachium smithi — a frog species found in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh — due to limited scientific information available at that time.

Main Point :-   (i) India’s Arjun Erigaisi finished in fifth place on his Freestyle Chess debut after defeating France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. He was awarded USD 50,000 (around Rs 43 lakh) for his performance.

      (ii) Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured the 9th position in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour after winning his placement match against Hungary’s Richard Rapport, earning a prize of USD 12,500.

(iii) In 2013, Magnus Carlsen famously defeated Viswanathan Anand in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in the World Chess Championship match, with 3 wins and 7 draws across 10 games. He became the second-youngest world champion in chess history, after Garry Kasparov.

Main Point :-   (i) In January 1999, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia as well as Home Affairs Minister, holding both positions until 2003.

      (ii) He became the Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2003, succeeding Mahathir bin Mohamad, the long-serving and authoritative leader who had held power for 22 years before stepping down.

(iii) Abdullah remained in office until 2009, stepping down after the then-ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, led by his party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), lost its parliamentary supermajority for the first time since Malaysia’s independence in 1957.

      - WHD was first celebrated on 17 April 1989, initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia. The date commemorates the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, the visionary founder of WFH, who played a key role in shaping the global community for people with hemophilia.

Main Point :-   (i) Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to a lack of essential clotting factors. The two primary types are Hemophilia A, caused by a deficiency of Factor VIII, which affects approximately 21 in 100,000 males, and Hemophilia B (also known as Christmas Disease), resulting from a deficiency of Factor IX, affecting around 4 in 100,000 males.

      (ii) A major challenge in managing hemophilia is the global treatment gap—only about 25% of the estimated 1.1 million affected people worldwide receive adequate care. Around 85% of those in low-income countries lack access to proper diagnosis and treatment. WHD also serves as a call for policy advocacy to improve availability of clotting factor therapies and comprehensive care programs.

(iii) As part of 2025 events, the WFH 2025 Comprehensive Care Summit titled “New Developments in Bleeding Disorders and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Care” will be held from 23 to 25 April 2025 in Dubai, UAE, in collaboration with Hemophilia Eastern Mediterranean Network (HEMNET). Additionally, the WFH 2026 World Congress is scheduled for 19 to 22 April 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.

      - Initially, the portal has been launched on a pilot basis in four mandals: Maddur (Narayanpet district), Nelakondapalli (Khammam district), Lingampeta (Kamareddy district), and Venkatapur (Mulugu district).

Main Point :-   (i) Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs) will visit every revenue village within these mandals to resolve all pending land-related cases by May 1, 2025.

      (ii) After the pilot phase, one block from each district will be selected for the next rollout, with plans to expand the initiative statewide starting June 2, 2025.

      - India’s trade surplus with the USA widened to USD 41.18 billion in FY25, up from USD 35.32 billion in FY24. Major Indian exports to the U.S. included drug formulations and biologicals (USD 8.1 billion), telecom instruments (USD 6.5 billion), and precious and semi-precious stones (USD 5.3 billion), among other significant sectors.

Main Point :-   (i) India's major imports from the USA during FY25 included crude oil worth USD 4.5 billion, petroleum products at USD 3.6 billion, and coal and coke valued at USD 3.4 billion. These commodities highlight the USA’s critical role in fulfilling India’s energy and industrial needs.

      (ii) China continued as India’s second-largest trading partner in FY25, with the total bilateral trade amounting to USD 127.7 billion, up from USD 118.4 billion in FY24. However, India’s exports to China declined sharply by 14.5%, falling from USD 16.66 billion in FY24 to USD 14.25 billion in FY25.

(iii) Imports from China surged by 11.52% in FY25, reaching USD 113.45 billion compared to USD 101.73 billion in the previous year. This widened India’s trade deficit with China to USD 99.2 billion in FY25, a 17% increase from USD 85.07 billion in FY24. Notably, China was India’s top trading partner from FY14 to FY18 and again in FY21, while the USA has held the top position since FY22.

      - The occasion was graced by Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, MoS Harsh Malhotra (MoRTH), Dr. V.K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog), along with various other key stakeholders.

Main Point :-   (i) Out of 125 nominations, 22 entries were shortlisted by a jury through a rigorous multi-level evaluation process. For the year 2023, awards were presented under five different categories, highlighting excellence in highway project implementation and quality.

      (ii) Additionally, winners of the 'पथ चिंतन Hackathon' were felicitated during the event for presenting tech-driven, innovative ideas aimed at transforming India’s National Highway infrastructure.

      - The six newly discovered Sericinae beetle species are — Maladera champhaiensis, found in Mizoram; Neoserica churachandpurensis, identified from Manipur; Maladera barasingha, named in honor of the Indian swamp deer; Maladera lumlaensis, discovered in Arunachal Pradesh; Serica subansiriensis, also from Arunachal Pradesh; and Maladera onam, which was found in Kerala.

Main Point :-   (i) The study also led to new state records, including Maladera bengalensis in Goa and Maladera seriatoguttata in Maharashtra. In total, 28 additional beetle species were documented, enhancing the distribution data and understanding of beetle diversity across India.

      (ii) The discoveries emphasize the importance of India’s biodiversity hotspots. Five of the six species were found in Northeast India, a region that forms part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, known for its high endemism and ecological sensitivity. Maladera onam, found in Kerala, highlights the richness and vulnerability of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site threatened by deforestation and human encroachment.

(iii) Sericinae beetles play dual roles in ecosystems. While some species are known agricultural pests impacting crops, others are beneficial to soil health, contributing to aeration and nutrient recycling, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity.

      - In the category of smaller states (with populations up to 1 crore), Sikkim secured the top position, followed by Himachal Pradesh (HP) in second place and Arunachal Pradesh (AR) in third, while Goa found itself at the lowest rank among the smaller states.

Main Point :-   (i) The India Justice Report (IJR) is an annual publication initiated by Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Tata Trusts in 2019.

      (ii) The report evaluates how 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) of India are performing across four main pillars: police, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid.It evaluates these pillars by analysing key indicators such as staff strength, availability of infrastructure, utilisation of allocated budgets, workload management, and the level of inclusivity and diversity within each system.

(iii) The 2025 edition was prepared by Tata Trusts in collaboration with organisations such as Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-based Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) based in New Delhi (Delhi), Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Think-Tank and research institution DAKSH, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based TISS-Prayas, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy located in New Delhi (Delhi), and How India Lives (Media Company) also located in New Delhi (Delhi) as the data partner.

Main Point :-   (i) The deposit schemes are specially designed for varied customer groups such as working professionals, women, armed forces personnel, farmers, NRIs, senior citizens, students, and the youth, catering to their unique financial needs.

      (ii) Among the digital solutions, notable introductions include a QR-code-based feedback mechanism, the intelligent live-chat assistant “Pihu,” and advanced internal banking tools aimed at elevating service standards for customers.

