In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Kharif season, the Punjab government has officially banned the sale and cultivation of hybrid paddy seeds, including the widely used Pusa-44 variety.

The decision, announced in early April, aims to address environmental concerns, economic inefficiencies, and quality issues associated with these rice varieties .

Reasons Behind the Ban

1. Environmental Concerns
Pusa-44, a long-duration paddy variety, is known for its high water consumption and substantial stubble production post-harvest. These factors contribute to groundwater depletion and environmental pollution due to stubble burning .

2. Economic Inefficiencies
Rice millers have reported that hybrid varieties produce a lower out turn ratio (OTR) than the 67% mandated by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), resulting in financial losses for millers and lower prices for farmers .

3. Quality Issues
Hybrid paddy seeds have been associated with higher percentages of broken grains during milling, leading to reduced market value and challenges in meeting procurement standards .

Farmers' Response and Protests

The ban has sparked protests from farmer organizations such as the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), who argue that hybrid varieties are essential for maintaining productivity and profitability. Farmers highlight that hybrids can yield up to 36 quintals per acre, offering better financial returns compared to traditional varieties .
Additionally, farmers assert that hybrid paddy is crucial in regions with saline groundwater, such as parts of Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, and Bathinda, where traditional varieties struggle .

Siachen Day, observed every year on April 13, marks the anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, the historic military operation launched by India in 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier.

This day honors the bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces who serve in one of the world’s most extreme terrains.

Key Points

• Launched on April 13, 1984, Operation Meghdoot was a preemptive strike by the Indian Army to occupy key passes and heights on the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh.
• The operation was aimed at thwarting Pakistan’s plans to claim the territory.
• It marked the first military operation of its kind in the world to be conducted at such extreme altitudes—over 20,000 feet above sea level.
• The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, is often called the world's highest battlefield.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan received the prestigious Master Humor Award at the 2025 Macau International Comedy Festival in recognition of his contributions to cinematic comedy and global appeal, especially in China.

Important highlights

• Aamir Khan received the Master Humor Award, one of the festival's highest honors, acknowledging his memorable performances in comedic cinema over the years.
• His unique ability to blend humor with social commentary—seen in films like 3 Idiots, PK, and Lagaaan—was a key reason for this recognition.
• Aamir Khan is one of the most beloved Indian actors in China, often affectionately referred to as “Uncle Mi” by Chinese fans.
• His films enjoy a strong cult following, especially 3 Idiots, PK, and Dangal, which resonated with audiences due to their emotional depth and cultural relatability.

Observed on April 14, World Chagas Disease Day 2025 aimed to raise global awareness about Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions.

This year’s theme, “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease,” highlighted the importance of a collective global response across prevention, disease management, and patient care.

What is Chagas Disease?

A parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, mainly spread by “kissing bugs,” and also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and mother-to-child transmission.

Global Impact

Chagas disease continues to pose a major public health challenge, silently affecting 6 to 7 million people worldwide, primarily in Latin America, but increasingly spreading to non-endemic regions—causing around 12,000 deaths annually and placing over 100 million people at risk due to migration and lack of awareness.

2025 Theme Focus

Prevent: Vector control and improved living conditions

Control: Early diagnosis and surveillance

Care: Access to treatment and long-term support

Global Action

WHO and PAHO are driving awareness, improving healthcare access, and supporting research for better diagnostics and treatments.

Why April 14?

Commemorates the first diagnosis by Dr. Carlos Chagas in 1909; the day was officially recognized by WHO in 2019.

