NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. JP Nadda launches the Unified Health Insurance Scheme of Odisha: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has launched a unified health insurance scheme of the Odisha government in Cuttack, Odisha.Besides the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the state government’s health scheme, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, and the newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, aimed at senior citizens, will also be integrated into this initiative.With this integration, around 352 lakh people from one crore eight lakh families will be covered under the scheme. Beneficiaries will gain access to free, cashless treatment in more than 29 thousand government and private hospitals across the country. The scheme will provide health coverage of 5 lakh rupees per family per annum, with an additional 5 lakh rupees for women members.Under the Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, all persons aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, will be eligible for coverage.
2. TCS appoints Aarthi Subramanian as executive director-president & COO: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest information technology services firm, has appointed Aarthi Subramanian as executive director-president and chief operating officer of the company.The appointment is for a term of five years, commencing from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030.She is also a board member of the firm. The last time TCS had a chief operating officer role was before 2009, when N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Sons, was appointed to that position.
3. Climate Change Impact on Water Cycle in India: The study forecasts a potential increase in annual rainfall by 20% for every 1°C rise in temperature. Extreme precipitation events could also rise by 16%. By the century’s end, total annual rainfall may increase by 250 to 400 mm under moderate climate scenarios and by 200 to 670 mm under high-emission scenarios.The hydrological cycle in the region is expected to intensify, particularly during the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM). Researchers used advanced climate models to simulate future climate and water patterns. They found that watershed areas would experience wetter ISM seasons and drier pre-monsoon seasons. This shift poses risks of floods, landslips, and droughts.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NITI Aayog Releases Report on Automotive Sector’s Global Competitiveness: NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report analyzing India’s automotive sector, aiming to position India as a global player in the automotive value chain. The report was launched by Vice Chairman Suman Bery and CEO BVR Subrahmanyam.The report classifies auto components into four categories based on complexity and manufacturing maturity: Emerging & Complex, Conventional & Complex, Conventional & Simple, and Emerging & Simple, suggesting targeted fiscal and non-fiscal interventions.In 2023, global automobile production hit 94 million units, with the auto components market valued at USD 2 trillion and the export share reaching approximately USD 700 billion. India’s share stood at USD 70 billion, and it emerged as the 4th-largest vehicle producer globally after China, the USA, and Japan.The report highlights India’s strong presence in small cars and utility vehicles, driven by Make in India and a cost-competitive workforce, reinforcing its role as a manufacturing and export hub in the global automotive sector.
2. Singapore’s Changi reclaims world’s best airport title: Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World’s Best Airport 2025 by air transport rating organization Skytrax. This is the thirteenth time in the history of the awards that Singapore Changi Airport has received this top accolade.Changi is a destination in itself, where early check-in has been introduced to allow passengers to drop their bags off up to 48 hours before their flight so they can make their time at the airport part of the vacation.Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the former three-times winner of World’s Best Airport, was ranked No 2 this year, as well as receiving the award for the World’s Best Airport Shopping, and the Best Airport in the Middle East.Tokyo Haneda Airport was ranked No 3 in the global ranking with further outstanding results receiving the awards as the World’s Cleanest Airport (Major Airport), the World’s Best Domestic Airport and as delivering the World’s Best Airport PRM & Accessible Facilities.Although no Indian airport featured in the list of the world’s top 20, Delhi International Airport earned the title of Best Airport in India and South Asia. In addition to this, Hyderabad International Airport received the award for Best Airport Staff Service in India & South Asia.
3. 12 April – International Day of Human Space Flight: The International Day of Human Space Flight is observed every year on 12 April to commemorate the historic achievement of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space.On this day in 1961, Gagarin orbited the Earth aboard the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 1, marking the dawn of a new era in space exploration.Recognizing the importance of this milestone, the United Nations General Assembly declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight in 2011.
4. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: The intersection of gender equality and climate change is a pressing issue in India. As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, gaps remain in implementing policies that promote gender equality. Rural women face unique challenges due to climate change, which exacerbates existing inequalities. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving sustainable development and improving women’s rights in India.Women play important role in climate adaptation and mitigation. Their knowledge of sustainable agriculture is vital for preserving ecosystems. Many women are involved in informal collectives that enhance productivity and respond to disasters. Their leadership in climate initiatives is essential for effective adaptation strategies.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO conducts release trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.During the trials, the weapon was integrated to multiple stations in different warhead configurations, with land target on Island. The trials successfully demonstrated range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.The LRGB is a 1,000-kg class glide bomb, designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.The system has been realised with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners — Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge and various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
2. Mk-II(A) DEW System: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully trialled the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system. This achievement, announced on April 13, 2025, marks India’s entry into a select group of nations with high-power laser weaponry capabilities. The Mk-II(A) DEW system is designed to disable missiles, drones, and smaller projectiles efficiently.The Mk-II(A) DEW system is an indigenously developed weapon that can engage fixed-wing drones and thwart multiple drone attacks. The system can destroy enemy surveillance sensors and antennas. Its speed and precision make it a formidable counter-drone solution.
SPORTS
1. India finishes 2nd after China at the ISSF World Cup Buenos Aires 2025: Indian shooters finished their campaign at the ISSF World Cup Buenos Aires 2025 with 8 medals – four gold, two silver, and two bronze – to finish second behind China on the medal tally.The ISSF World Cup/Rifle/Shotgun was held at the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires. The World Cup was organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), the world governing body of the sport.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. 9th edition of 3-day Global Technology Summit stars in New Delhi: The 9th edition of the three-day Global Technology Summit was inaugurated in New Delhi by the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.The Global Technology Summit is co-organised by the Ministry of External Affairs with New Delhi-based think tank Carnegie India. It is an annual dialogue that was first held in December 2016.The theme of the 9th Global Technology Summit is “Sambhavna”.
2. Lichens Show Resilience in Mars-Like Conditions: Scientists conducted experiments simulating Martian conditions. They tested two lichen species – Diploschistes muscorum and Cetraria aculeata. These species were chosen for their contrasting traits. The lichens were exposed to a Mars simulation chamber for five hours. This chamber replicated the planet’s atmosphere, pressure, temperature variations, and radiation levels.The results indicated that the fungal component of the lichens remained metabolically active. This was true even under conditions of darkness and high levels of X-ray radiation. These findings suggest that lichens can survive on the Martian surface despite extreme radiation exposure.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. BharatPe Gets RBI Approval for Payment Aggregator Business: BharatPe, a prominent Indian fintech company, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator.This authorisation, granted to its subsidiary Resilient Payments Private Limited, paves the way for BharatPe to expand its digital payment services under the brand name “BharatPe X.”The company aims to broaden its merchant base and deepen its presence in high-potential markets, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities. BharatPe is investing in advanced technology infrastructure to ensure seamless and reliable digital payment solutions.Founded in 2018, BharatPe now operates in over 450 cities with a merchant network exceeding 1.3 crore, cementing its role as a leader in India’s fintech landscape.
2. Sebi sets up high-level committee to review conflict of interest provisions: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has constituted a high-level committee to review rules on conflict of interest and disclosures by its board members and officials. The high-level committee (HLC) is chaired by Pratyush Sinha, a retired IAS officer and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).The move follows its March 24 board meeting amid criticism over alleged conflict involving former Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch in Adani Group probes.The 6-member committee comprises Pratyush Sinha, Injeti Srinivas, Uday Kotak, G Mahalingam, Sarit Jafa and Prof. R Narayanaswamy.The HLC will comprehensively review and recommend enhancements to the existing framework for managing conflicts of interest, disclosures, and related issues to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among Sebi’s members and officials.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’ becomes first Kannada book on International Booker shortlist: Banu Mushtaq’s collection of Kannada stories in translation, Heart Lamp, was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. The book, among the six featured in this year’s shortlist, made history as the first Kannada-language book to be shortlisted.Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, is a collection of 12 short stories written by Banu Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023. Earlier, an English translation of a collection of her short stories, Haseena and Other Stories, won the English PEN translation award for the year 2024. That was also translated by Deepa Bhasthi.Mushtaq, a lawyer and activist from Karnataka, began writing within the progressive protest literary circles in southwestern India.
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