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.
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