NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Digital Portal for National Waterways: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched a dedicated digital portal developed by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to streamline private investment in infrastructure development on National Waterways, promoting Ease of Doing Business (EODB).The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 allows private entities to develop or operate terminals with a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI, covering both new and existing, permanent and temporary terminals.The first digital NoC was issued to Marina India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for a jetty at Malim, Goa (National Waterway-68), marking a milestone in digital governance and private sector engagement.The initiative aims to unlock sustainable infrastructure growth, with cargo movement rising from 18 to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023–24, reinforcing the sector as a key driver of economic growth under the “Viksit Bharat” vision.
2. Government of India Procures 100 Lakh Bales of Cotton Under MSP Operations: The government has procured 100 lakh bales of cotton under MSP operations through its nodal agency. This procurement accounts for 38 percent of the total cotton arrivals of 263 lakh bales and 34 percent of the estimated total cotton production of 294.25 lakh bales in the country.Among the states, Telangana has recorded the highest procurement at 40 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra with 30 lakh bales and Gujarat with 14 lakh bales.Other states with significant procurement include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Procurement in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab stands at 1.15 lakh bales.The Textiles Ministry said in a statement that in total, 37 thousand 450 crore rupees have been paid to approximately 21 lakh cotton farmers across all cotton-producing states.
3. What Is Homeopathy?: Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice based on the principle of “like cures like.” It suggests that substances causing symptoms in healthy individuals can, in minute doses, treat similar symptoms in those who are unwell.Though its roots trace back to ancient Greek medicine, it was in the 19th century that homoeopathy gained widespread recognition across Europe and North America.In India, World Homeopathy Day is observed under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, to promote awareness and research in the field.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Shortlist Announced for ‘Make the World Wear Khadi’ Challenge Ahead of WAVES Summit 2025: The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation.Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
2. Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad to open campus in Dubai: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) will open their overseas campus in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology -Delhi already has a campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE.This was announced during the visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, to India.The IIMA Dubai Campus will be developed in two phases. Initially, the institute will operate out of the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a leading education hub in the region. The second phase will see the construction of a permanent campus, scheduled to be fully operational by 2029.
3. Satish Chavva appointed CEO of Oman India Joint Investment Fund: The Board of Oman India Joint Investment Fund—Management Company, a private equity fund manager promoted by the Oman Investment Authority and the State Bank of India, has appointed Satish Chavva as its Chief Executive Officer.Chavva joins from British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution, where he held various roles, including heading Direct Private Equity for South Asia.Chavva has a deep association with OIJIF, having previously served as Director of Investments at OIJIF between 2016 and 2022. Prior to that, he was with Citi Group in India and the UK, including in its private equity arm, Citi Venture Capital International for over 9 years.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Naval Base INS Varsha: India is set to enhance its naval capabilities with the commissioning of INS Varsha, a strategic naval base for nuclear submarines in coastal Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to counter China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The base, located near Rambilli, is designed to provide a secure and advanced facility for India’s nuclear submarines, ensuring operational readiness and stealth.INS Varsha will be operational by 2026. It will feature advanced underground facilities, allowing submarines to enter and exit without detection. This base will accommodate at least ten nuclear submarines, enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. The project has faced numerous challenges but is nearing completion after over a decade of construction.
SPORTS
1. Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian To Score 13,000 Runs In T20 Cricket: Virat Kohli became the first Indian to complete 13,000 runs in T20 cricket history. He achieved the historic milestone during the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.Virat Kohli became the first Indian and only fifth overall cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket.Virat Kohli became the first Indian and only fifth overall cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved it with the 17th run he scored during his innings against MI.The list is led by West Indies legend Chris Gayle with 14562 runs, followed by England batter Alex Hales (13,610), former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik (13557) and Keiron Pollard (13537).
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station in Japan: Recently, Japan’s West Japan Railway Company revealed the world’s first 3D-printed train station in Arida town. This innovative project replaced a weathered wooden complex that had been in operation since 1948. The new station, Hatsushima, was constructed swiftly in under six hours, showcasing the potential of 3D printing technology in addressing the challenges faced by Japan’s ageing infrastructure and workforce.The construction of Hatsushima station involved a unique process. A construction firm named Serendix was hired to create the station’s components. The printing of parts took only seven days at a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture. These parts were made from a special mortar designed for durability. Once printed, the components were transported 500 miles to the station site.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI cut repo rate for the second time by 0.25% bps to 6%: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut its policy repo rate by 25 basis points (0.25%) to 6%. The RBI MPC reduces the SDF rate to 5.75% and the MSF rate to 6.25%.The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held its 54th meeting from April 7 to 9, 2025, under the chairmanship of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, Reserve Bank of India.The MPC members Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Rajiv Ranjan, and Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao attended the meeting.RBI also reduced the growth rate forecast for India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2025-26 financial year to 6.5 percent from the earlier forecast of 6.7 %.
2. BOB launches Square Drive FD with 7.75% interest: Bank of Baroda has introduced a new fixed deposit option called the ‘bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme’.The updated FD interest rates, including the new scheme, came into effect on April 7 and apply to deposits of less than Rs 3 crore. Meanwhile, the bank has also withdrawn its special Utsav Deposit Scheme.The ‘bob Square Drive Deposit Scheme’ offers a tenure of 444 days with an interest rate of 7.15 per cent per annum for the general public. Senior citizens will receive a higher interest rate of 7.65 per cent per annum, while super senior citizens (aged 80 years and above) will earn an even higher rate of 7.75 per cent per annum.
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