Table of Contents

1 INTERNATIONAL 1

2 AWARDS AND HONOURS 9

3 CONSTITUTION & POLITICS 13

4 GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT 17

5 SCHEMES IN NEWS 25

6 SUMMITS- CONFERENCES 31

a r
7 REGIONAL-ANDHRA PRADESH 35
um
8 REGIONAL-TELANGANA 40

9 SUPERLATIVES 45
K

10 PERSONS IN NEWS 48

11 SPORTS 51
ay

12 IITS 57

13 HISTORY-HERITAGE-CULTURE 58
Vin

14 BOOK - AUTHORS 61

15 DEFENCE-EXERCISES 63

16 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 70

17 ECONOMY 79

18 RANKINGS-INDICES-REPORTS 89

19 NATIONAL 94

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 0 GVK Study Circle

 INTERNATIONAL
Hungary's Constitutional Amendment Banning LGBTQ+ Public Displays
• Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment banning public displays related to LGBTQ+
communities without government approval. Such events will now be considered illegal.
• Voting results: 140 in favor, 21 against.
• Impact: Budapest Pride celebrations could face cancellation.
• Criticism: Human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists condemned the law, calling it discriminatory.
Experts argue it violates the EU’s human rights standards.
• Hungary’s status: EU member | Capital: Budapest | Currency: Hungarian Forint.

Hungary Withdraws from International Criminal Court (ICC)

• Hungary withdrew from the ICC in solidarity with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces ICC
scrutiny over Gaza conflict allegations.
• ICC basics: Established in 2002 via the Rome Statute | Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands | 120+

a r
member countries.
• Non-member states: India, Israel, the U.S., Russia, China, and now Hungary.
um
Recent International Membership Updates
Organization Updates
• NATO Finland (31st member), Sweden (32nd member).
K

• BRICS New members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE. Indonesia invited.
• G20 African Union (AU) granted permanent membership.
• NAM South Sudan joined as the 121st member.
ay

• IMF Liechtenstein became the 191st member (Oct 2024).

• ADB Israel joined as the 69th member (Sept 2024).
• ISA Moldova became the 105th member (2024).
Vin

• WTO Comoros (165th), Timor-Leste (166th).

• Artemis Accords Finland (53rd), Bangladesh (54th, Jan 2025).

Bangladesh Joins Artemis Accords

• Bangladesh signed NASA’s Artemis Accords, becoming the 54th nation to endorse guidelines for peaceful
lunar exploration under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
• Goal: Support NASA’s Artemis Program to return humans to the Moon.
• Bangladesh’s space agency: SPARRSO (Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization).
• Capital: Dhaka | Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

Strengthening India–Italy Strategic Partnership

• During the visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, bilateral ties were reinforced in sectors
such as trade, defence, clean energy, and connectivity.
• Through Italy’s partnership in the IMEEC (India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor) and the Joint
Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29, clear action agendas are being developed.
• Discussions focused on defence cooperation, technology transfer, space, digital innovation, education, and
youth exchanges.
• Both countries are enhancing coordination on Indo-Pacific security, and Italy has appointed a special
envoy for IMEEC.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 1 GVK Study Circle

• This was the first high-level meeting since the announcement of a strategic partnership in 2023.
• Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe.
• Italy’s memberships: G7, European Union (EU), and NATO.

India–China: 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations (1950–2025)

• On April 1, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu of India and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged
greetings to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties.
• In 1950, India became the first non-communist country to recognize the People’s Republic of China.
• In 1954, both nations signed the Panchsheel Agreement, based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
• The 1962 Indo-China war marked the beginning of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) dispute.
• Since 1988, there have been several attempts at normalization, despite intermittent tensions.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
• Multilateral forums – BRICS, SCO, G20
• Bilateral trade reached $138.5 billion by 2024

r
• Educational exchange, tourism, climate protection, and people-to-people ties

a
Major Challenges:
• Ongoing LAC tensions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh
um
• India’s concern over China–Pakistan strategic ties
• Trade imbalance due to heavy imports from China
• Issues of security, transparency, and lack of mutual trust
K

India–USA: Joint Production of Nuclear Reactors

• On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy granted approval to a U.S. private firm to design and
build nuclear reactors in India.
ay

• While the 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement was limited to exports, this marks the start of joint
manufacturing.
• The move is seen as a major step toward peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.
Vin

• Although India is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it holds a special status
with an NSG waiver.
• The decision also opens investment opportunities in India’s nuclear sector for American companies.

Trump’s “Gold Card” Immigration Scheme in the U.S.

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump introduced the "Gold Card" program as an alternative to the EB-5
visa.
• Foreign investors making a minimum investment of $5 million (~₹43 crore) will be eligible for permanent
residency-like benefits.
• While it doesn’t offer immediate citizenship, it provides privileges similar to a Green Card.
• The goal is to boost the economy through foreign investment.
• The program has been viewed as an experimental expansion in investment-based immigration in the U.S.,
receiving both praise and criticism.

Northwest Passage – Canada vs U.S. Geopolitical Dispute

• The geopolitical dispute between Canada and the U.S. over the Northwest Passage in the Arctic Ocean has
resurfaced.
• Canada claims it as internal waters, while the U.S. and other nations regard it as an international sea route.
• The route is gaining strategic importance for trade, resource control, and maritime security.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 2 GVK Study Circle

• Despite collaboration on environmental and development goals through the Arctic Council, sovereignty
disputes persist between the two nations.

India Elected to ISAR (2025–27)

• India has been elected for the 2025–27 term to ISAR, the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts
on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting under UNCTAD.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will represent India, highlighting India’s growing influence in global
corporate governance discussions.
• This election recognizes India’s efforts toward transparency, regulatory compliance, and establishing a
reliable corporate ecosystem.
• India’s membership in ISAR allows it to influence the formulation of global corporate standards.
• Notably, India is the first country to mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure legally.

Mauritius Signs ISA–CPF Agreement

• Mauritius became the first African country to sign a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) agreement

a r
with the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• The focus areas include cooperation on floating solar systems, rooftop installations, and solar-powered
um
water pumping.
• Other CPF signatory countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba.
• ISA Headquarters: Gurugram, India | Launched at COP21 (Paris Climate Summit) in 2015
• Founding countries: India and France | Goal: $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030
K

• Mauritius Capital: Port Louis | Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Georgia (USA) Introduces Anti-Hinduphobia Bill (2025)

ay

• Georgia has become the first U.S. state to officially recognize Hinduphobia.
• On April 4, 2025, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the Georgia State Assembly to classify Hinduphobia
as a discriminatory offence under the Georgia Penal Code.
Vin

• The bill aims to combat hate, fear, and prejudice against the Hindu community through legal frameworks.
• Georgia Capital: Atlanta

Ottawa Convention / Mine Ban Treaty

• The Ottawa Convention, adopted in 1997 and in effect since 1999, is an international treaty banning the
use of anti-personnel landmines.
• Currently, 164 countries are parties to the convention.
• Non-signatory countries include: India, the United States, Russia, China, and Israel.
• Due to security concerns, some European countries like Poland and Finland have withdrawn or refrained
from participation.
• The treaty also aims to assist mine victims and promote land rehabilitation.

India Provides $990,000 Aid to Sierra Leone

• India, through the India–UN Development Partnership Fund, announced $990,000 in aid to Sierra Leone.
• The funding supports the project “Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons,” aimed at
empowering rural individuals with disabilities.
• With UNDP support, the project will provide skill training and micro-loans to ensure sustainable
livelihoods.
• This assistance is a significant example of South–South Cooperation.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 3 GVK Study Circle

• Sierra Leone Capital: Freetown | Currency: Leone (SLL)
• India–UN Fund launched in 2017; managed by UNOSSC (United Nations Office for South–South
Cooperation)

Microsoft – 50th Anniversary (2025)

• Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
• In 2025, the company completes 50 years, focusing on expansion in cloud computing and AI.
• Key milestones: MS-DOS → Windows → Office → Azure Cloud, GitHub, LinkedIn, Xbox.
• Latest developments: Generative AI tools like Copilot and Bing AI.
• CEO: Satya Nadella | Headquarters: Redmond, Washington.
• Major acquisitions: LinkedIn (2016), GitHub (2018), Activision Blizzard (2023).

PM Modi’s Thailand Visit – Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy

• PM Modi attended a performance of Thailand’s national epic “Ramakien,” inspired by the Indian

r
Ramayana.
• Thai PM presented the “World Tripitaka” as a gift to Modi.
• “Ramakien” is based on Indian Ramayana traditions.
a
um
• “World Tripitaka” (2016) – a compilation of Buddhist teachings in Pali language.
• Next destination in PM Modi’s tour: Sri Lanka.

FAO Study – Antibiotic Use in Livestock (2040 Projection)

K

• Antibiotic use in livestock is expected to rise from 1.10 lakh tonnes (2019) to 1.43 lakh tonnes by 2040.
• With strategic action, usage could be reduced to 62,000 tonnes.
• Excessive use of antibiotics increases the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
ay

“Baku to Belem” Roadmap – India’s Call at BRICS (2025)

• The 11th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting was held in Brazil.
Vin

• India called for a clear climate action roadmap between COP29 (Baku) and COP30 (Belem).
• Target: $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance by 2035.
• India urged for fair climate finance distribution by developed countries.

Anti-Hinduphobia Bill Introduced in Georgia (2025)

• Georgia became the first U.S. state to officially recognize Hinduphobia.
• On April 4, 2025, a bipartisan bill was introduced to criminalize discrimination and hate crimes rooted in
Hinduphobia.

India Grants $990,000 to Sierra Leone (via India–UNDP Fund)

• Aid supports the project “Specially Abled Persons – Economic Independence.”
• In partnership with UNDP, the aid will be used for skill development and micro-loans in rural regions.
• An example of strong South–South cooperation.

Ancient Greek Theater Discovered in Ionian Islands (Lefkada)

• A 4th century BCE Greek theater was discovered on Lefkada Island.
• Features: Semi-circular stage, stone seating (koilon), linked to worship of Dionysus and classical
performances.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 4 GVK Study Circle

Google DeepMind Warns of AGI Risks by 2030
• Google DeepMind cautioned that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) may surpass human intelligence
by 2030.
• Key risks: data misuse, lack of regulation, errors, and systemic threats.
• CEO of DeepMind recommended the creation of international regulatory bodies like the UN.

Victory Day Parade – Modi Invited by Russia (2025)

• Russia invited PM Modi to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day on May 9, 2025,
marking the defeat of Nazi Germany.
• Announcement made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.
• India–Russia cooperation continues across defence, energy, and space sectors.

India–UAE Strategic Partnership Strengthened (April 8, 2025)

• PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Sheikh Hamdan in New Delhi.
• Key agreements included Coast Guard cooperation, defence production, joint training, space and tech

a r
collaboration.
• Discussions also focused on CEPA, UPI–Dirham payment link, and RuPay integration.
um
• The strategic partnership between India and UAE has been ongoing since 2017.

Area 51 – America’s Secret Military Base

• Area 51 is a classified U.S. military facility located in the Nevada desert.
K

• A rocket-shaped structure spotted on Google Earth sparked intense speculation.

• Established in 1955, it was originally a testing site for the U-2 spy plane.
• The site is popularly associated with UFOs and alien conspiracy theories.
ay

“Baku to Belem” Roadmap @ BRICS Environment Meeting (2025)

• The 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting was held in Brazil.
Vin

• India called for mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate finance by 2035.
• Emphasis was placed on cooperation between COP29 (Baku) and COP30 (Belem).
• India stressed the need for accountable climate finance mechanisms from developed countries.

PM Modi’s Thailand Visit – Ramakien & World Tripitaka (2025)

• PM Modi attended a performance of “Ramakien,” Thailand’s national epic based on the Indian Ramayana.
• Thai PM Shinawatra gifted Modi the “World Tripitaka,” a collection of Buddha’s teachings in Pali, first
published in 2016.
• The visit highlighted shared cultural and religious heritage between India and Thailand.

Italy Allows ‘Sex Rooms’ in Prisons

• For the first time, Italy's Supreme Court permitted the setup of private rooms for inmates to spend intimate
time with their spouses.
• The move follows a request by a prisoner in Northern Italy.
• This aligns Italy with several European nations already allowing such facilities — including France,
Germany, and Sweden.
• Norway leads with its “open prison” model, offering more freedom and privacy to inmates.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 5 GVK Study Circle

Tuvalu Opens Its First ATM
• Tuvalu launched its first ATM on May 15, 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Feleti Teo.
• Operated by the National Bank, the ATM will help improve financial access for citizens.
About Tuvalu:
• A Pacific island nation made up of 9 small islands
• Area: Only 25 sq. km | Population: Around 11,200
• Capital: Funafuti (flights mainly via Fiji)
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

India’s Haj Quota Increased to 1.75 Lakh for 2025

• India’s Haj quota has been raised from 1.36 lakh in 2014 to 1.75 lakh in 2025, as per the Ministry of
Minority Affairs.
• Out of this, 1.22 lakh pilgrims will travel under the Haj Committee of India.
• The remaining quota is allocated to Private Tour Operators.

r
About Haj Quota:
• Haj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

a
• The quota is allotted by Saudi Arabia to countries based on agreements.
um
• The Haj Committee of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• CHGOs (Coordinators of Haj Group Organisers) regulate private tour operators.
• Saudi guidelines on visa, accommodation, transport, and camps are mandatory.
K

New York City Officially Declares April 14 as ‘Ambedkar Day’

• On April 14, 2025, New York City officially recognized the day as Ambedkar Day.
• This marks the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
ay

• The declaration was made by the NYC Mayor’s Office.

• The announcement was also referenced during a UN event by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.
Ambedkar’s Ideals:
Vin

• Emphasized equality, representation, and human rights.

• His vision aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Architect of the Indian Constitution, recipient of Bharat Ratna, and social justice pioneer.

Sudan Civil War – Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

• In North Darfur, especially in Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
killed 300 civilians over two days.
• Among the dead were 23 children and 10 staff members of Relief International.
• Darfur was already notorious in the 2000s for massive human rights violations.
• This is considered one of the deadliest incidents since the civil war began in April 2023.
• According to UN OCHA, the situation risks turning into a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
• There are reports of attacks on health centers, sexual violence against women, and increasing numbers of
displaced persons.
Key Institutions:
• RSF: Paramilitary group accused of atrocities.
• OCHA: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
• Relief International: Humanitarian organization with aid operations in conflict zones.

India–Sri Lanka Sustainable Agriculture Agreement – With UN-WFP Support

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 6 GVK Study Circle

• On April 16, 2025, India and Sri Lanka signed a climate-resilient agriculture agreement in Amaravati.
• The partnership is supported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
• The aim is to enhance food security, develop strategies suited to climate change, and protect livelihoods
of smallholder farmers.
• It also includes improving nutrition standards and strengthening supply chain capabilities.
• The deal promotes technical assistance and knowledge-sharing for government agricultural policies.
Supporting Agency:
• UN-WFP: World Food Programme – the UN's food assistance branch.
• Focus: Climate adaptation, nutrition, smallholder support, and resilient agriculture systems.

PM Modi's Saudi Arabia Visit – Strategic Partnership Boost

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from April 22–23, 2025, marking his first
visit in his third term.
• Key areas of focus included: trade, energy security, defence cooperation, and revival of the IMEEC

r
corridor.

a
• He held high-level discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• Reviewed the progress of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as an alternative to
um
China's BRI, amid recent Houthi attack concerns.
• Bilateral trade in 2023–24 stood at USD 42.98 billion.
• Saudi Arabia supplies 14.3% of India’s crude oil and 18.2% of its LPG.
• Ongoing naval cooperation via exercises like Al Mohed Al Hindi was reaffirmed.
K

• IMEEC: A strategic East–West trade corridor and an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Saudi Capital: Riyadh | Currency: Saudi Riyal
• India-Saudi Ties: Strong in energy, trade, defence, and diaspora support.
ay

Bhutan’s Green Cryptocurrency – Hydro-Based Digital Finance

• Bhutan is launching a green cryptocurrency mining initiative powered entirely by renewable hydropower.
Vin

• Goals: Economic diversification, reduce youth migration, and strengthen Gross National Happiness
(GNH).
• The mining process will use 100% clean energy, avoiding fossil fuel dependence.
• It aligns with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets, using blockchain in a sustainable
way.
• Benefits: Carbon-neutral mining, eco-friendly digital asset generation
• Goal: To position Bhutan as a global green finance hub
• GNH: Gross National Happiness – Bhutan’s unique development index based on cultural, environmental,
and well-being metrics
• Capital: Thimphu | Currency: Ngultrum

High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) – Global Legal Effort for Marine Biodiversity
• The first preparatory commission meeting for the BBNJ Treaty was held in New York City.
• BBNJ = Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty – aims to protect marine biodiversity in High
Seas, which are beyond the control of any one nation.
• This is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS).
Main objectives:
• Equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 7 GVK Study Circle

• Mandatory environmental impact assessments for ocean activities.
• 60% of the world’s oceans are part of the High Seas, not owned by any country.
• India has signed the treaty but is yet to ratify it officially.
• Final text was adopted in March 2023, with the signing ceremony in September 2023.
UNCLOS:
• Signed: 1982, In force: 1994
• It is the global legal framework governing ocean use and maritime zones.

India’s Medical Aid to Nepal for Thalassemia & Sickle Cell

• At Nepal's request, India sent medical supplies worth $2 million, including vaccines and drugs.
• Over 17,000 vaccine vials were handed over in the first phase.
• Part of India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”, reinforcing commitment to regional health and humanitarian
cooperation.
• The announcement was made by Indian MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

r
Key Info on the Medical Support:

a
• Thalassemia & Sickle Cell: Inherited blood disorders requiring regular blood transfusions and
immunizations.
um
• India and Nepal share deep ties under the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
• This aid strengthens India–Nepal bilateral cooperation in healthcare.

Crimea Peace Talks – Steps Toward Conflict Resolution

K

• In London, representatives from Ukraine, the US, and European nations are holding peace talks focused
on Crimea.
• Reports indicate that the US is preparing a proposal for Kyiv that may accept Crimea as Russian territory.
ay

• The talks aim to freeze the current frontline status and establish a pathway toward lasting peace.
• These discussions are seen as a potential step toward a permanent solution to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine
war.
Vin

Crimea – Geographical & Historical Highlights:

• A peninsula located between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in Eastern Europe.
• Connected to Ukraine via the Perekop Isthmus and to Russia via the Kerch Bridge.
• Became a global dispute zone following Russia’s 2014 annexation.
• Notable features include: Ai-Petri peak, Salhyr & Alma rivers, and the Arabat Spit, known for its unique
water body divisions.

AIM4NatuRe Initiative – Global Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring

• Launched under the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with support from the UK
Government, the AIM4NatuRe initiative focuses on enhancing global ecosystem restoration monitoring
and improving the accuracy of biodiversity reports.
• The UK is contributing GBP 7 million to fund the initiative.
• It provides technical support to countries in achieving Target 2 of the Kunming–Montreal Global
Biodiversity Framework.
Key Highlights:
• FAO: Established in 1945, headquartered in Rome, Italy.
• Target 2: Restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
• AIM4NatuRe emphasizes data-driven monitoring systems.
• The program will play a critical role in environmental planning, surveillance, and reporting.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 8 GVK Study Circle

Sandy Cay Reef Dispute – South China Sea
• In 2025, China–Philippines sovereignty tensions reignited over Sandy Cay Reef in the Spratly Islands.
• China claimed “maritime control”; the Philippines rejected the claim.
• In 2016, the PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines, dismissing China’s claims.
Strategic Importance:
• Involved nations: China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam
• The region is vital for shipping routes and energy reserves.

India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI)

• Launched in 2019, aims to reduce marine plastic pollution through circular economy methods.
• Local success in Agra: Reduced Yamuna plastic leakage, reused waste from Petha and footwear industries.
Key Facts:
• India is the 3rd largest plastic polluter globally.
• INMPI supports waste-to-resource solutions with global collaboration.

a r
AWARDS AND HONOURS
um
Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana – Conferred on PM Narendra Modi
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour reserved exclusively for
foreign nationals.
• The award was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka.
K

• It recognizes Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening India–Sri Lanka relations.

City Key of Honour – Awarded to President Droupadi Murmu (Portugal)

ay

• On April 7, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the “City Key of Honour” by the Mayor of
Lisbon, Portugal.
• The award acknowledges India–Portugal friendship and cultural ties.
Vin

• The event took place at Lisbon City Hall, focusing on collaboration in technology, digital transformation,
and connectivity.

Honorary Doctorate from Slovakia – Dr. h.c. for Droupadi Murmu

• The Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia, awarded President Murmu an Honorary
Doctorate (Dr. h.c.).
• The recognition was for her efforts in women empowerment, social justice, and educational advancement.
• The award marked a significant milestone in India–Slovakia bilateral relations.

