Daily GK Update- 19th Apr, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SECL to Become First Coal PSU to Use Paste Fill Technology for Mining: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is set to become the first coal PSU in India to adopt paste fill technology for coal mining, marking a major step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices.To implement this innovative underground mining technology, SECL has signed a Rs. 7040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited.Under this agreement, large-scale coal production will be undertaken using paste fill technology in the Singhali underground coal mine located in SECL’s Korba area. Over a period of 25 years, the project is expected to produce approximately 8.4 million tonnes (84.5 lakh tonnes) of coal.CMD of SECL – Harish Duhan

 

2. Centre notifies rules for Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has notified new rules under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, mandating verification and stamping of radar-based speed measurement devices to enhance road safety and enforcement accuracy.These rules will come into effect from July 1, 2025, giving sufficient time for industries and enforcement agencies to align with the new regulatory requirements.The regulations apply to microwave Doppler radar equipment, widely used to measure vehicle speeds, and include specifications for technical standards, calibration, tamper protection, and environmental stability.The initiative is a move toward data-driven traffic governance, aiming to reduce road accidents, promote disciplined driving, and minimise social and economic losses related to road mishaps and infrastructure damage.

 

3. Arvind Shrivastava Appointed as New Revenue Secretary in Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle: The central government has appointed senior IAS officer Arvind Shrivastava (1994 batch, Karnataka cadre) as the new Revenue Secretary, shifting him from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Finance. The reshuffle also includes key appointments:Anuradha Thakur as Secretary, Department of Economic AffairsVumlunmang Vualnam as Secretary, Department of ExpenditureVivek Aggarwal as Secretary, Ministry of CultureSantosh Kumar Sarangi as Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable EnergyRajesh Agarwal as Special Secretary, Department of CommerceSamir Kumar Sinha as Secretary, Ministry of Civil AviationVandana Gurnana as Secretary, Ministry of Labour and EmploymentRakesh Kumar Verma as Director General, India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management

 

4. Government Appoints Four Senior IRS Officers as Members of the CBDT: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of four 1989-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers as Members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).The new CBDT members are Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Sanjay Bahadur, L. Rajasekhar Reddy, and G. Aparna Rao, each previously holding senior income tax roles across different regions.These appointments fill key vacancies in the CBDT, which oversees the implementation of direct tax laws and policy formulation in India.The move comes as the government aims to boost tax compliance and widen the tax base, with experienced officers leading these strategic efforts.

 

5. Compilation of PM Modi’s Speeches on Culture ‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’ Launched: A book titled Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay, which is a compilation of speeches delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various occasions, was launched in New Delhi.The head of the Juna Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, launched the book.Presiding over the event, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, lauded Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in preserving the country’s culture, traditions, spiritual values, and cultural heritage.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register: The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (a noted Hindu scripture) and Natyashastra (Indian treatise on performing arts) have been officially included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognising their exceptional universal value and global significance.The UNESCO Memory of the World Register honours documentary heritage that is deemed to hold exceptional universal value. It includes texts, manuscripts, and documents that have significantly shaped human history and continue to influence generations.The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is a profound spiritual text composed of 700 verses that address crucial philosophical questions on life, duty, and devotion.The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharat Muni, serves as the foundational text for Indian performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music, influencing classical art forms for centuries. These works have become the basis for not only India’s cultural practices but also its modes of thought, expression, and living.

 

2. 19 April – World Liver Day: World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to spread awareness about liver health and prevent liver-related diseases.Theme 2025 – Food is Medicine

The liver performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxifying the blood, producing bile, and regulating metabolism.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA: Operation ATALANTA commenced in 2008. Its initial focus was on combating piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. Over the years, the operation has evolved. It now protects World Food Programme vessels and monitors illegal activities such as drug trafficking and unregulated fishing. The operation is crucial for ensuring maritime security in the region.EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA collaborates with various international entities. It works closely with missions like EUCAP-Somalia and EUTM-Somalia. The operation also liaises with regional maritime information centres to enhance security. This cooperation is essential for addressing the root causes of piracy.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India finished 6th Asian U-18 Athletics Championship 2025 with 11 medals: The Indian athletes concluded their campaign at the 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championship 2025 with 11 medals: one gold, five silver, and five bronze.The 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championship was organised by the Asian Athletics Association at the Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Sports City, Saudi Arabia.In the 5th edition of the Asian U18 Athletics Championships held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 2023, India won 24 medals.Athletes below the age of 18 years from 31 Asian countries participated in the event.Hinmanshu won the solitary gold for India in the 6th U18 Asian Championship in the javelin throw event. His opening throw of 67.57 meters was good enough to fetch him gold ahead of China’s Lu Hao.It was the first time India won a gold medal in the boys’ javelin throw event in the Asian U18 Athletics Championship.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. What is Paste Fill Technology?: Paste filling is a modern underground mining method that eliminates the need to acquire surface land. After coal extraction, the mined-out voids are filled with a specially prepared paste made from fly ash, crushed overburden from opencast mines, cement, water, and binding chemicals. This process prevents land subsidence and ensures the structural stability of the mine.Importantly, the paste utilizes industrial waste materials, making the process environmentally sustainable and promoting waste recycling.