Hockey India has named a 26-player squad for a crucial tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4. The matches will help the team gear up for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25 starting in June.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian women’s team will tour Australia from April 26 to May 4, with all matches taking place at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
• The tour includes five matches — the first two against Australia A and the next three against Australia’s senior national team.
• Midfielder Salima Tete will lead the team as captain, while seasoned forward Navneet Kaur has been appointed vice-captain.
• Veteran goalkeeper Savita and rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam will handle duties in the net, offering both experience and youthful energy.
• The defensive lineup features a mix of veterans like Sushila Chanu and newcomers such as Jyoti Singh and Sujata Kujur, adding depth and versatility.
• Captain Salima Tete will anchor the midfield, supported by players like Neha and Sharmila Devi, along with debutants Pooja Yadav and Mahima Tete.
• A strong and aggressive forward line includes Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, and Beauty Dungdung, aiming to deliver sharp attacks.
• Five players — Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete — have earned their first senior national team call-ups.
• The squad includes seven standby players covering all positions to ensure squad depth and injury backups during the tour.
• Head Coach Harendra Singh praised the team’s balance and highlighted the importance of the tour in refining tactics, boosting fitness, and building mental resilience ahead of the Pro League.

Indian archer Dhiraj Bommadevara delivered a stellar performance at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Auburndale, Florida, securing a bronze medal in the men's individual recurve event. This achievement contributed to India's overall tally of four medals at the tournament.

• In the bronze medal match, the 23-year-old Army archer faced Spain's Andres Temino Mediel.
• After trailing 2-4, Dhiraj showcased remarkable resilience, winning the final two sets to clinch the match 6-4.
• His composure under pressure was evident as he tied the first and third sets and then dominated the fourth and fifth to secure victory .
• India concluded the tournament with a commendable four medals:? Gold -1 , Silver - 1 and Bronze - 2

Dhiraj's Rising Profile

Hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dhiraj Bommadevara has been steadily making his mark in international archery. His latest accomplishment adds to his growing list of accolades and positions him as a prominent figure in India's archery landscape.

For the first time, India has showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system.

India has become fourth country including the US, China, and Russia, that have shown such a capability.

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences CHESS, Hyderabad, a premier Centre of Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle mounted Laser Directed Weapon DEW MK-II(A) at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

DRDO said, "It defeated the fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Swarm Drones successfully causing structural damage and disable the surveillance sensors."

I added,"With this successful trial, India has joined the exclusive club of the Global powers who possess the high power Laser DEW System."

Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman DRDO,  Dr. Samir V Kamat said, this is just the beginning of the journey. 

He expressed confidence that the synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, it will take to the the destination soon.  

Dr Kamat said, DRDO is also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse and on a number of technologies that will give the Star Wars capability. 

India has experienced a significant 38% increase in notified tuberculosis (TB) cases among children aged 14 and below, rising from 102,090 cases in 2020 to 141,182 in 2024. This alarming trend underscores the need for enhanced diagnostic measures, improved treatment access, and robust public health interventions.?

Keypoints

Notified pediatric TB cases escalated from 102,090 in 2020 to 141,182 in 2024, marking a 38% increase over five years. ?
eMediNexus

Experts attribute this surge to malnutrition, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a rise in drug-resistant TB strains. ?

Pediatric TB often presents with non-specific symptoms and is frequently extrapulmonary, complicating timely diagnosis. ?

Despite the rise in notified cases, pediatric TB remains underreported, with children accounting for only 5–7% of total TB notifications, compared to the expected 10–12%. ?

India contributes to 28% of the global pediatric TB burden, highlighting the country's critical role in addressing this public health challenge. ?
PMC

Government Initiatives:

The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is intensifying efforts to combat pediatric TB through:?

Enhanced Screening: Implementing widespread TB screening programs to facilitate early detection.?

Improved Diagnostics: Promoting the use of child-friendly diagnostic tools and techniques.?

Treatment Accessibility: Ensuring prompt treatment initiation with quality-assured drugs and regimens.?

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, particularly in managing drug-resistant TB and ensuring comprehensive coverage across diverse regions. ?

Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's state-owned company ROSATOM for the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on thorium fuel.

• The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis between the Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO) and ROSATOM's 'Small Modular Reactor with Thorium Fuel' initiative.
• This is perhaps for the first time a state government will be venturing into the arena of nuclear energy which has otherwise been exclusively under the control of the Department of Atomic Energy.
• A senior state government official, however, stressed that any step forward will be taken only after the approval of the Centre.
• The main objective of the MoU is to jointly develop a thorium reactor in Maharashtra, commercialise thorium reactors as per safety standards of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and establish an assembly line for thorium reactors under the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative.