Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025, celebrated in Agartala, Tripura, brought together tribal and Bengali communities in a vibrant display of culture and tradition. The festival honored Garia Puja and welcomed the Bengali New Year with rituals, performances, and communal harmony.

Key Highlights:

• Celebrated on April 21–22, 2025, at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala.
• Inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha.
• Garia Puja: Tribal festival seeking blessings for prosperity, centered around the worship of Lord Garia.
• Borsho Boron: Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) marked with cultural performances and traditional festivities.
• Featured tribal dances, music, food stalls, and art exhibitions.
• Promoted unity and cultural integration between tribal and Bengali communities.
• Organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Tripura.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group and Padma Bhushan awardee, was honoured with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025 on April 24 in Mumbai.
The award was presented by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, recognizing Birla's significant contributions to India's growth and development.

Key Highlights:

• Kumar Mangalam Birla received the award at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium in Mumbai on the 83rd Memorial Day of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar.
• Birla expressed pride in being associated with the legacy of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar and emphasized the honor’s special significance.
• The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted in 2022 to honor individuals making exemplary contributions to the nation, society, and the arts.
• Previous recipients of the award include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, singer Asha Bhosale, and actor Amitabh Bachchan.
• The 2025 ceremony also honored Shraddha Kapoor, Sunil Shetty, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sonali Kulkarni, and violinist Dr. N Rajam for their contributions to Indian cinema and classical music.
• Under Birla's leadership, the Aditya Birla Group has expanded to over 40 countries, with a 33-fold increase in turnover and more than 60 successful acquisitions.

On April 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration during the 17th Civil Services Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Civil Services Day is celebrated annually on April 21 to honor the commitment and service of India’s civil servants. The awards recognize exceptional and innovative work by districts and government organizations across the country.

Key Highlights:

Award Categories: Recognitions were given under Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation categories.

Notable Recipients: Poshan Tracker Application – Honored for its innovative use of data in child nutrition.

Rama Block, Jhabua (MP) – Lauded for implementation of key rural development schemes.

Koraput District (Odisha) – Recognized for comprehensive district development.

Uttar Pradesh IAS Officers – Awarded for outstanding administrative leadership.

Award Package:

Includes a trophy, scroll, and Rs.20 lakh incentive for development projects.

Selection Process:

14 awardees were chosen from over 1,500 nominations through a rigorous evaluation process.

The event highlighted the role of civil servants in driving impactful governance and encouraged replication of best practices nationwide.

Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), was honored with the prestigious Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award in Kokrajhar, Assam. The award ceremony took place on April 18, 2025, coinciding with the 166th birth anniversary of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma. 

This recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to education and social empowerment, aligning with the values upheld by the award's namesake.

Key Points

• The award ceremony was held in Kokrajhar, Assam, to honor Dr. Samanta's contributions.
• Dr. Achyuta Samanta was conferred the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025 for his contributions to education and social empowerment.
• The award was presented to Dr. Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, for his transformative work in education and philanthropy.
• Dr. Samanta founded KIIT and KISS, which provide high-quality education and free services to underprivileged tribal children.
• The award included a citation, memento, and Rs.1 lakh cash prize, recognizing Dr. Samanta's significant impact.
• Dr. Samanta donated the entire Rs.1 lakh cash prize back to the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust to support its initiatives.

About Achyuta Samanta

Dr. Achyuta Samanta is a renowned educationist and philanthropist, best known for establishing KIIT and KISS. KIIT is a globally recognized institution offering quality education, while KISS is the world's largest free residential educational institute for tribal children. His initiatives have empowered thousands of underprivileged students, providing them with opportunities for a better future. Dr. Samanta's dedication to education as a tool for social transformation has earned him national and international acclaim.?

About the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award

The Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award is an esteemed recognition instituted by the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust. It honors individuals who have made significant contributions to education, social empowerment, and community development. The award is named after Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, a revered spiritual leader and social reformer of the Bodo community, often referred to as the "Mech Gandhi of Assam." 

Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal will be posthumously honoured at the 25th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22, 2025.

The tribute celebrates his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema and his influence on generations of filmmakers.

Key Points:

• NYIFF 2025 will honour Shyam Benegal’s legacy with a dedicated segment in the festival lineup.
• A 4K restored version of Benegal’s iconic 1976 film Manthan will be showcased. The restoration was recently premiered at Cannes Classics 2024.
• The festival will also feature screenings of Kennedy by Anurag Kashyap and Little Thomas by Kaushal Oza.
• The event will conclude with an after-party at Chatti, a trendy Manhattan venue known for Kerala cuisine.
• NYIFF is the oldest Indian film festival in North America, committed to promoting Indian independent cinema and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

About Shyam Benegal 

Shyam Benegal was an Indian film director, screenwriter and documentary filmmaker. Often regarded as the pioneer of parallel cinema, he is widely considered as one of the greatest filmmakers post 1970s. He has received several accolades, including eighteen National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award and a Nandi Award.

India is poised to sign a landmark defense agreement with France, acquiring 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. Valued at approximately Rs. 63,000 crore, this deal is set to enhance India's maritime defense capabilities, particularly for operations aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Key Points

• The deal includes 22 single-seat and 4 twin-seat Rafale-M jets, equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems tailored for carrier-based operations.
• This acquisition will replace the aging MiG-29K fleet and strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Deliveries of the jets are expected to begin in 2028–29, with all aircraft set to be handed over by 2031–32.
• The signing ceremony will be attended by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, with both countries’ Defence Ministers participating remotely.

The deal highlights the growing defense collaboration between India and France and is crucial for enhancing India's maritime defense capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting 'Exercise Aakraman' in the central sector, involving its Rafale and Su-30 fighter aircraft. The exercise focuses on complex ground attack missions and electronic warfare drills, simulating operations in diverse terrains, including plains and mountainous regions.

Key Points

• This drill comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
• The exercise aims to enhance the IAF's operational readiness and offensive capabilities.
• The exercise features Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets, known for their advanced technology and combat capabilities.
• Objective of the exercise is to simulate real combat scenarios, improving the IAF's preparedness for high-intensity warfare situations.

In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Border Security Force (BSF) has scaled down the daily Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border and two other locations in Punjab.

Key Points:

• The BSF has suspended the customary handshake between Indian and Pakistani border guards during the retreat ceremony. ?
• The border gates at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki remained closed during the ceremony. ?
• The BSF stated that these measures reflect India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirm that peace and provocation cannot coexist. ?
• The decision to scale down the ceremony is part of India's broader response to the Pahalgam attack, which included the closure of the Attari-Wagah border and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. ?
• The scaled-down ceremonies continue with heightened security measures, including quick response teams and anti-drone technology. ?

In a significant demonstration of its indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) from the INS Surat warship in the Arabian Sea. This milestone underscores India's commitment to enhancing its maritime defense infrastructure.

Key Points

• The Indian Navy conducted a successful test of the MR-SAM aboard the INS Surat, a guided-missile destroyer, in the Arabian Sea.
• The MR-SAM system is a product of India's indigenous defense development efforts, highlighting the nation's growing self-reliance in military technology.
• The test was conducted amidst heightened regional tensions, demonstrating India's readiness to bolster its defense posture.
• INS Surat, commissioned in January 2025, is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced network-centric capabilities, with 75% indigenous content.
• The successful test enhances India's maritime defense capabilities, contributing to regional security and stability.

On April 22 and 23, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted its inaugural air show in Patna, Bihar, commemorating the birth anniversary of 1857 freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh. The two-day event, organized jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Bihar government, featured captivating aerial displays by the IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Akash Ganga skydiving unit.

Key Highlights:

• The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed high-precision maneuvers with nine Hawk-132 jets, while the Akash Ganga skydiving team honored Veer Kunwar Singh with a dramatic flag-bearing descent.
• Over 40 schools participated, and citizens gathered in large numbers along JP Ganga Path to witness the patriotic spectacle.
• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were in attendance, reinforcing the cultural and historical importance of the event.
• Patna was designated a no-fly zone during the event, with drones banned to ensure public safety.
• The show served both as a tribute to a national hero and a display of IAF’s aerial prowess, inspiring patriotism and awareness among the youth.

This event symbolized more than just aviation skills—it celebrated heritage, valor, and the power of remembrance.

On April 21, 2025, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) was officially inaugurated at Ballard Pier by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. This state-of-the-art facility, developed under the Cruise Bharat Mission, positions Mumbai as a premier hub for global cruise tourism.

Key Features:

• MICT is designed to handle up to 1 million passengers annually, accommodating approximately 10,000–15,000 travelers daily. 
• The terminal can simultaneously dock five cruise ships, each up to 300 meters in length with an 11-meter draft. 
• Spanning over 415,000 square feet, MICT features 72 check-in and immigration counters, 22 elevators, 10 escalators, and parking space for over 300 vehicles. 
• The terminal boasts maritime-inspired architecture with rose gold accents and wave-shaped seating, reflecting Mumbai's coastal heritage. 
• Commercial Spaces: Upper floors are designated for sea-view cafes, retail stores, and dining zones, enhancing the terminal's appeal as a lifestyle destination. 

The Indian Navy’s warship INS Sunayna has embarked on a strategic visit to Mauritius as part of India's commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.  The Ship has docked at Nacala Port in Mozambique on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

This visit highlights India's proactive naval engagement in East Africa and island nations to ensure regional peace and capacity-building. The visit underlines New Delhi’s efforts to foster strong naval diplomacy and regional security partnerships.

Key Highlights:

• INS Sunayna is undertaking this visit to boost defense cooperation and reinforce maritime security partnerships with Mauritius.
• During its stay, the ship will engage in various activities including joint naval exercises, professional exchanges, and community outreach programs.
• The visit aims to support Mauritius in strengthening its maritime capabilities through training interactions and technical support.
• The mission reflects India’s broader SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which emphasizes regional cooperation and mutual trust.
• The deployment of INS Sunayna showcases the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between India and Mauritius.
• The Indian Navy’s presence in Mauritius contributes to maintaining peace, stability, and rule-based order in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to partook in Exercise Desert Flag-10, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence.

