NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. P 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. Supreme Court Ruling on Article 143: This ruling comes after the court’s interpretation of Article 143 of the Constitution of India, which allows the President to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on legal questions. The court’s emphasis on justification aims to uphold the principle of limited government and ensure accountability among the three branches of government.Article 143 empowers the President to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on important legal matters. This provision is crucial for maintaining constitutional governance. The President can reserve a bill for the court’s advice, particularly on issues of constitutionality. The court’s ruling reinforces that the President must act in accordance with this advice unless there are compelling policy reasons to do otherwise.
3. Integrated Power Planning Model: On April 11, 2025, India unveiled a new Integrated Generation, Transmission and Storage Expansion Planning Model. It is a collaborative effort involving the Central Electricity Authority, The Lantau Group (TLG), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This tool aims to enhance resource adequacy in the power sector. The model will be distributed free of charge to all states and distribution companies (Discoms).The model is designed to assist states in developing comprehensive Resource Adequacy plans. These plans align with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023. The CEA has already completed Resource Adequacy plans for Discoms up to 2034-35. This new tool will facilitate dynamic updates every year.
4. Namami Gange Mission 2.0: NGM 2.0 focuses on several critical areas. These include sewage treatment, riverfront development, river surface cleaning, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation. The mission’s multifaceted approach seeks to restore the ecological and cultural significance of the Ganga.As of February 2024, NGM 2.0 has initiated 457 projects, with 280 already completed. The establishment of 139 District Ganga Committees has facilitated local oversight of these initiatives. This local governance ensures that projects align with community needs and environmental standards.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Impact of Pharmaceuticals on Atlantic Salmon Behaviour: Pharmaceuticals enter rivers primarily through human waste. Traces of various medications have been detected globally. Over 900 substances, including antidepressants and painkillers, affect wildlife behaviour. The presence of these drugs in water bodies poses a growing threat to aquatic life.The study focused on juvenile salmon in River Dal. Salmon exposed to clobazam navigated hydropower dams more efficiently than unexposed fish. This indicates that while drugs may enhance navigation, the long-term effects on fish and ecosystems remain uncertain.
2. Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis: Sudan is currently facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to extreme hunger affecting nearly half of the population. Over 25 million people are in dire need of assistance. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with millions fleeing their homes. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of gender-based violence and severe food insecurity.The war erupted on April 15, 2023, due to escalating tensions between military and paramilitary forces. The violence quickly spread from Khartoum to other regions, including Darfur. Reports indicate that at least 20,000 people have died, with the actual number likely higher. The conflict has displaced over 8 million people within Sudan and forced 4 million to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
3. WHO Warns of Global Health Crisis from Aid Cuts: The assessment was done in March–April 2025 across 108 WHO country offices, mainly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Over half reported moderate to severe suspensions in health ODA. Key health system functions, including emergency preparedness and public health surveillance, are notably affected. The disruptions echo the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently completed successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named ‘Gaurav’. Conducted from April 8 to 10, 2025, these trials took place using the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft. This advancement marks step towards enhancing India’s aerial capabilities and its defence strategy.The Gaurav was developed by DRDO in collaboration with various partners. Key contributors include the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Research Centre Imarat, and Integrated Test Range. The development process involved multiple configurations and warhead types, ensuring versatility in operational use.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Maharashtra-ROSATOM Partnership for Thorium Reactor: This initiative is notable as it is the first time a state government has ventured into nuclear energy development, traditionally under the purview of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The project will proceed only after receiving approval from the central government.The primary goal of the MoU is to collaboratively develop a thorium reactor in Maharashtra. It aims to commercialise thorium reactors while adhering to the safety standards set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). Additionally, the initiative seeks to establish a local assembly line for thorium reactors under the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ campaign.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. NaBFID signs MoU with New Development Bank to accelerate financing infra projects: The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) has signed an MoU with the New Development Bank (NDB), creating a deep and sustainable infrastructure financing market and developing a supportive ecosystem around it.The MoU also lays the foundation for both organisations to participate in infrastructure projects through thematic-level collaborations within their respective mandates.Additionally, NaBFID and NDB will partner in research and capacity-building initiatives, including seminars and workshops, to promote knowledge sharing and enhance institutional capabilities.The New Development Bank, established by the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — is a multilateral financial institution with a focus on mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs).
2. India Launches Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk: The Government of India has recently launched the ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’. This initiative aims to assist stakeholders in navigating the complexities of international trade amidst changing terif landscapes. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced this development in response to the evolving trade environment, which includes new tariff measures and increased import pressures.As businesses in China face higher tariffs, there may be opportunities for Indian manufacturers. Companies looking to avoid steep tariffs may consider relocating operations to countries with lower tariff regimes, such as India. This could enhance India’s position in the global market.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. James Anderson receives knighthood for his services to Cricket: Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been awarded a knighthood for his services to Cricket as part of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list. Anderson is the only sportsperson who has made it to the list.The 42-year-old English seamer retired from Test cricket last summer with 704 wickets, making him England’s all-time leading wicket-taker the format.Anderson is currently playing for his county Lancashire but has missed the start of the County Championship season due to a calf injury.
2. Recent Award: Key to the City of Lisbon – President Droupadi MurmuSri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana (nation’s highest civilian honour for a foreign head of state) – PM Narendra ModiFred Darrington Sand Master Award – Sudarsan Pattnaik (for his outstanding contributions to sand art)Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award – Nikhil SinghalUgadi Award from the Andhra Pradesh government – Historian and archaeologist MyNaa Swamy 59th Jnanpith Award – Vinod Kumar Shukla (for Deewar Mein Ek Khirki Rehti Thi)
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