Varuna Award – Maritime Honour for Rajesh Unni

• Rajesh Unni, founder of Synergy Marine Group, received the National Maritime Varuna Award during
the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations.
• The award recognized his contribution to sustainable practices in shipping and maritime operations.
• The award was presented by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

Heart Lamp – First Kannada Work Shortlisted for International Booker Prize
• Author: Bhanu Mushtaq | Translator: Deepa Bhasthi
• Heart Lamp is the first Kannada literary work to be shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025.
• It features 12 short stories (1990–2023) focusing on women’s lives with humor and emotion.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 9 GVK Study Circle

• Published by Penguin Random House India.

Saraswati Samman 2024 – Awarded to Sadhu Bhadreshdas

• Work: Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha (in Sanskrit)
• Author: Sadhu Bhadreshdas, a BAPS monk and scholar.
• The book presents Swaminarayan Vedanta philosophy in a scholarly manner.
• The award includes ₹15 lakh, a citation, and a plaque, conferred by the K.K. Birla Foundation.

Fred Darrington Sand Master Award – Sudarsan Pattnaik

• Awarded For: Sand sculpture titled “World Peace” featuring a 10-foot Ganesha.
• Venue: Weymouth, England – during the 2025 Sand Sculpture Festival.
• Awarded By: Mayor John Orrell.
• Significance: Sudarsan Pattnaik became the first Indian to receive this international award.

r
Knighthood Title – Sir James Anderson
• Achievement: 704 Test wickets – highest for England.
• Age: 42
a
um
• Conferred In: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list.
• Title: Bestowed the Knight title, allowing him to be addressed as “Sir James Anderson.”

New Oscar Category (2027) – Stunt Design

K

• New Category: Achievement in Stunt Design

• Launch Year: 2027, coinciding with the 100th Academy Awards.
• Purpose: To formally recognize stunt performers and coordinators.
ay

• Organizer: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

India at the Oscars:
• Gandhi (1982), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Naatu Naatu – RRR (2023)
Vin

Future Conservationist Award – Malabar Grey Hornbill Project

• Awarded To: Research team from Kerala.
• Species: Ocyceros griseus (Malabar Grey Hornbill) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
• Habitat: Western Ghats of India.
• Award Platform: Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP).
• Protection: Listed under Schedule IV of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Virtual Dalit Literature Award 2025 – P. Sivakami

• Awarded On: April 13, 2025, in Chennai.
• Organized By: Neelam Cultural Centre (founded by Pa. Ranjith).
• Recipient: P. Sivakami – Dalit activist, author, and former IAS officer.
• Notable Works: The Grip of Change, The Taming of Women – both acclaimed for their social themes.
• Award Includes: ₹1 lakh cash prize.

Mrs. Globe International 2025 – Anuradha Garg Wins Global Honour

• Event Dates: April 4–13, 2025
• Venue: Shenzhen, China

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 10 GVK Study Circle

• Winner: Anuradha Garg from Gurugram became the first Indian woman to win the Mrs. Globe
International title.
• Participants: Contestants from over 80 countries competed in the pageant.
• Significance: A major international beauty platform exclusively for homemakers, Anuradha’s victory
showcased the talent and confidence of Indian women on the global stage.

Kandukuri Awards 2025 – Recognition for Telugu Theatre Arts

• Announced On: April 5, 2025
• Announced By: Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh
• Award Ceremony: April 16, 2025, at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Vijayawada
Categories:
• State-level: Kandukuri Ranga Sthala Puraskaram
• District-level: Special Theatre Awards
• Honourees: Playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians recognized for contributions to Telugu theatre.
• Purpose: To pay tribute to the cultural legacy of Kandukuri and encourage the development of regional

a r
theatre in Andhra Pradesh.
um
Ram Mohan Naidu Named Young Global Leader by WEF
• Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu was selected as a Young Global Leader
by the World Economic Forum (WEF)
• The honor recognizes impactful individuals under 40 who contribute significantly to society
K

• As a young central minister, Ram Mohan Naidu gained national recognition for his work
• This is seen as a global acknowledgment of the potential of India’s political youth
ay

Yashraj Bharti Samman Awards – 2025

• Presented in Mumbai by Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan during the 3rd edition
• Recognized three institutions for excellence in health, education, and e-governance:
Vin

• Jan Swasthya Sahyog (Chhattisgarh) – for tribal healthcare

• Pratham Education Foundation – for promoting equal education access
• Services Plus (NIC) – for innovations in e-governance
• The Governor emphasized the role of quality education, ethical governance, and expert healthcare in social
transformation
• Organized by the Yashraj Foundation to honor institutions leading in social service

Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025 – Conferred to Achyuta Samanta

• Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT & KISS, received the award in Kokrajhar, Assam
• Honored for his contributions to education and empowerment in tribal communities
• Conferred by the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust, named after the “Mahatma Gandhi of the Bodo
community”
• Award includes a citation, memento, and ₹81 lakh cash prize
• Samanta is a nationally recognized figure in social welfare and education reform

Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024 – Conferred to Kumar Mangalam Birla

• Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla received the award on April 24, 2025, in Mumbai
• Recognized for his visionary leadership in India’s economic growth

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 11 GVK Study Circle

• Award presented by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat during Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar’s 83rd memorial
day
• Organized by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratishthan
• The award was instituted in 2022 to honor achievements in music, arts, and social service
• Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar – renowned singer, theatre actor, and father of Lata Mangeshkar

Payal Kapadia Honoured with France’s Arts & Letters Award

• Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia received the "Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" award
from the French Government
• Recognized for her contribution to global cinema and India–France cultural collaboration
• Presented by French Consul General Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet at the French Residence in Mumbai
• Her documentary “A Night of Knowing Nothing” won the Golden Eye Award at the 2021 Cannes Film
Festival
• Past Indian recipients include Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, A.R. Rahman

r
Kandukuri Awards 2025 – For Excellence in Telugu Theatre

a
• On April 16 in Vijayawada, 110 theatre artists were honoured at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram
um
• 107 regional artists received ₹10,000 + citation; 3 state-level artists received ₹1 lakh each
• State awardees: Aradhyula Venkateswara Rao, Dr. Kandimalla Sambasiva Rao, Dr. Gurrala Ravikrishna
• Given to mark Kandukuri Veeresalingam’s 177th birth anniversary
• Veeresalingam was the father of Telugu reformist literature and women’s education
K

Bhasha Samman Yuva Puraskar 2025 – For Dr. Ginnarapu Adinarayana

• Osmania University’s Asst. Professor Dr. Ginnarapu Adinarayana received the award from Bhartiya
ay

Bhasha Parishad, Kolkata

• Honoured for his research, poetry, and literary work in Telugu
• Known for his contributions as a poet and writer
Vin

• The award is aimed at encouraging young Indian language authors

TIME 100 Most Influential People 2025 – Global List

• Features Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus
• No Indian figures featured in 2025, unlike 2024 (e.g., Alia Bhatt, Sakshi Malik)
• Categories include Leaders, Icons, Titans, among others
• Indian-origin Vertex CEO Reshma Kewalramani featured under “Leaders”

Jasprit Bumrah & Smriti Mandhana Named in 'Wisden 2025'

• Wisden Almanack 2025, the world’s oldest cricket annual (since 1864), named Jasprit Bumrah (men) and
Smriti Mandhana (women) among the Cricketers of the Year
• Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) named best T20 cricketer
• Mitchell Santner recognized for best bowling (13 wickets in Pune Test)
• Five Wisden Cricketers (based on England performances): Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, Dan Worrall, Liam
Dawson, Sophie Ecclestone

Bihar Sets Two Guinness World Records – 2025

• Bihar achieved records for the largest Madhubani painting and largest singing bowl ensemble in April
2025

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 12 GVK Study Circle

• 375 Buddhist monks participated in the bowl performance at Bodh Gaya
• CM Nitish Kumar received certificates in presence of Guinness officials at Patliputra Sports Complex
• Madhubani painting is a GI-tagged folk art of Bihar
• Bodh Gaya – site of Buddha’s enlightenment, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

NICDC Wins 'Udyog Vikas Award' 2025 for Smart Industrial Cities
• National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) honored for developing greenfield
industrial smart cities
• Originally formed as DMICDC in 2007, later expanded to NICDC
• Works under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Key corridors: Delhi–Mumbai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam–Chennai, etc.
• NICDC aims to elevate India’s manufacturing sector to global standards through modern infrastructure

CONSTITUTION & POLITICS

r
Waqf (Amendment) Bill – 2025

a
• On April 5, 2025, the President gave assent to the “UMMEED” Act – Unified Waqf Management
um
Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development.
• Aim: To improve efficiency and transparency in the administration of Waqf properties.
• Opposition: Critics claim it infringes on personal rights, religious freedom, and centralizes excessive
power.
• Several petitions challenging its constitutionality have been filed in the Supreme Court.
K

Supreme Court Verdict on Tamil Nadu Governor’s Delay

• The Supreme Court ruled that Governor R.N. Ravi's indefinite withholding of 10 bills was
ay

unconstitutional.
• As per Article 200, the Governor may only assent, withhold assent, or reserve for the President — not
Vin

delay indefinitely.
• The Court directly deemed the bills as passed, marking a rare judicial approval of legislation.

SC Guidelines on Bill Approval Deadlines

• Governors must forward state bills to the President within 1 month.
• The President must decide within 3 months.
• Reaffirmed that Governors must act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
• Based on Articles 200 and 201, this ruling sets a constitutional precedent.

SC Judges' Asset Declaration Initiative

• On April 1, 2025, the Supreme Court decided in a full-court meeting that all judges will upload their asset
details on the official website.
• A move to restore public trust after recent controversies (e.g., cash seizure in Delhi HC).

Lok Sabha Record – 202 MPs Spoke During Zero Hour

• On April 4, 2025, a record 202 Members of Parliament addressed issues during Zero Hour.
• Previous record: 161 MPs in 2019.
• Highlights the growing importance of Zero Hour as a platform for public concerns.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 13 GVK Study Circle

Parliament Budget Session 2025 – Sine Die Adjournment
• Session duration: January 31 – April 4, 2025
• Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 87(1).
• It was the 4th session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 276th session of the Rajya Sabha.

President’s Rule in Manipur – Article 356

• Imposed on February 13, 2025, citing constitutional breakdown.
• Officially enacted with Parliamentary approval.
• Governor Ajay Bhalla now oversees administration on behalf of the Centre.

Peace Talks in Manipur – Meitei vs Kuki Tribes

• On April 5, peace talks were held in Delhi under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Core issue: ST status demand by Meiteis.
• Goal: Rebuilding mutual trust and a peaceful resolution.

r
150th IPU Assembly – Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Dates: April 5–9, 2025
a
um
• Theme: “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice”
• India’s delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Aircraft Objects Bill – Rajya Sabha Approval (Feb 2025)

K

• Aim: Legal protection for aircraft leasing and financing contracts.

• Based on the Cape Town Convention, to boost investor confidence in aviation.
• Introduced by Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.
ay

India–Nepal Supreme Court MoU

• Signed in April 2025 between Chief Justices Sanjiv Khanna (India) and Prakash Man Singh Raut
Vin

(Nepal).
• Focus: Judicial training, information sharing, and legal cooperation.
• An informal but impactful bilateral understanding.

Justice Dinesh Maheshwari – 23rd Law Commission Chairman

• Expected appointment in April 2025.
• Retired from the Supreme Court in May 2023.
• Served as a judge in Rajasthan High Court (2004).
• Succeeds Justice Rituraj Awasthi (22nd Commission).
• Law Commission reviews laws and suggests reforms.

ADR Report – BJP Received Most Political Donations (2023–24)

• Released by: Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)
• Total donations to political parties: ₹2,544.28 crore
• BJP: ₹2,243 crore (88%) from 8,358 donations
• Congress: ₹281.48 crore from 1,994 donations

Supreme Court Suggests Minimum Vote Requirement for Unopposed Wins (2025)
• In a PIL challenging uncontested wins, the Supreme Court suggested mandating a minimum percentage

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 14 GVK Study Circle

 of votes even if there’s only one candidate
• Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh emphasized protecting voters’ right to choose
• Warned that without a NOTA-like option, wealthy candidates may suppress competition, silencing voter
voice
• Cited Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which currently allows uncontested
wins without voting – suggested review
• Directed Centre and Election Commission to act on the issue
• Only 9 MPs have won unopposed in Indian parliamentary history
• If implemented, this move could enhance electoral fairness and voter empowerment

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

• Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai to assume charge as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14,
2025
• Will succeed CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, who retires on May 13
• Becomes second CJI from a Scheduled Caste background after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan (2007–10)

r
• Tenure: 6 months, until reaching the retirement age of 65

a
• Supreme Court was established on January 26, 1950; first CJI: H.J. Kania
um
Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Likely to Be Appointed as 23rd Law Commission Chairman
• Retired SC Judge Justice Dinesh Maheshwari is expected to be appointed as Chairman of the 23rd Law
Commission of India
K

• Official notification is likely in the second week of May 2025

• Career: Judge at Rajasthan High Court (2004), Supreme Court Judge (2019–2023)
About the Law Commission of India:
ay

• A statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Law & Justice

• Recommends legal reforms, reviews outdated laws, and proposes new legislation
• Though not binding, its recommendations have significant policy influence
Vin

Delay in Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Appointment Raises Constitutional Concerns

• Even months after the 18th Lok Sabha commenced, no Deputy Speaker has been appointed – drawing
criticism for violating Article 93 of the Constitution
• The phrase “as soon as may be” implies early election of the Deputy Speaker, which hasn’t been followed
• This marks the longest vacancy in the Deputy Speaker’s post
• Though traditionally given to the Opposition, it is not a legal requirement
• In the Speaker’s absence, lack of a Deputy may disrupt House proceedings

Birth Certificate Crucial for Citizenship Verification: Centre Clarifies

• The Centre affirmed that birth and residence certificates are key official documents for proving citizenship
• As per the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, only designated authorities can issue valid
certificates
• Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, Indian citizenship can be claimed by birth-based evidence
• Introduced in 2023, the Digital Birth Certificate system records births in real-time
• Those lacking certificates must approach municipal or state authorities for registration

Talaq-e-Ahsan is Legally Valid: Bombay High Court Ruling

• The Court clarified that only Talaq-e-Biddat (instant triple talaq) is banned under the 2019 Act

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 15 GVK Study Circle

• Talaq-e-Ahsan, a more gradual and consensual form of divorce, remains legally acceptable
• The wife’s petition was dismissed, with the Court affirming the divorce's legality
• In Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court held Talaq-e-Biddat unconstitutional, but
not other forms
• This ruling reinforces the validity of traditional Islamic divorce methods within legal limits

Judicial Despotism – Overreach by the Judiciary

• Refers to unelected judges exceeding their jurisdiction, influencing legislative and executive functions
• Key examples:
• Supreme Court ruling on Article 370
• Use of Article 142 in Governor's assent cases
• Contradicts the Constitution's principle of Separation of Powers
• Raises concerns about judicial overreach undermining democratic ethics
• Judicial despotism risks turning courts into a dominant power center

a r
India Justice Report 2025 – Burden & Inequality in Judiciary
• India has only 21,285 judges; 15 per 10 lakh population (vs. recommended 50 by 1987 Law Commission)
um
• Workload: 2200 cases/judge/year in district courts, up to 15,000 in High Courts
• Judicial vacancies: 33% in High Courts, 21% in District Courts
• Women representation: 38.3% in District Courts, 14% in High Courts, 6% in Supreme Court
• Prison occupancy: 131%, inmate-to-doctor ratio: 775:1
K

• Recommends urgent appointments, infrastructure, and gender inclusion

ay

16 Pakistan-Based YouTube Channels Banned by India

• In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, 16 Pakistani YouTube channels were banned
• Grounds: Fake propaganda, anti-Army narratives, communal incitement
• Major banned channels: Shoaib Akhtar, Dawn News, ARY News, Geo News, Samaa TV
Vin

• Notices reportedly issued to BBC for pro-Pak content

• Legal basis: Section 69A of IT Act, 2000 empowers the government to block online content

Article 355 – Centre’s Duty to Protect States

• Under Article 355, the Centre must protect states from external aggression and internal disturbance
• Part of Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360)
• PIL filed in Supreme Court seeking its invocation in West Bengal Waqf Bill violence
• Could potentially lay ground for Article 356 (President’s Rule)
• Raises debates on Centre-State power dynamics

National Panchayati Raj Day – April 24

• Celebrated annually to recognize the role of Panchayats in rural governance
• Originates from 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)
• Enforced on April 24, 1993; declared official day in 2010
• Enshrines local self-governance and grassroots participation
Constitutional Links:
• Article 40: Directive to promote Panchayats
• 73rd Amendment: Three-tier PRI structure – Village, Intermediate, District levels

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 16 GVK Study Circle

• PRI = Symbol of “government closest to the people”

GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT

Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves Programme – 2025
• Launched by the Ministry of Environment to protect the 30% of India’s tigers that live outside tiger
reserves.
• Budget: ₹176.45 crore (for 2024–2027).
• Suggested by: National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
• Focus: Protection via tiger corridors, reducing human-tiger conflict through community engagement.
• Tiger population in India: 3,682 (2022) – Over 75% of the global tiger population.

‘Save Bandipur’ Campaign – Karnataka

• Protest against lifting the night traffic ban on NH-766, which passes through Bandipur National Park.
• Bandipur → Declared Tiger Reserve in 1973; part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (since 1986).

r
• NH-766 is a threat to wildlife due to vehicle collisions and noise disturbance.

a
um
Tiger Attack Deaths (2020–2024)
• Total deaths: 382
• Highest: Maharashtra with 218 deaths
• Government compensation: ₹10 lakh per victim (since 2023)
• Governing Law: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
K

• Implementing Authority: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

ay

Punjab – Wildlife and Tourism Development

• Nangal to be developed as an eco-tourism hub
• Jhajjar Bacholi Wildlife Sanctuary to host Punjab’s first cheetah safari
Vin

• Location: Sri Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district

• Rich in birdlife, leopards, and biodiversity – key tourist attraction.

Golden Tiger Spotted in Kaziranga National Park

• A rare Golden Tiger was photographed in Kaziranga, Assam
• Result of a genetic mutation (wide-band gene) causing pigmentation variation
• Scientific Name: Panthera tigris tigris
• Typically found due to inbreeding
• Kaziranga: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1985) and famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses

New Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh Named After Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
• A new wildlife sanctuary named “Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary” was declared in Sagar district,
Madhya Pradesh.
• Area: 258.64 sq. km, covering Banda and Shahgarh tehsils.
• It is the 25th wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
• Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Tiger State of India” due to its highest tiger population.
• Established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which governs the creation of sanctuaries and national
parks.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 17 GVK Study Circle

Successful Rehabilitation of Indian Star Tortoises
• 340 Indian Star Tortoises were released back into the wild in Jogapur Reserve Forest, Chandrapur,
Maharashtra.
• Part of the Turtle Rehabilitation Project (TRP).
• Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans – characterized by star-like patterns on their shell.
• Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Status:
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix-I (international trade banned)
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection)

National Action Plan for One-Horned Rhinoceros Conservation

• Proposed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to decongest Kaziranga and Pobitora by relocating rhinos
to new habitats.
• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis – IUCN Status: Vulnerable

r
• Current habitats:
• Kaziranga – 2,613 rhinos
a
um
• Pobitora (Assam), Jaldapara, Gorumara (West Bengal), Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh)
• Proposed relocation sites:
• Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam), D’Ering (Arunachal Pradesh), Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar), Surai Range
(Uttarakhand)
K

• Project Rhino – launched in 1987

• World Rhino Day: September 22
ay

Nilgiri Tahr Census (April 2025)

• Joint effort by Kerala and Tamil Nadu across 265 blocks as part of Eravikulam National Park’s 50th
anniversary.
Vin

• The Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain ungulate endemic to southern India and is the State Animal of Tamil
Nadu.
Key habitats:
• Kerala: Eravikulam, Silent Valley, Agasthyamalai
• Tamil Nadu: Mukurthi, Grass Hills
Recent estimates:
• Tamil Nadu: 1,229 tahrs
• Kerala: 827 tahrs
• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius – IUCN Status: Endangered
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022–2027) – a Tamil Nadu government initiative for conservation.

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve – Supreme Court Orders on Encroachments

• The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive
survey on illegal encroachments and non-forest activities.
• Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2016; part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Area: 3,500 sq.km, spanning Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam (Kerala) and Tirunelveli & Kanyakumari
(Tamil Nadu).
• Known for tropical forest systems and rich medicinal plant diversity.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 18 GVK Study Circle

• A key biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats.

Nagarahole National Park (Tiger Reserve) – Land Use Controversy

• Environmentalists have raised concerns over a proposed land allocation near wet grasslands in the core
area.
• Also known officially as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, designated under Project Tiger.
• “Nagarahole” means “Serpent Stream”, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Home to tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, wild dogs, etc.
• Along with Bandipur and Wayanad, it forms an interstate tiger conservation landscape.
• As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, core area land use change requires top-level approvals.