Key Points

• IAF participates in the premier multinational air combat exercise with its largest contingent so far, fielding MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.
• The exercise is scheduled to be held between April 21 - May 8, 2025.
• The exercise aims to undertake complex and diverse fighter engagements, with the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices with some of the most capable Air Forces in the world.
• Participation in such exercises enhances mutual understanding and interoperability and strengthens military cooperation among the participating nations. 

What is Exercise Desert Flag?

Exercise Desert Flag is a multinational exercise being hosted by the UAE Air Force, with participating contingents from the Air Forces of Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and the United States in addition to the Indian Air Force.  

The Krishna River, a lifeline for southern India, is facing a severe drought, causing widespread agricultural losses, drinking water shortages, and escalating inter-state disputes over water sharing.

Key Points

• Rising temperatures have dried up the Krishna River earlier than usual, devastating crops in regions like Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Yadgir.
• Farmers are now reliant on government water tankers, which are arriving only once every 15 days.
• Karnataka has officially requested Maharashtra to release water from the Koyna and Varna reservoirs.
• Water-sharing tensions have intensified between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• Reservoirs in the Krishna Valley are less than half full, forcing authorities to prioritize drinking water supply.
• Climate change is expected to worsen drought frequency and intensity in the Krishna basin, threatening long-term water security.

On April 24, 2025, Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign with the goal of eliminating both diseases from India by 2026.

The initiative is part of World Immunization Week and aims to strengthen vaccination coverage across the country.

Key Points:

• The campaign was launched virtually by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on April 24, 2025.
• It aims to eliminate measles and rubella from India by the year 2026.
• The initiative is part of the broader Universal Immunisation Programme, which offers two free MR vaccine doses at 9–12 and 16–24 months of age.
• As of 2024–25, MR vaccine coverage in India reached 93.7% (first dose) and 92.2% (second dose).
• From January to March 2025, 332 districts reported zero measles cases, and 487 districts had zero rubella cases.
• Awareness efforts include multilingual IEC materials such as posters, radio jingles, and educational films.

World Malaria Day 2025, observed on April 25, focuses on raising awareness about malaria and the need for renewed efforts to eliminate the disease.

The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” highlights the importance of reinvestment, innovation, and collective action to combat malaria globally.

Key Points:

Theme: The theme for World Malaria Day 2025 is “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” emphasizing the need for renewed global efforts.

Significance: The day serves to raise awareness about malaria and mobilize efforts to eliminate it by highlighting the importance of sustained investment, innovation, and political will.

Global Impact: In 2023, there were approximately 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide, with the majority occurring in the WHO African Region.

Focus Areas: The theme calls for reinvestment in proven interventions, reimagining strategies for malaria control, and reigniting collective action across communities and governments.

National Panchayati Raj Day is observed every year on April 24th to commemorate the constitutional recognition of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.

It marks a significant step towards decentralization and strengthening grassroots democracy, empowering local governance bodies to participate directly in decision-making and development activities.

The main function will be organized in the august presence of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat, Jhanjharpur Block in  Madhubani District of Bihar. The Prime Minister will address Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Gram Sabhas across the country and also confer Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025 on this occasion. 

Key Points:

• National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24th to honor the establishment of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• The 73rd Amendment came into force in 1993, providing constitutional status to local self-governments in rural India.
• The day highlights the importance of empowering rural local bodies to ensure inclusive development and participatory democracy.
• In 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Panchayat leaders and emphasized the role of Panchayats in achieving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized national-level programs showcasing innovations and best practices from various Panchayats.
• The celebration reiterates the government's commitment to strengthening democracy at the grassroots and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) through empowered Panchayats.

On April 22, 2025, the world commemorated the 55th anniversary of Earth Day under the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," emphasizing the global push towards renewable energy and environmental sustainability.?

Key Highlights:

• The 2025 Earth Day theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," calls for a global commitment to triple renewable energy generation by 2030, uniting communities, governments, and industries in the fight against climate change. ?
• Over a billion individuals across 192 countries participated in various activities, including tree planting, clean-up drives, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, showcasing a collective effort to protect the environment. ?
• In Central Ohio, community events focused on environmental sustainability and conservation, featuring volunteering opportunities with Green Columbus, tree planting at Quarry Trails Metro Park, educational plant walks at Franklin Park Conservatory, and a weekend celebration at the Columbus Zoo. ?
• Earth Day 2025 also served as a moment of reflection on the environmental movement's progress and the need for inclusivity, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic issues and ensuring that marginalized communities are integral to environmental justice efforts. ?

National Civil Services Day is observed every year on April 21 to celebrate the dedication and contributions of civil servants in India's development.

The day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s iconic 1947 address to IAS officers, where he called them the “steel frame of India.”

This year's theme “Empowering Citizens through Efficient and Transparent Governance,” highlights the focus on citizen-centric, accountable administration. 

Key Highlights

• Recognizes civil servants’ role in governance, policy implementation, and public service.
• Prime Minister’s Awards are presented for excellence in public administration.
• Nationwide events such as seminars, discussions, and exhibitions are held.

History

The date commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s historic address on April 21, 1947, to the first batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at Metcalfe House, New Delhi. In his speech, he described civil servants as the “steel frame of India”, crucial to the unity and integrity of the country. The Government of India officially began observing this day in 2006.

The World Bank has cut India’s GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2025-26 to 6.3%, down from 6.7% projected earlier. The update was released as part of the Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update.

The revision follows concerns over global economic uncertainty and its likely impact on investment and trade.

Comparative Forecasts

• International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF also reduced India's growth projection for FY26 to 6.2%, down from its earlier estimate of 6.5%. 
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The RBI's estimate remains at 6.5% growth for FY26, slightly higher than the projections by the World Bank and IMF. 

Regional Context

The World Bank's report indicates that growth projections have been broadly reduced across South Asia, with the region expected to grow at 5.8% in 2025. This reflects a broader trend of economic challenges in the region, influenced by global headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities.

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), bringing over 25 years of expertise in agronomy and sustainable agriculture to the role.

Key Points:

• Assumed charge on April 21, 2025, for a three-year term.
• Replaces Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who took voluntary retirement.
• Former roles include Deputy DG at ICRISAT and senior positions at CIMMYT, IRRI, and ICAR.
• Holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from ICAR-IARI, specializing in soil moisture conservation.
• Renowned for work in climate-resilient farming, conservation agriculture, and food systems.
• Authored 350+ peer-reviewed papers; recipient of the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award.
• Expected to lead ICAR in addressing climate change, soil health, and sustainable food security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India's ambitious target to increase steel production capacity to 300 million tons by 2030, positioning the sector as a cornerstone of the nation's economic growth and infrastructure development.

Key Points:

• India's steel production capacity is targeted to reach 300 million tons by 2030, up from 179 million tons in FY24. ?
• The government aims to boost per capita steel consumption from 98 kg to 160 kg by 2030. ?
• Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik expressed confidence in achieving the 300 million tons capacity goal. ?
• To support this growth, coking coal imports are expected to rise from 58 million tons to 160 million tons by 2030. ?
• The government has implemented a temporary 12% tariff on certain steel imports to protect the domestic industry. ?
• Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for the steel industry to adopt new technologies and processes to achieve these targets. ?

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a joint venture between Air India and Singapore-based SATS Ltd, has inaugurated the AISATS BLR Logistics Park at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru. Developed with an investment of Rs.200 crore, this 8-acre facility is among the largest on-airport logistics parks in South India.

Key Highlights:

• The logistics park comprises three distinct buildings, including a two-level main warehouse offering over 240,000 sq. ft. of Grade A space designed for freight forwarders, express courier operators, and logistics firms. ?
• An 11,000 sq. ft. public bonded warehouse allows importers and OEMs to securely store and manage their cargo shipments under Customs bond. ?
• A 24,000 sq. ft. office block is dedicated to Customs House Agents, logistics companies, and support services. ?
• The facility includes shared general warehouse space and cold storage on a pay-per-use basis, catering to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). ?
• The AISATS will provide trucking services to ensure economical and seamless cargo movement between the logistics park and the airport's cargo terminals, located 3 km apart. ? ?

Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda International Airport, India's third-busiest airport, handles 40% of South India's air cargo volumes and recorded its highest-ever annual cargo tonnage of 502,480 metric tonnes in FY25. The airport aims to handle 1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually by 2030. ?
This development is expected to bolster Bengaluru's position as a major logistics and trade hub, providing world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to facilitate efficient cargo movement and drive growth for local businesses. ?

President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Vatican City to represent India at the state funeral of Pope Francis. Accompanied by senior ministers, she paid homage to the late Pope and will attend the funeral ceremony, which brings together global leaders and dignitaries to honor Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and service.

Key Points:

• President Droupadi Murmu has reached Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
• She is accompanied by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza.
• President Murmu paid tribute to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body was laid in state.
• The funeral ceremony is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square with attendance from world leaders.
• The Government of India declared a day of state mourning on April 26, flying the national flag at half-mast.
• Pope Francis, admired globally for his humility and advocacy for the marginalized, passed away at the age of 88.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences, praising Pope Francis’s deep affection for humanity and India.

Pakistan has issued a maritime warning for a surface-to-surface missile test in the Arabian Sea near Karachi between April 24–25, 2025. The move comes amid rising tensions with India following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points:

• The missile test will take place in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone, close to the Karachi coast.
• It follows India's diplomatic steps in response to the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people.
• India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals.
• Intelligence agencies in India are monitoring the situation closely as a potential provocation.
• The terror attack was linked to Pakistan-backed group Lashkar-e-Taiba via its proxy, TRF.

On April 23, 2025, in a significant diplomatic engagement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), during his visit to Jeddah. Saudi Arabia.