(iii) The event witnessed the presence of M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF); along with Ashok Chandra, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNB. He was joined by Executive Directors Kalyan Kumar, M. Paramasivam, Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, and D. Surendran, among other senior officials.

Main Point :-   (i) Oscar Piastri started from pole position and maintained a commanding lead throughout the race, ultimately finishing with a 15.499-second margin over the runner-up, George Russell of Germany-based Mercedes, who secured 2nd place despite facing gearbox issues and a malfunctioning Drag Reduction System (DRS).

      (ii) Lando Norris of McLaren secured 3rd place, finishing 16.273 seconds behind the winner. He faced a 5-second penalty due to incorrect grid positioning, but still made it to the podium.

(iii) Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both racing for Italy-based Ferrari, secured 4th and 5th positions respectively. With this win, Oscar Piastri advanced to 2nd place in the F1 2025 Drivers' Standings, behind Lando Norris.

      - The origins of WVD trace back to Brazil on April 16, 1999, when the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (SBLV) initiated the event under the leadership of Dr. Nedio Steffen. It was initially celebrated as Brazilian Voice Day.

Main Point :-   (i) The Brazilian observance of Voice Day inspired other countries such as Argentina and Portugal to hold similar events. This growing recognition of voice health laid the foundation for WVD’s international expansion.

      (ii) In 2002, the AAO-HNS officially recognized April 16 as World Voice Day and began promoting it worldwide. This move transformed a national initiative into a globally acknowledged day dedicated to vocal health.

(iii) World Voice Day serves as a global platform to educate the public about voice care, encourage research in voice sciences and speech therapy, support artistic expression, and raise awareness for individuals dealing with voice-related disorders like spasmodic dysphonia.

      - PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd modern thermal power unit of 800 MW at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamuna Nagar. The unit, being set up by Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) at a cost of Rs 8,469 crore, is an expansion of the existing plant (2x300 MW) and is expected to be completed within 52 months, with commercial operations starting by March 2029.

Main Point :-   (i) With the addition of this 3rd unit, Haryana’s in-house power generation capacity is projected to rise to 3,382 MW. This will enable the state to ensure uninterrupted power supply across regions, playing a crucial role in supporting the growing demand from households, industries, and agriculture, thereby strengthening the overall energy infrastructure of the state.

      (ii) PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant under the GOBARDhan Yojana in Mukarabpur, Yamuna Nagar. The project will be jointly developed by the Municipal Corporation Yamunanagar-Jagadhri and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) at a cost of Rs 90 crore, with an estimated completion timeline of May 2027 and a production capacity of 2,600 MT annually.

(iii) In addition, he inaugurated the 14.4 km long Rewari Bypass Project, developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana on a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at a cost of Rs 1,070 crore. This 4-lane bypass connects NH-352 to NH-11 towards Narnaul, significantly reducing traffic congestion in Rewari city and cutting Delhi-Narnaul travel time by nearly one hour.

      - Following this, on March 18, 2025, the Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the SC Sub-Categorization Bill, in alignment with the Supreme Court’s judgment. The bill, titled The Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2025, received the Governor’s assent on April 8, 2025, and was officially published in the Telangana Gazette on April 14, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Out of the 59 Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-castes in Telangana, 15 have been identified as the "most backward," representing just 0.5% of the state’s SC population. These communities have been allocated 1% reservation, which is double their population share, to improve their access to education and employment opportunities.

      (ii) A total of 18 SC sub-castes that were receiving marginal benefits under the previous system have been categorized under Group-II. These sub-castes have now been allocated 9% reservation, aiming to enhance their representation and support in both education and public sector jobs.

(iii) The remaining 26 SC sub-castes, considered to have relatively better access to social and economic opportunities, fall under Group-III and have been granted 5% reservation. Notably, out of the 59 total sub-castes, 33 continue in their earlier classification, and only 26 sub-castes, accounting for 3.43% of the SC population, have been reclassified under this new system.

      - Both leaders engaged in discussions to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), enhance cultural ties, and promote cooperation in key areas such as defence, trade, technology, space, and connectivity.

Main Point :-   (i) The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), based in New Delhi, is set to establish its first overseas campus at the India Pavilion in Expo City, Dubai. This marks a significant step in bolstering India-UAE educational collaboration. The move follows the 2024 launch of the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in the Middle East, located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

      (ii) The construction of Bharat Mart has commenced, alongside the unveiling of its 3D (Three-Dimensional) model. Additional announcements were made regarding the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) and the MAITRI platform (Market Access and Information through Technology for Responsive International Trade). These initiatives highlight the robust trade relationship between India and the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

(iii) India-UAE bilateral trade is projected to surpass USD 97 billion, moving closer to the USD 100 billion non-oil trade target.

      - Under AB PM-JAY, approximately 1.03 crore families, covering around 3.52 crore individuals in Odisha, are set to benefit from the health insurance scheme. Each family will receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year, and senior citizens aged 70 and above will be eligible for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh regardless of income level.

Main Point :-   (i) A robust hospital network of around 29,000 empanelled hospitals, both within and outside Odisha, will accept the new health cards issued under the scheme, ensuring seamless access to healthcare services for beneficiaries.

      (ii) The Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, renamed from the earlier Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), focuses on providing healthcare access to the economically weaker sections in Odisha. It offers free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh in rural areas and ₹6 lakh in urban areas, for all permanent residents selected under the scheme.

(iii) The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana aims to support the health needs of senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic background. The scheme ensures free access to essential medical treatments, removing financial barriers for the elderly.

      - The Committee on Governance was established in November 2024 through a resolution passed during the 92nd General Assembly of INTERPOL, held in Glasgow, United Kingdom (UK).

Main Point :-   (i) The committee is assigned to monitor reviews of INTERPOL’s statutes, regulations, and related documents, and to propose necessary amendments or clarifications for improved clarity and relevance.

      (ii) It consists of high-level experts in governance and international law from member states, enabling diverse and inclusive participation in the committee’s activities.

(iii) The committee also offers guidance to the General Assembly on interpreting and improving INTERPOL’s foundational legal frameworks, thereby ensuring greater transparency and operational efficiency.

      - NPCI has also capped domestic transactions involving QR Share & Pay payments to non-verified offline merchants at Rs. 2,000 per transaction. This measure is intended to prevent fraud and encourage merchants to undergo proper verification and registration.

Main Point :-   (i) By restricting the transaction limit with unverified merchants, NPCI hopes to foster trust and transparency in small-scale peer-to-merchant (P2M) digital transactions across India, particularly in informal retail sectors.

      (ii) Another critical revision includes the prohibition of "collect requests" for reloading wallets. Merchants can no longer send UPI requests asking users to load money into prepaid wallets or gift cards, which had been commonly exploited in scams.

(iii) Instead, users will now be required to manually initiate wallet recharges using push-based transactions. This change gives consumers greater control over their funds and helps reduce unauthorized deductions due to fraudulent requests.