Theobaldius konkanensis – New Land Snail Species Discovered

• Indian and British scientists discovered this new land snail species in the Konkan region, Western Ghats.
• Scientific name: Theobaldius konkanensis.
• It is endemic to the area and reflects rich biodiversity of the northern Western Ghats.

a r
• The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the top 8 global biodiversity hotspots.
• Konkan coast spans Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.
um
New Scarab Beetle Species Discovered in India
• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Museum Koenig (Germany) jointly identified 6 new species of
scarab beetles under the Sericinae subfamily, published in Zootaxa journal.
K

Species discovered:
• Maladera champhaiensis – Mizoram
• Neoserica churachandpurensis – Manipur
ay

• Maladera barasingha – Named after the swamp deer

• Maladera lumlaensis – Arunachal Pradesh
• Serica subansiriensis – Arunachal Pradesh
Vin

• Maladera onam – Kerala

• Found in biodiversity-rich regions like the Northeast states and Western Ghats.
• Scarab beetles (family Scarabaeidae) play key roles in pollination and soil health.

Northwest Passage Geopolitical Dispute

• The Northwest Passage, located in the Arctic, is drawing global attention due to rising temperatures.
• It connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
• Canada considers it as internal waters, while countries like the USA treat it as an international maritime
route.
• Melting ice has increased its viability for trade navigation, sparking geopolitical tensions over security,
resources, and sovereignty.
• Arctic Council (est. 1996) includes: Canada, USA, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland.

Katchatheevu Resolution – Tamil Nadu Assembly

• On April 2, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution demanding the retrieval of
Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka.
• This follows increasing incidents involving attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
• Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka through a 1974 bilateral agreement, which remains contested by the
Tamil Nadu government.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 19 GVK Study Circle

• The issue is tied to both foreign policy and coastal livelihoods.

Bioluminescent Bloom in Kochi Backwaters

• A bioluminescent bloom caused by Noctiluca scintillans (Sea Sparkle) was reported in Kochi backwaters,
Kerala.
• Though visually attractive, this bloom reduces oxygen in the water, potentially causing fish deaths and
harming marine biodiversity.
• Common bioluminescent zones in India: Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Lakshadweep.
• Bioluminescence is the result of a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase.
• N. scintillans is non-toxic, but indirectly damaging due to oxygen depletion.

Illegal Entry into North Sentinel Island by American National

• A 24-year-old American was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, a highly protected tribal
reserve under Indian law.
• The island is home to the Sentinelese, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), with

a r
an estimated population of 50–150.
• Entry is prohibited within a 5-nautical-mile radius under the Andaman & Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal
um
Tribes Regulation, 1956.
• The “hands-off” policy is followed to safeguard their isolated way of life.
• In 2018, American missionary John Chau was killed by the tribe after entering the island.
• The island is located in South Andaman district, ~50 km from Port Blair, in the Bay of Bengal.
K

Kazakhstan's Rare Earth Discovery in Karaganda

• Around 1 million tonnes of rare earth elements (REEs) have been discovered at the Kuyrektykol site in
ay

Karaganda, central Kazakhstan.

• These minerals are vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and green energy technologies.
• Kazakhstan is seeking to reduce global dependence on China by expanding its REE market.
Vin

• Already the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan is now positioning itself as a key supplier in
the global green tech supply chain.
• Countries like the EU and the US are partnering with Kazakhstan to diversify their mineral sources.

Environmental Concerns over Dhansiri River Pollution

• Environmentalists in Assam allege that harmful effluents from the Numaligarh Refinery are polluting the
Dhansiri River.
• Dhansiri is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing through Nagaland and Assam.
• The river supports critical ecosystems like the Dhansiri Reserve Forest and Intanki National Park.
• The pollution threatens local biodiversity and livelihoods, prompting calls for intervention by the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Mahadayi River Dispute – Opposition to Kalasa-Banduri Project

• The Kalasa-Banduri project in Karnataka aims to divert Mahadayi river water to the Malaprabha basin,
drawing protests from Goa and Karnataka residents.
• Originating in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats, the river flows through Goa to the
Arabian Sea (called Mandovi in Goa and Gomati elsewhere).
• Activists argue the project could cause environmental degradation, affect biodiversity corridors, and hurt
local livelihoods.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 20 GVK Study Circle

• The Mahadayi water dispute involves Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Historic UN Resolution on Ocean and Environmental Rights

• The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a historic resolution in Geneva, linking plastic
pollution, ocean protection, and the right to a healthy environment.
• This is the first-ever resolution by the UNHRC to formally connect human rights with environmental
protection.
• Ocean plastic pollution releases toxic chemicals and microplastics, damaging marine ecosystems and food
chains.
• The resolution supports the proposed UN Global Plastics Treaty aimed at curbing plastic waste worldwide.

Mount Kanlaon Eruption – Philippines

• Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines erupted, releasing ash up to 4,000 meters high.
• It was the second-largest volcanic ash emission in the Pacific Ring of Fire in recent records.
• The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for over 75% of active volcanoes globally, due to tectonic plate activity.

r
• Major plates involved: Pacific, Philippine Sea, Nazca, Cocos, Indo-Australian, North American.

a
um
Mount Spurr Earthquake Swarm – Alaska
• A series of minor earthquakes have been reported over a week near Mount Spurr, Alaska.
• Located 80 miles from Anchorage, the stratovolcano stands at 11,070 feet.
• Scientists are concerned that this could signal a potential volcanic eruption.
K

• Mount Spurr is one of the key volcanoes in Alaska’s volcanic arc.

India’s Share in Global Plastic Waste – 3.54% (2022)

ay

• As per a Nature journal study, India contributed 3.54% (~9.5 million tonnes) to the 268 million tonnes of
global plastic waste in 2022.
• Single-use plastics were a major contributor.
Vin

• Global leaders: China (81.5 million tonnes), USA (40 million tonnes), EU countries (30 million tonnes).
• India ranks 5th globally in plastic waste generation.
• India has banned certain single-use plastics since July 2022.

IISc’s 'Venom Maps' for Snakebite Treatment

• Scientists at IISc Bengaluru developed ‘Venom Maps’ to track geographical variation in Russell’s viper
venom.
• Environmental factors like diet, rainfall, and temperature influence venom composition.
• The maps aid faster and more effective treatment for snakebite victims.
• Russell’s viper is among the leading causes of snakebite deaths in India, listed as a WHO-recognized
Neglected Tropical Disease.

Greening of Thar Desert – 38% Increase in Two Decades

• From 2001 to 2023, green cover in the Thar Desert increased by 38%.
• Driven by 64% increase in rainfall and agricultural expansion.
• Annual rainfall increased by 4.4 mm/year, mainly during the monsoon months (June–September).
• The Thar spans Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Sindh & Punjab in Pakistan.
• It is among the largest subtropical deserts in the world.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 21 GVK Study Circle

Pharmaceutical Pollution Impacts Atlantic Salmon
• Atlantic salmon were found to swim faster and behave abnormally due to pharmaceutical pollution,
especially from Clobazam, a human anti-anxiety drug.
• These chemicals enter rivers through wastewater and sewage and alter fish migration, feeding, and mating
behavior.
• Over 900 pharmaceutical chemicals have been detected in global waters.
• Scientists warn that drug pollution could threaten biodiversity, urging stronger action under SDG 14 – Life
Below Water.

UNESCO’s BIOCOM Programme in Madagascar

• BIOCOM (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management for Integrated
Community Development) was launched in 2020 by UNESCO and KOICA in Madagascar.
• Implemented in Montagne des Français, Marojejy, and Andohahela regions.
• Aims: Biodiversity conservation and livelihood development for local communities.
• Focus areas: Eco-tourism, sustainable farming, and forest-based livelihood training for youth.

r
• Supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 8 (Decent Work).

a
• UNESCO HQ: Paris, France | Madagascar Capital: Antananarivo
um
Similipal Declared India’s 107th National Park (Odisha)
• On April 24, 2025, Similipal was designated as India’s 107th National Park and Odisha’s second
• Area: 845.70 sq. km, home to 55 mammal species and 361 bird species
K

• Known for its Tiger Reserve (since 1973 under Project Tiger)
• Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009
• Dominated by Sal trees (Shorea robusta)
ay

• Odisha’s first national park: Bhitarkanika

Cheetah Relocation from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar (MP)

Vin

• NTCA approved transfer of cheetahs from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in 2025
• Reasons: space limitation, prey scarcity, conflict with leopards
• Part of Project Cheetah’s meta-population strategy (aim: 60–70 cheetahs)
• 26 cheetahs have lived in Kuno, with 14 born in India
• Relocation phases: Namibia (2022), South Africa (2023), Botswana (next phase)

Madhya Pradesh Vulture Conservation Measures

• Six vultures bred at Kerwa Vulture Conservation Centre (est. 2006) fitted with GPS trackers
• Vultures are vital for ecological hygiene and controlling disease spread
• Diclofenac (a livestock drug) caused 99% population crash in the 1990s
• MP now has 4 vulture breeding centers; national plan aims for 40% population increase (2020–25)
• Key species: Indian White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture – both Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Grizzled Giant Squirrel Population Study – Tamil Nadu

• Study launched in Pakkamalai and Gangavaram Hills (Villupuram Forest Division)
• Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) – rare species of southern riparian forests
• Listed under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act
• Aims to assess population, habitat, and behavior
• Found in India and Sri Lanka, it is the smallest among giant squirrels
www.youtube.com/@praveensir 22 GVK Study Circle
Mahuadanr Sanctuary – India’s First Dedicated Wolf Reserve (Jharkhand)
• Located in Palamu Tiger Reserve, Mahuadanr Sanctuary (est. 1976) is India's first wolf sanctuary
• Area: 63 sq. km, focuses on conserving the Indian Grey Wolf
• Though listed as “Least Concern” (IUCN), its numbers are declining in India
• Palamu was one of India’s first 9 Project Tiger reserves (1973)
• By 2025, Mahuadanr has become a key research site for wolf conservation

Red Sea Environmental Risk from Egypt's Tourism Projects

• Egypt plans large-scale tourism development near Ras Hankorab Beach on the Red Sea coast
• While it may boost revenue, experts warn of marine biodiversity damage
• Red Sea: Tropical marginal sea of the Indian Ocean, 1,930 km long, 438,000 sq. km wide
• Connects to Mediterranean Sea via Suez Canal and Arabian Sea via Bab el-Mandeb Strait
• Surrounding nations: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti

r
Aral Sea Shrinking – A Case of Human-Induced Geographic Change

a
• Once the 4th largest lake, the Aral Sea in Central Asia began shrinking in the 1960s
• Cause: Soviet-era diversion of Amu Darya & Syr Darya rivers for agriculture
um
• Recent satellite studies (2016–2020) show uplift of land (~1.6 inches) due to reduced water weight
• Impact: Loss of biodiversity, pollution, and public health crises
• Now spans Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
K

Yellow Sea Dispute – China vs South Korea

• The Yellow Sea (West Sea in Korean) is a contested zone between China and South Korea
• Disputes over marine constructions, whaling, and seabed resource extraction
ay

• EEZ overlap: both nations claim rights within 200 nautical miles
• A Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) deal was signed in 2000 but joint management efforts have stalled
• South Korea’s response: coast guard patrols, political opposition, diplomatic protests
Vin

Earthquake in Sea of Marmara, Turkey

• A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara region, impacting Istanbul
• Connects Black Sea (via Bosphorus Strait) and Aegean Sea (via Dardanelles Strait)
• A vital maritime gateway in the Mediterranean region
• Part of the Turkish Straits system, crucial for global trade and geopolitics

Poás Volcano Eruption – Costa Rica

• Poás Volcano in Costa Rica experienced multiple eruptions, prompting a Red Alert
• Ash plumes rose up to 4,500 meters in height
• It is a stratovolcano with an elevation of 2,708 meters
• One of the largest craters in the world
• Costa Rica houses nearly 5% of global biodiversity

Mount Etna Eruption – Sicily, Italy

• Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano (3,357 m), erupted again
• Caused lava flows and earthquakes, prompting temporary closure of Catania Airport
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 23 GVK Study Circle

Other active volcanoes by country:
• Indonesia – Semeru, Merapi, Toba
• Japan – Aso, Sakurajima
• Hawaii – Kilauea, Mauna Loa
• Italy – Etna, Stromboli
• Russia – Shiveluch
• Congo – Nyiragongo
• Philippines – Taal
• Guatemala – Fuego
• Iceland – Fagradalsfjall

Thangjing Hill Pilgrimage Disrupted – Manipur

• Thangjing Hills in Churachandpur, Manipur are sacred to the Meitei community
• Kuki-Zo groups opposed the pilgrimage, leading to its interruption mid-way

r
• Rivers such as Lemtaak, Thuila, Lanva, and Khuga flow through the region

a
• Area has become a buffer zone in the ongoing Meitei–Kuki-Zo conflict
• Reflects deep-rooted cultural and geographic tensions
um
IISR Surya – New Turmeric Variety Released by IISR (Kerala)
• IISR Surya, a new light turmeric variety, was launched on April 24, 2025
• Developed by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kerala
K

• Suitable for Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh

• Yield potential: 41 tonnes/hectare, curcumin content: 2–3%
• Features: bright color, mild flavor, high market demand
ay

• Botanical name: Curcuma longa; top turmeric producers: Telangana, Maharashtra

DPS Wetland Declared Flamingo Conservation Reserve – Maharashtra

Vin

• Maharashtra Wildlife Board declared DPS Wetland (Navi Mumbai) a Flamingo Conservation Reserve
• Adjacent to Thane Creek Ramsar site, spans 30 acres
• A tidal water body with a mix of marine and freshwater influences
• Key stopover site on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds
• Hosts flamingos and various bird species year-round

Colossal Squid Sighted in Southern Ocean – Rare Deep-Sea Creature

• A Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) was recorded on video at 600m depth
• Found in the Southern Ocean, near Antarctica
• Considered the largest invertebrate in the world
• Rarely seen alive; the sighting is a major milestone in marine biology

Two New Freshwater Fish Species Discovered in Western Ghats

• Labeo uru and Labeo chekida identified by C-PAGR, Kochi
• Clarifies confusion regarding Labeo nigrescens
• Found in rivers of Kerala and Karnataka
• Western Ghats – UNESCO biodiversity hotspot with 7,400+ plant species
• C-PAGR is part of ICAR–NBFGR, dedicated to aquatic genetic research

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 24 GVK Study Circle

Mugai River Bridge Built Through Public Contribution – Ghazipur, UP
• After 58 years of government inaction, villagers built a bridge over the Mugai River
• Led by retired Army engineer Ravindra Yadav, who donated ₹10 lakhs
• Bridge length: 105 feet, built using local funds, labor, and materials
• Mugai River flows through Azamgarh, Mau, and Ghazipur districts
• Origin: Dubawan village, Azamgarh

New Proposal to Clean River Ganga – Cash for Old Fishing Nets
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII) proposed a cash reward system for fishermen who surrender old fishing
nets
• Discarded nets trap and kill turtles and crocodiles, and take over 600 years to degrade, contributing to
microplastic pollution
• States lacking net-collection systems: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
• Over 3 million fishermen depend on the Ganga but cannot afford net replacement due to poverty
• WII suggests repurposing old nets to raise funds for Ganga conservation

a r
• WII: Established 1982, HQ in Dehradun, under MoEFCC
• Ganga River: India’s longest river (2,525 km), flows through Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West
um
Bengal

Antibiotic Pollution in Indian Rivers – 80% Streams Affected

• A McGill University (Canada) study found 80% of Indian rivers contain antibiotic residues
K

• Drug excretion via liver and kidneys ends up in untreated wastewater that contaminates rivers
• Even sewage treatment plants fail to remove all residues, posing risk to 315 million people
• India’s antibiotic use rose 65% between 2000 and 2015
ay

• Of 29,200 tonnes used globally, 29% ends up in rivers, 11% in oceans

• Common antibiotics detected: Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Cefixime
• Most affected countries: India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Nigeria
Vin

SCHEMES IN NEWS
Vibrant Villages Programme – Phase II (VVP-II) Approved
• On April 4, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved VVP-II, aimed at the holistic development of villages along
India’s international borders.
• Allocation: ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028–29; implemented as a 100% centrally funded scheme.
• VVP-I focused on China-border villages, while VVP-II includes remaining border villages across 17
states/UTs.
• States/UTs covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, UP, West Bengal.
• It complements the Vision India @2047, and offers broader coverage than the earlier BADP scheme.
• Objectives include border security, national integration, and local participation in development.

Stand-Up India Scheme – Empowering SC/ST/Women Entrepreneurs

• Launched on April 5, 2016, the scheme facilitates loans of ₹10 lakh–₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises by
SC/ST and women.
• Total disbursal (2016–2025): ₹61,020.41 crore.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 25 GVK Study Circle

Growth (2018–2024):
• SC beneficiaries: from 9,399 to 46,248; loan volume: ₹1,826.21Cr → ₹9,747.11Cr
• ST beneficiaries: from 2,841 to 15,228; loan volume: ₹574.65Cr → ₹3,244.07Cr
• Women beneficiaries: from 55,644 to 1,90,844; loan volume: ₹12,452.37Cr → ₹43,984.10Cr
• Implemented through Scheduled Commercial Banks, with SIDBI as nodal agency.
• Focus: social justice and economic equity, aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced
Inequality).
• Linked with JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) for inclusive financial participation.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025

• The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (April 3–5, 2025).
• Theme: “Jile Se Jagat Tak” – promoting grassroots innovation to global recognition.
• Over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and representatives from 50+ countries participated.
• Inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal; organized by FICCI, ASSOCHAM, IVCA, and others.

r
• The Startup India initiative was launched in January 2016 by the Government of India.

One State – One RRB Policy

a
um
• The Finance Ministry introduced the “One State – One RRB” approach to enhance operational efficiency
of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
• Goal: Cost reduction, resource optimization, and financial stability.
• Plan: Consolidate 43 RRBs across India into one per state.
K

• Mergers completed in Phase III; Phase IV is underway.

Current status:
• Andhra Pradesh – 4 RRBs
ay

• Uttar Pradesh – 3 RRBs

• Several states – 2 RRBs
• The Telangana–Andhra Pradesh RRB asset dispute has been resolved.
Vin

• RRBs are governed under the RRBs Act, 1976. Shareholding pattern:
• GoI – 50%, Sponsor Banks – 35%, State Government – 15%

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana – 10th Anniversary (2025)

• Launched on April 8, 2015, the scheme entered its 10th year in 2025.
• As per the 2024–25 Union Budget, the loan limit has been increased to ₹20 lakh, effective from October
24, 2024.
New loan categories introduced:
• Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
• Kishore: ₹50,001 – ₹5 lakh
• Tarun: ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
• Tarun Plus: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh
• Objective: Promote self-employment among SC, ST, OBC, women, and youth.
• Implemented through: Public sector banks, RRBs, NBFCs, and microfinance institutions.
• MUDRA = Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency under the Finance Ministry.
• Slogan: Funding the Unfunded – collateral-free loans for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Poshan Pakhwada 2025 – 7th Edition
• Held from April 8–22, 2025, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 26 GVK Study Circle

• Aim: Improve nutritional awareness and outcomes among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and
children.
Focus areas in 2025:
• First 1000 days of life
• Use of the Poshan Tracker App
• CMAM (Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition)
• Prevention of childhood obesity
• Poshan Abhiyaan was launched in 2018:
• Poshan Maah in September (month-long)
• Poshan Pakhwada in April (fortnight-long)

₹22,919 Cr Incentive Scheme for Electronic Components

• The Central Government approved a ₹22,919 crore scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic
components.
• Objective: Establish India as a self-reliant hub in the global electronics supply chain.

a r
Growth stats (past 10 years):
• Electronics production: 5x increase
um
• Exports: 6x increase
• Mobile phone exports crossed ₹2 lakh crore (54% growth)
The scheme aligns with:
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat (2020)
K

• Digital India (2015)

• National Policy on Electronics – 2019 (Target: $400 billion value by 2025)
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
ay

• Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw

RBI Launches Official WhatsApp Channel

Vin

• Under the "RBI Kehta Hai" awareness initiative, the Reserve Bank of India launched its official WhatsApp
channel.
• Purpose: Deliver real-time financial information, digital safety guidelines, and anti-fraud alerts.
• Designed to ensure accessibility in rural areas, with a QR code for easy subscription.
• This is part of RBI’s strategy to promote financial literacy and secure digital practices.
RBI Overview:
• Founded: 1935
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Current Governor: Sanjay Malhotra (since 2024)
• WhatsApp: Owned by Meta Platforms

‘Lakhpati Baideo’ Scheme – Assam’s Women Empowerment Drive

• Launched by the Assam Government to empower 40 lakh women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) across
the state.
• Income targets per woman: ₹10,000 (Year 1), ₹25,000 (Year 2), ₹50,000 (Year 3), with the goal of making
them lakhpatis (₹1 lakh+ earners).
• Total scheme outlay: ₹4,000 crore over 5 years, aligned with Assam’s $75 billion economic vision.
"Baideo" means elder sister in Assamese.
• Implemented through ASRLM, inspired by the DAY–NRLM model.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 27 GVK Study Circle

• Supports UN SDGs:
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

India Skills Accelerator – MSDE & WEF Initiative

• A joint initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the World
Economic Forum (WEF) launched in New Delhi.
• Aims to build a future-ready workforce and boost industry–academia collaborations.
• Seeks to establish India as a global skilling hub under the Skill India Mission (2015).
• Aligns with WEF’s Skill Transformation Programme.
Key organizations:
• MSDE HQ: Kaushal Bhavan, New Delhi
• WEF HQ: Geneva, established in 1971
• A strategic platform for equipping Indian youth with globally competitive skills.

a r
Palna Scheme – Childcare Under Mission Shakti
• Central scheme offering quality daycare (crèche) services for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
um
• Specially designed to support working women.
• Replaces the old National Crèche Scheme; launched in 2022.
• Implemented under Mission Shakti – Samarthya sub-scheme:
• Fund sharing ratio: 60:40 for general states, 90:10 for Northeastern states.
K

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), established in 2006.
• Linked with nutrition programs like Poshan Abhiyaan and Poshan Pakhwada.
• Ensures child development while supporting women’s continued employment.
ay

M-CADWM Sub-Scheme Approved for 2025–26

• The Central Government approved ₹1,600 crore for the Modernization of Command Area Development
Vin

and Water Management (M-CADWM) sub-scheme under PMKSY.

