NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Cabinet approves “Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29: The Union Cabinet chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, approved the Vibrant Villages Programme -II (VVP-II) as a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding), furthering its commitment for the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 for ‘Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders’.The Programme would help in the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I.With a total outlay of Rs.6,839 crore, the programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the FY 2028-29.
2. Cabinet approves four multitracking projects to enhance Indian Railways capacity: The Union Cabinet has approved four major multitracking projects for Indian Railways, aiming to significantly enhance line capacity and improve both passenger and freight transportation across key routes.With an estimated total cost of Rs. 18,658 crore, these projects will be completed by 2030-31 and are expected to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and support sustainable rail operations.Spanning 1,247 kilometers across 15 districts in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, the four approved projects are crucial for increasing the efficiency of transportation for essential commodities like coal, iron ore, and other minerals.The four projects include the third- and fourth-line expansion between Sambalpur and Jarapda, the third and fourth line between Jharsuguda and Sason, the fifth and sixth line between Kharsia, Naya Raipur, and Parmalkasa, and the doubling of the Gondia-Balharshah track.
3. RPF Joins CEIR Portal to Enhance Mobile Recovery for Rail Passengers”: After a successful pilot in the Northeast Frontier Railway, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has officially integrated with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, enabling recovery of lost or stolen mobile phones for passengers across India.Through CEIR, RPF can now block the IMEI number of missing phones, making them unusable and deterring resale, while also leveraging tracking tools for quick recovery.Passengers can report missing phones via Rail Madad (online or by dialing 139). RPF’s Zonal Cyber Cells will register the complaint on CEIR, block the device, and facilitate recovery and return.RPF’s ongoing Operation Amanat has already returned property worth ₹03 crores to over 1.15 lakh passengers. The CEIR portal will further boost RPF’s ability to track and restore lost mobile phones efficiently.
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INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill 2025: The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, marks the second major aviation reform under Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards, providing a critical boost to investor confidence in the country’s rapidly growing aviation market.It builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which sought to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. Although India formally adopted this convention in 2008, gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than in other nations. This legislation aims to address those gaps, ensuring legal certainty for aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.
2. Prime Minister participates in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Thailand :Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair.The theme of the Summit was – “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.To enhance capacity building and economic integration, PM Modi introduced the BODHI programme for youth skilling, proposed a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, a Digital Public Infrastructure study, and a cancer care capacity-building initiative.Strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties, India will host the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in 2025, the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027, a Traditional Music Festival, and youth-focused events like a Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, and Young Professional Visitors programme.
3. 4 April – International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April 4th every year.The day aims to raise awareness about the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) on communities and to promote assistance in mine action.Theme 2025 – Safe Futures Start Here.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. 5 April – National Maritime Day: National Maritime Day is celebrated on April 5th every year to commemorate the contributions of the maritime industry to the Indian economy.The objective of National Maritime Day is to promote awareness about the importance of the maritime industry, recognize the achievements of Indian seafarers, and highlight the role of shipping in international trade and commerce.The day marks the anniversary of the first Indian shipping company, the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, which was established in 1919 and began its operations on April 5, 1919.
2. INS Sunayna: On April 5, 2025, the Indian Navy launched the Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative. This event took place in Karwar, Karnataka, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presiding over the ceremony. The launch signifies India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).The IOS SAGAR initiative aims to enhance maritime cooperation among nations in the IOR. The launch of INS Sunayna involves collaboration with naval personnel from nine friendly nations including Comoros, Kenya, and Maldives. This reflects India’s dedication to encouraging peace and collective security.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Re-Entry of POEM-4 Module: To ensure a safe re-entry, ISRO engineers performed engine restarts to de-orbit POEM-4 to a nearly circular orbit at 350 km with a 55.2° inclination. The module was passivated by venting remaining fuel, reducing the risk of accidental break-up during descent.During its operational period, POEM-4 hosted various innovative payloads. Notably, it included India’s first astrobiology experiments developed by students from RV College of Engineering and Amity University. The payloads successfully collected valuable scientific data, contributing to research in space technology and astrobiology.Throughout its mission, POEM-4 was continuously monitored by ISRO’s radar facilities and the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). The tracking data provided critical information for precise predictions regarding the module’s re-entry trajectory.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. HPV Vaccination Initiatives in India for Cervical Cancer: HPV is a group of over 200 viruses. More than 40 types can be transmitted through sexual contact. Certain HPV types lead to genital warts, while others are linked to cancers. Specifically, HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. The virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, often asymptomatic. Persistent infection can lead to cancer.The HPV vaccine is essential for preventing infections that may lead to cancer. It is most effective when administered between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine series protects against various HPV types known to cause cervical and other cancers. Vaccination can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer in both men and women.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Fred Darrington Sand Art Award :Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his outstanding contributions to sand art.The award was presented during the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Dorset, England.To mark the occasion, Pattnaik created a 10-foot-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha carrying the message of “World Peace”. The award holds special significance this year as it commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of legendary British sculptor Fred Darrington.Sudarshan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, has participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships. His work, often blending spiritual themes with social messages, has earned him widespread recognition – but the Weymouth award marks a new high.
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