      - As per the provisions of Section 11(3) of FEMA, the RBI exercised its authority to levy the fine, emphasizing the need for vigilance and compliance among authorized dealers of foreign exchange.

Main Point :-   (i) Prior to the imposition of the penalty, the RBI had issued a Show Cause Notice to Citibank N.A., requesting justification for the suspected violation. The bank submitted a written response and also provided oral submissions during the proceedings.

      (ii) After a thorough evaluation of the case and the explanations provided, the RBI determined that the violation was established, and thus proceeded with the monetary penalty.

(iii) This action highlights RBI’s ongoing commitment to enforcing strict compliance with FEMA guidelines to ensure transparency and due diligence in foreign exchange transactions.

Main Point :-   (i) A key objective of this initiative is to bridge the credit gap in Telangana, foster entrepreneurial ventures, and fuel inclusive economic growth in the region's developing business corridors.

      (ii) The partnership will emphasize digital-first lending solutions, tailored to meet the unique financial needs and operational models of MSMEs, ensuring faster, simpler, and tech-enabled financing options.

(iii) A special highlight of the collaboration is the integration of Godrej Capital’s women-centric initiative ‘Aarohi’, which aims to provide focused support and financial inclusion opportunities to women entrepreneurs across Telangana.

Main Point :-   (i) The 23rd Law Commission of India was formally constituted with effect from 1st September 2024, for a three-year term, following the completion of the 22nd Commission's tenure on 31st August 2024.

      (ii) The primary objectives of the Commission include reviewing obsolete and outdated laws to recommend suitable repeals or amendments, and evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country.

Main Point :-   (i) Prior to his role at ONDC, T Koshy held the position of Executive Director (ED) at the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). He also served for over a decade as a Partner at Ernst & Young (EY).

      (ii) ONDC, established in 2021, is a Section 8 (not-for-profit) entity initiated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

(iii) It is not a conventional application or software platform, but rather a set of open specifications designed to facilitate interoperable and inclusive digital commerce across India.

      - During the 2024–25 season, MBSG secured the ISL Winners Shield by defeating Odisha FC, showcasing consistent performance throughout the league stage.

Main Point :-   (i) In the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024–25 season, Alaaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) emerged as the standout performer, clinching both the Golden Boot (Top Scorer) and Golden Ball (Best Player) awards. Vishal Kaith of Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) was awarded the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets. Brison Fernandes from FC Goa (FCG) was named the Emerging Player of the Season. Jamshedpur FC won the award for the Best Grassroot Program, while Punjab FC was recognized for having the Best Elite Youth Program.

      (ii) The Indian Super League (ISL) is India’s premier professional football league, established in 2014. It is co-promoted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) based in New Delhi, Reliance Industries Limited from Mumbai, and Star India. In 2019, the league gained official recognition as the top-tier domestic league of India by both FIFA (Zurich, Switzerland) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).

(iii) The ISL features 13 clubs competing for two major titles: the ISL Winners Shield, awarded to the team topping the league table, and the ISL Title, given to the winner of the playoffs. Notably, in the 2023–24 season, the ISL Title was won by Mumbai City FC.

      - While the final qualification process is yet to be detailed, the host nation—the United States of America (USA)—is expected to receive a direct entry. The remaining teams will qualify based on the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.

Main Point :-   (i) The venues for the cricket tournaments in Los Angeles are yet to be finalized, and details regarding scheduling will be released closer to the event.

      (ii) The ICC currently includes 12 full-member countries—such as India, Australia, and England—alongside 94 associate members, many of whom could be contenders for Olympic qualification.

Main Point :-   (i) After retiring from active sports, Kapri served in the Uttarakhand Police. He also played a key role in nurturing young talent by working as a basketball coach and trainer, greatly impacting grassroots sports development in Uttarakhand.

      (ii) In recognition of his lifelong dedication to basketball, the Uttarakhand Government honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy in the sport.

Main Point :-   The autobiography presents a subaltern viewpoint, offering a grassroots narrative of India’s path to independence. It also highlights the struggles faced by women in 20th-century India, establishing the work as a vital historical and social record.

Main Point :-   (i) In April 2011, the 17th General Assembly of the IAA/AIAP held in Guadalajara, Mexico, adopted a proposal by the Turkish National Committee to observe April 15 as World Art Day.

      (ii) The first World Art Day was celebrated on April 15, 2012.

      - Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran is situated within the North Sagar Forest Division, encompassing forested regions in Banda Tehsil and Shahgarh of the Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh (MP). It has been strategically planned to serve as a protected wildlife corridor between the Panna Tiger Reserve in the Bundelkhand region and the Madhav Tiger Reserve in the Gwalior-Chambal region.

Main Point :-   (i) This corridor is expected to play a crucial role in developing the longest and largest tiger corridor in North-Central India, facilitating the safe movement of various species including tigers, cheetahs, leopards, wolves, gharials, and vultures. It further enhances landscape-level connectivity between Madhav Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, via the Kuno National Park in Sheopur, MP — known for housing African cheetahs.

      (ii) Madhya Pradesh is already home to several significant wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves such as Pench, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, and Panna, reinforcing its status as a major biodiversity hotspot in India. The declaration of this new sanctuary adds to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving both flora and fauna.

(iii) As a national comparison, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is among the largest and most famous tiger reserves in the country. Interestingly, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the highest number of Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) in India, with a total of 97 sanctuaries among all states and Union Territories.

Main Point :-   (i) On April 11, 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal, and Antonio Tajani jointly co-chaired the 1st India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum in New Delhi.

      (ii) On the same day, Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research (Italy), called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (India), in New Delhi.

(iii) During this meeting, both ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral collaboration in the fields of science and technology.

Main Point :-   (i) Silk and silk goods exports rose from Rs.1,649.48 crores in 2017-18 to Rs.2,027.56 crores in 2023-24, showcasing a 16.46% export boost.

      (ii) This growth is attributed to the expansion of mulberry plantations, which increased from 223,926 hectares (ha) in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24. Consequently, mulberry silk production also grew from 22,066 MT to 29,892 MT during the same period.

(iii) According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India exported 3,348 MT of silk waste in the financial year 2023-24, further contributing to its global trade footprint in the silk sector.

      - The Government of India, through the Scheme for Setting up of Plastic Parks, offers financial assistance to support project implementation. Under this initiative, up to 50% of the project cost is covered, subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 40 crores per project. This substantial financial aid aims to encourage the development of world-class infrastructure in the plastics sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The scheme is designed to enhance the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity, and value addition in India’s domestic downstream plastic processing industry.

      (ii) It also aims to boost investments, expand production capacities, and encourage export-oriented growth in the sector by facilitating an enabling environment for stakeholders.

(iii) To ensure sustainable industrial growth, the scheme emphasizes the use of environmentally responsible methods. Additionally, it adopts a cluster development approach, which focuses on resource optimization, economies of scale, and improved coordination among stakeholders to achieve greater efficiency and impact.