• Objective: Deliver water through pressurized pipelines, promote micro-irrigation, and utilize SCADA and
IoT technologies for efficient water use.
• Expected Outcomes: Improved crop yield, farmer income, and water-use efficiency.
• Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Agriculture.
• 1 hectare = 2.47 acres.
• Part of PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) launched in 2015 with the slogan "Har Khet
Ko Pani" (Water to Every Field).

‘Bhagirath’ App – Digital Water Conservation Initiative in Uttarakhand

• Launched by Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami under Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan 2025.
• Purpose: Citizens can report endangered water sources like springs (Nauls), streams (Dharas), and rain-
fed rivers through the app.
• Theme: “Dhara Mera, Naul Mera, Gaav Mera, Prayas Mera” – Encouraging community-led water
security.
• Named after Bhagirath, the mythological figure who brought the Ganga River to Earth.
• Aims to digitally monitor and conserve natural water springs with public participation.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 28 GVK Study Circle

Aadhaar App with Face ID-Based Digital Authentication (2025 Launch)
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched a new Aadhaar app integrating AI and Face ID
authentication.
• Allows users to verify identity without a physical Aadhaar card, similar to UPI’s ease of use.
• Designed for those who face challenges with fingerprint or iris scans.
• Feature developed by UIDAI, initiated in 2018, and officially rolled out in 2025.
• Aadhaar Act, 2016: Mandates a 12-digit unique identity number for all residents of India.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) – A Model for Efficient Welfare Governance

• Launched in 2013, starting with LPG subsidies, aimed to eliminate intermediaries by direct fund transfer
to beneficiary accounts.
• Between 2009–2024, DBT saved ₹73.48 lakh crore for the government.
• Subsidy share in total government spending reduced from 16% (2009) to 9% (2024).
• Beneficiary base grew 16 times via schemes like PDS, MNREGS, PM-KISAN.
• Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) improved from 0.32 (2014) to 0.91 (2023).

a r
• Implemented with support from NIC and NPCI.
• Major contributors: PM-KISAN, LPG, PDS, Fertilizer Subsidy.
um
UDAN Scheme – Revolution in Regional Air Connectivity
• Launched on Oct 21, 2016; first flight on Apr 27, 2017 (Shimla–Delhi).
• So far: 625 routes, 90 airports (including 2 water aerodromes, 15 heliports).
K

• Over 1.49 crore passengers benefited with affordable air travel.

• Number of airports rose from 74 (2014) to 159 (2024).
• Backed by ₹4,023 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to promote underserved regions.
ay

• Managed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

• Boosts tourism, trade, and healthcare access in Tier-2 & 3 cities.
Vin

Sachet App – Real-Time Disaster Alert System

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) launched the ‘Sachet’ app to provide real-time
geo-tagged alerts based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
• Offers timely warnings on floods, cyclones, tsunamis, landslides, and forest fires based on user location.
• CAP is a global standard for disaster alerts; NDMA was established in 2005.
• PM Modi highlighted this app during Mann Ki Baat.

Ayushman Vyay Vandana – Health Insurance for Delhi’s Elderly

• Launched by the Delhi government for citizens aged 70 and above, offering ₹10 lakh health insurance
coverage.
• Includes free treatment, annual health checkups, and digital health records.
• Aims to enhance elderly health security in Delhi.
• Implemented under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) framework.
• Supported by Mohalla Clinics and state health programs, making Delhi a model for healthcare.

Zero Poverty Mission – New UP Scheme in Ambedkar’s Name

• Uttar Pradesh government launched this scheme marking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary.
• Goal: Uplift every poor individual above the poverty line using a saturation approach (100% coverage of
eligible beneficiaries under all schemes).

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 29 GVK Study Circle

• Focus on marginalized groups like Musahar, Tharu, Gond, and Kol communities.
• Inaugurated at the Ambedkar Mahasabha Campus, Lucknow.

Insurance & Appointments via GeM – FY 2024–25

• Over 1.3 crore people received health, life, and personal accident insurance policies through the
Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• GeM supported recruitment of 10 lakh personnel across human resource roles.
• GeM was established in 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as a national e-procurement
portal for central government purchases.

NREGS State Report – LibTech India Analysis (2024–25)

• Families with new job cards increased by 3.1%, but workdays slightly declined by 0.3%.
• Nationally, workdays fell by 3.5%, indicating a milder impact at state level.
• Due to 14% lower minimum wages, a wage loss of ₹661 crore was reported.
• Families completing 100 days of work dropped from 14.8% to 10.9% compared to 2023–24.

a r
Uttarakhand – Adarsh Sanskrit Village Scheme
um
• Launched on April 15, 2025, by the Uttarakhand government to promote Sanskrit learning and daily usage
in one village per district.
• Aim: Preserve Sanskrit, promote awareness among youth, and normalize usage.
• Sanskrit has been the second official language in Uttarakhand since 2010.
K

• Recognized as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO in 2008.

• Ancient texts like Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita were authored in Sanskrit, highlighting India’s
cultural heritage.
ay

HEALD Programme – National Plan for Liver Health

• The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated
Vin

Liver Disease Prevention) programme.

• Objectives: Awareness on liver diseases, mental health support, destigmatization, and rehabilitation.
• Implementation: By Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi.
• The first liver rehabilitation centre was inaugurated in Delhi.
• LBS: Established in 2009, a premier institute for liver and gastroenterology care.

Q-Shield Platform – Quantum-Safe Cybersecurity

• Developed by QNu Labs (an IIT-Madras startup) under the National Quantum Mission.
• World's first quantum-safe crypto management platform based on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
• Ensures data security in cloud and hybrid platforms.
Other tools:
• Tropos (QKD – Quantum Key Distribution)
• Armos (QRNG – Quantum Random Number Generation)
• NQM: National Quantum Mission launched in 2023, supported by the Department of Science &
Technology (DST).

Fire Safety Week 2025 – Focus on Health Facilities

• Observed from April 21–25, 2025, by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Objective: Enhance fire safety in health infrastructure with participation from States, UTs, and Central

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 30 GVK Study Circle

 departments.
• Theme: "Fire Safety in Health Facilities"
• Nationwide pledge campaign held at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Coordinator: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.

Zero Measles-Rubella Campaign (2025–26)

• Launched: April 2025 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Goal: Complete elimination of measles & rubella by 2026
• Target: 95%+ vaccine coverage in every district and child
• Background: MR vaccine campaign began in 2017 for 9 months–15 years age group
• Rubella is especially dangerous during pregnancy due to risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

World Immunization Week – April 24–30, 2025

• Theme: "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible"
• WHO Data: Since 1974, vaccines have saved 154 million lives – 60% due to measles vaccine

a r
• 2023: Over 22 million children missed measles vaccination
• Based on the 1974 WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
um
• IA2030: Immunization Agenda 2021–2030

AI Kiran – Promoting Women Leadership in AI

• Organizers: PSA Office, Verix, and INK Women
K

• Aim: Reduce gender disparity, increase women leadership in AI

Stats:
• Women at junior level: 33%
ay

• Women at senior level: 19%

• Head/Director level: 65% male dominance
• Projection: India's AI market to reach $17 billion by 2027, contribute $1 trillion to GDP by 2035
Vin

• Verix – Blockchain-based credentialing firm

• INK Women – Platform promoting women’s advancement

SUMMITS- CONFERENCES
6th BIMSTEC Summit – April 2025 (Bangkok, Thailand)
• Date & Venue: April 4, 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand
• Theme: “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”
• Focus on: Regional cooperation, trade, security, and connectivity
• The summit endorsed the long-term roadmap Bangkok Vision 2030
About BIMSTEC
• Established: 1997
• Members: 7 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand)
• Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh

India’s Key Announcements at BIMSTEC 2025

BODHI Initiative
• Full form: BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure
• Focus: Human resource development

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 31 GVK Study Circle

• India to train 300 BIMSTEC youth annually
• Scholarships at Nalanda University and Forest Institutes
• Annual training programmes for young diplomats
• BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India
New centres for:
• Disaster management
• Sustainable maritime transport
• Traditional medicine
• Agricultural training
• BIMSTEC Energy Centre opened in Bengaluru
• Aim: Electricity grid connectivity

Digital & Financial Integration

• Pilot study on digital infrastructure needs in BIMSTEC countries

r
• Proposal to extend India’s UPI fintech platform to BIMSTEC members

a
• Study on local currency trade mechanisms
Trade & Security Cooperation
um
• Formation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce
• Annual Business Summit to be hosted in India
• Space cooperation via nano satellites, ground stations, and data sharing
• BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting hosted for the first time in India
K

• Youth, Sports, and Culture

• BIMSTEC Youth Leaders Summit, Hackathons, and Visitors Programmes
• BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) and BIMSTEC Games (2027) to be hosted by India
ay

• Traditional Music Festival to be organized

ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) – 8th Joint Committee Meeting

Vin

• Date & Venue: April 7–11, 2025; Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi (Hybrid mode)
• Objective: Review the AITIGA agreement to ensure balanced, mutually beneficial trade between India
and ASEAN countries.
• Participating ASEAN nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
• Background: AITIGA was signed in August 2009 and came into force on January 1, 2010.
• India–ASEAN Trade: India is ASEAN's 4th largest trading partner with over US$131 billion trade in
2022–23.
• ASEAN Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia | Established: 1967 | Members: 10

2nd Global Conference on Air Pollution & Health – 2025

• Held at: Cartagena, Colombia in March 2025
• Organised by: WHO & Government of Colombia
Goals:
• Halve deaths due to air pollution by 2040 (compared to 2015)
• Promote coordinated and science-based air quality policies
• First Conference: Geneva, October 30 – November 1, 2018
• Significance: First global UN-level initiative recognizing air pollution as a public health emergency.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 32 GVK Study Circle

3rd AI Readiness Consultation – Hyderabad (2025)
• Date & Venue: April 8, 2025; T-Works, Hyderabad
• Organisers: UNESCO South Asia Office, MeitY, Ikigai Law
• Theme: “Shaping Ethics in AI Governance: Government & Multilateral Perspectives”
Focus:
• Methodologies for AI readiness assessment
• Ethical standards, data security
• Aligning Indian policy with global AI frameworks
Background Policies:
• NITI Aayog’s AI Strategy (2018)
• MeitY’s Responsible AI Draft (2021)
• UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendations (2021)
• T-Works: Telangana’s hardware innovation hub; Hyderabad is a growing AI hub with AWS & Google
data centers.

a r
India’s First Agentic AI Hackathon – 2025
• Organisers: Techvantage.ai & CrewAl
um
• Final Round: Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Focus Sector: BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance)
• Objective: Develop AI solutions for fraud detection, credit scoring, compliance
• Agentic AI: Refers to AI capable of autonomous decision-making
K

• Technopark: India’s first IT park; located in Kerala’s capital

Global Technology Summit 2025 – “Sambhavana” (9th Edition)

ay

• Date & Venue: April 10–12, 2025; New Delhi

• Organisers: Ministry of External Affairs (India) & Carnegie India
• Theme: “Sambhavana” – Inclusive development through emerging technology
Vin

• Participants: 150+ international speakers from 40 countries

Discussion Areas:
• Governance of Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity & space security
• Global South tech collaboration
• Youth engagement via Global Tech Policy Exposure Programme

15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting – Brazil

• Held on April 17, 2025, in Brasília, Brazil
• Theme: "Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Equitable Trade"
• India represented by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• BRICS Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
• BRICS+ Participants: Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran
• Established: 2009 | 2025 Chair: Brazil

Coastal States Meet 2025 – Focus on Fisheries Development

• Held on April 28, 2025, in Mumbai
• Chaired by Union Minister Lalan Singh; attended by SP Singh Baghel & George Kurian

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 33 GVK Study Circle

• Key launches under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana):
• Marine Fisheries Census
• Turtle Excluder Device (TED)
• SOP for Vessel Communication Systems
• ₹255.3 crore worth projects launched/foundation laid
• PMMSY Goal: Make India a global leader in fish production by 2025

International Buddhist Conference 2025 – Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

• Dates: April 21–22, 2025
• Venue: Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
• Theme: “Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India”
• Organizers: International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) & Ministry of Culture, GoI
• Chief Guests: CM Pema Khandu, Dy. CM Chowna Mein
• Focus: Promotion of Buddhist heritage and tourism, cultural exchange, and regional traditions

r
• Buddhist Traditions in NE India: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana

a
• IBC: Headquartered in India, serves as a global Buddhist representative body
um
India Steel 2025 – Mumbai
• Dates: April 24–26, 2025
• Inauguration: PM Narendra Modi (virtually); Attended by Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy
• Organized by: Ministry of Steel & FICCI
K

• Theme: “Shaping the Future of Steel: Driving Capacity Augmentation, Sustainability, Digitalisation…”
• Edition: 6th (Previous in 2023; 1st held in 2013)
• India: 2nd largest steel producer globally (after China)
ay

• Steel Sector Contribution: ~2% to GDP

• National Steel Policy 2017: Target of 300 MT production by 2030
• Key Companies: Tata Steel, JSW, Jindal Steel
Vin

• FICCI: Established in 1927, key industry chamber in India

International Quantum Communication Conclave 2025 – New Delhi

• 3rd edition organized by Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) and C-DOT
• Focus on standardization, quantum research, and secure digital communication
• Key technology discussed: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for ultra-secure data transfer
• Linked with National Quantum Mission (NQM) – launched in 2023, aims for global leadership by 2026
• India accelerating progress alongside China and the US
• TEC: Telecom standards development body
• C-DOT: Premier institution for indigenous telecom R&D

SMILE Seminar 2025 – Focus on Beggary Rehabilitation

• Held on April 25, 2025, in New Delhi
• Jointly organized by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) and World Bank
• Theme: “Population Out of Reach – SMILE (Beggary)”
• Discussed strategies for rehabilitation of beggars, homeless, and vulnerable groups
• Part of SMILE Scheme launched in 2022, covering beggary rehabilitation
• World Bank support for social sector reform

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 34 GVK Study Circle

• Article 21 of Indian Constitution ensures right to life and dignified rehabilitation

SUFALAM 2025 – Platform for Food Processing Startups

• Full Form: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors
• Organizers: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) & NIFTEM-Kundli
• Dates: April 25–26, 2025 | Venue: NIFTEM-K Campus
• Purpose: Mentorship, funding awareness, and networking for agri-food startups
• Sessions: Technical discussions on policy support, funding schemes, and Start-up India initiatives
Additional Info:
• NIFTEM-K: Central food tech institute under MoFPI
• MoFPI goal: Boost farmer income, support agri-innovation
• Start-up India: Launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship

Kalam & Kavach 2.0 – Defence Literature Festival

• Date: April 15, 2025 | Venue: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi

r
• Theme: “Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms”
• Organizers: HQ IDS + CENJOWS + Pentagon Press
a
um
Highlights:
• Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat & defence indigenisation
• Discussions on AI, drones, space warfare, quantum & cyber technologies
• Promotion of military literature and strategic writing
K

Additional Info:
• CENJOWS: MoD think tank on joint warfare strategy
• HQ IDS: Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff
ay

• Manekshaw Centre: Key defence event venue in Delhi

• "Kalam" (Pen) + "Kavach" (Shield) symbolizes literary & military fusion
Vin

REGIONAL-ANDHRA PRADESH
Mega Global Medicity Project in Amaravati
• A world-class medical city is being planned in Amaravati, featuring multi-specialty hospitals and health
equipment industries.
• The plan is being developed under the guidance of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• It will operate under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model with active private sector involvement.
• Hospitals in the medicity will receive subsidies and incentives similar to those offered to industrial units.
• Objective: To attract global health investments and develop Amaravati as an international healthcare
destination.

P-4 Programme (Poverty-Free Panchayat Programme) – State Society Formation

• CM Chandrababu Naidu appointed as Chairman of a newly formed state-level society for P-4
implementation.
• Goal: Eradication of rural poverty, economic empowerment, and holistic development.
• Action Plan Target: To adopt 500,000 “Golden Families” by August 15, 2025.
• District collectors, ministers, and MLAs will participate in selecting local mentors.
• Golden Families: Targeted beneficiary families adopted for development.
• P-4 is a flagship programme of the Andhra Pradesh government for inclusive rural transformation.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 35 GVK Study Circle

Launch of “Jala Harathi Corporation” in Andhra Pradesh
• A special corporation formed to manage floodwater, optimize irrigation project resources, and improve
water use efficiency.
• Will function as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the interlinking of the Polavaram and Banakacharla
projects.
• Chairman: CM Chandrababu Naidu
• Vice Chairman: Minister for Water Resources
• MD/CEO: Special Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department
• Focus: Rainwater harvesting, irrigation water efficiency, and resource planning.
• Polavaram Project: A major national irrigation project on the Godavari River.
• Banakacharla: A critical distribution point for supplying water to the Rayalaseema region.

Andhra Pradesh Ranks First in Micro-Irrigation Coverage (2024–25)

• In the financial year 2024–25, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest micro-irrigation coverage in India

r
with 1.17 lakh hectares.
• It surpassed Gujarat (1.16 lakh ha), Uttar Pradesh (1.02 lakh ha), and Karnataka (90,800 ha).

a
• Priority areas include Rayalaseema and North Andhra districts—notably Anantapur, Kurnool, Prakasam,
um
Nellore, and Kadapa.
• About 2 lakh farmers benefitted from the initiative.
• Total project cost: ₹1,176 crore — with ₹598 crore from the Centre, ₹328 crore from the state, and ₹250
crore from farmers’ contribution.
K

• Efficient water use achieved through drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, especially for water-scarce
crops.
• Significant progress achieved under PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana).
ay

Centre Approves Merger of All RRBs in Andhra Pradesh

• Under the “One State – One RRB” policy, the Finance Ministry approved the merger of all Regional
Vin

Rural Banks (RRBs) in AP into a single entity named "AP Grameena Bank".
• This move is part of a national roadmap to reduce 43 RRBs to 28.
• Implementation Date: May 1, 2025.
• Objectives: Improve service efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure financial sustainability.
• RRBs operate under NABARD to support agriculture and rural livelihoods through institutional credit.
• Merger benefits: Expanded digital banking, better administrative capacity, and rural development
support.
• NABARD Established: 1982; HQ: Mumbai.
• RRBs were first established in 1975.

AP Government Classifies Village & Ward Secretariats into A, B, C Categories

• Based on population, the government divided secretariats into three categories:
• Up to 2,500 population – 2 staff members
• 2,501–3,500 population – 3 staff members
• Above 3,500 population – 4 staff members
• Departmental secretaries were reallocated and assigned duties accordingly.
• Seen as a crucial administrative reform to enhance local governance efficiency.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 36 GVK Study Circle

Operation Garuda: Statewide Crackdown on Narcotics
• Eagle Drugs Cell, Enforcement Directorate, and Police Department jointly conducted anti-narcotics raids
under "Operation Garuda".
• Action taken under the NDPS Act, 1985; cases registered against 158 shops.
• Part of the central government’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat” Mission, this initiative targets the sale and abuse
of narcotic substances.
• A strict policy-level mechanism has been initiated to eliminate drug trafficking and usage in the state.

Navodayam 2.0 – Four-Phase Campaign for Alcohol-Free Villages

• The AP Excise Department has launched Navodayam 2.0, aiming to eradicate illicit liquor from rural
areas.
• Phase 1: Identification of affected villages
• Phase 2: Action against illicit manufacturers
• Phase 3: Criminal enforcement
• Phase 4: Recognition of successfully reformed villages

r
• Minister Kollu Ravindra has directed officials to implement the program from the grassroots level.

a
• The state’s primary goal is to curb rural alcohol addiction and promote social well-being.
um
Andhra Pradesh Ranks 7th in AIDS Control (NACO Report)
• As per NACO’s report for April–December 2024, AP secured the 7th position nationally by achieving
100% target implementation.
• The National AIDS Control Organisation praised the state's health department for effective prevention,
K

testing, and treatment efforts.