 

2. India Showcases Digital Innovation and Skilling Leadership at GITEX Africa 2025: India participated in Africa’s largest tech and startup show, GITEX Africa 2025, held in Marrakesh, Morocco.The event provided a platform for policy leaders, changemakers, and visionaries to collectively discuss and deliberate on opportunities for collaboration and to advance the imperative of inclusive and equitable growth in the global economy.Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, represented the Republic of India at the summit. He participated in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions, and interacted with Indian startups showcasing their innovations.

 

3. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat Space Policies for 2025: The Tamil Nadu Cabinet recently approved the Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy 2025. This policy aims to position the state as a leader in space innovation and high-value manufacturing. It follows the draft policy released in July 2024, which has undergone revisions. Gujarat has also introduced its SpaceTech Policy for 2025-2030, becoming the first state of India with a dedicated space sector policy.The Tamil Nadu policy includes a capital subsidy of up to 20% for eligible businesses. It also introduces a ‘Space Tech Fund’ with an allocation of ₹10 crore to support start-ups in the space technology field. Additional facilities for satellite testing and skill development will be established in Chennai. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for space tech.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt procures 3,40,000 tonnes of tur under price support scheme: The government has procured 3,40,000 tonnes of tur (pigeon pea) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to support farmers, with Karnataka contributing the largest share at 1,30,000 tonnes.The minimum support price (MSP) for tur is set at Rs 7,550 per quintal, and farmers in Karnataka are receiving an additional state bonus of Rs 450 per quintal above the MSP.The government aims to maintain a buffer stock of 10 lakh tonnes of tur to regulate market prices and prevent price hikes.Other contributing states include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.The government has also procured 17,000 tonnes of chana (gram) primarily from Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.In Budget 2025, the government committed to 100 per cent procurement of tur, masur and urad relative to state production through central agencies until 2028-29.

 

RBI and FIU-IND Join Forces to Tackle Money Laundering: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration for implementing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and its rules more effectively.The MoU facilitates cooperation through sharing of relevant intelligence from their databases and enhancing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) skills among regulated entities.RBI and FIU-IND will jointly conduct outreach and training for regulated institutions and assess money laundering and terror financing risks across various financial sub-sectors.

Director of FIU-IND – Vivek Aggarwal

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. MacGregor Memorial Medal Awards: The MacGregor Memorial Medal is a prestigious award recognising exceptional contributions in military reconnaissance and adventure. Recently, five military personnel received this honour for their achievements in 2023 and 2024. The award ceremony took place at the United Service Institution of India, presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.Instituted on July 3, 1888, the MacGregor Memorial Medal commemorates Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the founder of the United Service Institution of India. Initially, the medal aimed to honour military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys. In 1986, its scope expanded to include military expeditions and adventure activities.

 

Daily GK Update- 18th Apr, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NADA India Hosts National Conference on ‘Building Together a Clean Sport Ecosystem’: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India successfully organised a conference on “Building Together a Clean Sport Ecosystem” at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.The event, held as part of Play True Week 2025, brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders committed to fostering a clean, fair, and values-based sporting environment in India.One of the key moments of the inaugural session was the unveiling of “NADA India’s Fair Play Guide” in ten different regional languages, aimed at making clean sport education more accessible to athletes and stakeholders across the nation.Participants also engaged in a pledge signing ceremony to reaffirm their commitment to fair play and doping-free sport.

 

2. Ministry of Ayush Organises Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme: The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi, organised a special session of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme at Ayush Bhawan to enhance employees’ service orientation and professional skills.The second phase of the programme, led by Dr. Subodh Kumar and facilitated by Shipra Singh, featured interactive, team-based learning modules focusing on self-awareness, motivation, leadership, and real-world case studies from Ayurveda, Yoga, and traditional medicine.The initiative reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to building a responsive and efficient workforce, encouraging officials to apply training insights for improved public service delivery.