Main Point :-   (i) The new classification is based on the 'precautionary principle,' meaning industries are assessed for their potential to pollute the environment, even before actual damage occurs.

      (ii) Industries producing minimal hazardous waste will also be classified under the Blue Category.

(iii) This includes sectors such as composting, Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and Material Recovery Facilities (MRF). Despite having a high Pollution Index (PI) of 97.6, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants have been included in the Blue Category due to the environmental services they provide.

      - Out of the two coal blocks, one is fully explored, while the other is partially explored, indicating varied readiness levels for commercial development.

Main Point :-   (i) The two coal blocks have a combined Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of approximately 0.34 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).

      (ii) An initial investment of around Rs. 55 crore is projected to operationalize the mines, which are expected to yield annual revenue of about Rs. 106.14 crore.

(iii) With the inclusion of these two coal mines, the Ministry of Coal has signed CMDPAs for a total of 120 coal mines under the commercial auction framework. These collectively represent a cumulative PRC of 265.64 MTPA, annual revenue generation of Rs. 37,300 crore, and projected investments worth Rs. 39,900 crore.

      - ‘Kompact AI’ empowers users to deploy AI models directly on conventional Central Processing Units (CPUs), significantly reducing reliance on costly Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Additionally, it is designed to function effectively without a constant internet connection, making it highly suitable for deployment in remote and underserved areas with limited digital infrastructure.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform has achieved successful optimization of 17 AI models—including notable ones like DeepSeek, Qwen, and Llama—for CPU-based inference. These optimizations are backed by benchmarking support from IIT Madras, ensuring reliable performance even on low-resource hardware.

      (ii) By minimizing infrastructure costs, Kompact AI makes artificial intelligence more accessible to startups, researchers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This cost-efficient approach supports broader adoption of AI across various sectors and helps democratize technology for wider societal impact.

      - The Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to 13,508 physicists worldwide, including participants from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University (SBU), New York, USA.

Main Point :-   (i) Six New Horizons Prizes, each worth USD 100,000, were awarded to eight early-career physicists and mathematicians for their promising research contributions.

      (ii) Three women mathematicians, who recently earned their PhDs, received the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize, with each recipient being awarded USD 50,000.

(iii) The total prize money awarded in 2025 amounted to USD 18.75 million.

Main Point :-   (i) Daniel Noboa is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman representing the National Democratic Action (ADN) alliance. He is the son of Alvaro Noboa, Ecuador’s wealthiest man and a prominent banana industry tycoon who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency multiple times.

      (ii) Noboa began his political journey in 2021, when he was elected to the National Assembly of Ecuador from the Santa Elena province as a member of the United Ecuadorian Movement. He gained national recognition for his firm stance on crime, notably through measures such as deploying the military to tackle drug trafficking and constructing high-security prisons to isolate gang leaders.

(iii) With his re-election in April 2025, Daniel Noboa now holds a full 4-year term to carry forward his political vision. His administration is expected to prioritize crime reduction, anti-drug campaigns, and national security reforms as key elements of his governance agenda.

      - This was Gabon’s first presidential election since the 2023 military coup, which ended the Bongo political dynasty that ruled Gabon for over 56 years.

Main Point :-   (i) Brice Oligui Nguema is a Gabonese politician and military leader who assumed interim presidency in August 2023 after removing President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who served from 2009 to 2023.

      (ii) He led the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), the military junta that ruled Gabon post-coup.

(iii) Since 2020, he has also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard.

      - The Mk-II Laser DEW is a powerful 30 kilowatt (KW) laser-based weapon designed to disable, degrade, or destroy small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), swarm drones, missiles, and other surveillance or attack sensors. The weapon works by directing a concentrated beam of light to heat and damage the target, achieving high-impact results with surgical precision.

Main Point :-   (i) The Mk-II Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) was indigenously developed by DRDO’s CHESS, Hyderabad, in collaboration with labs like LRDE (Bengaluru), IRDE (Dehradun), DLRL (Hyderabad), academic institutions, and Indian industries, showcasing a unified national effort in advanced defence technology development.

      (ii) This laser-based DEW system offers ultra-fast engagement speed and precise targeting, making it highly effective against aerial threats like drones and missiles. Its compact design, operational simplicity, and low-cost nature make it a promising replacement for traditional kinetic or missile defence systems.

(iii) Equipped with radar and electro-optic systems, the DEW detects targets and emits a powerful laser beam that causes structural damage within seconds. It significantly reduces ammunition dependency and collateral damage, marking a transformative leap in India’s future battlefield strategy and defence capability.

      - Mario Vargas Llosa was born on March 28, 1936, in Arequipa, Peru, as Jorge Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa. His early life was marked by challenges, with his parents separating before his birth. Despite these beginnings, he pursued his passion for literature and journalism, which would later place him among the most influential literary voices of the 20th century.

Main Point :-   (i) Mario Vargas Llosa rose to international prominence during the Latin American literary "Boom" of the 1960s and 1970s, a period of explosive growth in Latin American literature. He was a central figure in this movement, alongside other iconic writers like Gabriel García Márquez and Carlos Fuentes. Vargas Llosa's work is known for its intricate narratives, political engagement, and deep social commentary.

      (ii) Vargas Llosa earned widespread acclaim in the 1960s with novels such as The Time of the Hero (La ciudad y los perros, 1963/1966), The Green House (La casa verde, 1965/1968), and Conversation in The Cathedral (Conversación en La Catedral, 1969/1975). These novels addressed themes like authoritarianism, corruption, and personal freedom, cementing his reputation as a master storyteller and political thinker.

(iii) Over the years, Mario Vargas Llosa received many prestigious awards, including the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature for portraying power and resistance. He was also honored with the Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1994), Jerusalem Prize (1995), Carlos Fuentes Prize (2012), and Pablo Neruda Order of Artistic and Cultural Merit (2018).

Main Point :-   (i) In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO), during the 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA), officially designated April 14 as World Chagas Disease Day.

      (ii) The first-ever observance of WCDD took place on April 14, 2020.

Main Point :-   (i) The theme for NFSD 2025 and FSW 2025 is “Unite to Ignite, a Fire Safe India – Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building.”

      (ii) Since 1999, the National Safety Council (NSC) has actively run the Fire Service Week campaign to raise fire safety awareness among employees, their families, and the general public.

      - The first official celebration was held on 14 April 2022.

Main Point :-   (i) The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India released the first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum (ITES-Q). This initiative aims to enhance India’s leadership role in the global quantum ecosystem and drive innovation in Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (QSTI).

      (ii) QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based quantum cybersecurity startup, launched QShield, the world’s first platform offering unified cryptography management across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments.

Main Point :-   (i) A 10-day pilot trial in Ahmedabad and Surat demonstrated impressive results, with drones arriving at the incident site within 2 to 2.5 minutes, significantly faster than PCR vans.

      (ii) The drones are equipped to stream real-time footage back to the drone base station, providing officers with instant visual intelligence. This allows for faster evaluation and strategic deployment of police resources.