• These details were officially released on World AIDS Day (December 1, 2024).
ay

AP Drone Mart Portal Launched for Drone Services

• The state government launched the ‘AP Drone Mart’ portal to connect drone service providers with users
Vin

in sectors like agriculture, policing, disaster response, and infrastructure.

• Inaugurated by APSFL MD Dr. K. Rangarao at Anantapur.
• Website: www.apsfl.in/notifications.php | Helpline (Anantapur): 7995511440
• A 300-acre drone use zone is being set up at Orvakal for training and demonstrations.
• The portal simplifies approvals in line with DGCA’s Drone Rules 2021.
• Related models: Telangana (Medicine from the Sky), MP (India’s first drone school in Gwalior)
• AP Innovation Highlight: Use of blockchain tech for land records in Visakhapatnam.

‘Nivasam’ App & MEPMA Website Launched

• Minister Ponguru Narayana launched the ‘Nivasam’ mobile app and MEPMA’s new website to monitor
urban slum rehabilitation.
• Designed to digitally track and integrate slum dwellers with resettlement centres.
• Improves service accessibility and information for Self-Help Group (SHG) women.
• Implemented under the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department.
• MEPMA stands for Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas.

Laurus Labs Announces ₹5,000 Crore Investment in AP Pharma Sector

• Laurus Labs will set up a bulk drug manufacturing unit at Phase-2 SEZ, Gorapudi, Anakapalli district.
• On April 3, 2025, company CEO Dr. Chava Satyanarayana and EVP Narasi Rao presented the investment

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 37 GVK Study Circle

 plan to CM Chandrababu Naidu.
• Expected to create about 7,500 direct and indirect jobs.
• Laurus Labs’ headquarters is in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The project will boost pharma manufacturing capacity, exports, and employment in Andhra Pradesh.

Gollapudi Panchayat Wins National Panchayat Award 2025 (Self-Reliance Category)

• Gollapudi Panchayat, from Vijayawada Rural Mandal, NTR District, has received a special honour in the
Self-Reliant Panchayat category of the National Panchayat Awards 2025.
• It secured 3rd rank nationally for generating its own revenue resources.
• The award will be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24, 2025, during National
Panchayati Raj Day celebrations in Madhubani, Bihar.
• The awards are annually conferred by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, for exemplary
performance by panchayats.
• National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on April 24 each year, marking the enactment of the 73rd

r
Constitutional Amendment.

a
SC Sub-Categorisation Guidelines in Andhra Pradesh – Three-Group Division
um
• As per the latest notification issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, the 15% SC reservation quota is
now split into three sub-categories:
• Group 1 (including Relli and 12 other sub-castes): 1% reservation
• Group 2 (including Madiga and 18 sub-castes): 6.5% reservation
K

• Group 3 (including Mala and 29 sub-castes): 7.5% reservation

• 33.3% of reservation within each group is reserved for women.
ay

Extension of Tenure for One-Member SC Sub-Categorisation Commission

• Chairperson: Rajeev Ranjan Mishra (Retired IAS officer)
• Purpose: To study sub-categorisation within SC communities in Andhra Pradesh.
Vin

• Original deadline: April 10, 2025 → Extended to: May 10, 2025

AP Recognised for Gratuity Implementation for Anganwadi Workers

• Andhra Pradesh becomes the third state (after Karnataka and Gujarat) to implement gratuity benefits for
Anganwadi employees.
• Gratuity: A retirement benefit usually offered to government employees.
• Anganwadi scheme launched in 1975 under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services).
• Roles: Child nutrition, health services, early childhood education support.
• Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in rural women and child development.

India’s First Quantum Computing Village – Andhra Pradesh Takes the Lead
• The Andhra Pradesh government has planned to establish the country’s first Quantum Computing Village
in Amaravati.
• On April 22, a review meeting was held under the leadership of RTGS Secretary Bhaskar Katamneni at
the Secretariat.
• The government has already allocated 50 acres of land for the project.
• Preliminary collaboration talks have begun with companies like IBM Quantum Systems, TCS, and L&T.
• Key components of the plan include iconic building designs, advanced infrastructure, and ecosystem
development.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 38 GVK Study Circle

‘Matsyakaarula Sevalo’ Scheme – ₹20,000 Assistance to 1.29 Lakh Fisher Families
• Launched on April 26, 2025, in Srikakulam by CM Chandrababu Naidu, this scheme marks a new
milestone in fishermen welfare.
• Under the scheme, ₹20,000 financial assistance will be given per family during the fishing ban season.
• Total beneficiaries: 1,29,178 families; Budget allocation: ₹258 crore.
• Andhra Pradesh has a coastline of 974 km – the second longest in India.
• Linked Central Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

TCS IT Campus in Vizag – ₹1,370 Crore Project to Create 12,000 Jobs

• Approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on April 15, 2025, this TCS campus project in Visakhapatnam
will boost IT growth in the region.
• Investment: ₹1,370 crore | Employment potential: 12,000 jobs
• Location: IT Hill No. 3, Visakhapatnam | Land allocated: 21.16 acres.
• Expected to enhance IT infrastructure and create new opportunities for youth in the state.

a r
UN-WFP Food Security Project in YSR District, Andhra Pradesh
um
• Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) to implement a food
security project in YSR District.
• Duration: 2025–2030 | Other partner states: Odisha, Tamil Nadu.
• WFP: World’s largest food assistance agency, HQ in Rome, Italy.
K

• WFP received the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its global humanitarian work.

Kandukuri Awards 2025 – 110 Drama Artists Honoured

ay

• On April 16, 2025, the state government announced the Kandukuri Veeresalingam Awards.
• 107 regional artists received ₹10,000 + certificate.
• 3 state-level awardees received ₹1 lakh each:
Vin

• Aradhyula Venkateswara Rao (Tenali)

• Dr. Kandimalla Sambasiva Rao (Chilakaluripet)
• Dr. Gurrala Ravi Krishna (Nandyal)
• Kandukuri Veeresalingam: Pioneer of modern Telugu literature and social reformer for widow remarriage.

E-Waste Collection & Recycling – Swachh Andhra Theme for April

• Theme: “E-Waste Collection & Safe Recycling”, part of Swachh Andhra campaign.
• Focus: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principles under circular economy.
• CM Chandrababu Naidu instructed the setup of e-waste centres in every town.
• India generates 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste annually; AP collected 1.2 lakh tonnes in 2023, 40%
recycled.
• E-waste clinics already functional in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
• Global E-Waste Day: October 14.

Amaravati to Become World's First Fully Renewable-Energy Powered City

• Andhra Pradesh aims to develop Amaravati as the first city globally powered entirely by renewable energy.
• This marks a major step in clean energy-based urbanisation, setting an eco-friendly model for future
generations.
• Planned between Vijayawada and Guntur, the city is promoted as the People’s Capital.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 39 GVK Study Circle

• Project is spearheaded by CM Chandrababu Naidu.
• It reflects India’s global commitment to green energy transformation.

Andhra Pradesh Forms AIDS Prevention Council for Multi-Sector Coordination

• The state formed a State AIDS Prevention Council (APSC) with 18 members.
• Headed by the Chief Secretary; convened by APSACS Project Director.
• Aim: Coordinate HIV/AIDS control efforts across departments, pool resources, and promote public
engagement.
• Approved by CM on recommendation from the Health Department.
• APSACS (established in 1998) operates under NACO, India’s national AIDS control body.
• This is vital as India ranks 3rd globally in HIV cases.

REGIONAL-TELANGANA
Bhoobharati-2025 Act Comes into Force in Telangana

r
• The Telangana government’s new revenue law, Bhoobharati-2025, officially came into effect from April

a
14, 2025.
• The previous Dharani portal has been scrapped; Bhoobharati aims to ensure greater land record
um
transparency and security.
• CM Revanth Reddy launched the Bhoobharati portal; Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy
announced the implementation schedule.
• Initial pilot implementation is in four mandals: Maddur (Narayanpet), Nellakondapalli (Khammam),
K

Venkatapur (Mulugu), and Lingampet (Kamareddy).

• Revenue sabhas began in pilot areas from April 17, with expansion to one mandal per district from May
1.
ay

• Full statewide rollout targeted by June 2, 2025.

Saleshwaram Jathara – The “Amarnath Yatra of South Telangana”

Vin

• Held annually at the Saleshwaram Lingeshwara Swamy Temple, located in the Nallamala forests of
Amrabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool District.
• Celebrated on Chaitra Pournami, devotees chant “Vastunna Lingamayya!” and undertake a 25 km forest
trek.
• Pilgrimage access is permitted only for five days each year, and only with approval from the Forest
Department.
• The temple is a deeply spiritual Shiva shrine and is popularly referred to as the “Amarnath Yatra of
Telangana.”
• Every year, around 5 lakh pilgrims participate, making it a fusion of devotion, nature, and adventure.

Justice A. Rajasekhar Reddy Appointed Telangana Lokayukta

• Retired High Court judge Justice A. Rajasekhar Reddy has been appointed as the new Lokayukta of
Telangana.
• Other appointments: BS Pavan Kumar as Upa Lokayukta and Justice Shameem Akhtar as Chairman of the
Human Rights Commission (HRC).
• Justice Rajasekhar Reddy is a Gold Medalist from Kakatiya University and retired in 2022.
• HRC members Shivadi Praveen and B. Kishore, both from Nalgonda district, have also been appointed.
• All appointments were made by a committee headed by the Chief Minister, which worked proactively.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 40 GVK Study Circle

Vanguard Global Capability Center in Hyderabad
• US-based company Vanguard will establish its first Global Capability Center (GCC) in India at
Hyderabad.
• Set to launch by end of 2025, the center is expected to create 2,300 jobs over 6 years.
• Focus areas: Technology, Digital Services, Data Analytics, and Enterprise Operations.
• Hyderabad already hosts GCCs of major firms like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta.
• This investment strengthens Hyderabad’s position as a global tech ecosystem.

Kothakota Seethadayakar Reddy Appointed TSCPCR Chairperson

• Former MLA of Devarakadra, Seethadayakar Reddy has been appointed Chairperson of the Telangana
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR).
• TSCPCR is a statutory body under the 2005 Act, with a maximum tenure of 3 years or up to age 65.
• The commission ensures monitoring of children’s rights, welfare, and health.
• Members can serve up to 60 years of age and work in coordination with the Women & Child Welfare

r
Department.

Padma Shri Vanajeevi Ramayya Passes Away

a
um
• Environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Vanajeevi Ramayya passed away on April 12, 2025, due to
cardiac arrest.
• A resident of Khammam district, he dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation, earning the name
Vanajeevi (Forest Man).
K

• He was known for protecting forests alongside tribal communities without formal government training.

Chickpea Variety Named After Nunavat Ashwini

ay

• Pusa Chickpea-4037, a new variety developed by IARI, has been named after Nunavat Ashwini, a
Telangana researcher from Gangarampet Tanda (Khammam).
• It yields 36.46 quintals/hectare, is cost-efficient, and profitable.
Vin

• Ashwini, a gold medalist in PG and PhD, tragically died in the 2024 floods.
• India leads globally in chickpea production; IARI is India’s premier agricultural research institution.

Dhruva Space–Infostellar Japan Partnership

• On March 31, 2025, Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space signed a partnership with Infostellar (Japan).
• They aim to link a 3.8-meter ground station antenna with the StellarStation platform.
• Purpose: Expand the global ground station network and enhance satellite communication.
• Benefits: Real-time data transmission, earth observation, and remote sensing.
• It’s a new example of India–Japan space collaboration.

Telangana–Godrej Capital MSME Loan Agreement

• Telangana’s Industries Department signed an MoU with Godrej Capital to extend credit access to MSMEs.
• The ‘Aarohi’ division of Godrej will support women entrepreneurs.
• The agreement will improve loan availability for small and medium enterprises in the state.
• Officials present: Jayesh Ranjan (Principal Secretary) and Manish Shah (Godrej Capital CEO).
• The deal opens up new financial pathways for MSME development.

NITI Aayog Aspirational Block Rankings – Telangana Blocks Secure Top 2

• Gangaram block (Mahabubabad) ranked 1st, Kannaigudem (Mulugu) ranked 2nd in India under the

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 41 GVK Study Circle

 Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• These blocks were selected from 500 backward blocks nationwide.
• Gangaram awarded ₹3 crore, Kannaigudem ₹2 crore as performance incentives.
• ABP launched in 2023 by NITI Aayog to improve health, education, nutrition, agriculture, and
infrastructure.

Mall Panchayat Wins Atmanirbhar Panchayat National Award

• Mall Panchayat, in Yacharam mandal (Ranga Reddy), won the 2025 National Panchayat Award under the
"Atmanirbhar Panchayat" category.
• Receives ₹1 crore as incentive.
• Recognised for own-source revenue (~₹70 lakh/year), green initiatives, tax collection, and sanitation.
• Identified as a model for modern rural governance.

Adilabad Collector Rajarshi Shah Receives PM Award for Excellence

• Adilabad Collector Rajarshi Shah selected for the 2024 Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public

a r
Administration.
• Based on success in Narnur block under the ABP, ranked in the Top 5 nationally.
um
• Initiatives include: agriculture improvements, women SHG-bank linkage, nutrition drives, digital classes,
check dams.
• Award to be presented by PM on Civil Services Day – April 21.
K

Miss World 2025 – Global Beauty Pageant in Hyderabad

• The 72nd Miss World Festival will be hosted in Hyderabad from May 7–31, 2025.
• Official theme: "Telangana Zaroor Aana", highlighting hospitality and culture.
ay

• 140 countries to participate with contestants, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs.

• 22 events over 25 days: fashion shows, social initiatives, cultural programs.
• Miss World started in 1951, led by Julia Morley, under the theme “Beauty with a Purpose”.
Vin

• India has 6 Miss World winners, from Reita Faria (1966) to Manushi Chhillar (2017).

Naini Coal Block – SCCL’s First Expansion Outside Telangana

• On April 16, 2025, Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurated the Naini Coal Block in Angul,
Odisha (virtually).
• Marks SCCL’s first mining project in another state.
• SCCL CMD N. Balram termed it a major step in national-level expansion.
• SCCL is a joint venture of the Telangana and Central Governments, HQ in Kothagudem.
• The project strengthens India’s energy security and reflects the growth of Telangana’s public sector
enterprises.

STREE Summit 2025 – Hyderabad Focuses on Women's Safety

• On April 15, 2025, Hyderabad hosted the 2nd STREE Summit under the Hyderabad City Security Council
(HCSC).
• Focus: Women’s safety, protection, and empowerment.
• Attendees included experts, lawyers, social workers, and officials.
• Aims: Gender equality, practical safety measures, and public awareness.
• STREE stands for Strengthening Trust, Responsibility, Equality, and Empowerment.
• The 1st summit was held in 2023, creating a dialogue platform between citizens and authorities.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 42 GVK Study Circle

₹4 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Heatstroke Deaths – Government Relief
• On April 15, 2025, the state government announced ₹4 lakh compensation for families of heatstroke
victims.
• Previously, only ₹50,000 was granted under the Apathbandhu Scheme.
• Heatstroke is now recognized as a “State-Specific Disaster”, enabling faster relief.
• District Collectors are designated as responsible authorities.
• Heatstroke is a fatal condition caused by extreme temperatures disrupting body regulation.

IALAs for Rural Industrial Growth – Telangana's New Push

• Telangana approved Industrial Area Local Authorities (IALAs) in rural areas, previously limited to urban
zones.
• These will support rural industrial parks with governance bodies including commissioners and local
entrepreneurs.
• TSIIC will manage park development and infrastructure.
• Objective: Boost rural industry, generate jobs, and ensure effective public–private management.

a r
HYDRAA–NRSC Partnership – Geo-Spatial Monitoring for Hyderabad Lakes
um
• HYDRAA and NRSC (ISRO) signed an MoU to provide geo-information on lakes, buffer zones, flood
canals, and parks within the Hyderabad ORR region.
• Officials: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, NRSC Director Dr. Prakash Chauhan.
• Aim: Prevent encroachments, provide authentic FTL data, and promote citizen awareness.
K

• Note: HYDRAA protects urban water assets; NRSC is ISRO’s satellite data hub.

New HYDRAA Logo – Symbol of Urban Water Responsibility

ay

• HYDRAA unveiled a new logo featuring an ‘H’ with a water droplet, symbolizing lake conservation.
• Reflects Hyderabad’s identity as a “Lake City” and underscores the city's water sustainability focus.
Vin

Bharat Summit 2025 @ Hyderabad – Global Democratic Dialogue

• Held on April 25–26, 2025 at HICC Novotel, with 450 delegates from 100+ countries, including 50 MPs
and 40 ministers.
• Key focus: Politics, economy, and democracy.
• Notable attendees: Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Julia Morley, George Tayana, among others.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Indian Cities Get ‘C’ Rating – Inclusion on the Rise
• As per Open for Business City Ratings 2025, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi received a ‘C’ rating for
LGBTQ+ inclusiveness.
• Corporate pioneers: Tata Steel, Mahindra Group.
• Backed by: Supreme Court & Madras HC rulings, UGC’s 2022 LGBTQ+ guidelines for educational
institutions.
• AIR Hyderabad Diamond Jubilee – Honouring 60 Years of Broadcasting
• On April 15, 2025, All India Radio (AIR) Hyderabad launched its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
• DG Dr. Pragna Paliwal Gaur virtually unveiled the jubilee pylon.
• The station transitioned from analog to digital, enhancing reach and quality.
• AIR Hyderabad broadcasts in 7 languages, serving both urban and rural audiences equally.
• Established: 1960s | Languages: 7 | Network: All India Radio (AIR)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 43 GVK Study Circle

Telangana Signs ₹34,000 Cr Green Energy Deals
• Ecorace Energy to invest ₹27,000 Cr for 5,600 MW green energy projects.
• GPRS Arya to set up CBG plants in 15 districts with ₹2,000 Cr investment.
• MoUs signed with TGREDCO on April 16 at TGIRD, Rajendranagar.
• Also revealed: ₹20,000 Cr pumped storage MoU with Sanetro during the Davos visit.
• Focus: Bio-gas, clean fuels, eco-friendly power generation

Marubeni to Invest ₹1,000 Cr in Future City, Hyderabad

• Japan’s Marubeni Corporation to set up a Next-Gen Industrial Park in Hyderabad’s Future City with an
investment of ₹1,000 crore.
• Focus sectors: Electronics, Green Pharma, Aerospace, Defence.
• Phase-1 development: 600 acres, potential for 30,000 jobs.
• LoI signed in Tokyo in the presence of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy.

r
AI Data Center Cluster in Hyderabad – ₹10,500 Cr Investment
• Telangana Govt signed tripartite MoU with NTT DATA (Japan) & Neysa Networks (India).

a
• Goal: Build advanced AI-cloud data centers in Hyderabad with ₹10,500 crore investment.
um
• Boost to digital infrastructure; Telangana to emerge as an AI-First Hub.
• NTT DATA – global IT services firm; Neysa – AI-cloud tech company.

Kitakyushu Eco-Town Model to Inspire Hyderabad

K

• CM Revanth Reddy’s team visited Kitakyushu (Japan) during official tour.

• Studied river rejuvenation, waste management & eco-planning.
• Kitakyushu – once polluted, now a global clean city model.
ay

• Telangana exploring a similar Eco-Town plan in Hyderabad focused on clean air, water, and renewable
energy.
Vin

Marubeni’s ₹1,000 Cr Deal – From Ramagundam to Future City

• Japan-based Marubeni Corp signed an MoU with the Telangana government to develop a Next-Gen
Industrial Park in Hyderabad's Future City.
• Sectors covered: Electronics, Aerospace, Defence, Precision Engineering.
• Expected to generate around 30,000 direct & indirect jobs.
• This follows Marubeni’s earlier involvement in the BPL power project in Ramagundam over 25 years ago.

Yudhvir Foundation Award to Thota Vaikuntam – Life in Art

• Renowned artist Thota Vaikuntam has been selected for the 32nd Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award.
• Award ceremony: April 30, 2025, to be presented by Governor Dr. C.P. Radhakrishnan (Jishnu Dev
Varma).
• Known for portraying rural Telangana women, and worked as an art director for the National Award-
winning film “Daasi”.
• His works have been showcased in leading national and international galleries.

K. Ramakrishna Rao Appointed New Telangana Chief Secretary

• K. Ramakrishna Rao, a 1991-batch IAS officer, appointed Telangana's 5th Chief Secretary, succeeding
Shanti Kumari.
• Has held key positions in the Finance Department.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 44 GVK Study Circle

• Will now serve as the chief coordinator for state administrative operations.
• First CS of Telangana was Rajiv Sharma.