The meeting aimed to promote interfaith dialogue, strengthen India-Saudi Arabia ties, and foster global peace through cooperation and understanding.

Key Highlights:

• PM Modi and Dr. Al-Issa discussed promoting global peace and understanding between religions.
• He strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost.
• Dr. Al-Issa appreciated India’s cultural diversity and its inclusive approach toward all communities.
• Both leaders emphasized cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
• The meeting boosts India’s engagement with the Islamic world, especially with influential bodies like the MWL.
• They stressed empowering youth through education and intercultural dialogue.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday, April 21, 2025, for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing trade negotiations between the two nations. 

Key Highlights

• Vice President Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, emerging technologies, climate action, and regional security.
• Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. The leaders explored avenues to deepen military-to-military ties and co-development of defense technologies.
• Talks also emphasized strengthening economic relations. VP Vance promoted increased U.S. investment in India’s tech and manufacturing sectors, encouraging joint ventures and supply chain resilience.
• With a focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and semiconductor development, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through tech exchanges and joint R&D initiatives.
• Vice President Vance’s visit signals continuity in U.S. foreign policy toward India, reinforcing the two countries' shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests. It also sets the stage for deeper collaboration across sectors vital to global stability and growth in the 21st century.
• The visit marks a new chapter in U.S.-India relations, reaffirming both nations' roles as key partners in shaping a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific future.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, a distinguished figure in India’s space exploration history, passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 84. His contributions to India's space program, particularly during his tenure as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), revolutionized the country's space exploration capabilities. Dr. Kasturirangan also played a pivotal role in the creation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, significantly influencing India's educational landscape.

Key Points:

• Pioneering Space Scientist: Dr. Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003, overseeing key milestones such as the successful launch of India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, and the development of key launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: He was instrumental in the drafting of the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to make India’s education system more holistic, inclusive, and multidisciplinary. His work on NEP has helped shape the educational framework for the future generations of India.
• Awards and Recognition: Dr. Kasturirangan was honored with India’s highest civilian awards, including the Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Vibhushan (2000), for his exceptional contributions to space science and national development.
• Role in Academia: He was the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Central University of Rajasthan and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009, further influencing both the academic and policy spheres.
• Legacy in Space: Under his leadership, ISRO made substantial advances, including the successful launch of key satellites and the development of indigenous space technologies, cementing India’s place as a leading player in global space exploration.

About Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, born on October 24, 1940, in Kerala, was a renowned astrophysicist and the former Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003. He played a pivotal role in India’s space advancements, including leading the Chandrayaan-1 mission and developing key space launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV. Dr. Kasturirangan also chaired the committee that created the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, shaping India’s education system. He was honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan for his contributions. His passing on April 25, 2025, marks the loss of a visionary leader who significantly impacted both India’s space exploration and educational reforms.

Campbell Wilson, the CEO and Managing Director of Air India, has announced his decision to step down as Chairman of Air India Express, the airline's low-cost subsidiary.

This move is part of a broader restructuring within the Tata Group's airline operations to enhance coordination and operational synergy between Air India and Air India Express.?

Key Points

• Nipun Aggarwal, the current Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, will take over as the Chairman of Air India Express.
• Captain Basil Kwauk, Air India's Chief Operations Officer, will replace Wilson on the Air India Express board, pending regulatory approvals.
• The leadership change is part of a strategy to improve coordination and operational synergy between Air India and Air India Express.
• Wilson will continue in his role as CEO and Managing Director of Air India, overseeing the performance of the Air India Group.

Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan, renowned as M.G.S. Narayanan, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 92. He was a distinguished historian who made significant contributions to the study of Kerala's ancient history, temple inscriptions, and social transformations.

Narayanan served as the Member Secretary and later Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and authored over 200 scholarly works, leaving a lasting impact on historical research in India.

Key Points

• He was born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani, Kerala, and was widely regarded as a distinguished historian and educator.
• Narayanan authored over 200 books and articles, including 112 research papers published in national and international journals.
• He served as the Member Secretary and later Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), contributing significantly to the development of historical research in India.
• Narayanan was affiliated with the University of Calicut, where he played a vital role in shaping the university’s academic and research direction.
• His research focused on Kerala’s ancient history, temple inscriptions, Brahmin settlements, and the social transformations in South India.
• Narayanan's scholarly work has had a profound influence on the study of South Indian history and has established a strong academic tradition in the field.

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has been appointed as the first Indian brand ambassador for Dreame Technology, a global leader in smart home appliances. This collaboration aims to enhance Dreame's presence in the Indian market by promoting its range of intelligent cleaning and personal care solutions.

Key Points

• Kriti Sanon becomes Dreame Technology's first Indian brand ambassador, promoting smart home and personal care products.
• The partnership aims to boost Dreame’s presence in India, with plans to expand from 165 to 200 cities.
• Kriti will feature in Dreame’s digital, print, and television campaigns to strengthen brand visibility.
• Dreame plans to launch eight new products in India this year to meet rising demand for smart living solutions.

Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has been appointed as Chanel’s first-ever Indian brand ambassador, marking a historic moment in the luxury fashion industry.

The announcement was made on April 16, 2025, underscoring India's growing influence in global fashion.

Key Highlights:

• Ananya Panday is the first Indian to be named as Chanel's brand ambassador. 
• The appointment follows her attendance at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris, fueling speculations about her association with the brand. 
• Chanel expressed that Ananya's values resonate with the brand, making her the perfect choice to represent the house. ?
• Ananya shared her excitement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent Chanel as its first-ever Indian brand ambassador. 

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The Government of India has declared a three-day State Mourning as a mark of respect to the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, Pope Francis.

His death, resulting from a stroke followed by heart failure, occurred at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Known for his humility and progressive reforms, his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world. 

Key Points:

• Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. 
• He was the first Jesuit and first Latin American to serve as pope, elected in 2013. 
• His papacy emphasized social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity within the Church. 
• The Vatican announced that his funeral will be held on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Basilica, with burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, honoring his wish for a modest interment. 
• A conclave to elect his successor is expected to convene between May 6 and May 12, 2025. 

Pope Francis's legacy as a humble and transformative leader continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has completed the breakthrough of India’s longest railway tunnel—Tunnel No. 8—on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line, significantly enhancing connectivity in the Himalayan region.

Key Points

• The tunnel spans 14.57 kilometers between Devprayag and Janasu, making it India’s longest railway tunnel.
• The breakthrough was achieved using ‘Shakti,’ a 9.11-meter diameter Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), the largest deployed in the Himalayas.
• 10.4 km of the tunnel was built using TBM; the remaining 4.11 km was constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
• The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is a 125 km project by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to improve access across five Himalayan districts.
• The new line is expected to cut travel time from 7 hours to 2 hours, benefiting Char Dham pilgrims and boosting regional tourism.
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the engineering milestone and its socio-economic impact.
• L&T is executing Packages 2 and 4 of the project, which include tunnel construction, bridges, and embankments.

India has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past decade. According to a World Bank report, extreme poverty decreased from 16.2% in 2011–12 to 2.3% in 2022–23, lifting approximately 171 million people above the poverty line. 

Key Highlights:

• Rural and Urban Poverty Reduction: Rural poverty declined from 18.4% to 2.8%, while urban poverty decreased from 10.7% to 1.1%, narrowing the rural-urban poverty gap from 7.7 to 1.7 percentage points. 
• Transition to Lower-Middle-Income Status: Using the $3.65 per day poverty line, poverty rates dropped from 61.8% to 28.1%, lifting 378 million people out of poverty. Rural poverty decreased from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%. 
• Impact of Major States: In 2011–12, the five most populous states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh—accounted for 65% of India’s extreme poor. By 2022–23, these states contributed to two-thirds of the overall decline in extreme poverty but still represented 54% of the extremely poor population. 
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): The MPI, reflecting non-monetary poverty, decreased from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 16.4% by 2019–21, and further to 15.5% in 2022–23, indicating substantial progress in addressing various poverty dimensions beyond income. 
• Income Inequality Trends: While the consumption-based Gini index improved from 28.8 in 2011–12 to 25.5 in 2022–23, the World Inequality Database reported rising income inequality, with the Gini index for income increasing from 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023. This suggests that wage gaps remain, with the top 10% earning 13 times more than the bottom 10% in 2023–24. 
• Employment Growth: Employment growth has outpaced the working-age population since 2021–22. Urban unemployment fell to 6.6% in the first quarter of FY24/25, the lowest since 2017–18. Notably, there has been a shift of male workers from rural to urban areas, while female employment in agriculture has increased. 

These statistics highlight India's substantial progress in poverty reduction between 2011 and 2023, while also underscoring ongoing challenges related to income inequality and employment.

?The World Social Report 2025, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in collaboration with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), highlights escalating global challenges such as economic insecurity, inequality, and declining trust in institutions.

Key Finding

• About 60% of the global population faces economic insecurity, with over 2.8 billion people surviving on $2.15 to $6.85 per day.
• Income inequality is widening, with the top 1% of earners owning more wealth than the bottom 95% combined.
• More than half of the world’s population reports little or no trust in their governments, with trust continuing to decline across generations.
• Informal and precarious employment dominates in regions like Africa and South Asia, leading to unstable incomes and heightened vulnerabilities.
• The spread of misinformation and disinformation is increasing social fragmentation and weakening social cohesion.

Russia and China have officially strengthened their partnership to build a joint lunar research station. Aiming for completion by 2035, this project highlights a significant shift in global space alliances and ambitions beyond Earth.

Key Highlights:

• Russia’s Roscosmos and China’s CNSA (China National Space Administration) have agreed to jointly develop the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), targeting completion by 2035.
• The station will be located near the Moon’s south pole, an area believed to hold water ice and vital resources.
• The ILRS will focus on long-term scientific studies in lunar geology, astronomy, and life sciences.
• Both nations are inviting international partners to collaborate on the project.
• Analysts view this initiative as a strategic counterbalance to NASA’s Artemis program, reflecting a shift in global space leadership.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a 1,000-second ground test of an active-cooled scramjet engine, marking a major advancement in India's hypersonic technology development.