 

3. Govt issues guidelines for setting up Excellence centres under Critical Mineral Mission: The Ministry of Mines has released guidelines for establishing Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to boost research and technology development in critical minerals vital for clean energy, mobility, defence, and strategic sectors.These CoEs will focus on R&D to develop, demonstrate, and deploy extraction and beneficiation technologies for critical minerals, aiming to reach Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7/8 and facilitate pre-commercial demonstrations.Reputed academic and R&D institutions will be selected as CoEs through a proposal-based evaluation and will be tasked with undertaking cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in the field of critical minerals.Each CoE will follow a Hub & Spoke consortium model, with the main institute (Hub) partnering with at least two industry partners and two academic/R&D partners, to consolidate expertise and strengthen India’s critical mineral research ecosystem.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates World’s 17th Athlete Passport Management Unit in New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated the world’s 17th Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory in New Delhi.The Athlete Passport Management Unit is a specialised unit dedicated to monitoring and managing athletes’ biological passports, ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of clean sport.APMU a key milestone in the country’s fight against doping, enabling the longitudinal tracking of Athletes’ Biological profiles through the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system. This innovative mechanism will help in detecting doping patterns and protect the fairness of sports by identifying unethical practices.

 

2. AIIMS Delhi Ranks 97th Among World’s Best Hospitals in 2024: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has been ranked the 97th best hospital in the world by Newsweek and Statista in their ‘World’s Best Hospitals 2025’ report.This is a major improvement for the institute that was ranked 122nd in the same report in 2023, moving up nine spots to 113th rank in 2024, and now another 16 spots to the 97th rank.The annual ranking, now in its sixth year, evaluated over 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries, measuring performance through patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, hygiene standards, and peer recommendations from thousands of medical professionals.Aside from AIIMS, two other Indian hospitals made the top 250 list. Two other institutions — Medanta – The Medicity in Gurgaon and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh — also featured prominently, ranked 146th (ranked 166th in 2024) and 228th (ranked 246th in 2024), respectively.

 

3. 18 April – World Heritage Day: World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), is observed every year on 18 April to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage, the vulnerability of monuments and sites, and the efforts required to preserve them.theme 2025 – Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS ActionsIt was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982, and later approved by UNESCO in 1983. The day encourages local communities and governments to recognize the importance of preserving historical sites and celebrating the rich heritage of civilizations around the world.

 

4. UNESCO Recognises Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra :UNESCO initiated the Memory of the World Programme in 1992. Its goal is to safeguard documentary heritage globally. This includes manuscripts, oral traditions, and archival materials of outstanding universal value. The programme aims to prevent collective amnesia and ensure accessibility to documents. The Memory of the World Register is updated biennially, featuring entries from various countries.The Natyashastra is an ancient treatise on performing arts, attributed to sage Bharata. It consists of 36,000 verses detailing the principles of drama, performance, and aesthetics. The concept of ‘rasa’ is central to its teachings, emphasising the emotional experience of art. This text has deeply shaped Indian theatre, dance, and music, serving as a foundational guide for artists.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA: Operation ATALANTA commenced in 2008. Its initial focus was on combating piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. Over the years, the operation has evolved. It now protects World Food Programme vessels and monitors illegal activities such as drug trafficking and unregulated fishing. The operation is crucial for ensuring maritime security in the region.Despite a decline in piracy incidents, threats remain. The resurgence of piracy last year was linked to Houthi rebel activities in the Red Sea. The EUNAVFOR has the capability to respond to piracy incidents within 48 to 72 hours. The force’s presence acts as a deterrent against potential pirate attacks.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Inder Singh Suruchi and Saurabh Chaudhary win mixed Team Gold: In Shooting, the Indian pair of Inder Singh Suruchi and Saurabh Chaudhary clinched a gold medal beating Chinese duo of Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu by 17-9 in the finals of 10 metre Air Pistol Mixed Team event at ISSF World Cup 2025 in Lima, Peru.Earlier, the Indian mixed duo of Olympic medalist Manu Bhakar and Ravinder Singh missed out on a podium finish after losing to Chinese pair of Qianke Ma and Yifan Zhang in the crucial Bronze medal match.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bangladesh becomes the 54th country to join NASA’s Artemis Accord: Bangladesh has become the second South Asian country, after India, and the 54th in the world to join the Artemis Accord of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States.India joined the Artemis Accords as the 27th country on 21st June 2023.Artemis is a NASA-led effort to explore the moon, establish a human settlement on the moon and explore the planet Mars and beyond.NASA established the Artemis Accord in coordination with the United States government’s State Department (the foreign ministry) on 13 October 2020.The seven founding countries of the Artemis Accord were Canada, Italy, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.

 

2. Google Antitrust Ruling: The case emerged from the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Google, claiming it monopolised three key markets – ad servers, ad exchanges, and tools for advertisers. The lawsuit aimed to challenge Google’s dominance and promote competition within the online advertising ecosystem. The judge’s ruling found that Google had engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain its power in the ad server and ad exchange markets.Judge Brinkema’s 115-page opinion detailed how Google integrated its publisher ad server and ad exchange through contracts. This integration allowed Google to establish a monopoly in these markets. The judge noted that Google’s policies harmed competitors and limited choices for consumers. However, she did not classify Google as a monopoly in the advertising tools market.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Fitch projects India’s GDP growth at 6.4% for FY26, retains 6.3% for FY27: Fitch Ratings revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.4%, citing global economic uncertainties, while maintaining its projection of 6.3% for FY27.The global ratings agency also lowered its estimates for FY25 and FY26 by 10 basis points to 6.2% and 6.4%, respectively, attributing the downgrade to rising concerns over a potential global trade war.India to Grow 6.5% in 2025, Maintain Fastest-Growing Economy Tag: UNCTAD: India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2025, supported by strong public spending and continuing monetary easing, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).Despite a slowdown from the estimated 6.9% growth in 2024, India is forecast to be the fastest-growing economy.