SUPERLATIVES
New Pamban Railway Bridge Inaugurated
• On April 6, 2025 (Ram Navami), Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban vertical lift
railway bridge.
• It connects mainland India with Rameswaram Island.
• Travel time reduced from 25–30 minutes (old bridge) to 5 minutes (new bridge).
• Length: 2.5 km | Cost: ₹535 crore.
• Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
• India’s first vertical lift railway bridge and first sea bridge in the country.
• Rameswaram is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

r
Juspay – First Unicorn Startup of 2025

a
• Juspay, a Bengaluru-based digital payments startup, raised $60 million in a funding round led by Kedaara
Capital.
um
• With a valuation crossing $1 billion, it became the first Indian unicorn of 2025.
• Focus: AI-driven technology, global expansion into APAC, Europe, and the US.
• Key investors: Kedaara Capital, Accel, SoftBank.
K

India’s First GaN Semiconductor Plant – Raipur

• Polymatech inaugurated India’s first Gallium Nitride (GaN) chip plant in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh with
an investment of ₹1,143 crore.
ay

• Launched by CM Vishnu Deo Sai on April 11, 2025.

• Goal: 10 billion chips/year by 2030.
• GaN (Gallium Nitride) chips are faster and energy-efficient.
Vin

• Additional planned investment: ₹10,000 crore in Chhattisgarh to boost advanced chip manufacturing.

World’s First AI-Conceived IVF Baby Born in Mexico

• A baby boy was born in Mexico through the world’s first automated AI-assisted IVF process.
• The technology was developed by a joint team of doctors from New York and Mexico.
• All 23 stages of the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) were performed without human intervention
using AI.
• Seen as a next-generation alternative to traditional ICSI (introduced in 1990).
• Conducted successfully at the Hope IVF Center, Mexico.
• Marks rapid advancement of AI in healthcare, especially in diagnostics and reproductive technology.

China Builds World’s Tallest Bridge – Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge

• Location: Guizhou Province, China.
• Specifications: 2.9 km long, 625 meters high – 200 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
• Cost: ₹2,200 crore | Opening: June 2025.
• Designed as a full suspension bridge with no central support.
• Aims to reduce travel time from 1 hour to just 1 minute.
• Half of the world’s top 100 tallest bridges are in Guizhou Province.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 45 GVK Study Circle

IIM Ahmedabad to Launch First Overseas Campus in Dubai
• IIM Ahmedabad will inaugurate its first international campus in Dubai in September 2025.
• The institute will offer a 1-year full-time MBA program for working professionals.
• Campus located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
• A permanent campus is planned to be completed by 2029.
• A major milestone in the globalization of Indian higher education institutions.

China’s Nuclear Dominance – Zhīngluó Reactor

• Location: Yahohu Science Island, Jiangxi Province, China.
• The Zhīnghuó Reactor uses a hybrid model of fusion and fission reactions.
• Goal: To achieve a Q-value of 30, indicating the highest net energy gain.
• Comparisons: USA – 1.5 Q, ITER (France) – 10 Q, China targets – 30 Q.
• Expected to reach full-scale production in 5 years.
• Marks China’s bid for 20-year leadership in global nuclear energy.

a r
World’s First Robot Boxing Match
• China-based Unitree Robotics hosted a boxing match between humanoid robots.
um
Competitors:
• G1 – 4.3 feet tall
• H1 – 5.11 feet tall with advanced computing and motion control.
• A promotional video of the match went viral.
K

• This event is being hailed as a milestone in robot sports history.

• India’s First Climate Change Station – Udhampur, J&K

ay

• Inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.

• Purpose-built for Himalayan climate studies, including:
• Cloud formation, weather modelling, and climate change projections.
Vin

• Managed by India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875.

• It will serve as a critical data hub for understanding Himalayan climate dynamics.

Golconda Blue Diamond Set for Auction

• A rare Golconda-origin blue diamond to be auctioned on May 14, 2025 by Christie’s.
• Estimated to weigh 23–24 carats, valued between ₹300–₹430 crore.
Provenance:
• Belonged to Holkar royal family of Indore (1920s).
• Later held by Harry Winston, NY jeweler, and Baroda Maharaja.
• Known for its rich natural blue hue, it's one of the world’s most valuable diamonds.

India’s First ATM-Enabled Train – Panchavati Express

• Panchavati Express (Mumbai–Manmad) becomes India’s first train with onboard ATM services
• Installed by Bank of Maharashtra in an AC coach
• Services include: cash withdrawal, chequebook requests, and account statements
• Launched under Indian Railways’ INFRAIS scheme (Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme)
• Bhusawal Railway Division partnered in implementation
• Upon success, the model will be expanded to other trains

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 46 GVK Study Circle

India’s Longest Railway Tunnel – Janasu, Uttarakhand
• A 14.57 km-long tunnel between Devprayag and Janasu is now India’s longest railway tunnel
• Part of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project (125 km)
• Tunneling completed on April 16, matching the anniversary of Indian Railways (1853)
• Excavation by L&T using a German tunnel boring machine named Shakti
• Managed by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL); average monthly progress: 413 meters

India’s First Full-Stack Quantum Computer – QpiAI-Indus

• Developed by Bengaluru-based startup QpiAI, QpiAI-Indus is India’s first full-stack quantum computer
• Has 25 qubits, integrating quantum hardware, software, and AI-based hybrid computing
• Built in alignment with the National Quantum Mission (NQM)
• Supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST)
• Applications: data security, advanced mathematical modeling, and high-speed processing

r
World’s First 3D-Printed Military Bunker – Leh, India

a
• India built the world’s first 3D-printed military bunker at 11,000 ft altitude in Leh (Ladakh)
• Jointly constructed by IIT Hyderabad, Simpliforge Creations (startup), and the Indian Army
um
• Part of the Project Prabal, led by Prof. KVL Subramaniam (IIT-H)
• Features: bullet-resistant concrete, weather-resilient structure, low-visibility design
• The same startup earlier built the world’s first 3D-printed Hindu temple in Siddipet, Telangana
K

SECL – India’s First Coal PSU to Use Paste Fill Technology

• South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) becomes India’s first coal PSU to adopt Paste Fill Technology
• Signed a ₹7,040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Pvt. Ltd
ay

• Technology involves filling underground mining voids with a mix of coal ash, water, and binder
• Aim: eco-friendly mining, zero waste generation
• HQ: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Subsidiary of Coal India Ltd
Vin

India’s First Indigenous AI Server – VVDN Technologies

• Launched by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, developed by VVDN Technologies (Gurugram)
• Equipped with 8 GPUs, optimized for AI applications and data security
• A milestone under the Make in India electronics initiative
• India’s electronics sector: Projected to reach ₹11 lakh crore market, with exports of ₹3.25 lakh crore over
10 years

Vizhinjam International Seaport – India’s First Semi-Automated Transshipment Port

• To be inaugurated by PM Modi on May 2, 2025, in Kerala
• India’s first semi-automated deep-water container transshipment port
• Investment: ₹7,700 crore (PPP model – Adani Group + Kerala Govt)
• Can dock mega container ships with 20,000+ TEU capacity
• Expected to reduce export costs by 30% and support Make in India
• Currently, 75% of India’s containers are transshipped via Colombo & Singapore

Kerala – India’s First State to Launch Online Permanent Lok Adalat Services
• Kerala Legal Services Authority (KELSA) became the first in India to offer Permanent Lok Adalat
services online

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 47 GVK Study Circle

• Aimed at delivering justice to marginalized and underprivileged sections using digital platforms
• Permanent Lok Adalats resolve disputes related to public utility services under LSAA Act, 1987

‘Namo Bharat’ – India’s First 16-Coach Rapid Rail Launched

• First 16-coach Namo Bharat train launched on Jay Nagar–Patna route (April 24, 2025)
• Fully air-conditioned, with capacity for 2,000 passengers
• Max speed: 110 km/h, designed for faster, modern intercity travel

Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) Inaugurated

• India’s largest cruise terminal, MICT, inaugurated on April 21, 2025 in Mumbai
• Can handle 1 million passengers annually and 5 cruise ships simultaneously
• Total cost: ₹556 crore; can dock ships up to 300 meters long
• Part of the Sagarmala Programme; additional ₹5,700 crore MoUs signed for Vadhavan Port development

r
PERSONS IN NEWS

a
Bryce Oligui Wins Gabon Presidential Election
• Bryce Oligui Nguema won the April 2025 elections in Gabon with a landslide 90% vote share.
um
• Main opponent Alian Claude Bilie By Nze secured only 3% of votes.
• His victory follows the 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family’s rule.
• After winning, Oligui promised to restore the nation’s wealth to the people.
• Gabon Capital: Libreville | Official Language: French | Currency: CFA Franc
K

South Korean President Removed by Constitutional Court

• President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed by South Korea’s Constitutional Court for declaring martial law.
ay

• The decision follows mass protests and impeachment proceedings in 2024.

• South Korea’s Constitutional Court was established in 1988.
• This is the second time a president has been removed; Park Geun-hye was ousted in 2017.
Vin

• Yoon had been elected in 2022 representing the Republican Party.

Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi Passes Away

• Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, aged 85, died of heart-related illness on April 14, 2025.
• Served as Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009.
• Known for his image as "Mr. Clean" due to his moderate Islamic policies and anti-corruption efforts.
• Passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa Passes Away

• Mario Vargas Llosa, the Nobel Prize-winning author from Peru, passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age
of 89.
• A renowned writer, journalist, and politician, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010.
• Famous works include The Time of the Hero, The Green House, and The Feast of the Goat.
• He also contested the Peruvian presidential elections in 1990.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey Becomes First African Woman to Lead Commonwealth

• On April 1, 2025, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was appointed as the 7th Secretary-General of the
Commonwealth.
• She made history as the first African woman to assume this post.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 48 GVK Study Circle

• Elected for a four-year term during the 2024 CHOGM summit held in Samoa.
• She is a veteran diplomat and multilateral negotiator from Ghana.
• She succeeds Patricia Scotland from Dominica.

Vineet Joshi Appointed Acting UGC Chairman

• Vineet Joshi, the Higher Education Secretary, was given additional charge as the UGC Chairman on April
7, 2025.
• He replaces Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, who retired from the position.
• Joshi is known for overseeing reforms like CUET (Common University Entrance Test).
• UGC (University Grants Commission) was established in 1956 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• It is responsible for maintaining standards, coordination, and funding in higher education.

Kathak Dancer Kumudini Lakhia Passes Away

• Renowned Kathak dancer Kumudini Lakhia passed away on April 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, at the age of

r
95.
• She was a pioneer of modern Kathak and contributed immensely to evolving the classical form with a
contemporary aesthetic.
a
um
• In 1967, she founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance.
• Recipient of Padma Vibhushan (2025), Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• Widely credited with popularizing Kathak by blending tradition with innovation.
K

Nidhi Tiwari Appointed as PM’s Private Secretary

• On March 29, 2025, Nidhi Tiwari, a 2014-batch IFS officer, was appointed as the Private Secretary to the
Prime Minister.
ay

• She was earlier serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
• Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• The Private Secretary role is a key position closely associated with the Prime Minister.
Vin

• Nidhi Tiwari hails from Uttar Pradesh.

S. Raman Appointed Chairperson of PFRDA

• S. Raman, a 1991-batch IA&AS officer, was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Pension Fund
Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• He will succeed Deepak Mohanty, whose tenure is ending.
• Previously served as Chairman & MD of SIDBI (2021–24).
• PFRDA oversees the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
• Headquartered in New Delhi, PFRDA was established under the 2013 Act.

Canada General Elections – Liberal Party Wins Again

• In 2025, the Liberal Party won 168 seats, becoming the largest party for the 4th consecutive term.
• Other results: Conservative Party – 144, Bloc Québécois – 23, NDP – 7.
• Though short of majority (172 seats), Liberals will form a government with allies’ support.
• Mark Carney, former banker, replaced Justin Trudeau as party leader in 2023.
• The Canadian House of Commons has 343 seats.
• NDP faced major loss due to perceived support for Khalistan sentiment.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 49 GVK Study Circle

Ecuador Presidential Elections – Daniel Noboa Re-elected
• Daniel Noboa won with 55.8% votes, defeating Luisa González (44.2%).
• Elections held amid drug cartel violence and 28% poverty rate.
• Capital: Quito | Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Ecuador continues to face economic and social challenges in the region.

Mangilal Jat Appointed as ICAR Director General

• Dr. Mangilal Jat has been appointed as the Director General of ICAR and Secretary, DARE.
• He previously served as Global Research Program Director at ICRISAT, Hyderabad.
• Appointment approved by Cabinet Committee on Appointments (ACC) for a 3-year term.
• ICAR: India’s apex agricultural research body under the Agriculture Ministry.
• ICRISAT: Hyderabad-based international institute focused on dryland crops.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan Passes Away (Age 88)

• Former ISRO Chairman, Dr. Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru in April 2025.

a r
• He served as ISRO chief for 9 years, retired on August 27, 2003.
• Led Bhaskara-1, Bhaskara-2, and IRS-1A satellite projects.
um
• Honoured with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan.
• Chaired the committee that drafted the 2017 National Education Policy (NEP).
• ISRO founded in 1969, headquartered in Bengaluru.
K

Historian M.G.S. Narayanan Passes Away at 93

• Eminent historian and former ICHR chairman M.G.S. Narayanan passed away in Kozhikode.
• He served as Head of History, Calicut University (1976–1990) and ICHR Chairperson (2001–2003).
ay

• Expert in Brahmi, Vatteluttu, and Grantha scripts, and fluent in Malayalam, Tamil, and Sanskrit.
• Also known as a poet, social activist, and political commentator.
• ICHR: Established in 1972, India’s top historical research body.
Vin

Dr. Shailaja Named ‘Distinguished Scientist’ by CSIR

• Dr. Shailaja of CSIR-IICCT becomes the first woman to receive the ‘Distinguished Scientist’ title in CSIR
history.
• Post-retirement honorary title valid for 5 years or until age 70.
• Assumed charge on April 28, 2025, at CSIR HQ, New Delhi.
• CSIR: India’s premier research body (est. 1942); IICCT: Chemical Technology Centre, Hyderabad.

Pandit Chatur Lal Honoured with Commemorative Stamp

• On his birth centenary (1925–2025), the Indian Postal Department released a stamp.
• Born in Udaipur, he was the first Indian tabla maestro to popularize the instrument in the West.
• Performed globally with Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan.
• Tabla: A key percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Travel Writer Bill Aitken Passes Away

• Scottish-born author Bill Aitken died at 90 in Dehradun.
• Moved to India in the 1950s and became known for literary travelogues on Indian mountains, rivers, and
railways.
• Traveled across states like Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Himachal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 50 GVK Study Circle

• Celebrated for bringing global recognition to Indian travel literature.

Shubhanshu Shukla to Become 2nd Indian at ISS

• Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29, 2025,
via Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
• The mission will launch aboard SpaceX Dragon at 10:33 AM.
• He will be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma (1984), after a 41-year gap.
• The mission includes astronauts from India, Hungary, and Poland, led by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson,
the first female ISS commander.
• Ax-4 is organized by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA.

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88

• Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
• Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina (Dec 17, 1936).
• Became the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.

r
• First Pope from the Americas, known for his strong focus on social justice, poverty alleviation, and climate
change awareness.
a
um
• Successor will be chosen by a conclave of Cardinals.
• Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state, surrounded by Rome, Italy.

Klaus Schwab Retires – End of an Era at World Economic Forum

K

• Klaus Schwab (87) retired on April 21, 2025, stepping down from leadership of the World Economic
Forum (WEF) which he founded in 1971.
• He transformed the Davos Summit into a major platform for global leaders and CEOs.
ay

• Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has taken over as interim chairman.

• Recent criticism of WEF includes charges of elitism, labour exclusion, and anti-globalization backlash.
• WEF is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on public-private cooperation for global problem-
Vin

solving.
• The Davos Annual Meeting is held every January.

Key Bureaucratic Appointments – UIDAI & Cabinet Secretariat

• In April 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) made major bureaucratic changes.
• Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS, UP Cadre, 1995) was appointed as the CEO of UIDAI in January 2025.
• K.K. Pathak was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, enhancing administrative
capacity.
• UIDAI is the nodal agency for implementing the Aadhaar scheme, assigning a 12-digit unique ID to Indian
residents.
• The Cabinet Secretariat handles core administrative coordination of the Government of India.
• Bhuvnesh Kumar has earlier served in the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

SPORTS
India Wins 10 Medals at 2025 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship
• India secured 10 medals at the 2025 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship held in Amman, Jordan.
Medal tally includes:
• 1 Gold: Manisha Bhanwala
• 3 Silver: Deepak Punia, Udit, Ritika Hooda

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 51 GVK Study Circle

• 6 Bronze medals across freestyle and Greco-Roman events.
• Organized by United World Wrestling (UWW).
• The championship served as a key practice event before the Paris Olympics.

T20 Cricket Included in 2028 Olympics – Return After 128 Years

• T20 format cricket will be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• Both men’s and women’s categories will feature, with 6 teams each.
• Each team will consist of 15 players, making a total of 90 cricketers.
• Cricket returns to the Olympics after its only previous appearance in the 1900 Paris Games.
• The decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expand global appeal.

ICC Forms Task Force for Afghan Women Cricketers

• Due to the ban on women’s cricket under Taliban rule, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has set up
a special task force.

r
• Member countries: India, Australia, and England cricket boards.

a
• Objective: Support displaced Afghan women cricketers, provide training and international exposure.
• The decision was formalized at the ICC Annual Meeting.
um
• ICC Headquarters: Dubai, UAE.

Pataudi Trophy Retirement – ECB Considers Replacement

• England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy and introducing a new
K

trophy for India–England Test series held in England.

• The Pataudi Trophy was instituted in 2007 in memory of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, a legendary Indian
Test captain.
ay

• It is awarded to the winner of India–England Test series in England.

• Earlier, the India-hosted series was called the Friendship Trophy.
Vin

Sourav Ganguly Reappointed as ICC Men's Cricket Committee Chair

• Sourav Ganguly has been reappointed as Chair of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, a position he held
since 2021, succeeding Anil Kumble.
• Catherine Campbell (New Zealand) appointed as Chair of the Women’s Committee.
• The committee makes recommendations on rules of the game, use of technology, and umpiring standards.
• ICC Headquarters: Dubai, UAE.

IN Khelo India Youth Games 2025 – Bihar to Host for First Time
• The 7th edition of Khelo India Youth Games will be held in Bihar for the first time, from May 4–15,
2025.
• Events will be spread across five cities in Bihar.
• Announced by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on April 4, 2025.
• Managed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
• These games were launched in 2018 to nurture grassroots sports talent.

Hockey Asia Cup 2025 – First Time in Bihar

• The 12th Men's Hockey Asia Cup will be held in Patna, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7, 2025.
• This is Bihar’s first time hosting the Asia Cup.
• Jointly organized by Hockey India and Bihar State Sports Authority.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 52 GVK Study Circle

• 8 Asian countries will participate.
• The tournament is held under the aegis of the Asian Hockey Federation (founded in 1982).

Vandana Katariya – Retirement from International Hockey

• Played 320 international matches over a 15-year career, scoring 158 goals.
• First Indian woman to score a hat-trick in Olympic hockey (Tokyo Olympics).
• Holds the record for most international matches played by an Indian woman hockey player.
• Recipient of Arjuna Award (2021) and Padma Shri (2022).
• Hails from Uttarakhand.

Japan Grand Prix 2025 – Max Verstappen Triumphs

• Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his first title of the 2025 season.
• Achieved a historic fourth consecutive win at the Japan Grand Prix.
• Race timing: 1 hour 22 minutes 6 seconds.

r
• Podium finish: Lando Norris (2nd), Oscar Piastri (3rd).

Hitesh Gulia – Gold at World Boxing Cup 2025

a
um
• Became the first Indian to win gold at the World Boxing Cup, held in Brazil.
• India won 6 medals in total, boosting morale ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Other medal winners:
• Avinash Jamwal (Silver)
K

• Jadumani Singh, Manish, Sachin, Vishal (Bronze)

• Organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA).
ay

ISSF Shooting World Cup – India Secures 2nd Position

• Venue: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• India won 6 medals: 4 Gold, 2 Silver.
Vin

• China topped the tally with 11 medals.

• Organized by ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) – established in 1907, HQ in Munich.
• NRAI (National Rifle Association of India) oversees shooting in India; established in 1951, HQ in New
Delhi.

Lukas Martin Breaks 400m Freestyle World Record

• German swimmer Lukas Martin clocked 3:39.96 in the 400m freestyle, breaking the 16-year-old record.
• Previous record: Paul Biedermann (3:40.07), set in 2009.
• He also won Gold in the 400m freestyle at the Paris Olympics.
• Record set at the Stockholm Swim Open.
• Note: Super suits were banned by World Aquatics (FINA) in 2010.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025 – Logo & Mascot Launch

• Dates: May 4–15, 2025 | Venue: Bihar (First-time host).
• Mascot name: Gajsinh (Elephant-themed).
• Slogan: “Kheloge, Kudoge, Banoge Laajawab”.
• Launch held at the CM Office, Patna.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 53 GVK Study Circle

Mykolas Alekna Sets Discus Throw World Record
• Lithuanian athlete, 22-year-old Mykolas Alekna, threw 75.56 meters, setting a new world record.
• Broke the previous record by Jürgen Schult (East Germany, 1986 – 74.08m).
• Alekna had already thrown 74.35m in 2024, coming close to the record.
• Event: Oklahoma Throws Series, USA.
• His father Virgilijus Alekna is a 2-time Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2004).