(iii) In its initial phase, the GP-DRASTI project will be operational at eight police stations in Ahmedabad. Plans are in place to expand the project to Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat, supported by further drone deployments.

Main Point :-   (i) MSMEs represent over 90% of all businesses worldwide, contribute 50% to global GDP, and account for 70% of employment. However, the MSME finance gap stands at USD 5.7 trillion, expanding to USD 8 trillion when informal enterprises are included.

      (ii) The facility targets Regulated Banks, Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs), and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) authorized to conduct lending or leasing operations in their respective regions.

(iii) This initiative is aimed at fostering growth in the MSME sector by addressing financing challenges, with a specific focus on women and climate-conscious enterprises.

Main Point :-   (i) The launch, designated Blue Origin NS-31, marked Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight and made history as the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. Tereshkova, the Soviet cosmonaut, had orbited Earth alone for nearly three days, becoming the first woman in space.

      (ii) During this recently conducted mission, the six-member female crew flew for about 11 minutes, crossing the Kármán line — the internationally recognized boundary of space set at 100 km (62 miles) above Earth. The passengers experienced moments of weightlessness before safely descending back.

(iii) The New Shepard spacecraft operated fully autonomously, requiring no pilot input during the mission. Both the capsule and the rocket booster made soft landings using parachutes, with the booster successfully touching down in Texas.

      - President Murmu was honoured with the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City by Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon. This recognition made her an honorary citizen of Lisbon, highlighting the growing goodwill between the two nations.

Main Point :-   (i) As part of the diplomatic celebrations, the Presidents of India and Portugal jointly launched commemorative postage stamps to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, symbolizing the historical and cultural friendship between both nations.

      (ii) In the second leg, from April 9–10, 2025, President Murmu visited Slovakia at the invitation of Peter Pellegrini, the President of Slovakia. The visit underlined India’s commitment to deepening its strategic and economic engagements with the Slovak Republic.

(iii) During the Slovakia visit, President Murmu was presented with a Slovak translation of the ancient Indian texts—the Upanishads by the Slovak President. She also received an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa, Dr. h. c.) from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, and two MoUs were signed between India and Slovakia to foster cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest.

Main Point :-   (i) In the Men’s 10m Air Pistol event, Rudrankksh Patil won the gold medal with a score of 252.9, beating Hungary’s Istvan Marton Peni.

      (ii) In the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event, Vijayveer Sidhu made history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in this event at any ISSF World Cup, scoring 29 points.

(iii) United States of America (USA) finished third with a total of 6 medals (2 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze).

      - According to official British records, 379 people were killed, but Indian sources and eyewitnesses suggest the actual death toll was in the thousands. The incident shocked the nation and intensified the demand for India’s independence from British rule.

Main Point :-   (i) The Rowlatt Act of 1919, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was passed by the British based on the Sedition Committee led by Justice Rowlatt. It gave the colonial government the power to arrest and detain individuals without trial for up to two years, sparking widespread protests across the country.

      (ii) Following the massacre, the British government set up the Hunter Commission in 1919, officially called the Disorders Inquiry Committee, chaired by Lord William Hunter. The committee investigated the incident and questioned General Dyer, whose controversial testimony drew global criticism. His story was later documented in Nigel Collett’s book “The Butcher of Amritsar”.

(iii) In 1920, a trust was formed to build a memorial at the site. The memorial was inaugurated on April 13, 1961, by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The design was created by Benjamin Polk, an American architect, and the site now stands as a symbol of the sacrifice and spirit of India’s freedom struggle.

Main Point :-   (i) The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several key road infrastructure projects in Varanasi, including a road bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road to Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on National Highway 31 (NH-31) near Varanasi International Airport, with a combined worth of over ₹980 crore.

      (ii) The Prime Minister inaugurated two 400-kilovolt (kV) and one 220-kV transmission substations along with associated transmission lines in the Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur districts of the Varanasi division, with a total value of over ₹1,045 crore.

(iii) He also laid the foundation stone for a 220-kV transmission substation at Chaukaghat in Varanasi, a 132-kV transmission substation in Ghazipur, and the augmentation of the electricity distribution system in Varanasi city, worth over ₹775 crore.

      - The Indian auto industry produced over 28 million vehicles from April 2023 to March 2024, including Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and Quadricycles.

Main Point :-   (i) India’s automotive industry contributes 7.1% to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% to the manufacturing GDP.

      (ii) India’s share in the global automotive component trade stands at around 3% (~USD 20 billion). The trade ratio of India’s auto components is nearly neutral (~0.99), with exports and imports almost balancing each other.

(iii) The report forecasts a bright future where India's automotive component production reaches USD 145 billion by 2030, with automotive component exports expected to triple to USD 60 billion (from USD 20 billion).

      - The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will be established as a not-for-profit Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. The equity structure will include 34% by the Government of India, 14% by the Government of Maharashtra through MFSCDCL, and the remaining 52% equally shared between FICCI and CII, both headquartered in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India has sanctioned an initial grant of ₹391.15 crore for infrastructure development and early operations. In addition, MFSCDCL has allotted a 10-acre land parcel within Film City, Mumbai, on a 30-year lease to facilitate the establishment of the institute.

      (ii) IICT will initially operate from a temporary campus located at the premises of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Limited in Mumbai. The institute envisions becoming a national centre for India's creative economy, fostering growth and innovation in the AVGC-XR sector.

(iii) Functioning as a Centre of Excellence (CoE), IICT will focus on training, education, research, and innovation in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. It will also form a Governing Council and sector-specific councils to maintain industry alignment, support global collaborations, and drive skill development and employment opportunities in the creative industries.

Main Point :-   (i) The material cost per student under the PM POSHAN scheme has been revised, effective from May 1, 2025. For Kindergarten and Primary Classes (Grades 1 to 5), the cost has increased from ₹6.19 to ₹6.78 per student per day.

      (ii) For Upper Primary Classes (Grades 6 to 8), the material cost has been raised from ₹9.29 to ₹10.17 per student per day.

Main Point :-   (i) The 6-day multilateral maritime exercise witnessed participation from various African nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa (SA).

      (ii) From India, INS Chennai (destroyer) and INS Kesari (large platform) arrived at Dar-es-Salaam to take part in the exercise.

(iii) Additionally, INS Sunayna, renamed as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, departed from Karwar Naval Base on April 5, 2025, and will also participate in the exercise.

Main Point :-   (i) A fine of ₹1 crore was imposed for violating the Insurance E-commerce Guidelines, 2017, specifically the clause stating that an insurance intermediary can onboard only insurers as permitted on its Insurance Self-Network Platform (ISNP).

      (ii) FIPL was found redirecting consumers to the “Buy Insurance” section of another insurance intermediary instead of the actual insurer's website.