Key Points:

• DRDO successfully carried out a 1,000-second test of the active-cooled scramjet engine.
• The test marks a crucial milestone in India's efforts to develop hypersonic propulsion technology.
• The scramjet engine is essential for future reusable space launch systems and hypersonic cruise missiles.
• Active cooling technology used in the engine helps manage the extreme heat generated at hypersonic speeds.
• This achievement places India among the few countries working towards mastering scramjet technology.
• The breakthrough supports India’s broader ambitions in aerospace and defense innovation.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit marked a unique milestone on April 20, 2025, celebrating his 70th birthday by returning to Earth after a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This achievement makes him the oldest active-duty astronaut in NASA's history to complete a spaceflight.

Key Points

• Pettit, along with Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, landed safely in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-26 capsule at 6:20 a.m. local time.
• Their mission spanned 220 days, during which they orbited Earth 3,520 times and traveled approximately 93.3 million miles.
• This mission marked Pettit's fourth spaceflight, bringing his total time in space to over 590 days.
• While he is NASA's oldest active astronaut, the record for the oldest person in space remains with John Glenn, who flew at age 77 in 1998.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is poised to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.

Scheduled for late May 2025, Shukla will be part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private spaceflight operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.

Highlights

• Shukla has undergone extensive astronaut training in India, Russia, and the United States, including simulation exercises, survival training, and spacecraft systems operations.
• The mission is expected to last around 10 days and will involve scientific experiments and international collaboration aboard the ISS.
• The Axiom Mission 4 will be launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

About Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a decorated officer in the Indian Air Force with extensive experience in aviation and flight operations. Known for his discipline, technical proficiency, and leadership, he was selected as part of India’s astronaut training program and has since undergone rigorous international training. His inclusion in the Axiom Mission 4 underscores his expertise and India’s growing role in global space missions.

On April 22, 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft announced the launch of the 'AI Careers for Women' initiative.

This collaborative program aims to empower 20,000 women from Tier-II and Tier-III towns across six Indian states by providing them with industry-aligned Artificial Intelligence (AI) training.

The 'AI Careers for Women' initiative represents a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in emerging technologies and fostering inclusive growth in India's digital economy.?

Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized the significance of the initiative.

Key Point

• The initiative will train 20,000 women in AI across six Indian states, focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
• A 240-hour AI curriculum will be delivered through 30 Centres of Excellence and 150 partner colleges.
• Training includes real-world projects, internships, and job placement support.
• The program aligns with the National Education Policy, offering credit-linked AI learning.
• Edunet Foundation is the implementation partner, ensuring collaborative execution.

On April 20, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the second autonomous docking of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites, SDX-01 and SDX-02. This accomplishment underscores India's growing capabilities in advanced space technologies.

Highlights

• On April 20, 2025, ISRO completed its second autonomous docking of satellites SDX-01 and SDX-02 under the SpaDeX mission.
• A successful test followed on April 21, transferring power from one satellite to another to run a heater for 4 minutes.
• The mission began on December 30, 2024, placing both satellites in a 475 km orbit.
• Used the Bharatiya Docking System, featuring sensors, communication links, and autonomous intelligence.
• Paves the way for India's space station ambitions and supports the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
• India becomes the 4th country after the US, Russia, and China to demonstrate autonomous satellite docking.

India showcased its digital prowess at GITEX Africa 2025, held from April 14 to 16 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Led by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, India's participation emphasized its commitment to global digital collaboration and innovation.

Key Highlights:

• India presented its scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives, including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), and DIKSHA, highlighting their adaptability for developing nations.
• Minister Chaudhary engaged in discussions on India’s experience in building inclusive, open-source digital systems, positioning the country as a catalyst for digital transformation in other developing economies.
• India’s emergence as a hub for AI talent was underscored, with a reported 33.39% year-on-year growth in AI hiring, reflecting the nation’s focus on nurturing an AI-driven ecosystem.
• Bilateral meetings with African ministers explored collaborations in AI, research, and capacity building, aiming to leverage India’s digital frameworks for inclusive growth across the continent.

India's active engagement at GITEX Africa 2025 reaffirmed its role as a global leader in digital innovation and skilling, offering adaptable solutions for nations pursuing resilient and inclusive digital economies.

In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken five major decisions aimed at intensifying diplomatic and strategic pressure on Pakistan.

These actions mark a significant escalation in India’s counter-terrorism response and reflect a hardening of its national security posture.

Key Points:

• India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, halting water-sharing cooperation.
• The Integrated Check Post at Attari, the key border crossing between India and Pakistan, has been closed.
• India has revoked the SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistani nationals and asked those under it to leave within 48 hours.
• Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in India have been expelled, and India will recall its own military advisors from Islamabad.
• Both countries will reduce diplomatic staff strength at their High Commissions from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1, 2025.

Five militants, armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, targeted a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuring over 20 others in Baisaran Valley, near the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points

• The assailants, reportedly affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed the attack .
• The Indian government swiftly condemned the attack and vowed severe retaliation against those responsible.
• India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement with Pakistan, and expelled Pakistani diplomats.
• Pakistan, denying involvement, retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.
• These actions have significantly escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Rohit Sharma has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second Indian cricketer to surpass 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, following Virat Kohli. He reached this landmark during the IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Key Points

Milestone Achievement:
Rohit Sharma reached the 12,000-run mark in T20 cricket during the IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, becoming the second Indian and eighth overall to achieve this feat. ?

Performance in the Match:
He scored a commanding 70 runs off 46 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, contributing to Mumbai Indians' seven-wicket victory. ?

Career Statistics:
As of this match, Rohit has accumulated 12,058 runs in 456 T20 matches at an average of 30.91, with eight centuries and 80 half-centuries. ?

Elite Company:
Other players who have surpassed 12,000 T20 runs include Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, David Warner, Alex Hales, and Jos Buttler. 

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy emerged victorious at the 2025 Pune FIDE Women's Grand Prix, edging out China's Zhu Jiner on tiebreaks after both concluded the tournament with 7 points out of 9.

This win propels Humpy to second place in the overall Grand Prix standings, enhancing her prospects for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament.

Key Points:

• Koneru Humpy defeated Bulgaria's IM Nurgyul Salimova in the final round, securing an unbeaten score of 7/9. 
• Both Humpy and China's Zhu Jiner finished with equal points, but Humpy clinched the title based on superior tiebreaks. 
• This victory awards Humpy 117.5 Grand Prix points, elevating her to second place in the overall standings behind Russia's Aleksandra Goryachkina. 
• The Pune leg was the fifth of six events in the 2024–25 FIDE Women's Grand Prix series, held from April 14 to 23. 
• Indian IM Divya Deshmukh secured third place with 5.5 points, ahead of GM Harika Dronavalli and IM Polina Shuvalova. 
• The top two players in the Grand Prix series will qualify for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Championship. 

Indian shooter Simranpreet Kaur delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Shooting World Cup in Lima, Peru, securing the silver medal in the women's 25m sports pistol event.

Her remarkable achievement helped India secure a third-place finish in the overall medal tally, marking another significant milestone in Indian shooting sports.

Key Highlights:

• Impressive Silver Medal: Simranpreet Kaur demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, scoring 38 in the final round of the women's 25m sports pistol event. She secured the silver after a fierce competition, narrowly missing the gold to Jiang Ranxin of China, who won the gold with a score of 39.
• India's Performance: India finished third in the medal standings, showcasing the country's growing strength in competitive shooting.
• Competition Overview: The event, held in Lima, Peru, attracted top shooters from around the globe. Simranpreet's performance placed her among the world's best, reinforcing India's presence on the international shooting scene.
• Coach's Praise: Simranpreet’s coach expressed immense pride in her consistency and composure during the event. He praised her for maintaining focus under pressure and for her continuous improvement.

India's shooting team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 ISSF World Cup held in Lima, Peru, from April 13 to 22. The country secured a total of 7 medals—2 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze—finishing third overall in the medal standings, trailing behind China and the United States.

Gold Medalists

• Suruchi Singh: Dominated the women's 10m air pistol event, clinching the gold medal.
• She also partnered with Saurabh Chaudhary to win the gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Silver Medalists

Manu Bhaker: Secured the silver in the women's 10m air pistol event.?

Arjun Babuta: Earned silver in the men's 10m air rifle event.?

Simranpreet Kaur Brar: Achieved silver in the women's 25m pistol event, marking her first World Cup medal. ?

Rudrankksh Patil & Arya Borse: Teamed up to win silver in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. ?
Olympics

Bronze Medalist
Saurabh Chaudhary: Contributed to India's medal tally with a bronze in the men's 10m air pistol event. ?

Indian shooters Arya Borse and Rudrankksh Patil clinched the silver medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the 2025 ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru. They finished second, narrowly missing gold after a close final against Norway’s Jon-Hermann Hegg and Jeanette Hegg Duestad.

Key Highlights:

• Patil and Borse scored a combined 632.5, just 0.1 points behind the leaders, securing a spot in the final.
• Arya, making her senior World Cup debut, expressed pride in her learning journey. Rudrankksh, a former world champion, learned from an earlier technical error in the individual event.
• The silver adds to India’s growing medal tally, with two golds, three silvers, and one bronze, placing third overall behind China and the US.

This performance underscores India's rising prominence in international shooting sports.

India's 16-year-old shot putter, Nishchay, delivered an impressive performance at the 6th Asian U-18 Athletics Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, securing the silver medal in the boys' shot put event. On the third day of the competition, he achieved a personal best throw of 19.59 meters, surpassing his previous record of 18.93 meters set just a month prior.