 

2. In its new report, ‘Trade and Development Foresights 2025 – Under Pressure: Uncertainty Reshapes Global Economic Prospects’, UNCTAD stated that global growth is projected to slow to 2.3% in 2025, placing the world economy on a recessionary path.UNCTAD projects that the South Asia region will expand by 5.6% in 2025, as declining inflation opens the way for monetary loosening across most of the region.

 

3. IDFC FIRST Bank to Get ₹7,500 Crore Investment Boost from Warburg Pincus & ADIA: IDFC FIRST Bank will receive a major capital infusion of around ₹7,500 crore from Warburg Pincus and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to support its growth plans.The bank’s board has approved a preferential equity issue of ₹4,876 crore to Warburg Pincus affiliate Currant Sea Investments B.V. and ₹2,624 crore to Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA.The investment deal is subject to approvals from shareholders and regulators, as stated in the bank’s stock exchange filing.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Bose Institute’s High-Energy Physics Team Wins 2025 Breakthrough Prize for Contribution to ALICE Collaboration at CERN: Scientists from Bose Institute’s Experimental High Energy Physics group were awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for their contribution to the ALICE collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).Over 13,500 researchers across four LHC experiments shared a total prize of $3 million, with $500,000 allocated to the ALICE collaboration to fund a Breakthrough Prize studentship program for PhD students at CERN.The institute contributed significantly to the ALICE experiment, including the development of the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD) and the upgrade of ALICE’s Time Projection Chamber (TPC), improving particle detection and analysis capabilities.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Apr, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog launches Report on ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’: NITI Aayog launched a report on Hand and Power tools sectors – ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’.The report suggests that the global trade market for power and hand tools, currently valued at approximately $ 100 billion, is projected to grow significantly, reaching around $ 190 billion by 2035.Within this market, hand tools account for $ 34 billion and are expected to expand to $ 60 billion by 2035, while power tools, including tool accessories, represent $ 63 billion and are anticipated to surge to $ 134 billion, with electrical tools comprising the majority.The report observes that the tools industry serves as a foundational pillar of the global manufacturing ecosystem. The Hand and Power Tools sector will help enhance our domestic manufacturing and expand our global footprint by $ 25 billion in the next 10 years.

 

2. Ministry of Labour Signs MoU with Swiggy to Boost Gig Economy Jobs and Expand Employment Opportunities: The Ministry of Labour & Employment signed an MoU with Swiggy via the National Career Service (NCS) portal to boost employment in the gig and logistics sectors, especially for youth in urban and semi-urban areas.The NCS platform currently has over 1.25 crore active job seekers and 40 lakh registered employers, aiming to become a one-stop solution for employment, skilling, counselling, and hyperlocal job matching.Swiggy has committed to mobilizing over 12 lakh job opportunities through the NCS portal over the next 2–3 years, enhancing access to flexible, location-based jobs.The collaboration is seen as a mutually beneficial public-private model, aligning with the government’s vision of inclusive growth and empowering India’s digital and gig economy workforce.

 

3. Railways Minister commemorates 172nd anniversary of India’s 1st train journey: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has commemorated the 172nd anniversary of India’s first train journey, recalling the historic moment when the inaugural train departed from Bori Bunder to Thane in Maharashtra on the 16th of April in 1853.The train consisted of 14 coaches carrying 400 invited passengers. The train was hauled by three engines named Sindh, Sultan, and Saheb and covered a distance of 34 kilometers in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

 

4. Former Finance Secretary Pandey appointed vice-president at AIIB: Ajay Bhushan Pandey, former Finance Secretary and CEO of Aadhaar, has been appointed as the Vice President of Investment Solutions at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), headquartered in Beijing.In his new role, Pandey will lead and oversee three major departments: Sectors, Themes and Finance Solutions (STF), Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions (SFD), and Portfolio Management Department (PMD).India is the second-largest shareholder in AIIB, following China.According to the bank’s official data, China is the largest shareholder of AIIB with 26.54 per cent voting shares. India is the second largest shareholder with 7.58 per cent, followed by Russia, 5.9 per cent and Germany with 4.1 per cent.

5. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna names Justice BR Gavai as his successor: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recommended Justice B.R. Gavai to the government for appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. Chief Justice Khanna is scheduled to retire on May 13.Born on November 24, 1960 at Amravati, Justice Gavai joined the Bar on March 16, 1985. Justice Gavai’s father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, also known as ‘Dadasaheb’, was a former Governor of Bihar and a prominent Dalit leader.He was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019 and is due to retire on November 23, 2025.Justice Gavai, as a Supreme Court judge, was part of many impactful decisions, including the upholding of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the striking down of the electoral bonds scheme. The judge laid down pan-India guidelines against illegal demolitions or the ‘bulldozer culture’ of States.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 17 April – World Haemophilia Day: World Haemophilia Day is observed every year on April 17 to spread awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).Theme 2025 – Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed TooWorld Haemophilia Day was founded in 1989 by the World Federation of Haemophilia to honour its founder Frank Schnabel, who played a pivotal role in raising awareness about haemophilia and dedicated his life to serving people suffering from the disorder.

 

2. What is Hemophilia?: Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot properly due to a deficiency or absence of certain clotting factors (proteins needed for blood clotting).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Hosts 3rd Meghayan Symposium to Mark WMO Day 2025: The 3rd edition of Meghayan, the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, was held at Nausena Bhawan, Delhi, to mark World Meteorological Day. The event was virtually inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.The symposium brought together premier institutions like IMD, IITM, INCOIS, NIOT, ISRO, and IIT-M, featuring two technical sessions, expert panels, and discussions focused on the WMO Day 2025 theme: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.”Key highlights included the launch of MOSDAC-IN, a satellite weather data platform developed jointly by the Indian Navy and ISRO’s SAC Ahmedabad, and the revival of the Navy’s meteorological journal “Sagarmanthan” after nearly 10 years.

 

2. India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK-VI’ Kicks Off in Pune, Focusing on Counter-Terrorism and Interoperability: The India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK-VI‘ commenced on April 16 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh in Pune, Maharashtra, focusing on developing interoperability and counter-terrorism capabilities.The exercise will run until April 28, with the Uzbekistan Army personnel participating, and is based on joint multi-domain sub-conventional operations in a semi-urban scenario, addressing terrorist actions involving territorial capture.‘DUSTLIK-VI’ is an annual event conducted alternately between India and Uzbekistan, with the previous edition held in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. South California city of Pomona to host cricket in LA 2028 Olympics: South California city of Pomona will host the cricket competition during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.The cricket event, which will feature six teams each in men’s and women’s categories, will be held at the Fairgrounds in Pomona with the sport set to be a part of the Olympics after 128 years.Cricket joined five new sports at LA28, including baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash.The T20 format, recognised as the vehicle for the growth of the game by the ICC, has also featured in other multi-sport events in recent years.The Asian Games in 2010, 2014 and 2023 featured both men’s and women’s T20 competitions while the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games staged a women’s competition.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Venom Maps Predict Russell’s Viper Characteristics: Recent research has revealed innovative “venom maps” that predict the venom characteristics of Russell’s viper, a highly dangerous snake prevalent in India. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, this study sheds light on how local climate conditions influence the composition and potency of the snake’s venom. The findings aim to improve treatment for snakebite victims by facilitating targeted therapies.Russell’s viper, scientifically known as *Daboia russelii*, is a venomous snake belonging to the Viperidae family. It is commonly found across various regions in Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. This snake is recognised for its stocky body and distinctive reddish-brown spots outlined in black. It typically measures between 4 to 6 feet in length.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Morgan Stanley prunes FY26 India growth forecast to 6.1%: The RBI revised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.5%, while Morgan Stanley further lowered it to 6.1%, citing global trade and policy uncertainties affecting business sentiment and capex cycles.Morgan Stanley expects growth to bottom out at 5.7% in Q3 FY26, down from 6.2% in Q3 FY25, with a slower recovery projected for FY27 at 6.3%.Inflation is expected to average around 4% in FY26, and RBI may implement a cumulative 100 bps rate cut, with two more cuts expected in 2025 to support the economy amidst slower growth.

 

2. United India Insurance, SIDBI in pact to offer insurance products for MSMEs: United India Insurance Company Ltd (UIICL), a public sector non-life insurer, has partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to distribute general insurance products tailored for the MSME sector.The tie-up aims to provide comprehensive insurance solutions — including home, health, motor, and engineering products — to SIDBI’s customer base across its 123 branches nationwide.This partnership marks a significant move towards offering customized insurance solutions to MSMEs, a sector central to India’s economic growth.