Oscar Piastri Wins 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix

• McLaren driver Oscar Piastri clinched his second win of the season.
• Defeated George Russell by a 15.499-second lead.
• Marked Piastri’s 50th F1 career race.
• This was McLaren’s first-ever victory at the Bahrain circuit.
• Bahrain GP: The first-ever F1 race in the Middle East, held since 2004.

r
Wenjun Ju – 5-time Women’s World Chess Champion

a
• Wenjun Ju from China won her 5th FIDE Women’s World Chess title
• Defeated Zhangyi Tan with a 6.5–2.5 score in a 12-game match
um
• Clinched the title with a draw in the 9th game
• Total prize fund: €500,000 | Winner’s share: €300,000
• FIDE = International Chess Federation – governing body of global chess competitions
K

2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship – Medal Sweep for India

• Dates: April 25–27, 2025 | Venue: K.D. Jadhav Arena, New Delhi
• India topped the medal tally with 87 medals (83 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
ay

• Japan & Mongolia followed in rankings

• Supported by Yogasana Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs, SAI
• 1st Championship: 2022 in Bangkok
Vin

• India officially recognized Yogasana as a sport in 2020

MMA Included in 2026 Asian Games

• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) officially added to the 2026 Asian Games (Nagoya, Japan) for the first time.
• Competitions across 6 categories, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
• Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026; ~15,000 athletes to participate.
• MMA blends various combat disciplines: boxing, wrestling, karate, jujitsu, kickboxing.
• Japan will host the Asian Games for the third time.

Mirabai Chanu – First Woman Chairperson of IWLF Athletes’ Commission

• Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu elected as first female Chairperson of IWLF Athletes’
Commission.
• Won a silver medal in 49kg category at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• IWLF = Indian Weightlifting Federation – the national governing body.
• She follows Karnam Malleswari as the only Indian women weightlifters with Olympic medals.

Sourav Kothari Wins World Billiards (Time Format) Title

• Sourav Kothari clinched the Time Format World Billiards Championship organized by IBSF.
• Beat Pankaj Advani in the final with a score of 725–480 points.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 54 GVK Study Circle

• First time-format world title for Kothari | Prize money: $5,000 (₹4.28 lakh).
• IBSF hosts the championship in three formats: 150-up, long-up, and time format.
• Advani won this title in 2015.

Asian U18 Athletics Championship 2025 – India Bags 11 Medals

• Venue: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
• India’s Medal Tally: 1 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze (Total: 11)
• Gold: Himanshu Jakhar – Boys' Javelin Throw (67.57m)
• India’s first-ever gold in javelin throw in the event’s history.
• Other medalists in javelin:
• Silver: Lu Hao (China), Bronze: Ruslan Sadullayev (Uzbekistan)

Oscar Piastri Wins Saudi Grand Prix 2025

• Date: April 20, 2025

r
• Winner: Oscar Piastri (Australia), Team McLaren

a
• Winning Time: 1:21:06.758
• This marks Piastri’s third win of the season.
um
• Currently leads the Drivers' Championship with 99 points.

Former Australian Cricketer Keith Stackpole Passes Away

• Age: 84 | Cause: Cardiac arrest
K

• Test Career: 43 matches – 7 centuries, 16 half-centuries, 18 wickets

• ODI Career: 6 matches
• First-Class Stats: 167 matches – 10,100 runs, 148 wickets
ay

• Remembered as a reliable all-rounder; Cricket Australia expressed condolences.

Koneru Humpy Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Prix

Vin

• Venue: Pune
• Champion: Koneru Humpy (7 points – won via tie-break)
• Runner-up: Ju Wenjun (China) – also 7 points
• 3rd Place: Divya Deshmukh – 5.5 points
• Humpy also won the 2023 Women’s World Rapid Chess title.
• FIDE Grand Prix: A 6-leg tournament; Top 2 players qualify for the Candidates Tournament.

ISSF World Cup 2025 – India Ranks 3rd

• Venue: Lima, Peru | Dates: April 13–22, 2025
• India’s Medal Tally: 7 (Gold – 2, Silver – 4, Bronze – 1)
Gold Winners:
• Suruchi Singh – 10m Air Pistol (Individual)
• Suruchi Singh + Saurabh Chaudhary – Mixed Team
• Manu Bhaker qualified for the 2025 Finals.
• Indian Team: 42 shooters | ISSF HQ: Munich, Germany

Vajra Super Shot – Anti-Drone Tech for IPL Security

• Used by BCCI during IPL 2025 for airspace protection.
• Developed by Big Bang Boom Solutions (Indian defence startup)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 55 GVK Study Circle

Features:
• Drone detection & jamming
• Effective up to 4 km altitude
• Portable and easy to deploy
• BCCI: Established in 1928; world’s most powerful cricket board.

WTT Contender Tunis 2025 – Mixed Doubles Winners

• Winners: Manush Shah & Diya Chitale (India)
• Location: Tunis, capital of Tunisia
• Final Result: Beat Japanese pair 3–2
• Organised by: WTT (since 2021), under ITTF
• Manush & Diya are emerging young table tennis players from India.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi – Youngest IPL Centurion

• Team: Rajasthan Royals | Opponent: Gujarat Titans

a r
• Century Details: 100 runs in just 35 balls (11 sixes, 7 fours)
• Age: 14 years, 32 days – youngest ever to score an IPL century
um
• Fastest Indian century in IPL after Chris Gayle’s (30 balls) record.
• IPL began in 2008 – known for nurturing youth talent.

11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers' Meeting – Brazil

K

• Date: April 25, 2025 | Location: Brasília, Brazil

• Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive & Sustainable Governance”
• India's Representative: Shobha Karandlaje (Union MoS)
ay

• BRICS formed in 2009

• 2025 stats: 40% of global population, 25% of global GDP
• Brasília – Capital of Brazil since 1960
Vin

South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2025 – India Wins 13 Golds
• Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Total Golds Won by India: 13
Key Victories:
• U-19 Girls, U-15 Girls, U-15 Boys – Team Events
• U-19 & U-15 Doubles – 6 golds
• U-19 Boys & Girls Singles – 4 golds
• Organised by TTFI (Table Tennis Federation of India, est. 1926)
• This is a premier youth tournament for South Asian talent.

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul – Elected President of BWF

• Country: Thailand
• Tenure: 2025–2029
• Elected on: April 26, 2025 at Xiamen, China
• Defeated: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen (incumbent)
• She becomes the second female president in BWF (est. 1934) history
• Headquarters: Kowloon, Hong Kong

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 56 GVK Study Circle

Agnes Ngetich Sets 10km World Record
• Country: Kenya
• Date: April 26, 2025 | Location: Herzogenaurach, Germany
• New Record: 29:27 minutes – fastest ever 10km run on track
• Previous Record: Agnes Tirop – 30:01 mins (2021)
• Ngetich becomes the first woman to finish 10km under 30 minutes

IITS
Bamboo-Based Bulletproof Bunkers – IIT Guwahati
• IIT Guwahati scientists have developed a bamboo-based composite material suitable for bullet-resistant
bunkers and shelters.
• Features: Lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly.
• Being tested by the Indian Army for potential field use.
• Bamboo is often referred to as "Green Steel" due to its strength and sustainability.

a r
Graphene Tech for Oil Spill Cleanup – IIT Kharagpur
• IIT Kharagpur researchers created a graphene-based technology that efficiently separates oil from water.
um
• Works with minimal energy input, offering high efficiency.
• This is a sustainable and effective solution to protect marine biodiversity from oil pollution.
• Graphene: A highly durable, ultra-thin form of carbon with excellent filtration properties.
K

UbiqMap – Indoor Mapping Technology by IIT Madras

• Developed by IIT Madras, UbiqMap is a real-time indoor mapping system that works without GPS.
• Based on Radio Tomographic Imaging (RTI).
ay

• Useful for rescue teams in disaster-struck or GPS-inaccessible buildings.

• Functions efficiently in all lighting and weather conditions.
Vin

Plugzmart's Fast EV Charger – ARAI Certified

• Plugzmart, an IIT Madras incubated startup, developed a fast EV charger for heavy vehicles.
• It became India’s first startup to receive certification from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of
India).
• The charger meets all safety and quality standards as per ARAI norms.
• This innovation supports India’s EV infrastructure growth.

Cyber Commando Training – IIT Madras Pravartak

• IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, completed
training the first batch of cyber commandos.
• 37 police officials trained in cybercrime investigation, covering topics like hacking, phishing, ransomware.
• Training focused on cyber forensics, ethical hacking, and digital intelligence to build national
cybersecurity capabilities.

‘Compact AI’ Initiative – IIT Madras & Zero Labs

• IIT Madras and Zero Labs signed an MoU to launch COAIR (Centre of AI Research).
• Developed ‘Compact AI’ – a CPU-based foundational AI model that works without GPU, reducing cost.
• Targeted for deep-tech startups and research institutions, enabling affordable AI solutions.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 57 GVK Study Circle

Godavari River Pollution – IIT Hyderabad & NEERI Report
• A joint report by IIT Hyderabad and NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute)
revealed severe pollution in the Godavari River.
Key pollution sources:
• Industrial waste from Maharashtra
• Urban sewage from Telangana
• Open defecation in Andhra Pradesh
• The river’s water quality has declined dangerously, affecting both public health and biodiversity.
• Godavari River Length: 1,460 km, flowing through Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra
Pradesh, Odisha.

IIT Delhi–Micron Technology Partnership: Boosting Semiconductor & AI Research

• IIT Delhi and Micron Technology have partnered for cutting-edge research in electronic materials and
artificial intelligence
• Will undertake joint R&D projects to drive innovation

r
• Industry mentorship will be provided to students and researchers
• Aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem
a
um
• Micron is a global leader in memory and storage technologies

Hyundai–IIT Delhi Tie-Up for Future Mobility Innovation

• Hyundai and IIT Delhi launched the Hyundai Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Future Mobility
K

• Focus areas: vehicle electrification, battery tech, and automotive safety

• Involves 9 collaborative projects on battery cells, energy density, and safety features
• Targets India-centric innovations in mobility solutions
ay

• Hyundai was founded in 1967 (South Korea); India HQ in Chennai

• IIT Delhi, established in 1961, is a premier institute for engineering and research
Vin

HISTORY-HERITAGE-CULTURE
Sarhul Festival – Tribal New Year & Nature Worship
• Celebrated by tribal communities at the onset of spring.
• Symbolizes the New Year and the beginning of the agricultural cycle.
• The word ‘Sarhul’ means worship of the Sal Tree (Shorea robusta).
• Represents the relationship between Earth and the Sun.
• Celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Ho, and Santhal.
• Features traditional rituals, offering of flowers and fruits, folk dances, songs, and processions.
• Reflects tribal lifestyle and reverence for nature and ecology.

37th Kathak Mahotsav – 2025, New Delhi

• Venue: Kathak Kendra, New Delhi.
• This was the 37th edition of the festival devoted to the classical dance form Kathak.
• Recognized as the world’s first literary festival for Kathak.
• Included seminars, performances, and panel discussions.
• Kathak highlights narrative storytelling, intricate footwork, and rhythmic patterns.
• The dance form evolved from a fusion of Hindu and Mughal cultures.
• Kathak Kendra functions under the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 58 GVK Study Circle

Ladakh Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 (Chuli Mendok)
• Dates: Begins April 10, 2025
• Location: Sanjak village, Kargil district, Ladakh
• Mascot: Chuli (Apricot) – celebrates the blooming of apricot flowers before fruiting.
• Organized by the Ladakh Tourism Department.
• Local artists and students participate in cultural shows and exhibitions.
• Held in various villages across Kargil till April 21.
• Aims to promote flower tourism and regional cultural heritage.

Mitathal and Tigrana – Notified as Harappan Archaeological Sites

• Date of notification: March 13, 2025, by the Haryana Government
• Location: Bhiwani district, Haryana
• Declared under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1964

r
• Villages Mitathal and Tigrana are believed to be part of the eastern spread of the Harappan Civilization.

a
• Excavations revealed pottery and structural remains confirming Harappan affiliations.
um
Rajaraja Chola I Inscription Found on Somagiri Hill, Melavalavu (Tamil Nadu)
• Found in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Belongs to Rajaraja Chola I’s reign, around 1000 CE.
• Indicates Chola dominance over Pandya region.
K

Historical significance:
• Reign: 985–1014 CE
• Defeated the Cheras at Kandalur Salai (988 CE)
ay

• Annexed Madurai and named it Rajaraja Mandalam

• Conquered Sri Lanka in 993 CE, set up a provincial capital
• Defeated Chalukyas in Karnataka
Vin

• Built the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur

Mining Ban Around Chittorgarh Fort Under Review

• Rajasthan Government is reconsidering the 10 km mining ban around Chittorgarh Fort.
• Legal dispute continues between Birla Corporation and the state government.
• Rajasthan High Court banned mining in 2012; case now in Supreme Court.
Chittorgarh Fort facts:
• Location: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
• Area: ~700 acres – one of India’s largest forts
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013) as part of "Hill Forts of Rajasthan"
• Other forts in this series: Kumbhalgarh, Amber, Ranthambore
• Rajasthan is a key region for limestone mining
• Protected under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

Maharaja Agrasen Statue Unveiled – Hisar, Haryana

• Date: March 31, 2025
• Unveiled by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini
• Location: Hisar, Haryana

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 59 GVK Study Circle

• Also inaugurated a new ICU facility and laid the foundation stone for a post-graduate hostel.
• Maharaja Agrasen: Founder of the Agrawal community, known as a symbol of economic equality and
cooperative governance.

ICCR 75th Anniversary Celebrations – Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Date: April 9, 2025
• Venue: Indian Cultural Centre, Dhaka
• Occasion: 75 years of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) – established in 1950
• Aimed at strengthening India-Bangladesh cultural diplomacy
• Featured: Traditional music and dance performances
• Founder: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
ICCR Centers in Bangladesh:
• Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (2011)
• Indian Cultural Centre, Dhaka (2021)

r
• ICCR promotes Indian art, literature, and music globally through cultural diplomacy

a
Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra Added to UNESCO Memory of the World Register
um
• In 2024, ancient manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra were inscribed in the UNESCO
Memory of the World Register
• Aim: Preserve and ensure access to valuable documentary heritage
• Criteria: Global significance, historical-cultural value, authenticity
K

• Gita – Dialogue of 700 verses between Krishna and Arjuna, authored by Ved Vyasa
• Natyashastra – Treatise on drama, music, and theatre by Bharata Muni
• India now has 14 total entries in the Register
ay

• Other MOWCAP 2024 entries: Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahṛdayāloka-locana

Karnataka Launches India’s First Village-Level Archaeological Survey

Vin

• Karnataka began India’s first geo-tagged village-level archaeological survey

• Records inscriptions, sculptures, and heritage markers through digital mapping
• Completed in 119 taluks so far – aids in preventing encroachment and preserving heritage
• Conducted by the Karnataka Archaeology Department, established in 1885
• Key monuments identified: Halmidi inscription, Shravanabelagola’s Gomateshwara statue, Hampi &
Pattadakal UNESCO sites

3,000-Year-Old Iron Age Civilization Unearthed in Maharashtra (Yavatmal)

• Ancient settlement found at Pabhled village, Babhulgaon Taluka, Yavatmal district
• Excavation conducted by Nagpur University (2023–24)
• Remains found 8.73 meters deep, linked to Iron Age and pre-Iron Age phases
• Indian Iron Age timeline: approx. 1200 BCE – 600 BCE
• Findings include residential structures, tools, and early iron usage
• Other notable Iron Age sites in India: Alamgirpur (UP), Taradeo (Nashik), and South Indian megalithic
burials

Kailash–Mansarovar Yatra to Resume in 2025 After 5-Year Gap

• The Kailash–Mansarovar Yatra will restart in June 2025, after being halted since 2020
• Routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) – 5 groups; Nathula Pass (Sikkim) – 10 groups
www.youtube.com/@praveensir 60 GVK Study Circle
• Applications via KMY.GOV.IN; selection through computerized lottery
• Past suspension reasons: COVID-19 and India-China tensions
• Pilgrimage significance: Sacred to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions (Mount Kailash & Lake
Mansarovar, Tibet)
• Eligibility: Age 18–70 years with strict health requirements

Garia Puja Festival in Tripura – April 21, 2025

• Garia Puja is Tripura’s most prominent tribal festival, celebrated annually in the Baisakh month (April)
• In 2025, the festival was inaugurated in Agartala by CM Manik Saha
• Devotees worship Garia, the deity of livestock, wealth, and household welfare
• Rituals include erecting a bamboo pole symbolizing Garia, decorated with flowers, and offering a “Kokti”
(chicken) as sacrifice
• Majorly celebrated by the Tripuri tribal community

r
Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2025 – May 2–3
• Held to promote agro-tourism and support rural livelihoods
Festival locations:
a
um
• Syntung (East Khasi Hills)
• Sohliya (Ri-Bhoi district)
• Daribokgre (West Garo Hills)
• Organized by: Meghalaya Tourism Dept., Agriculture Dept., and Meghalaya Basin Development
K

(Meghalayan Age Ltd.)

• Strawberry farming is expanding rapidly in Meghalaya’s humid hill regions
• State facts: Formed in 1972, known as the “Abode of Clouds”, receives 1200+ cm rainfall annually
ay

BOOK - AUTHORS
The Great Conciliator – On Lal Bahadur Shastri
Vin

• Author: Sanjeev Chopra

• A detailed biography focusing on the life, leadership style, and consensual political approach of Lal
Bahadur Shastri
• Highlights iconic contributions like the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, and the formation of BSF
• Explains his critical role in stabilizing the country post-Nehru
• Also touches upon the circumstances surrounding his death after the Tashkent Agreement

Careless People – On Facebook by Sarah Wynn-Williams

• Author: Sarah Wynn-Williams, former Director of Public Policy at Facebook
• A memoir and exposé analyzing ethical failures and power misuse within the company
• Covers 2016 US elections, violence in Myanmar, and Facebook’s attempts to enter China
• Reveals internal leadership conflicts involving Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, and Joel Kaplan
• Reflects on the toxic work culture and pressures inside Meta

‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book Released

• Launched by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY)
• Developed by International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE)
• Features stories on innovation and successful reuse practices
• Promotes circular economy principles like regeneration and resource efficiency
• Visually rich with short narratives to raise public awareness

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 61 GVK Study Circle

‘The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife’ – Book by Pooja Pujara
• Written by Pooja Pujara, wife of Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara
• Released on: April 29, 2025
• Shares her personal journey balancing family life and cricket commitments
• An emotional narrative offering life lessons beyond the cricket field

Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay – Book Reflecting PM Modi’s Cultural Vision

• A compilation based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches and ideas
• Showcases his views on Indian culture, art, heritage, and spirituality
• Released by Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, head of Juna Akhada
• Aims to present Modi’s cultural perspective to a global audience

The Kashmir Shawl – A Timeless Tale of Love and Identity

• A historical novel by Rosie Thomas (pen name of Janey King)

r
• Follows Mair Ellis, who uncovers her grandmother Nerys Watkins’ past through a Kashmiri shawl

a
• Set across Wales, Kashmir, and Ladakh, moving between the 1940s and the present
um
• Reflects Kashmir’s transition from a harmonious cultural center to political unrest
• Themes: women’s lives, family secrets, identity, and Kashmiri culture
• Kashmiri shawls – iconic handicraft with Geographical Indication (GI) tag
• Rosie Thomas – renowned British novelist known for historical fiction
• Key historical turns: 1947 Partition, 2019 formation of Ladakh as a Union Territory
K

Beyond the Court Room – Fali S. Nariman

ay

• Authored by Fali S. Nariman, leading Indian jurist

• Reflects on law, constitution, and nationhood from his legal journey
• Co-practiced with Subhash Sharma for 40+ years
Vin

• Known for ethical advocacy and deep constitutional insights

• Recipient of Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2007)
• Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court; born in 1929

Telangana Gram Panchayat Governance – A Guidebook for Rural Administration

• Released on April 25, 2025, by Minister Seetakka on National Panchayati Raj Day
• Authored by K.V. Rao, former IRTS officer, as a guide for elected panchayat representatives
• Based on the Telangana Panchayati Raj Act, 2018, and proposes a 10-point development program
• Recommends renaming caste-based colonies with secular or progressive leader names
• With 12,769 Gram Panchayats functioning in Telangana (as of 2025), the book serves as a key local
governance manual