Key Highlights:

• The event took place at the 6th Asian U-18 Athletics Championship held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
• Nishchay, a 16-year-old athlete from Haryana, represented India in the boys' shot put event.
• He clinched the silver medal with a remarkable throw of 19.59 meters.
• This throw marked a new personal best for Nishchay, beating his previous best of 18.93 meters.
• In addition to his shot put success, Nishchay also won a bronze medal in the discus throw with a 58.85-meter effort.
• His double podium finish added to India’s overall tally of 11 medals in the championship.
• India ended the tournament with one gold, five silver, and five bronze medals in total.
• Nishchay’s achievements highlight the growing strength of India’s young talent in field events.

Nishchay’s outstanding performances have reinforced India's rising profile in athletics and set a high benchmark for upcoming youth athletes.

The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women by providing them with eco-friendly electric rickshaws.

Spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the scheme seeks to promote women's self-reliance and sustainable urban transport across the state.

The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has officially declared DPS Flamingo Lake, a 30-acre wetland in Navi Mumbai, as a conservation reserve. This significant move aims to protect the vital habitat for migratory flamingos and other aquatic birds, reinforcing the state's commitment to preserving urban biodiversity.

• The decision follows years of campaigning by organisations like NatConnect Foundation and the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS), who staged protests and human chains after 17 flamingos died in 2023 due to blocked tidal inlets. Since then, authorities have reopened water channels and cleared 60% of the algae-choked lake, prompting the return of large numbers of flamingos.
• The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has declared DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve to protect migratory flamingos and other bird species.
• Local environmental groups and government efforts helped restore the lake’s ecosystem, improving water flow and reducing ecological threats.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India has launched the Sachet mobile app to deliver real-time disaster alerts and essential safety information.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2025, the app aims to boost disaster preparedness and reduce casualties through timely, location-based updates.

Key Points:

• Sends instant notifications for floods, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, forest fires, storms, and lightning based on your location.
• Available in 12 Indian languages with translation and read-out options for better accessibility.
• Provides regular weather forecasts integrated with IMD updates.
• Includes 'Dos and Don’ts', emergency helplines, and control room numbers for quick access during crises.
• Ensures uninterrupted alerts even during network disruptions via satellite connectivity.
• Covers all 36 states and union territories in India.
• Free to download and use on both Android and iOS platforms.

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh celebrated a milestone as cheetah Nirva gave birth to five healthy cubs. Nirva, brought from South Africa in 2022 under Project Cheetah, has strengthened hopes for the reintroduction of cheetahs into India after their extinction in the 1950s.

The event highlights the progress of India's ambitious cheetah restoration program and showcases the growing success of conservation strategies.

Key Points:

• This is the first time a litter at Kuno has genetic lineage mixing South African and Namibian cheetahs, an important step for genetic diversity.
• The birth raises the total cheetah population under the reintroduction project in India to 31.
• Conservationists will closely monitor the cubs to ensure their healthy growth and survival in the wild.
• The development reflects an improving habitat at Kuno National Park, offering a promising environment for cheetahs to thrive.
• The success strengthens India's global standing in large carnivore conservation projects.
• Future plans include gradual expansion of cheetah habitats across other suitable regions in India.

Context

• The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative, confirmed that the world is witnessing its fourth global bleaching event.

About

• The bleaching-level heat stress has impacted 83.7% of the planet’s coral reef area and mass coral bleaching has been recorded in at least 83 countries and territories. 
  • The ongoing global coral bleaching event is the biggest to date. 
• Previous Bleaching: 
  • The 1st and 2nd global coral bleaching events occurred in 1998 and 2010, respectively. 
  • The 3rd global coral bleaching event, which occurred from 2014-2017, when 68.2% of the world’s reef area experienced bleaching-level heat stress. 
• Future Projections: Climate models predict that by 2040-2050, nearly every coral reef worldwide will face annual bleaching events.
• Great Barrier Reef Status: Currently undergoing a sixth mass bleaching event.
  • Second consecutive bleaching episode after 2016-17.
  • Caused by prolonged marine heatwaves, especially in Far Northern and Northern regions.
• Bleaching History in Australia: Mass coral bleaching events recorded in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

What are Corals?

• Corals are invertebrates that belong to a large group of animals called Cnidaria.
  • Corals are formed by multiple small, soft organisms known as polyps. 
  • They secrete a rocky chalk-like (calcium carbonate) exoskeleton around themselves for protection. 
  • Coral reefs are therefore created by millions of tiny polyps forming large carbonate structures.
• Appearance: Corals range in colour from red to purple and even blue, but are most commonly shades of brown and green.
  • Coral are bright and colorful because of microscopic algae called zooxanthellae.
• There are three types of coral reefs – fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls.
  • Fringing reefs form along shorelines, barrier reefs form in open water and atolls are circular reefs that have formed around sunken volcanoes.

Coral Bleaching

• Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the colourful algae living in their tissues. 
• Without these helpful algae, the corals become pale and are vulnerable to starvation and disease. 
• A bleached coral is not dead, but ocean temperatures need to cool off for any hope of recovery.
• At least 14% of the world’s remaining corals were estimated to have died in the previous two global bleaching events.

What triggers Coral Bleaching?

• The leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change. 
  • A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature—as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit—can cause coral to drive out algae. 
• Coral also bleaches for other reasons, like extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.

Concerns

• Coral bleaching matters because once these corals die, reefs rarely come back. 
• With few corals surviving, they struggle to reproduce, and entire reef ecosystems, on which people and wildlife depend, deteriorate.
• This would have dire implications for ocean health, subsistence fisheries and tourism. 

Impact of Coral Bleaching

• Wildlife: Thousands of marine animals depend on coral reefs for survival.
  • Coral reefs provide shelter, spawning grounds, and protection from predators. 
  • They also support organisms at the base of ocean food chains. 
  • As reef ecosystems collapse, already at-risk species may face extinction.   
• Humans: Coral reefs are natural barriers that absorb the force of waves and storm surges, keeping coastal communities safe. 
  • Every year, reefs provide about $2.7 trillion in goods and services, according to a 2020 estimate by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.
  • Bleached coral also compounds the overfishing crisis by removing links in the food web and depriving some fish of a place to spawn and develop.
  • Reef tourism brings in billions of dollars each year and supports thousands of jobs. 

Can corals recover from bleaching?

• Corals can recover if conditions improve, but recovery can take years or even a decade, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Corals can recover only if temperatures drop and conditions return to normal. 
• When this happens, the algae returns and the corals gradually regain their health.

Way Ahead

• Strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• Implementing coral restoration techniques, such as coral gardening and breeding resilient coral species, to enhance recovery after bleaching events.
• Advocating for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit temperature increases and ocean acidification.
• Increasing investment in research to better understand coral resilience, bleaching triggers, and recovery processes, alongside developing advanced monitoring technologies.

Source: DTE

A 2025 study by IIM Amritsar reveals that stubble burning in Punjab is not merely a technological or behavioral issue but is deeply rooted in structural market distortions and state-led policy incentives—particularly the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system. The findings underscore how well-intentioned interventions can inadvertently reinforce unsustainable agricultural practices.

Why Does Stubble Burning Persist in India?

• Policy-Induced Mono-Cropping:
  The MSP regime predominantly incentivizes wheat and paddy cultivation, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This discourages crop diversification, leading to an excess of paddy stubble, which farmers often burn to clear fields quickly for the next sowing cycle.

• Market Distortions and Farmer Exploitation:
  India's agricultural marketing remains dominated by middlemen (arhtias), who control pricing, credit, and procurement. A 2024 RBI survey revealed that farmers received only 40–67% of consumer prices for major rabi crops. Stagnant MSP rates, rising cultivation costs, and restricted market access push farmers toward cost-cutting measures like stubble burning.

• Lack of Affordable Alternatives:
  Despite penal regulations, state support for sustainable stubble management solutions remains inadequate. The absence of accessible, low-cost technologies compels farmers to burn residue for expediency.

• Climate Stress and Unpredictability:
  Rising temperatures and erratic monsoons exacerbate farming uncertainties. For example, delayed October 2023 rains forced compressed harvesting and sowing schedules, making quick field clearance through burning more attractive.

• Ineffectiveness of Bio-Decomposers:
  Solutions like the Pusa Decomposer suffer from inconsistent field performance, delayed distribution, and lack of farmer training, limiting their large-scale adoption.

What is the Impact of Stubble Burning?

• Air Pollution in North India:
  Stubble burning peaks during October–November in Punjab, Haryana, and neighboring states, contributing 22–35% of seasonal air pollution (IITs & TERI, 2023).
  Each fire event correlates with a 112.44-unit rise in PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR, significantly deteriorating air quality.

Technological Solutions to Tackle Stubble Burning

• Happy Seeder:
  A tractor-mounted device that plants wheat seeds directly into the paddy stubble, eliminating the need for burning, reducing costs, and improving soil health.

• Pusa Decomposer:
  A microbial solution that transforms stubble into compost, boosting soil fertility without harming the environment.

• Pelletization of Crop Residue:
  Conversion of stubble into biomass pellets for energy generation, offering an alternative income stream to farmers.

• Biochar Production:
  Transforming crop residue into biochar through pyrolysis enhances soil quality, retains water, and supports carbon sequestration.

How Can India Address the Stubble Burning Crisis?

• Promote Sustainable Crop Diversification:
  Shift incentives towards water-efficient, low-residue crops like millets, maize, and pulses. Guaranteed MSPs, assured procurement, and private sector engagement are essential to make diversification viable and economically secure.

• Develop Markets for Stubble-Based Products:
  Build robust value chains for fodder, biomass pellets, and eco-packaging materials.
  Integrate collection and processing infrastructure with schemes like MGNREGA and promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for market access.

• Regulatory Frameworks and Incentives:
  Implement a three-tier system:

  • Strict enforcement of anti-burning laws,

  • Permit conditional burning only when unavoidable,

  • Offer subsidies, tax breaks, or direct payments for productive stubble use.

• Ensure Fair Pricing for Farmers:
  Break the middlemen's monopoly, enhance price transparency, and enable direct market linkages to improve farmer incomes and reduce economic pressures leading to stubble burning.