 

3. Mumbai’s Panchavati Express gets India’s first train ATM: The Bank of Maharashtra has installed an ATM on board the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, in collaboration with the Bhusawal division of Central Railway (CR), to enhance passenger convenience.The ATM installation is part of Indian Railways’ Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS), aimed at increasing non-fare revenue and improving amenities for passengers.Following the successful trial run, the ATM installation will be extended to other trains, with the necessary upgrades carried out at the Manmad Railway Workshop.The ATM is located in the train’s pantry car, providing passengers with easy access to cash during their journey.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Apr, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 28 blocks awarded under OALP Round-IX to help India reach untapped energy potential: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has awarded 28 blocks under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy Bid Round Nine with an area of over 1 lakh 36 thousand square kilometres.This will help India reach its untapped energy potential and reduce import dependency.

 

2. Telangana Government Launches Bhu Bharati Portal for Land Record Management: The Telangana government has launched the Bhu Bharati portal to make land record management simple, transparent, and accessible to the public.The portal was launched by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.The portal replaces the Dharani portal, which was introduced by the previous BRS government led by K. Chandrashekhar Rao.The previous BRS government had launched the Dharani portal on November 2, 2020, as an integrated platform for agricultural land registration and mutations.

 

3. Cashfree Payments appoints Piyush Anchliya as CFO: Payments company Cashfree Payments has appointed Piyush Anchliya as its chief financial officer.In his new role, Anchliya will be responsible for driving financial strategy, optimising operations, and supporting the company’s next phase of strategic growth, according to a statement issued by the firm.Founded in 2015 by Akash Sinha and Reeju Datta, Cashfree operates a full-stack digital payments solutions platform that helps businesses collect online payments and make payouts.The startup recently piloted cross-border payments in partnership with platforms like Swiggy, Zepto, Nykaa, BookMyShow, and Vedantu to enable overseas customers to transact in India using UPI.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Shivraj Singh Chouhan to attend 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting at Brasilia, Brazil: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the Indian delegation to the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), scheduled to be held on 17th April, 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil.The theme of 15th BRICS AMM is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade among BRICS Countries”.Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran are expected.

 

2. 15 April – World Art Day: World Art Day is celebrated every year on April 15 to promote awareness about creative expression and to highlight the importance of art and artists in society.Theme 2025 – Art for Unity and TransformationThe date April 15 marks the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci (born in 1452), who is widely considered a symbol of creativity, freedom of expression, and innovation.The day was proclaimed by the International Association of Art (IAA) and first celebrated in 2012. Since then, it has grown into a global event involving museums, schools, artists, and art institutions around the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mirabai Chanu named chairperson of IWLF Athletes’ Commission: Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sathish Kumar have been elected chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, of the Athletes’ Commission of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF). Their term will last four years.Mirabai is one of India’s most decorated weightlifters, holding multiple national records and historic milestones to her name. Her personal best in the total lift is 205kg — 86kg in snatch and 119kg in clean and jerk — which also stands as the national record.Sathish had clinched a gold medal in weightlifting at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. Competing in the men’s 77kg category, he lifted a total of 317kg — 144kg in snatch and 173kg in clean and jerk. This marked his second consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, having won the title earlier in Glasgow in 2014.

 

2. Dubai named host city for 2025 Asian Youth Para Games: Dubai has been named the host city for the 5th Asian Youth Para Games, to be held from December 7–14, 2025, after Tashkent withdrew as the original host.This is Dubai’s second time hosting the event, having first organized it in 2017.An estimated 1350 athletes from 30–40 countries will participate across 10 para-sports, making it the largest edition of the Games in terms of athlete and country participation.The Dubai Club for People of Determination will host 6 out of the 10 sports, continuing the city’s strong record in organizing major para-sport events like the FAZZA Championships.

 

3. Dhoni becomes first keeper to complete 200 dismissals in IPL history: Chennai Super Kings captain M.S. Dhoni added another feather to his cap in his illustrious career by becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to complete 200 fielding dismissals. Dhoni achieved the feat during the Chennai Super Kings encounter against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik occupies the second spot with 182 dismissals under his belt. Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon AB de Villiers sits in the third spot with 126 dismissals to his name.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Safety Protocols in Human Spaceflight Missions: Safety begins on the launchpad. Historical tragedies, like the Apollo-1 fire in 1967, have prompted the implementation of emergency measures. ISRO has equipped its launch pad with ziplines and fireproof lifts. During the launch, an emergency exit device is crucial. The human-rated launch vehicle includes a tower-like structure that allows the crew module to detach quickly in emergencies. The Crew Escape System is vital. It has two motors – the Low-altitude Escape Motor (LEM) and the High-altitude Escape Motor (HEM). These motors activate based on altitude during emergencies. In a pad abort, both motors work together to ensure rapid evacuation. Historical examples, such as the Soyuz T-10 incident and Blue Origin’s NS-23 mission, demonstrate the effectiveness of these systems.