(iii) An additional fine of ₹6 lakh was levied for continuing the sale and purchase of insurance policies via its platform even after its Certificate of Registration (CoR) expired on September 25, 2024, thereby violating Clause 3(ii)(a) of Schedule III read with Regulation 26 of the IRDAI (Registration of Corporate Agents) Regulations, 2015.

      - The report highlighted that the United States of America (USA), one of India's major trading partners, has imposed a 26% tariff on Indian imports, significantly impacting India’s trade balance. Notably, President Donald Trump announced this reciprocal tariff on 60 countries including India, effective April 9, 2025. However, the Trump administration later declared a 90-day freeze on implementing the tariffs, excluding China.

Main Point :-   (i) According to Moody’s Analytics, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to cut interest rates due to easing headline inflation, predicting a 25 basis points (bps) reduction in the policy rate to 5.75% by the end of Calendar Year 2025 (CY25).

      (ii) The report also revised down the GDP growth projections for several Asia-Pacific countries, including China, New Zealand, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines. However, India's GDP downgrade was comparatively less severe, given its lower dependency on exports when compared with countries like Vietnam, China, and Taiwan.

(iii) Additionally, the RBI, in its 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy for FY2025-26, announced in April 2025, had already reduced India’s GDP growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.5% for the fiscal year, further reinforcing Moody’s outlook.

      - It enables real-time monitoring of investigations, supports timely filing of chargesheets, and allows for efficient tracking of court trials.

Main Point :-   (i) To date, the portal has contributed to around 85,000 convictions, while resolving over 40,000 long-pending cases from the past five years.

      (ii) Instituted in 2003, the SKOCH Awards recognize outstanding work by individuals, institutions, and projects in areas like governance, technology, inclusive growth, service delivery, and more.

(iii) These awards are presented annually by the SKOCH Group, a Gurugram (Haryana)-based consulting firm established in 1997.

      - These successful trials of LRGB ‘Gaurav’ mark a significant milestone in India's efforts towards self-reliance in advanced precision-guided munitions under the “Make in India” initiative.

Main Point :-   (i) During the trials, the indigenous Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ was tested by mounting it on various positions of the Su-30 MKI aircraft with different types of warheads. The weapon was launched towards a land-based target located on an island and successfully struck it with precision from a standoff distance of around 100 kilometres (km).

      (ii) The quality assurance and certification process for ‘Gaurav’ was supported by two key organisations — the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), a regulatory body functioning under the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi.

(iii) ‘Gaurav’ is a new-generation smart precision-guided weapon in the 1,000 kilogram (kg) class, featuring a wingspan of 3.4 meters. It has a strike range between 30 km and 150 km, and employs advanced guidance systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), inertial navigation, and optionally laser or infrared sensors to accurately engage both stationary and mobile/hardened targets. The bomb can be equipped with fragmentation warheads for soft targets or penetration-blast warheads for fortified structures like bunkers.

      - She established the Kadamb: Centre for Dance and Music in Ahmedabad in 1964, which became a hub for innovation in Kathak. Through Kadamb, she expanded the vocabulary, structure, and aesthetics of Kathak, infusing it with a contemporary perspective while preserving its classical essence.

Main Point :-   (i) Kumudini Lakhia mentored several celebrated Kathak dancers, including Aditi Mangaldas, Vaishali Trivedi, Sandhya Desai, Daksha Seth, Maulik Shah, and many others. These disciples went on to become well-known performers and choreographers, furthering her legacy.

      (ii) Apart from being a dancer and mentor, she also held several prominent positions such as Vice President of the Council International De La Dance (Paris, France), Executive Board Member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi), and Chairperson of the Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Akademi.

(iii) Her awards include Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan (2010), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1982), Kalidas Samman (2002-03) by Madhya Pradesh Government, and Guru Gopinath Desiya Natya Puraskaram (2021) by the Kerala Government (awarded in 2022), showcasing her immense contribution to Indian arts and dance.

      - He often wore a wooden placard with the Sanskrit quote “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah”, which translates to “If you protect trees, they will protect you.” This phrase became symbolic of his deep-rooted belief in environmental conservation.

Main Point :-   (i) For his extraordinary contribution to society, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017 under the category of Social Work. In addition, he received several other accolades including the Vanaseva Award (1995) and the Vanamitra Award (2005).

      (ii) He was also honoured with an honorary doctorate by the Academy of Universal Global Peace (USA) in recognition of his efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability on a global scale.

(iii) His inspirational life story has been preserved through education: the Telangana government included a chapter about him in the 6th-grade social studies textbook, and his journey is also featured in the 9th-grade Telugu syllabus in Maharashtra for Telugu-speaking students.

Main Point :-   (i) To celebrate the first International Day of Human Space Flight, the UN Postal Administration (UNPA), based in New York, issued a special series of commemorative stamps at its offices in New York (USA), Geneva (Switzerland), and Vienna (Austria).

      (ii) The collection included a stamp featuring Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space.

(iii) The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is the UN entity responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

Main Point :-   (i) The first-ever International Day for Street Children was observed on April 12, 2011, launched by CSC, a global network of organizations dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of street-connected children.

      (ii) April 12 also marks the anniversary of the first United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Children, which was held in 1955.

      - Operation Meghdoot, the longest military operation in the world till date, was a proactive campaign launched by the IA in response to intelligence reports about Pakistan's planned military advances in the region. The Indian Army acted swiftly to preempt Pakistan's moves.

Main Point :-   (i) The operation was executed with the combined effort of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). Troops were airlifted by the IAF and deployed on the snow-covered peaks of the Siachen Glacier. The leadership included Lt. Gen. Manohar Lal Chibber, Lt. Gen. P.N. Hoon, and Maj. Gen. Shiv Sharma.

      (ii) The Siachen Glacier, situated at an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet in the Karakoram range, is considered the highest militarized zone in the world. Its strategic value lies in overseeing the Shaksgam Valley (ceded illegally to China by Pakistan), Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Karakoram Pass.

(iii) The soldiers stationed on the glacier face extreme hardships. Each is posted for about three months under life-threatening conditions including sub-zero temperatures and frequent avalanches, all while keeping a constant vigil against enemy intrusions in the high-altitude warzone.

      - The initiative was led by the Meghalaya Department of Textiles with support from NABARD and technical guidance from GI expert Dr. Rajnikanth, facilitating joint applications by the Textiles Department and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association. It was further catalyzed by the recognition of Umden-Diwon Village (Ri-Bhoi district) as Meghalaya’s 1st Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021.

Main Point :-   (i) "Ryndia" is the Khasi name for Eri silk, derived from the ryndia (castor) plant that feeds the Philosamia ricini silkworms. It is a unique heirloom fabric known for its traditional and sustainable qualities. Ryndia or Eri silk is also referred to as Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk, as it is extracted without harming the silkworms, preserving Meghalaya's eco-conscious weaving heritage.

