NATIONAL UPDATES:
Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Guidelines & Online Portal: Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Guidelines and the Online portal in New Delhi.This scheme, with a funding of 22 thousand 919 crore rupees to make India Atmanirbhar in the electronics supply chain. The guidelines have been formulated with intense industry consultation.The scheme will be open to receive applications from 1st May through the online portal.The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme aims to develop a robust component ecosystem by attracting large investments in the electronics component manufacturing ecosystem, increasing Domestic Value addition by integrating Indian companies with Global Value Chains.
“A Doll Made Up of Clay” from SRFTI Selected for La Cinef at 78th Cannes Film Festival 2025: “A Doll Made Up of Clay,” a student film from Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), has been officially selected for the prestigious La Cinef section at the 78th Festival de Cannes 2025, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema education.The 23-minute experimental film narrates the emotional journey of a young Nigerian athlete facing displacement, injury, and cultural reconnection while stranded in India.Produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle (India) and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay (Ethiopia), the film exemplifies SRFTI’s commitment to global cinematic storytelling and innovation.Faculty and creators celebrate the Cannes selection as a testament to resilience, cross-cultural vision, and the global spirit thriving within SRFTI’s educational environment.
Hardeep Singh Puri & Delhi CM to launch Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards Delhiites: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards for Delhiites in New Delhi.
The scheme provides 5 lakh rupees free health cover to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.The senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY get an additional top-up cover of up to 5 lakh rupees per year for themselves.
Home Credit India Appoints Vivek Singh as New Chief Executive Officer to Drive Growth: Home Credit India has appointed Vivek Singh as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), strengthening its leadership team to drive the next phase of growth.Vivek Singh brings extensive experience in consumer finance, banking, and financial services, having worked with leading organisations before joining Home Credit India.As CEO, Singh is expected to focus on expanding Home Credit’s digital capabilities, customer-centric offerings, and sustainable business growth in the Indian market.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Sayani Das Becomes First Indian Woman to Cross the North Channel: Sayani Das became the first Indian woman to cross the North Channel, completing the 38 km swim in 13 hours and 22 minutes from Northern Ireland to Scotland.This swim marks the fifth open water channel swim conquered by Sayani, who aims to complete the Oceans Seven challenge, which includes seven of the toughest swims worldwide.To prepare for the frigid 13°C waters of the North Channel, Sayani endured ice baths as part of her training, dunking herself in a drum filled with 20-30 kg of ice for up to an hour daily.
2.11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2025 Adopts Declaration Under Brazilian Presidency: Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting held under Brazil’s Presidency in BrasÃlia.The meeting, convened under the slogan “Strengthening the Cooperation of the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, culminated in the adoption of a forward-looking declaration addressing two pivotal themes: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Work” and “The Impacts of Climate Change on the World of Work and a Just Transition”.India’s achievement of reduction in GHG emissions (2020–2019) and its net-zero by 2070 pledge reinforced its climate leadership.
3.Neeraj Kumar Gupta Appointed Chairman and Public Interest Director of NSE International Exchange: NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City appointed Neeraj Kumar Gupta (Retd. IAS) as its Chairman and Public Interest Director, after approval by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).Neeraj Kumar Gupta, a 1982-batch IAS officer (UP cadre), previously served as Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and later as Central Information Commissioner until 2023.Gupta was instrumental in shaping three Union Budgets (2016–2018), promoting the digital economy, and leading major initiatives in government investment management, equity listings, divestments, ETFs, and capital market reforms.
4.26 April – International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed on April 26 to commemorate the 1986 nuclear disaster.The day honors the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and raises awareness about the devastating consequences of nuclear accidents.On 8 December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 26 April as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day. An explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 spread a radioactive cloud over large parts of the Soviet Union, now the territories of Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
5. 26 April – World Intellectual Property Day: World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated every year on 26 April to highlight the importance of intellectual property (IP) — like patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs — in promoting innovation and creativity.Theme 2025 – IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IPThe day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. The date, 26 April, marks the day when the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970.
6.28 April – World Day for Safety and Health at Work: World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.The day is marked globally to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe and healthy workplaces, and it highlights efforts to reduce work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.Theme 2025 – Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Military Spending Disparities Between India and Pakistan: In 2024, India’s military spending reached USD 86.1 billion, ranking fifth globally. This expenditure has surged by 42 per cent since 2015. India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign arms imports. The government has allocated 75 per cent of capital outlays for domestic military procurement. This policy has allowed India to produce armoured vehicles, helicopters, and submarines, although it still relies on imports for advanced systems like combat aircraft. Pakistan’s military spending in 2024 was USD 10.2 billion, placing it at the 29th position worldwide. This figure represents only 11.84 per cent of India’s military expenditure. The low spending reflects Pakistan’s limited resources in comparison to India. The disparity in military budgets raises concerns about regional security and stability.
SPORTS
1. Brazil to host the 10th edition of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027: Brazil will host the 10th edition of Women’s World Cup in 2027, marking the first time the tournament takes place in South America.Australia and New Zealand jointly hosted the 9th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. It was won by Spain, defeating England in the final.Football powerhouse Brazil had previously hosted the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014.
2.India dominates Asian Yogasana Sport Championship with record 83 gold medals: India delivered a dominant performance at the Asian Yogasana Sport Championship, securing a record 83 gold medals to top the medal tally at the event in Delhi.The hosts also won three silver and one bronze medal to end with 87 medals, finishing well ahead of Japan, which claimed three gold, three silver and four bronze medals.Mongolia, Oman and Nepal rounded off the top five standings. Countries such as Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Bhutan also showcased strong performances, highlighting the growing footprint of yogasana as a competitive sport across Asia.The championship saw participation from over 21 countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Into Proton Adsorption for Green Hydrogen Production: BIEFs arise at the interface of different materials, particularly in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) p-n heterojunctions. These fields create an asymmetric electronic environment. This asymmetry is crucial as it influences charge distribution at the junction. The resulting built-in potential enhances proton dynamics during adsorption and desorption. Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that helps evaluate the maximum work obtainable from a system. In the context of hydrogen production, it is essential for understanding proton adsorption. The difference in work functions between two materials drives charge redistribution, establishing the built-in potential. This potential directly impacts the Gibbs free energy of adsorption.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Kumar Mangalam Birla received Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025: Kumar Mangalam Birla received the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his visionary leadership, alongside other notable honourees in Mumbai.The 57-year-old industrialist, Padma Bhushan awardee and Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, is being honoured for his pivotal role in shaping India’s growth story.This year, the award will also be presented to several notable individuals, including actors Shraddha Kapoor, Sunil Shetty, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sonali Kulkarni, and violinist Dr N Rajam. The event marks the 83rd Memorial Day of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar.While Sunil Shetty and Shraddha Kapoor will be felicitated for their impactful contributions to Indian cinema, Sonali Kulkarni will be honoured for her distinguished body of work that bridges theatre and film, reflecting emotional depth and cultural richness.The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar was instituted in 2022 in memory of the late legendary singer. It is organised by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan.
2. National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) honoured with Udyog Vikas Award: The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) received the prestigious Udyog Vikas Award at the Udyog Vikas event in Kerala, recognizing its contribution to industrial development.Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma highlighted the transformational potential of the Palakkad Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC), set to reshape Kerala’s infrastructure and the broader southern region’s industrial landscape.The 1,710-acre Palakkad Industrial Smart City offers excellent connectivity through road, rail, and air, making it a key industrial hub for South India, fostering investments, employment, and regional innovation.
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