• Promote Biofuel and Fertilizer Production:
  Incentivize conversion of crop residues into bio-CNG, ethanol, and organic fertilizers.
  Chhattisgarh’s Gauthan Model exemplifies how community-led initiatives can collect stubble (parali daan) and transform it into eco-friendly fertilizers.

• Expand Mechanization through Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs):
  Establish CHCs equipped with modern machinery at the village level, supported by mobile booking apps and GPS fleet tracking. Subsidize rental costs to make machines like the Happy Seeder accessible to small and marginal farmers.

• Form Joint Task Forces:
  Create inter-ministerial task forces across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi involving agriculture, environment, rural development, and health sectors. These teams should align national pollution control efforts with grassroots realities, ensuring shared responsibility and coordination.

Context

• India has achieved a record of over 145 million tonnes of cargo movement on inland waterways in 2024-25. 

About

• The number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111, with the operational length growing from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24).
  • Massive infrastructure development includes Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), community jetties, floating terminals, and green tech like Hybrid Electric and Hydrogen Vessels.

• Future Prospects: India aims to increase IWT modal share from 2% to 5%, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.

Inland Waterways

• Inland waterways refer to navigable rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks used for transportation of goods and passengers within a country. 
• India has ~14,500 km of navigable waterways, but their usage is limited. 111 waterways have been declared National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
• Importance of Inland Waterways
  • Economic Benefits: Lower transportation costs compared to road and rail.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Uses 30% less fuel than road transport and 50% less than rail.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Reduces carbon emissions and congestion on roads.
  • Connectivity: Supports hinterland trade and rural economies.
  • Tourism & Passenger Transport: Plays a role in ferry services and river cruises.

Criteria for Declaring a National Waterway

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) declares the National Waterway.
• National Transport Policy Committee (1980) recommended the following criteria for  National Waterway:
  • Navigable by mechanically propelled vessels of reasonable size.
  • Channel width of ~45 m and depth of ~1.5 m.
  • Continuous stretch of at least 50 km.
  • Should serve multiple states, or connect major ports/hinterlands, or be strategically important, or serve underserved areas.

Challenges in Inland Waterway Development

• Seasonal water level variations affect navigation.
• Lack of infrastructure (terminals, dredging, and navigation aids).
• Slow adoption by industries due to underdeveloped routes.
• Competition from road and rail transport.

Policy Measures to Boost Inland Waterways

• Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme: It was launched in 2024 and has two key components:
  • Financial Incentive: Cargo owners get a 35% reimbursement on actual operating costs for shifting cargo from road/rail to IWT, encouraging use of waterways. 
  • Scheduled Services: Regular cargo services have been introduced to boost reliability and predictability. 
• Extension of Tonnage Tax to Inland Vessels: It was announced in 2025 during the budget, the tonnage tax regime has been extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021.
  • Benefit: Provides a stable and predictable tax regime based on vessel tonnage rather than profits, thereby lowering the tax burden and encouraging broader adoption of inland shipping. 
• Regulatory Framework for Private Investment: The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been notified, enabling private investment in inland waterways infrastructure.
• Port Integration:  To ensure seamless multimodal logistics, the Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, as well as the Intermodal Terminal at Kalughat, are being transferred to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata for operation and management.
  • This integration is expected to streamline cargo movement between ports and inland waterways.
• Digitisation and Centralised Database: A centralised portal is being developed for the registration of inland vessels and crew, similar to the ‘Vahan’ and ‘Sarathi’ systems used for road transport. This initiative will:
  • Simplify registration processes. 
  • Provide real-time data on vessel and crew availability. 
  • Enhance transparency and planning in the sector. 
• Cargo Aggregation Infrastructure: To resolve issues related to sparse industrial presence along waterways, cargo aggregation hubs are under development:
  • Freight Village at Varanasi.
  • Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj. 
• Engagement with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): More than 140 PSUs have been engaged to explore shifting a portion of their cargo to IWT. 

Way Ahead

• The Indian government is investing heavily in inland waterways through projects like Jal Marg Vikas (JMVP).
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being encouraged.
• Integration of IWT with multimodal logistics hubs for seamless transport is being carried out.

Source: AIR

Context: After engaging in similar aggressive posturing in the South China Sea, China is now turning up its game in the Yellow Sea by building a gigantic steel rig.

Interpreting the situation: This development has given China and South Korea a new point of contention.

Learning Zone:

• The Yellow Sea is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean.
• Location: Lies between mainland China (west/north) and the Korean Peninsula (east), north of the East China Sea, bounded by the Yangtze River mouth to Jeju Island.
• It derives its name from the yellowish color of its waters, caused by sand particles from the Yellow River (Huang He) in China.
• Key Features: Includes Bohai Sea (northwest), Socotra Rock (Ieodo), and numerous islands (e.g., Jeju).
• Important Ports:
  • China: Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian
  • South Korea: Incheon
  • North Korea: Nampo

Strategic Importance:

• Economic Value: Supports fishing (10% of China’s fish catch), potential oil/gas reserves, and major shipping lanes (e.g., Qingdao port).
• Military Significance: Hosts Chinese naval bases (e.g., Qingdao, PLAN North Sea Fleet) and South Korean assets (e.g., Incheon).
• Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ): Established in 2001 by China and South Korea to manage overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), allowing joint fishing but prohibiting unilateral structures.

Disputes and Issues:

• EEZ Overlap: China and South Korea’s 200-nautical-mile EEZs overlap due to the sea’s narrow width (~400 miles), with no finalized maritime boundary despite negotiations since 2015.
• Socotra Rock (Ieodo): Submerged reef claimed by both (80 miles from South Korea’s Marado, 155 miles from China’s Sheshan). South Korea’s research station (2003) and China’s buoys (2014) fuel tensions.

Source : Economic Times

Spaghetti Bowl Phenomenon and the Complexity of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Context:

• Ongoing global turmoil over regional trade policies and the proliferation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) has reignited concerns about the Spaghetti Bowl Phenomenon.

• This issue is particularly relevant as India navigates new FTAs and revisits old ones under its renewed foreign trade policy (FTP 2023–28).

What is the Spaghetti Bowl Phenomenon?

Definition:

• According to the World Bank, the Spaghetti Bowl Phenomenon refers to the confusing, overlapping, and tangled network of bilateral and regional FTAs, making trade processes more complicated rather than facilitating smoother trade flows.

Origin of the Term:

• Coined by: Jagdish Bhagwati, eminent economist and trade theorist, in 1995.

• Metaphor:

  • Compares the messy interconnections of different trade rules to a bowl of spaghetti, where intertwined strands represent overlapping FTAs.

Why Does the Spaghetti Bowl Occur?

• Rules of Origin (RoO):

  • Every FTA comes with its own criteria to define which goods qualify for preferential treatment (reduced tariffs).

  • Problem:

    • Producers dealing with multiple FTAs must comply with different RoOs, increasing administrative burden and compliance costs.

• Diverse Tariff Schedules:

  • Different FTAs offer varied tariff concessions and schedules, leading to confusion about which agreement offers the best trade terms.

• Fragmentation of Supply Chains:

  • Multinational companies find it difficult to optimize supply chains when different FTAs impose different origin and compliance standards.

Impacts of the Spaghetti Bowl Phenomenon

Global Examples Illustrating the Phenomenon:

• Asia-Pacific Region:

  • Over 400+ FTAs either signed, under negotiation, or proposed (as of 2025).

  • Example: ASEAN countries often have bilateral FTAs both with each other and with external partners (like China, Japan, South Korea), creating significant overlaps.

• Latin America:

  • Proliferation of FTAs among MERCOSUR, Pacific Alliance, and individual countries like Chile and Peru further complicates regional trade.

• India's Experience:

  • India is part of multiple agreements (like ASEAN-India FTA, India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA) — leading to challenges in harmonizing trade compliance and maximizing FTA utilization.

Efforts to Overcome the Spaghetti Bowl Effect

The Central Government has proposed establishing a Mega Leather Cluster in Ramaipur, Kanpur, to revitalize the city's declining leather sector. This move aims to modernize production, address pollution concerns, and generate employment in a historically significant industry for the region.

Decline of Kanpur’s Leather Industry: Key Reasons

• Legacy of the Leather City:

  • Kanpur earned the moniker “Leather City of India” during British rule, thanks to its thriving tanning industry, proximity to the Ganga River, and availability of cheap labor.

  • Post the 1857 revolt, industrial growth accelerated, employing over 1 lakh workers across 600+ tanneries.

• Impact of Demonetisation and Pollution Control (2016–17):

  • Demonetisation (2016):

    • The sudden cash crunch halted operations dependent on cash transactions for raw materials and labor payments.

  • Pollution Control Measures (2017):

    • The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) imposed a 50% infrastructure reduction mandate.

    • Factories faced a penalty of Rs 12,500 per day for non-compliance, leading to operational halts.

    • Simultaneously, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) flagged toxic pollution — heavy metals like chromium and mercury were found in Ganga waters and local residents' blood samples.

• Rising Operational Costs:

  • Effluent treatment costs surged from Rs 2 to over Rs 100 per hide.

  • The strict environmental regulations transferred compliance costs onto small and medium tanneries, eroding profits.

  • Closure or downsizing: Out of 600 tanneries, only around 200 remain operational today, causing massive job losses and economic downturn.

Significance of India's Leather Industry

Government Initiatives for Leather Sector Revamp

1. Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)

• Launched: 2021

• Budget: Rs 1,700 crore (2021–26)

• Objectives:

  • Develop infrastructure for leather clusters.

  • Promote sustainability and modernization through green technologies.

  • Enhance design and product development capabilities.

  • Provide skilling and upskilling opportunities for workers.

• Components:

  • Mega Leather Clusters Development.

  • Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) sub-scheme.

  • Sustainable Technology and Environmental Promotion (STEP).

  • Skill development initiatives.