      (ii) This fabric is primarily produced by the indigenous Khasi, Bhoi, and Jaintia artisans of Meghalaya, with Ryndia weaving being a woman-centric tradition among the Khasi tribes. The fabric is hand-spun, handwoven, and naturally dyed, reflecting both cultural legacy and ethical craftsmanship.

(iii) A Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies products from a specific region with unique qualities or reputation. In India, it is governed by the GI Act, 1999 (effective from 15 Sept 2003). The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) aims to reach 10,000 GI tags by 2030 to boost local heritage.

      - Additionally, USD 6.03 billion was signed with IRFC to boost transport infrastructure such as metro and suburban rail projects, and USD 843 million with NaBFID for smart infrastructure and urban development initiatives. These investments aim to support long-term, sustainable urban transformation across the region.

Main Point :-   (i) The event witnessed participation from key dignitaries including Union Minister Piyush Goyal (MoC&I) and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alongside other prominent industry leaders and policymakers.

      (ii) During the IGF NXT25 Summit, the Government of Maharashtra signed 5 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at approximately USD 50 billion with leading domestic and international investors to enhance infrastructure, boost economic growth, and promote innovation across the state.

Main Point :-   (i) During the WG meeting, India and Russia agreed on 6 new strategic projects to enhance bilateral investment cooperation. The co-chairs of the session also signed a protocol highlighting these projects' strategic importance and reviewed the outcomes of the 7th session of IRWG-PIP. These initiatives aim to strengthen mutual investments, sector-specific partnerships, and deepen economic ties.

      (ii) Both countries discussed initiatives to bolster their bilateral economic ties, reaffirming their commitment to expand investment collaboration across key sectors.

(iii) The India-Russia Investment Forum 2025 was organized by Invest India (Delhi), under the DPIIT (MoC&I), in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (Kolkata) and the Ministry of Economic Development, Russia. The forum saw strong participation from over 80 stakeholders, including business leaders, financial institutions, logistics firms, trade bodies, and senior officials from both countries.

Main Point :-   (i) Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi was ranked 32nd and was also named the Best Airport in India and South Asia for 2025.

      (ii) Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru was ranked 48th. It was also awarded the title of Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia. KIA’s T2 terminal received a Skytrax 5-star airport terminal rating, making it the first airport in India to achieve this rating.

(iii) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad was ranked 56th. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), which operates RGIA, was honoured with the 'Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2025' award for the fourth consecutive time.

Main Point :-   (i) During the meeting, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed India’s commitment to regional agricultural cooperation and highlighted the alignment of BIMSTEC with India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.

      (ii) India proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Agriculture Cooperation, focusing on accurate farming, natural and organic agriculture, climate risk mitigation, gender equality, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture.

(iii) On the sidelines of the meeting, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural cooperation, further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Nepal.

      - Under the recently signed Country Partnership Framework (CPF), a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) will be formulated to implement solar energy projects specific to Mauritius’s requirements. The key focus areas include floating solar, rooftop solar systems, solar-powered water pumps, agrivoltaics, and green hydrogen technologies.

Main Point :-   (i) The CPF aims to support Mauritius in its transition to clean energy through a country-specific roadmap aligned with its national development goals. This collaboration will help enhance energy security and sustainability.

      (ii) The CPF also proposes the establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) in Mauritius. This centre will serve as a hub for innovation, capacity building, and investment promotion in solar energy technologies.

(iii) Mauritius has previously partnered with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) under the ISA CARES initiative. A significant outcome of this was the solarisation of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in June 2024, improving sustainability in the healthcare sector. The CPF was signed during the Global SolarX Accelerator Programme—an ISA initiative in partnership with Business Mauritius—aimed at accelerating solar startups across Africa and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions.

      - NASA collaboration will give Bangladesh access to advanced space technologies, satellite systems, and scientific research tools.

Main Point :-   (i) The Dhaka-based Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO), established in 1980, will benefit from technical aid in developing satellites for disaster management (e.g., cyclones, floods).

      (ii) Students and scientists from Bangladesh will gain global collaboration opportunities and access to NASA training and exchange programs.

(iii) With this move, Bangladesh joins 53 countries—including the USA, India, Japan, and the UAE—committed to responsible and transparent space exploration.

Main Point :-   (i) The MPC unanimously decided to reduce the policy repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.00%, effective immediately.

      (ii) The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) was revised to 5.75%.

(iii) The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate were both set at 6.25%.

      - SEBI’s revised framework allows investors to opt for Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs), and Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) under SIFs. However, if market fluctuations reduce investment value below ₹10 lakh, immediate redemption is required.

Main Point :-   (i) SIFs are structured to bridge the investment gap between Mutual Funds (MFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS). They are designed for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), offering tailored strategies such as long-short equity, sectoral rotation, and multi-asset diversification.

      (ii) To launch SIFs, AMCs must have at least 3 years of operational history and should maintain an average Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹10,000 crore or more over the last three years.

(iii) In a related development from March 2025, SEBI revised the minimum investment requirement for Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments listed on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), lowering it from ₹10,000 to ₹1,000.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU outlines initiatives for joint seminars, workshops, and research to build institutional capabilities.

      (ii) NaBFID and NDB will work together on research and capacity-building initiatives to promote knowledge sharing and strengthen institutional capabilities in infrastructure financing.

(iii) The New Development Bank (NDB), established in 2015 by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs).

      - BHIM Vega is a next-generation UPI plugin developed by NBSL, built upon the existing BHIM infrastructure to enable smoother in-app payment experiences.

Main Point :-   (i) The Razorpay Turbo UPI Plugin offers seamless in-app transactions by allowing users to complete payments without switching to third-party UPI applications. This feature reduces payment drop-offs and provides a smoother, more convenient user experience for customers making online transactions.

      (ii) The plugin is designed with enhanced reliability by using smart routing through multiple banking partners. This ensures higher success rates for transactions, even during downtimes or technical issues with one of the banks, making the payment process more stable and dependable.

(iii) For businesses, the plugin simplifies onboarding and integration. It enables companies to adopt the solution quickly and go live faster, helping them streamline operations and deliver a better payment experience to their customers.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration aims to deliver affordable credit solutions to borrowers residing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, thereby supporting financial inclusion and contributing to economic growth across underserved regions.

      (ii) Piramal Finance brings its innovative ‘High Tech + High Touch’ model, blending advanced technology with personalized customer service, while ICICI Bank offers its deep financial and banking expertise, enhancing the partnership's overall effectiveness.

(iii) With a network of over 510 branches covering 13,000+ pin codes and catering to nearly 4.5 million customers across 26 states, Piramal Finance’s wide presence will significantly strengthen credit delivery and outreach under this alliance.

Main Point :-   (i) The key details include the incorporation date as 7 April 2025, with an authorised share capital of ₹17 crore and an initial paid-up capital of ₹8.5 crore. GAIL (India) Limited holds 100% ownership, with shares issued at a face value of ₹10 each.