 

2. WHO Guidelines on Meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment: Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe form. It can lead to death within 24 hours if untreated. The WHO reported approximately 2.5 million cases globally in 2019, with 1.6 million being bacterial cases. This resulted in around 240,000 deaths.Meningitis has deep health, social, and economic implications. About 20% of bacterial meningitis survivors experience long-term complications. These can affect their quality of life. The disease disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. The ‘meningitis belt’ in sub-Saharan Africa is particularly vulnerable to epidemics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PNB launches 34 new products on its 131st foundation day: State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched 34 new products, including 12 customer-centric deposit schemes and 10 digital transformation products.These innovative products were launched on the occasion of its 131st foundation day in the presence of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju.Among the deposit products rolled out are schemes for salaried professionals, women, defence personnel, farmers, NRIs, senior citizens, pensioners, students and youth.PNB came into existence on April 12, 1895, as part of the Swedesi movement with its first branch in Lahore, now in Pakistan. A maiden dividend of 4 percent was declared after only 7 months of operation.Great freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai was the first to open an account with the bank.

 

2. India’s retail inflation eases to 3.34% in March: India’s retail inflation further eased to 34 per cent in March from a seven-month low of 3.61 per cent in February.This is the lowest year-on-year inflation reading since August 2019, according to the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation said.Food inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), fell to 2.69 per cent in March from 3.75 per cent in February– the lowest level since November 2021. Prices of vegetables, eggs, pulses, meat and fish, cereals, and milk products contributed most to the decline.The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation remains comfortably within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) medium-term target of 4 per cent and well inside the 2-6 per cent tolerance band.

 

3. India’s wholesale inflation eases to 2.05% in March on food, fuel prices: India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation in March eased to 2.05 per cent from 2.38 per cent in February, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The marginal decline in inflation was driven by falling prices in food and fuel & power segments, even as prices of manufactured products continued to edge up.WPI is used to measure the average changes in the prices of goods sold in bulk at the wholesale level, reflecting the supply and demand in industries like manufacturing and construction.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Shreyas Iyer bags the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) declared India batter Shreyas Iyer and young Australian batter Georgia Voll as ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for March 2025, respectively.Both wins extend Player of the Month winning streaks for their respective countries. Iyer makes it successive honours for India following Shubman Gill’s win in February, and Voll becomes the fourth consecutive Australian female to be named the Women’s Player of the Month.This is Iyer’s second ICC Men’s Player of the Month award after leading India’s run charts and playing a key role in their historic ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.Voll meanwhile celebrates her first ever ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, securing the accolade after explosive batting exploits in Australia’s victorious T20I sweep of New Zealand

 

2. Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair: Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was born in 1857 in Mankara village, Kerala. He graduated with a law degree from Presidency College, Madras. Nair began his legal career under Sir Horatio Shepherd, who later became the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. His early experiences shaped his dedication to justice.Nair’s legal career flourished as he became a public prosecutor in 1899 and later a judge of the Madras High Court in 1908. In 1912, he was knighted by the British Crown. Nair served on the Viceroy’s Executive Council, focusing on education reforms. However, he resigned in 1919 in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th Apr, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NTPC revises thermal capacity addition target to 30,000 MW by 2032: TPC Group has revised its thermal capacity addition target to 30,000 MW by 2031-32, up from the earlier goal of 26,000 MW by 2030-31.For FY26, NTPC aims to add 3,580 MW of thermal capacity, a significant rise compared to just 660 MW added in FY24.In the renewable segment, the group targets 5,000 MW capacity addition in FY26, a 26% increase from 3,312 MW added in the previous fiscal.NTPC’s current total installed capacity stands at 80,020 MW, with a long-term goal of achieving 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032.

 

2. Telangana Launches ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025’ to Empower Marginalized Youth: Telangana government launched the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025’ to promote economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among youth from SC, ST, BC, Minority, and EBC/EWS communities.The scheme is implemented through respective community welfare corporations, aiming to boost financial independence through targeted support.Eligible beneficiaries can avail concessional subsidized loans of up to ₹4 lakh to start their own businesses and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

 

3. NFSU Hosts Symposium on Film Forensics to Bridge Science and Cinema: National Forensic Sciences University- NFSU organized a Symposium on Film Forensics in New Delhi.The objective of the symposium is to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration between forensic experts, filmmakers, and students, bridging the gap between science and cinematic storytelling.

It also explores and celebrates the intersection of forensic science and cinema as a means of raising public interest in crime-solving and scientific methods.

 

4. India Celebrates Traditional Harvest Festivals, Honoring Farmers and Unity Across Regions: Traditional harvest festivals are being celebrated across India, with people in different regions observing festivals like Vaisakhi in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala, Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, Bohag Bihu in Assam, and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, marking the arrival of the spring harvest season.These festivals, which celebrate renewal, prosperity, and gratitude, symbolize the rich cultural heritage and agrarian spirit of India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to progress and social harmony.

 

5. Justice Arun Palli Appointed Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court: Justice Arun Palli has been appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.Previously a judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court since 2013, Justice Palli was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium for the role.Justice Palli, a Senior Advocate since 2007, has served as Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority and a member of NALSA’s Governing Body.

 

6. 14 April – Ambedkar Jayanti: Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated on 14th April every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a prominent social reformer.This year marks celebrated 134th birth anniversary.Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891, and he played a vital role in advocating for the rights of Dalits and marginalized communities, along with working for social equality and justice.From a humble beginning, he went on to become the first law and justice minister of independent India. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1990.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka govt signs MoU with European firms to run e-RT in Hubballi-Dharwad: The Karnataka government has signed an MoU with European companies to start a pilot electric rapid transit (e-RT) project between Hubballi and Dharwad.This is a fully electric system and will operate on elevated roads in the city and on the ground in other places. In this, 250 people can travel at a time.This metro-style transportation system is being successfully implemented in many European countries.

 

2. Mauritius becomes first African country to sign ISA’s Country Partnership Framework: Mauritius has become the first African country to sign a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). It is also the fourth country globally, after Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba, to sign the CPF.This partnership aims to provide a structured approach for collaboration between ISA and Mauritius on solar energy initiatives, aligning with the country’s national priorities.The CPF is a strategic initiative developed by ISA to facilitate long- and medium-term cooperation with its member countriesThe International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization, launched in 2015 by India and France, aimed at promoting solar energy as a sustainable solution for energy access and climate change, with the goal of mobilizing USD 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.Director General of ISA – Ashish Khanna

 

3. India Revokes Transshipment Facility for Bangladesh Exports: Recently, India officially revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladeshi exporters to transport goods through Indian territory to third countries. This decision has implications for trade logistics and costs, particularly affecting Bangladesh’s exports to Western markets. The move follows rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, exacerbated by recent statements from Bangladeshi officials regarding China’s economic involvement in Northeast India.The transshipment facility was established in June 2020. It allowed Bangladeshi goods to transit through Indian Land Customs Stations (LCSs) to reach ports and airports. This arrangement aimed to enhance trade cooperation and regional connectivity. It provided Bangladeshi exporters access to global markets, utilising India’s logistical infrastructure.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India becomes 4th nation having capabilities to shoot down fixed wing drone by laser beam: India successfully demonstrated a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system, capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.The Vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A), developed by DRDO’s CHESS in Hyderabad, damaged a fixed-wing UAV and disabled swarm drone sensors.India joins the US, China, and Russia as one of the few nations with proven high-power laser DEW capabilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Sourav Ganguly re-appointed as Chairperson of ICC men’s cricket committee: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been re-appointed as the chairperson of the ICC men’s cricket committee and his longtime national teammate VVS Laxman too has been picked again as one the panel members.Ganguly, who led the Indian team with distinction for five years from 2000 to 2005, was first appointed as the committee’s chair in 2021.Ganguly, 52, has replaced compatriot Anil Kumble, who stepped down after serving a maximum of three, three-year terms.

 

2. Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinches Indian Super League 2024-25 title: In Football, Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 title following a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.This was Mohun Bagan’s second ISL title, following their maiden triumph in the 2022-23 season. They also became only the second team, after Mumbai City.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Google launches new Ironwood chip to speed AI applications: Google has unveiled its seventh-generation AI chip named “Ironwood”, designed to accelerate the performance of AI applications, especially in inference computing like generating chatbot responses.The Ironwood chip supports Google’s ongoing push to create alternatives to Nvidia’s dominant AI chips, marking a significant milestone in the company’s decade-long, multi-billion-dollar investment in AI hardware.These Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) are available exclusively to Google engineers or via Google Cloud, giving the company a strategic edge in internal AI development and cloud-based AI services.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRDAI imposes ₹1.06 cr. penalty on Flipkart for violations of insurance e-com, corporate agent norms: Insurance watchdog IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has imposed a ₹06 crore penalty on Flipkart Internet Private Limited (FIPL) for violating e-commerce and corporate agent norms related to online insurance distribution.FIPL, acting as a corporate agent and ISNP platform, was found redirecting users to an insurance intermediary, which is against IRDAI guidelines that permit integration only with insurers.Legal experts highlighted that such redirection blurs accountability and increases risks of mis-selling for consumers in the insurance space.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Murmu Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Slovakia’s Constantine University: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) by Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia, recognizing her distinguished contributions to public service, social justice, women’s empowerment, and cultural diversity.The award highlights her international recognition for promoting education, inclusion, and democratic values, aligning with the university’s mission to honor individuals fostering humanism and global understanding.Constantine the Philosopher University is a leading Slovakian institution named after Saint Constantine–Cyril, known for honoring exceptional individuals who advance education, science, and intercultural dialogue.