2. Council for Leather Exports (CLE)

• Role:

  • Apex body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

  • Facilitates market access, organizes international buyer-seller meets, and assists in policy advocacy for exporters.

3. Proposed Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Leather

• Proposed in: Union Budget 2025–26.

• Budget: Rs 2,600 crore.

• Aims:

  • Achieve a turnover of Rs 4 lakh crore.

  • Generate 2.2 million new jobs.

  • Boost domestic value addition and reduce dependence on imports.

  • Encourage green manufacturing and quality certifications.

Geographical Perspective

• Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh:

  • Located on the south bank of the Ganga River, Kanpur historically thrived due to its access to water, transportation links, and industrial labor.

  • Part of the Indo-Gangetic plain, which supports diverse industries but faces acute environmental stress.

• Ramaipur:

  • A suburban locality of Kanpur, chosen for its available land and strategic location with access to major highways and railways, making it ideal for large-scale industrial hubs.

• Environmental Sensitivity:

  • The Ganga Action Plan and continuous monitoring by the NGT make pollution control an essential component for any future industrial cluster in the area.

Challenges Facing India’s Leather Industry

1. Decline in Exports

• India's leather and leather goods exports fell by nearly 10% in FY24, largely due to sluggish demand from major markets like the US and Europe.

• Tamil Nadu, the country's top leather exporter, witnessed an 18% decline, heavily impacting overall national figures.

• The Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted the Eurozone economy, further contracting global demand.

2. Threat from Synthetic Substitutes and Innovation Deficit

• The surge of eco-friendly alternatives — faux leather, cork leather, ocean leather, microfiber, and vegan leather — is steadily eroding leather's traditional market share.

• These substitutes are cheaper, cruelty-free, and increasingly preferred by environmentally conscious consumers, especially in Europe and North America.

• India’s slow pace of innovation and limited R&D investment are undermining its global competitiveness.

3. Environmental Compliance and Pollution Burden

• Tanning is inherently polluting, generating toxic chemical waste such as hexavalent chromium.

• Many units lack modern effluent treatment facilities, exposing workers to hazardous conditions without adequate protection.

• Growing regulatory scrutiny around environmental health is forcing the closure of non-compliant tanneries, particularly in hubs like Kanpur and Unnao.

4. Regulatory and Raw Material Constraints

• Bans on slaughterhouses and restrictions on cattle trade have choked the availability of hides, raising input costs.

• The GST regime increased operational expenses by 6–7%, disproportionately hurting MSMEs.

• Stricter NGT and UPPCB norms are raising the compliance burden, leading to shrinking operations.

5. Labour and Skilling Gaps

• A significant share of the workforce remains untrained and semi-literate, leading to low productivity.

• Poor health and safety awareness, coupled with low technological adaptability, impedes modernization efforts.

How Can India Revive Its Leather Industry?

1. Transform CETPs into CIRCLES

• Upgrade Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) into Clean Integrated Resource-Conserving Leather Ecosystems (CIRCLES).

• Deploy decentralized Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) micro-treatment plants, backed by Viability Gap Funding (VGF).

• Implement digital effluent monitoring linked to a centralized Green Leather Compliance Dashboard (akin to the PARIVESH portal for environment clearances).

2. Position India as the ‘China Plus One’ Destination

• Capitalize on global supply chain diversification by positioning India as a trusted alternative to China in the leather value chain.

• Strengthen eco-compliance, design innovation, and timely delivery standards to attract international buyers.

3. Bridge the Innovation Gap

• Establish a National Leather Tech Hub under CSIR-CLRI in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission.

• Encourage partnerships with startups and MSMEs to develop biodegradable tanning agents, chrome-free processing technologies, and smart leather composites.

4. Build an Ethical Luxury Leather Brand

• Launch a "Bharat Leather Mark" to certify sustainable sourcing and ethical labor practices.

• Curate a global marketing campaign — ‘100 Indian Leather Stories’ — spotlighting traditional craftsmanship from hubs like Kanpur, Ambur, and Kolkata.

• Foster Make in India collaborations with global luxury brands.

5. Formalize the Workforce

• Issue Digital Udyog Cards to tannery workers to enable access to skilling programs, health insurance, and social security benefits.

6. Launch a Worker Wellness and Skilling Mission

• Introduce mobile health labs in major leather clusters to improve occupational health outcomes.

• Align skilling initiatives with PM Vishwakarma Yojana to upskill artisans in modern, sustainable leather techniques.

• Expected impact: 30–35% productivity boost, lower attrition rates, and a healthier, future-ready workforce.

The BharatNet project is making notable progress in connecting rural India with high-speed internet. This initiative is crucial for fostering inclusive growth, bridging the urban-rural divide, and ensuring access to essential services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance.

What is BharatNet?

Background:
Launched initially as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) in 2011, the initiative was rebranded as BharatNet in 2015 under the Ministry of Communications. The project aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to every Gram Panchayat (GP) across India, marking it as one of the largest rural telecom projects globally.

Goal:
To offer affordable and reliable broadband access to rural India and enable essential services. The project seeks to connect 2.5 lakh GPs, which will significantly enhance digital accessibility and infrastructure in rural regions.

Phases of Implementation

1. Phase I:
   Completed in 2017, this phase successfully connected 1 lakh GPs using optical fiber (OF) cables and leveraging existing infrastructure.

2. Phase II:
   Currently ongoing, this phase aims to expand coverage to 1.5 lakh GPs. It integrates a combination of optical fiber, radio, and satellite technologies, in collaboration with state governments and private entities.

3. Phase III:
   This phase focuses on 5G integration, increased bandwidth, and improved last-mile connectivity. The Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), approved in 2023, is a critical part of this phase, aiming to connect 2.64 lakh GPs using a ring topology for efficient data flow.

Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)

The ABP is set to provide optical fiber connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs and offer on-demand connectivity to non-GP villages. It introduces advanced technologies like Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Remote Fibre Monitoring Systems for better network management and performance monitoring.

Funding and Execution

• Funding: The project is financed through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a fund that replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund.

• Execution: The project is being executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established under the Indian Companies Act, 1956.

• Under the ABP, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is responsible for network operation and maintenance.

Current Status (As of 2025)

• Service-Ready GPs: Around 2.18 lakh GPs have been made service-ready.

• Optical Fiber Cable (OFC): The total length of OFC has surpassed 42 lakh route kilometers.

• Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH): More than 12 lakh FTTH connections have been commissioned.

• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Over 1 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed across rural India.

Other Initiatives Supporting Rural Digital Empowerment

1. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA):
   Aimed at ensuring digital literacy in rural households, PMGDISHA had trained over 6.39 crore individuals by March 2024.

2. National Broadband Mission (NBM):
   The NBM, including NBM 2.0 (launched in January 2025), aims to accelerate digital infrastructure across India. Key initiatives include the Centralized Right of Way (RoW) Portal and GatiShakti Sanchar for streamlined infrastructure approvals.

3. CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV):
   This SPV, set up by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, provides a framework for service delivery through Common Service Centers (CSCs). As of September 2024, it had installed 1.04 lakh Wi-Fi access points and 11.42 lakh FTTH connections in GPs, also piloting overhead optical fiber deployment under BharatNet.

4. Mobile Connectivity:
   By December 2024, 6.25 lakh villages were mobile-connected, with 6.18 lakh having 4G coverage. This complements BharatNet by further bridging the digital divide. Additionally, India achieved the world's fastest 5G rollout, with over 4 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) deployed across 779 districts.

In News

• India’s aviation sector is undergoing major infrastructure expansion and regional connectivity enhancement.

India’s aviation sector 

• It is growing and includes scheduled air transport (domestic and international airlines), non-scheduled services (charter and air taxis), and air cargo (cargo and mail transport).
• It is witnessing rapid growth, driven by rising demand and strong government support through strategic policies. 
• It has transformed into a vibrant and competitive market, making India the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, after the USA and China.
• India’s domestic air passenger traffic reached a historic milestone, surpassing 5 lakh passengers in a single day in 2024.
  • Over the past decade, domestic air passenger traffic has grown 10-12% annually.
• India boasts 13–18% of women pilots, which ranks among the highest globally.
  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) targets 25% representation of women in all aviation roles by 2025.

Related Steps 

• Parliament passed the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aligning India’s aviation leasing laws with global standards to reduce leasing costs.
• The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 modernized India’s aviation sector, replacing the colonial-era Aircraft Act from 1934.

• Foundations for new terminals have been laid in cities like Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra.
• Greenfield Airports: Since 2014, 12 out of 21 approved Greenfield Airports have become operational, including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Kushinagar, Itanagar, and others.
  • Projects at Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai are progressing, with completion targeted by FY 2025-26. 
• The government plans to develop 50 more airports and connect 120 new destinations in the next 10 years.
• Capital Investment: Over ?91,000 crore has been allocated under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), with ?82,600 crore already spent by November 2024.
• RCS–UDAN: Expanding Regional Connectivity Since 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 619 routes and connected 88 airports, making air travel more accessible and affordable.
  • In 2024, 102 new routes were launched, including 20 in the North East.

Challenges 

• India’s aviation industry is growing rapidly but experts warn of challenges, including overdependence on imports and a shortage of skilled talent. 
• Despite global supply chain diversification, India’s share in aviation exports remains low.
• Current arbitration frameworks are insufficient to handle complex aviation disputes, leading to cases being resolved in global hubs like Singapore, London, and Paris.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• India’s aviation sector is undergoing a major transformation, marked by infrastructure development, improved regional connectivity, and a focus on sustainability.
• Initiatives like RCS-UDAN have expanded air travel access, boosting economic growth in underserved areas. 
• With rising domestic and international passenger numbers, India is set to become a global aviation hub. 
• But there’s a need to increase indigenisation and value-added production to strengthen the ecosystem.
• India must focus on neutrality, transparency, and institutional strength to align with global best practices in aviation arbitration.
• The industry stakeholders should engage and collaborate with policymakers to implement efficient and rational decisions that would boost India’s civil aviation industry.

