FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the United States is on track to host the 2031 Women's World Cup.Infantino also confirmed the 2035 World Cup was expected to take place in the United Kingdom.

• The US submitted the only bid for 2031.
• The US previously hosted the Women's World Cup in 1999 and 2003.
• The UK would be hosting for the first time.
• The 2027 Women's World Cup will take place in Brazil with 32 teams and 64 matches from June 24 to July 25.
• Spain is the defending champion after breaking through for its first Women's World Cup title in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
• The 2031 Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams

West Bengal has recently been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Nolen Gurer Sandesh and six other traditional products, including the renowned ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’ and Baruipur guavas.

• This achievement is anticipated to enhance the local economy and provide international recognition to the state's cultural offerings. 
• The ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’ is a winter treat crafted from fresh ‘chhena’ or curdled milk, combined with the season's special ‘nolen gur’ or date palm jaggery. This jaggery gives the sweet a rich, caramel-like taste and a warm golden colour.
• The five other products that have now gained GI status include Kamarpukur’s white bonde, Murshidabad’s ‘Chhanabora’, Bishnupur’s ‘motichur laddoo’, Radhunipagal rice, and Malda’s Nistari silk yarn.

As part of his visit to Sri Lanka on Sunday, April 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Sharing photos of the revered tree on social media platform X, he described it as:

“A living symbol of peace, enlightenment, and spiritual continuity. May the teachings of Lord Buddha always guide us.”

What is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree?

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree (Ficus religiosa), considered the oldest living cultivated tree in the world. It is believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.

This sacred branch was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitta (Sanghamitra), daughter of Mauryan emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun. It was planted in Anuradhapura, where it continues to be a major pilgrimage site and symbol of deep spiritual heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday(5 April 2025) conferred with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the island nation’s highest civilian honour for Heads of State and Government.

• The prestigious award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a joint press briefing in Colombo.
• Instituted specifically to honour global leaders of nations maintaining friendly relations with Sri Lanka, the award reflects a deep appreciation of their solidarity and goodwill towards the Sri Lankan people.
• The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana medal, specially designed to recognise extraordinary friendships on the global stage, symbolises the shared spiritual and cultural heritage of both countries.
• The Dharma Chakra represents their common Buddhist legacy, while the Pun Kalasa - a ceremonial vessel with rice sheaves - signifies prosperity and renewal. The Navarathna, or nine precious gems within a lotus-encircled globe, epitomises the enduring India-Sri Lanka bond.
• This award marks the 22nd international recognition bestowed on PM Modi by a foreign country, underlining his growing stature as a global statesman committed to regional peace, development, and spiritual diplomacy.

RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has signed an agreement with Lamrin Tech Skills University (LTSU), Punjab, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to develop specialized training programs for railway professionals.

• The partnership aims to equip workers with industry-relevant skills through diploma and certification courses.
• The MoU sets a framework for designing skill development programs, industry-driven training, and job placement support. 
• RailTel will contribute by sharing industry insights, facilitating internships, and setting up railway-specific training labs. 
• LTSU will provide infrastructure and academic expertise, while NSDC will support industry partnerships and financial aid initiatives.

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the name Ramann, an LSE graduate who will take the place of Deepak Mohanty whose term ends in May.
• Currently serving as the Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) and Chief Technology Officer at the CAG.
• Ramann will be at the helm for the next five years.

The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has successfully made its controlled atmospheric re-entry, marking a significant step in sustainable space operations. This event highlights ISRO’s growing focus on space debris mitigation and responsible use of low Earth orbit.

POEM is an innovative initiative that utilizes the final stage of the PSLV rocket as a platform for in-orbit experiments after the main satellite has been deployed. Instead of becoming space debris, the fourth stage remains active and functional, hosting payloads from various research institutions and startups.

The re-entry of POEM was carefully planned to ensure it burned up in Earth’s atmosphere, leaving no trace behind. This aligns with global efforts to keep space safe and free from clutter.

Key Points:

• POEM stands for PSLV Orbital Experimental Module.
• It uses the PSLV’s fourth stage as an orbital platform for experiments.
• It successfully re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, burning up safely.
• A major step toward space debris reduction and sustainability.
• Enabled low-cost, short-duration experiments in space.
• Demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to responsible space missions.