      (ii) The necessary regulatory approvals were received in March 2025 from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

(iii) The strategic intent behind setting up GAIL Global IFSC Limited is to undertake global and regional corporate treasury functions, including ship leasing activities. This initiative is aimed at enhancing GAIL’s global presence and strengthening its capital management capabilities through structured financial operations within India’s premier financial hub at GIFT City.

      - His iconic collaboration with Steven Spielberg began with Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and continued with celebrated films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Schindler's List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Lincoln (2012), among many others.

Main Point :-   (i) Marvin Levy received the Honorary Academy Award in 2018 from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), recognizing his lifetime achievements and making him the only publicist to ever receive this distinction.

      (ii) He was also honored with the Les Mason Award in 1994, the highest accolade presented by the Publicists' Guild.

Main Point :-   (i) The day was initiated by White Ribbon Alliance India (WRA India), a New Delhi-based grassroots organization advocating for women’s health rights.

      (ii) The Government of India (GOI) officially declared 11 April as National Safe Motherhood Day in 2003, with the first observance taking place that year.

(iii) India is the only country in the world to have a nation-specific day dedicated to motherhood, underlining its unique and focused approach to maternal welfare.

      - In December 2003, the WHO established a Working Group on Parkinson’s Disease, which led to the development of the Global Declaration on Parkinson’s Disease. This declaration was officially launched in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and aimed to transform societal attitudes toward Parkinson’s disease.

Main Point :-   (i) The red tulip with a white fringe was adopted as the official symbol of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) during the 9th World Parkinson’s Day Conference held in Luxembourg in 2005. In 2022, global PD organizations launched ‘The Spark’, a unified logo symbolizing hope and reinforcing international advocacy efforts.

      (ii) Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts dopamine production in the brain, impairing movement control. Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and balance difficulties. While there is no cure, treatments like levodopa medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life. Over 10 million people currently live with PD globally, a number expected to double by 2050.

(iii) In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Declaration on Parkinson’s Disease, recognizing it as a public health priority and encouraging nations to enhance research and care. According to a report by the Parkinson’s Disease Society (UK), more than 10 million individuals worldwide are affected by PD.

Main Point :-   (i) AI-ECTA enables duty-free access for 51,000 tonnes of Australian cotton annually to India, comprising 50,000 tonnes under an allocated quota and 1,000 tonnes under a first-come, first-served basis.

      (ii) According to data from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia exported 50,719 tonnes of cotton to India in 2024, compared to 50,690 tonnes in 2023.

(iii) As per the latest ACSA Market Report, India was Australia’s 3rd largest cotton export market, accounting for 12% of exports, following China (28%) and Vietnam (26%).

Main Point :-   (i) SEBI recently relaxed disclosure norms for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) by increasing the asset threshold for granular Beneficial Ownership (BO) disclosures from Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore.

      (ii) Mumbai-based hBits Investment Management Private Limited, a fractional investment platform in commercial real estate, received SEBI’s approval to launch a Small & Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM-REIT) public issue.

(iii) hBits plans to raise up to Rs 500 crore through its Initial Public Offering (IPO) by June 2025.

      - In 1944, he joined the Lao Issara movement and became a member of the Indochinese Communist Party in 1954. He further solidified his political path by joining the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in 1956.

Main Point :-   (i) Khamtay Siphandone was elected a member of the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, at the 2nd Party Congress in 1972. He later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Lao People's Liberation Army, leading the country's forces during pivotal moments in its history.

      (ii) After the successful revolution of 1975, Khamtay was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defence, and Commander-in-Chief of the Lao People's Liberation Army, taking on key leadership roles in the newly established government.

(iii) Khamtay Siphandone was appointed Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on August 15, 1991, by the 6th session of the 2nd Supreme People's Assembly. He was elected President in 1998 and retired from the presidency and as chairman of the party in 2006. In recognition of his contributions to the nation, he received numerous honors, including the Order of José Martí from Cuba and the Gold Star Order from Vietnam.

Main Point :-   (i) PM Modi described the Navkar Mantra as a deep spiritual reservoir of peace, stability, and mental clarity.

      (ii) He emphasized its role in honoring the Panch Parmeshthi—Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus—who together represent 108 divine attributes in Jainism.

(iii) The Prime Minister also urged citizens to adopt nine meaningful resolutions inspired by Jain values to build a sustainable and harmonious future: conserve water, plant a tree in the name of one’s mother, actively participate in the cleanliness mission, support local products (Vocal for Local), explore the cultural richness of India, promote and practice natural farming, maintain a healthy lifestyle, incorporate yoga or sports into daily routines, and extend help to the underprivileged.

Main Point :-   (i) The PA license allows companies to facilitate online transactions for e-commerce, bringing them under RBI’s regulatory framework. It also enables them to offer early settlements, a form of short-term credit, and partner with NBFCs and banks to provide term loans.

      (ii) BharatPe has become the only fintech company in India to possess a unique combination of financial authorizations—holding an NBFC license through Trillion Loans, a stake in Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB), and now, the Payment Aggregator (PA) authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

(iii) As of April 2025, the RBI has granted PA authorization to 41 companies, while over 28 firms have received in-principle approval to operate as payment aggregators in India.

Main Point :-   (i) The report projects India’s GDP growth to rise marginally by 10 basis points (bps) to 6.8% in FY27, backed by supportive fiscal and monetary policies.

      (ii) India’s inflation rate is forecasted to ease further, reaching 4.3% in FY26 and 4.0% in FY27, aligning with the RBI’s target range.

(iii) The Developing Asia region’s economies are expected to grow at 4.9% in 2025, slightly below the previous year’s 5.0%, and are projected to slow down further to 4.7% in 2026.

      - This initiative aligns with PFL’s long-term vision of becoming the preferred financier for the self-employed segment. It also supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by helping small retailers gain access to the formal credit ecosystem, promoting financial inclusion and business growth across underserved regions.

Main Point :-   (i) PFL is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a 'non-deposit taking NBFC' and currently operates across 18 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs).

      (ii) Earlier, in March 2025, PFL launched a new Commercial Vehicle (CV) Secured Loan Business to support India’s logistics and supply chain sectors.

(iii) As of March 31, 2025, PFL reported an Asset Under Management (AUM) of nearly Rs 35,550 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU leverages Geospatial AI, Object Detection AI, Generative AI, and Digital Twin solutions to optimize vessel design, enhance shipyard security, and enable 360-degree surveillance systems. It aligns with Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 (QA 4.0) principles to modernize shipbuilding, reduce operational costs, and set new global benchmarks.

      (ii) The Center for Geospatial AI and Digital Twins (CGDT) at IIT-H, led by Director Prof. B.S. Murty, will be responsible for developing advanced Geospatial Digital Twin models to build virtual replicas of shipbuilding environments for testing and innovation.

(iii) This collaboration marks the launch of Asia’s first AI-driven maritime security project and positions India as a global frontrunner in AI-powered maritime technology, significantly boosting indigenous technological expertise and innovation in the shipbuilding sector.