Source :PIB

Context

• India’s first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia was conducted through a collaboration between Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and CMC Vellore.

What is Hemophilia?

• It is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to control blood clotting or coagulation.
• This can lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery.
• Hemophilia is caused by a mutation or change, in one of the genes, that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot.
  • These genes are located on the X chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY) and females have two X chromosomes (XX). 
• Hemophilia can result in:
  • Bleeding within joints that can lead to chronic joint disease and pain.
  • Bleeding in the head and sometimes in the brain which can cause long term problems, such as seizures and paralysis.
  • Death can occur if the bleeding cannot be stopped or if it occurs in a vital organ such as the brain.
• The following two are the most common:
  • Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia): This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor VIII.
  • Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease): This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor IX.
• Treatment: There are 2 main approaches to treatment:
  • Preventative treatment, where medicine is used to prevent bleeding and subsequent joint and muscle damage,
  • On-demand treatment, where medicine is used to treat prolonged bleeding.

Gene Therapy to cure Hemophilia

• Indian scientists conducted the gene therapy trial for severe hemophilia A.
• The participants received autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which were genetically modified using lentiviral vectors.
• These modified HSCs are capable of giving rise to blood cells that produce functional Factor VIII protein over a substantial period of time.
  • This approach reduces or eliminates the need for repeated Factor VIII infusions.

Source: PIB

Context

• A recent study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has accurately estimated the abundance of helium in the Sun’s photosphere. 

Background

• Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun after hydrogen, playing a vital role in its structure and energy dynamics. 
• To accurately measure its abundance in the Sun’s photosphere has been a long-standing challenge due to the lack of helium spectral lines in the visible range.
• Traditional methods relied on indirect data from hotter stars, the solar corona and wind, and helioseismology (study of the Sun’s internal oscillations).

The new methodology

• Researchers analyzed high-resolution solar spectra to study both atomic and molecular spectral lines. 
• They focused on neutral magnesium (Mg) and magnesium hydride (MgH), as well as neutral carbon (C) and its molecular forms CH and C2.

How does the method work? 

• The spectral lines of both atomic and molecular forms of magnesium and carbon are dependent on the abundance of hydrogen in the Sun’s photosphere. 
• Any variation in the helium content directly affects the abundance of hydrogen.
• If the helium abundance increases, the relative abundance of hydrogen decreases.
  • This reduction in hydrogen availability impacts the formation of molecules like MgH and CH, and also lowers the opacity of the Sun’s photosphere.

Source: PIB

Context

• With rising extreme weather events, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool to improve prediction accuracy beyond traditional models.

Traditional Model of Weather Prediction

• Traditional weather forecasting uses numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. 
• The model simulates atmospheric processes using equations of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. 
• These physics-based models input observational data from satellites, radars, and weather stations and require high-performance supercomputers for computation.

Prediction of Weather with AI Models

• Unlike traditional weather models that rely on the laws of physics, AI-based models begin with data. 
• These models use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and learn relationships between input variables—such as temperature, humidity, wind speed—and resulting weather events like cyclones or heavy rainfall. 
• They do this without any prior knowledge of the physical processes that govern the Earth’s atmosphere.

Advantages of AI Models in Weather Forecasting

• Ability to Use Big Data: AI models can process massive datasets from satellites, radars, weather stations, and even social media, allowing them to detect subtle signals and trends.
• Handling of Nonlinear Systems: AI models have the potential to uncover hidden patterns and nonlinear cause-effect relationships among Earth system variables that physics-based models may overlook.
• Adaptability to Local Conditions: AI allows for region-specific models that account for local geographical, topographical, and climatic factors, improving forecast relevance.
• Real-time Forecasting: AI is capable of rapid “nowcasting” — forecasting weather within the next few hours — which is crucial for disaster preparedness and urban planning.

Challenges in AI-Based Weather Forecasting

• Complexity: Weather systems  require sophisticated models to capture their dynamic nature.
• Human Resource Gap: There is a lack of professionals with interdisciplinary expertise in both meteorology and AI/ML.
  • This hampers the development and deployment of high-quality models.
• Inadequate Sensor Network: The diverse topography of India necessitates regionally tailored models, but this is hindered by gaps in meteorological infrastructure, leading to poor data availability.
• Climate Change: AI models trained on today’s climate data may become less effective in a warmer future, as the atmospheric system continues to evolve due to climate change.
• Data-Related Issues: AI models require large, high-quality datasets to train effectively. However, these are compromised by sensor errors, inconsistencies in format, and spatial-temporal gaps in the data, especially in remote regions.
• Black Box Nature of AI Models: AI systems, particularly deep learning models, operate as “black boxes”, meaning their decision-making processes are opaque.
  • This hinders trust and interpretability, especially among non-experts and operational meteorologists.

Weather Prediction in India

• India, at present, depends on satellite data and computer models for weather prediction. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the INSAT series of satellites and supercomputers.
• In India three satellites, INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR and INSAT-3DS are used mainly for meteorological observations. 
• Forecasters use satellite data around cloud motion, cloud top temperature, and water vapor content that help in rainfall estimation, weather forecasting, and tracking cyclones.

Initiatives taken to improve the efficiency

• Mission Mausam: It was launched to upgrade the capabilities of India’s weather department in forecasting, modelling, and dissemination. The objectives of the mission are;
  • Develop Cutting Edge Weather Surveillance Technologies & Systems
  • Implement Next-generation radars, and satellites with advanced instrument payloads
  • Develop improved earth system models, and data-driven methods (use of AI/ML).
• The ‘National Monsoon Mission’ was set out in 2012 to move the nation over to a system that relies more on real-time, on-the-ground data gathering.
• The IMD is also increasingly using Doppler radars to improve efficiency in predictions. The number of Doppler radars has increased from 15 in 2013 to 37 in 2023. 
  • Doppler radars are used to predict rainfall in the immediate vicinity, making predictions more timely and accurate.
• The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare have initiated the weather information network and data system (WINDS) under which more than 200,000 ground stations will be installed, to generate long-term, hyper-local weather data. 

Source: TH

In News

• India’s first prototype fast breeder reactor is being developed in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) 

• It is a machine designed to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes, using plutonium-239 (Pu-239) and uranium-238 (U-238) for energy production.

India’s first fast-breeder nuclear reactor

• The PFBR is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI).
• It will have a 500 MW capacity and is expected to be commissioned in 2025-26, nearly two years after receiving approval from the nuclear regulator.
• It marks the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear program.

Functions 

• It will recycle spent fuel from India’s Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), reducing radioactive waste.
• It will also enable the transition to thorium-based reactors in the third stage of the nuclear cycle.
• It will use plutonium-based mixed oxide as fuel and liquid sodium as coolant.

Significance

• It is essential for India’s nuclear program as it will provide spent fuel for future thorium-based reactors.
• It plays a key role in reducing the inventory of radioactive waste and progressing towards a closed fuel cycle.
• It will advance India’s nuclear energy capabilities, especially in utilizing thorium for self-sufficiency in energy.

Conclusion  and Way Forward 

• Despite delays, the PFBR is a critical part of India’s nuclear power ambitions and is set to advance India’s nuclear energy capabilities, especially in utilizing thorium for self-sufficiency in energy.

Source :BL

Indian astronomers, utilizing the Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT), have successfully detected and precisely measured the mass of an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole (IMBH) in a faint galaxy approximately 4.3 million light-years away — a significant step for India in the field of observational astrophysics.

What is an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole (IMBH)?

• Definition:
  IMBHs are mid-sized black holes with masses ranging from 100 to 100,000 times that of the Sun.
  They occupy the mass range between stellar-mass black holes and supermassive black holes.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Mass of this IMBH: ~22,000 times the mass of the Sun.

  • Orbital Behavior: Surrounding gas clouds orbit at a distance of about 2.25 billion kilometers (~15 times the Earth-Sun distance).

  • Feeding Rate: Consuming matter at only 6% of its Eddington limit (the theoretical maximum rate of accretion).

• Detection:
  IMBHs are extremely faint and hard to spot unless they are actively accreting matter, which produces detectable radiation signals (primarily X-rays and optical emissions).

About Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT)

• Location:

  • Situated at Devasthal, near Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.

  • Geographical Coordinates: ~29.36° N latitude, 79.68° E longitude.

  • Altitude: Approximately 2,450 meters above sea level — providing excellent sky transparency and low atmospheric interference.

• Telescope Features:

  • Diameter: 3.6 meters — the largest optical telescope in India.

  • Commissioned: 2016.

  • Managed by: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

• Importance:

  • Designed for deep-sky surveys, stellar studies, and galactic exploration.

  • Has significantly boosted India's capacity for cutting-edge astronomical research.

Understanding Black Holes

• Definition:
  A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

• Formation:

  • Typically formed when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity.

  • The core's collapse produces a singularity, and the outer layers are either expelled or drawn into the black hole.

• Types of Black Holes:

• Type	Mass Range	Example
  Stellar-mass Black Hole	~3–20 solar masses	Cygnus X-1
  Intermediate-Mass Black Hole	~100–100,000 solar masses	The newly discovered IMBH
  Supermassive Black Hole	Millions to billions of solar masses	Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way

Additional Geographical and Scientific Insights

• Devasthal:

  • "Devasthal" literally means "Abode of Gods" in Sanskrit, symbolizing its pristine, elevated setting ideal for astronomical observations.

  • Devasthal has emerged as one of the most promising sites for optical and near-infrared astronomy in India and globally.

• Astrophysical Importance of IMBHs:

  • They are considered the "missing link" in black hole evolution theories.

  • Their study helps in understanding how supermassive black holes — like the ones found at the centers of galaxies — form and grow.

• Indian Contributions to Space Research:

  • This discovery highlights India's growing expertise in space technology, astrophysics, and deep-sky observation, placing Indian researchers firmly on the global map.