‘The CBN Way’ – A Book on Chandrababu Naidu’s Leadership

• Authored by Pasalapudi Satyendra, MD of Infolob; released by CM Chandrababu Naidu in April 2025
• Titled “The CBN Way – Principles of Visionary Leadership”
• Structured into 3 sections and 15 chapters, covering 75 years of Naidu’s life
• Topics include education, political journey, IT growth, PPP model, Vision 2020 & 2047, Budameru flood
relief, agri-tech, e-governance, and education reforms
• Serves as a key text on leadership and technology-driven governance

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 62 GVK Study Circle

‘Mana Chandranna – A Visionary in Development and Welfare’ – Book Launch
• Authored by TDP senior leader and former MLC T.D. Janardhan, launched by AP CM Chandrababu Naidu
at the Secretariat
• Chronicles Naidu’s childhood, education, student leadership, and political service as MLA and minister
• Analyzes his first term as Chief Minister and his long-term vision for development and welfare
• Serves as an analytical account of Naidu’s personality and governance style

DEFENCE-EXERCISES
India Sets Record in Defence Exports – FY 2024–25
• India exported defence products worth ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25
• Marked a 12.04% growth compared to the previous year
• Exports: ₹15,233 crore from private sector, ₹8,389 crore from DPSUs
• Arms, radars, surveillance equipment, and ammunition exported to 85+ countries
• Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in defence

r
Static GK Highlights:

a
• India ranks among the top 25 defence exporters globally
• Target: ₹35,000 crore in defence exports by 2025
um
• Major recipient countries: Philippines, Mauritius, Maldives, African nations

India–France G2G Deal for Rafale Marine Aircraft

• India signed a ₹63,000 crore Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with France
K

• Purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for INS Vikrant

• Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
• Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, France
ay

• Will enhance India’s naval aviation capability

Static GK Highlights:
• INS Vikrant: India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier (commissioned 2022)
Vin

• Rafale Marine: Rafale M variant designed for carrier operations

• India–France strategic partnership began in 1998

AIKEYME 2025 – First India–Africa Naval Exercise

• Held in Tanzania from April 13–18, 2025
• Participating nations: India, Tanzania, and 10 African countries
• Indian ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari took part
• Focus: Maritime security, multinational war-game training
• Aims to boost Indo-African naval cooperation
Static GK Highlights:
• INS Chennai: Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyer
• INS Kesari: Amphibious landing ship used for troop and supply transport
• India signed the first naval logistics agreement in Africa with Tanzania in 2024
• AIKEYME = Africa India Key Maritime Exercise

Tiger Triumph 2025 – India–US Tri-Service Exercise

• Held April 1–13, 2025, in Visakhapatnam–Kakinada region
• Fourth edition of the exercise (started in 2019)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 63 GVK Study Circle

• Focus: Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) operations
• Helped establish Combined Coordination Centers and SOPs
• Only tri-service bilateral exercise between India and the US
• Enhances joint military interoperability and operational coordination
Key Points:
• Tri-services: Army, Navy, Air Force
• Builds capacity for joint response during natural disasters
• India–US defence ties formalized under BECA, COMCASA, LEMOA agreements

Laser Weapon System – India’s DEW Test Successful

• DRDO successfully tested a 30-kW Laser Weapon System near Kurnool
• India becomes 4th country (after USA, Russia, China) to test such Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)
• Can instantly neutralize drones, UAVs, missiles with silent precision
• Known as a Directed Energy Weapon (non-kinetic strike)

r
• Features: Environment-friendly, low-cost, critical for future warfare

a
Static GK:
• DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation
um
• Directed Energy Weapons = part of India’s future-ready defence technology
• Similar global systems: US’s HELIOS, Russia’s Peresvet, China’s LW-30

Autonomous Water Drone (AUV) – DRDO-NSTL Success

K

• Developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL)

• Weighs 6 tonnes, length 9.75m, speed 14 km/hr
• Operates at 300m depth, fitted with sonar & communication systems
ay

• Designed for stealth surveillance of enemy submarines and ships

• Strengthens India’s undersea combat capability
Additional Info:
Vin

• NSTL is DRDO’s premier lab for naval underwater research

• AUVs = Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
• Also known as Water Drones

Long-Range Precision Bomb 'Gaurav' Tested Successfully

• DRDO tested the Gaurav Glide Bomb between April 8–10, 2025
• Can strike targets with precision up to 100 km
• Launched from Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets
• Carries payloads up to 1000 kg, capable of deep strike missions
• Developed by RCI (Hyderabad) and ARDE (Pune)
Key Institutions:
• RCI – Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
• ARDE – Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune
• Part of DRDO’s guided aerial munitions development

MRSAM Missile Test – DRDO & IAI Joint Success

• Dates: April 3–4, 2025
• Location: Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 64 GVK Study Circle

• Missile: Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)
• Developed by: DRDO (India) & Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Capability: Neutralizes fast-moving aerial targets at ranges of 70–100 km
• Successfully intercepted high-speed aerial threats in four flight trials
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement
Note:
• MRSAM is used by Army, Navy, and Air Force
• It is a critical part of India's layered air defence system

INS Sunayna – Launch of IOS SAGAR Initiative

• Date: April 5, 2025
• Location: Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka
• Ship Involved: INS Sunayna
• Mission: Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) – SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region)

r
• Purpose: Enhances maritime cooperation and surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

a
• Strengthens India’s Blue Economy and regional security vision
Note:
um
• SAGAR is India's diplomatic doctrine for the Indian Ocean
• INS Sunayna is part of the Navy's offshore patrol fleet

Project Varsha – India’s First Nuclear Submarine Base (2026)

K

• Planned Location: Rambilli, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

• Expected Launch: 2026
• Project: INS Varsha
ay

• Features: Underground bunkers, blast-resistant design, nuclear security systems

• Strategic Role: Will serve India’s nuclear submarine fleet like INS Arihant & INS Arighat
• Counters growing Chinese naval presence in the Bay of Bengal and IOR
Vin

Note:
• INS Varsha to complement Visakhapatnam’s existing naval infrastructure
• India’s focus on second-strike capability and underwater deterrence

₹2,385 Cr BEL Contract – EW Suites for Mi-17 V5 Helicopters

• Signed by: Ministry of Defence & Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)
• Date: April 2025
• Purpose: Supply of Electronic Warfare (EW) suites & modification kits
• Target Platform: Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force
• Function: Protects helicopters from enemy radar and missiles
• Major components indigenously developed, promoting Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
• BEL collaborating with Indian MSMEs for component production
Note:
• EW systems include radar warning receivers, jammers, and countermeasure dispensers
• Enhances survivability of IAF helicopters in hostile environments

India's Military Expenditure – 9 Times Higher than Pakistan

• According to the SIPRI report, India’s military expenditure in 2024 stood at $86.1 billion

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 65 GVK Study Circle

• This is 9 times higher than Pakistan’s $10.2 billion
• India is ranked the 5th largest military spender globally
• The defence expenditure increased by 1.6%, equivalent to ₹7.3 lakh crore
• SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) is a global peace and arms research organisation,
established in 1966
• The top 5 defence spending countries account for 60% of global military expenditure
• As per SIPRI estimates, India is expected to become the 3rd largest defence budget holder by 2025
• India’s focus: Indigenous defence manufacturing, Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) defence sector, and
technological advancement

DUSTLIK-VI: India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise (2025)

• The 6th edition of the joint exercise DUSTLIK-VI will be held from April 16–28, 2025, in Pune, India
• The Indian contingent includes personnel from the Jat Regiment Battalion and 60 members of the Indian
Air Force
• The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan every year

a r
• The 2024 edition was held in Termez, Uzbekistan
• The first DUSTLIK exercise was launched in 2019
um
• Objective: Strengthening counter-terrorism strategies and enhancing mutual military preparedness
• Reflects strong security ties between India and Uzbekistan

Global Firepower Index 2025 – India Ranked 4th

K

• India has been ranked the 4th most powerful military in the world in the Global Firepower Index 2025
Top 4 rankings:
• United States
ay

• Russia
• China
• India
Vin

• Bhutan is ranked last (145th); Pakistan has dropped to 12th position (was 9th in 2024)
• The index is released annually by globalfirepower.com since 2006
• The rankings are based on 60+ indicators including manpower, weapon systems, economic strength,
geography, etc.
• India has the world’s largest volunteer armed force
• Only South Asian country in the Top 5 globally
• All three services—Army, Navy, Air Force—are undergoing modernisation by 2025

India–France Rafale-M Jet Deal Finalised (2025)

• On April 28, 2025, India finalised a ₹63,000 crore G2G deal with France for 26 Rafale-M jets
Configuration:
• 22 single-seater fighter jets
• 4 trainer aircraft
• These jets will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya & INS Vikrant
• Deliveries will begin in 3.5 years and complete in 6.5 years
• The deal provides interim capability for the Indian Navy until the indigenous TEDBF is ready
• The Rafale-M is a deck-based multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation
• INS Vikrant – India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 66 GVK Study Circle

• The first India–France Rafale deal (2016) included 36 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force
• The current deal further strengthens Indo-French defence partnership

Exercise Desert Flag-10 – UAE, 2025

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating with MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base in the
UAE
• Duration: April 21 – May 8, 2025
• A multinational air combat exercise focusing on:
• Practicing complex air combat strategies
• Experience sharing among participating air forces
• Enhancing interoperability
Participating Countries:
• India, USA, France, UK, Germany, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UAE, Japan, Bahrain,
Australia
• Al Dhafra Air Base: Strategic base in UAE used by the US, French, and UAE air forces

a r
• IAF aircraft like MiG-29 and Jaguar are regular participants in international exercises
• Benefits: Exposure to global tactics, improved joint coordination with friendly nations
um
Talisman Sabre 2025 – Australia & Papua New Guinea
• Scheduled from July 13 to August 4, 2025
• A large-scale multinational military exercise with 30,000+ troops
K

• Locations: Across Australia and Papua New Guinea

• Major participants include:
• India, USA, Japan, Australia (QUAD nations), Canada, France, Philippines, Thailand, UK, Germany,
ay

Indonesia, Singapore
• Observer nations: Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam
• Talisman Sabre began in 2005 and is held biennially
Vin

• Strong QUAD cooperation reflects focus on Indo-Pacific security

• Objectives: Interoperability, multinational communication, and joint defense preparedness

Balikatan 2025 – Philippines Joint Military Exercise

• Dates: April 21 – May 9, 2025
• Location: Philippines
• Participating countries: USA, Australia, Japan (officially joining for the first time)
• Focus: Strategic defense coordination near the South China Sea and Luzon Strait
• Objective: Enhance combat readiness and military coordination in geopolitically sensitive areas
• Meaning: "Balikatan" means "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" in Tagalog
• Started in: 2002 – initially as a humanitarian and disaster response drill, now evolved into a robust defense
partnership
• South China Sea Dispute: Territorial tensions between China, Philippines, and Vietnam
• MDT (1951): Mutual Defense Treaty between the USA and Philippines
• Japan’s role: Actively participating in international military drills since 2015
• Related Exercises: Cobra Gold (Thailand), Malabar (India–US–Japan)

Operation Aakraman – Indian Air Force Drill 2025

• Purpose: Conducted amid India–Pakistan tensions to test offensive strategies

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 67 GVK Study Circle

• Location: Across the Central Sector, including diverse terrains
• Lead Force: Rafale fighter jets from Ambala and Hasimara squadrons
• Highlights: Demonstration of combat tactics in both plains and mountainous regions
• IAF Founded: October 8, 1932
• Rafale Deal: Signed in 2016 with France for 36 fighter jets
• Rafale Arrival in India: July 2020
• Squadrons: 2 operational squadrons (~18 jets each)
Past successful ops:
• Operation Balakot (2019)
• Operation Gagan Shakti (2018)

Operation Tikka – India’s Retaliation to Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025)

• Launched immediately after the Pahalgam terror attack (2025) as a retaliatory operation
• Jointly executed by Indian Army, CRPF, JK Police, and NIA in the South Kashmir mountains

r
Objectives:

a
• Neutralize terrorist groups
• Identify infiltration routes from Pakistan
um
• Dismantle sleeper cells
Technology used:
• Helicopters for air support
• Drones for surveillance
K

• Satellite imagery for monitoring

• CRPF – Established in 1939; primary force for internal security
• NIA – Created after the 2008 Mumbai attacks
ay

• Terror-affected districts: Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag (South Kashmir)

Target: ₹3 Lakh Crore in Defence Production by 2029

Vin

• India’s domestic defence production crossed ₹1.6 lakh crore in 2024

• Goal for 2029: ₹3 lakh crore
• Focus: Reduce imports, boost indigenous production and exports
• Current defence exports: ₹30,000 crore → Target: ₹50,000 crore by 2029
• Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)
• Opportunities for MSMEs and Startups in defence
• Ministry of Defence undertaking extensive policy reforms

10th ACTCM Barge (LSAM 24) Inducted into Indian Navy

• Induction Date: April 22, 2025, in Mumbai
• Builder: Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd. (Maharashtra-based MSME shipbuilder)
• Part of a 2021 contract to build 11 barges
• Constructed as per designs tested by NSTL-Visakhapatnam
• Follows Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards
• ACTCM Barges – Used for transporting ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles
• NSTL – Naval science research lab under DRDO
• Supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 68 GVK Study Circle

INS Surat – Indigenous Guided Missile Destroyer
• INS Surat was successfully tested in the Arabian Sea
• Capable of intercepting low-altitude, high-speed missiles
• Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai
• It is the 4th destroyer under Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-Class)
• Displacement: ~7,400 tonnes
• Speed: Over 30 knots
Weapons Equipped:
• BrahMos Cruise Missile
• Barak-8 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
• Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers
Project 15B Ships:
• INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, INS Surat

r
MRSAM Test Launch from INS Surat – Successful

a
• Amid tensions with Pakistan, INS Surat successfully launched MRSAM
• MRSAM can accurately intercept long-range aerial threats
um
• Jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries
• INS Surat: Commissioned into the Navy in 2022
• Indian Navy: Established in 1612, among the world's top navies by 2025
K

Scramjet Engine Test – India’s Leap in Hypersonic Tech

• DRDO successfully tested a scramjet combustor for over 1000 seconds on the ground
• Test location: DRDL, Hyderabad
ay

• Confirms India’s indigenous capability in hypersonic missile development

• Scramjet = Air-breathing engine operating at speeds above Mach 5
• India’s entry into hypersonics began with the HSTDV test success in 2020
Vin

• DRDL (under DRDO): Plays a crucial role in hypersonic R&D

Operation Atalanta – Maritime Security off Somalia Coast

• Launched: December 8, 2008, under the EU CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy)
• Aim: To counter piracy and protect WFP ships off Somalia’s coast
• Led by the European Union, with Spain as the base of operations
• By 2012, piracy incidents dropped by 90%
• Proposal for joint exercises with the Indian Navy
• Participating countries: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, etc.

Operation Kagar – Hunt for Maoist Leader Hidma

• Region: Telangana–Chhattisgarh border, near Karregutta
• Objective: Capture Hidma, a key Maoist commander in South Bastar
• Tools used: 4 helicopters, 20 UAVs, 2 drone squadrons
• Hidma – Top leader of Maoist forces in South Bastar
• Intelligence support via NTRO satellite monitoring
• Joint operation by CRPF and state police forces

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 69 GVK Study Circle

 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Orange-Coloured Sweet Potato (SP-95/4) – ICAR–CTCRI Innovation
• Developed by ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) for nutritional security in tribal
regions
• Contains 8 mg of beta-carotene per 100g tuber – helps prevent Vitamin A deficiency
• Average tuber weight: 300g; crooked bud shape aids better shelf life
• Successfully trialed in Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Karnataka
Static GK:
• ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• CTCRI: Central Tuber Crops Research Institute – focuses on tuber crops like sweet potato, cassava

Ban on Hybrid Paddy Seeds – Punjab Government

• For the 2025 Kharif season, Punjab banned sale of certain hybrid paddy varieties

r
• Reason: Low milling yield (60–63%) and high broken grain percentage, leading to millers’ rejection

a
• Affected varieties: Sava 127, 27P22, VNR 203
• FCI's milling yield standard: 67% — below which procurement price is reduced
um
• Farmers face economic loss due to reduced procurement
GK Facts:
• Capital: Chandigarh | CM: Bhagwant Mann
• FCI: Food Corporation of India – central body for grain procurement
K

New Maize Hybrids Released – PJTSAU

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) released 5 new hybrid maize
ay

varieties
Major hybrids:
• DHM-144 – suitable for ethanol production
Vin

• DHM-206 – drought-tolerant variety

• PJTSAU has developed 24 maize hybrids – among the leading maize R&D centres in India
• Currently used in 12% of India’s total maize cultivation area
Extra Info:
• Maize is India’s third-most important cereal crop
• Ethanol-blended fuel policies have increased industrial maize demand

Pacemaker Smaller Than a Rice Grain – Northwestern University (USA)

• Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a biodegradable, wireless pacemaker smaller than a
grain of rice.
• Designed for temporary use in infants undergoing heart surgery.
• Composed of bioabsorbable materials – dissolves in the body, no need for surgical removal.
• Can be injected using a syringe – no wires or surgery needed.
• Lead Researcher: Prof. John A. Rogers
GK Highlights:
• Innovation in pediatric cardiac care
• Biodegradable medical devices are the future of minimally invasive surgery

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 70 GVK Study Circle

Sperm Transplant Breakthrough – UPMC (USA)
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) achieved success in human sperm transplant
• Helps azoospermic men (no sperm in semen) become biological fathers
• A revolutionary solution for infertility caused by hormonal imbalance or chemotherapy
• First successful case: Jiamin Xu, who became a father post-treatment
GK Highlights:
• Azoospermia: Medical condition of absent sperm
• Medical advancement in male infertility treatment

Early Parkinson’s Detection Blood Test – Israel

• Israeli researchers developed a low-cost blood test to detect Parkinson’s disease in early stages
• Based on changes in transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) as biomarkers
• Uses PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology for rapid diagnosis
• Published in the Nature Aging journal

r
GK Highlights:

a
• Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease
• Early detection is critical for symptom management & slowing progression
um
Lab-Grown Human Tooth – King’s College & Imperial College London (UK)
• UK scientists have regenerated human tooth tissue in the lab using stem cell-based tissue engineering
• Enables natural tooth regeneration without need for dental implants or fillings
K

• The tissue can be directly implanted into the mouth, replacing lost teeth
• Breakthrough in regenerative dental medicine
GK Highlights:
ay

• Major development in stem cell therapy & bioengineering

• Aims to eliminate traditional dentures and implants in future
Vin

ZooWIN Platform – Zoonotic Disease Vaccine Inventory Network

• ZooWIN is a central digital surveillance platform launched by the Indian government in 2025.
• Tracks availability and distribution of vaccines for rabies and snakebites.
• Aims to reduce mortality by improving stock monitoring and supply chain visibility.
• Functions under the One Health Framework integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
• Full form: Zoonotic disease Vaccine Inventory Network
Static GK:
• India reports approx. 20,000+ rabies deaths/year
• Snakebite deaths: ~46,000/year (as per WHO)

Sickle Cell Anemia – ₹100 Molecular Test by CCMB

• Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) developed a low-cost molecular diagnostic test for
sickle cell anemia.
• Requires only one drop of blood, costs just ₹100 per test.
• Joint project with Tata Steel Foundation & Jharkhand NHM.
• Screening partnerships with various state governments underway.
• CCMB is a premier institute under CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research).
Static GK:
• Sickle Cell Anemia = hereditary blood disorder, mostly among tribal populations in India

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 71 GVK Study Circle

• India aims for eradication by 2047

Dire Wolves De-extinction – Colossal Biosciences (USA)

• Colossal Biosciences has successfully recreated Dire Wolves—a species extinct for 12,000 years.
• Two pups named Romulus and Remus are alive at 6 months old.
• Project used CRISPR gene editing technology for de-extinction.
• Part of Colossal’s goal to bring back extinct species like Mammoths, Dodos, and Dire Wolves.
• CRISPR = Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
Static GK:
• De-extinction: Bringing back extinct species using biotechnology
• Colossal Biosciences is based in Dallas, Texas (USA)

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreak – Central Europe

• After 50 years, FMD has resurfaced in Hungary and Slovakia, killing thousands of cattle.
• Caused by Coxsackievirus A16

a r
• Austria and Czech Republic temporarily sealed borders as precaution.
• FMD is a highly contagious zoonotic disease, affecting livestock health and trade.
um
Static GK:
• FMD is endemic in parts of Asia & Africa
• EU maintains FMD-free status through strict control measures
• Virus mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals
K

From-2 Mission – SpaceX’s First Polar Orbital Human Spaceflight

• SpaceX successfully launched the first manned space mission to orbit Earth's polar regions.
ay

• Launched from NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, via Falcon 9 rocket.
• The mission follows a 90° polar orbit, lasting 3–5 days.
• Crew members: Chun Wang, Janike Mikkelsen, Rabia Rogge, Eric Phillips.
Vin

• Significance: Expansion of private human spaceflight missions beyond ISS.

Static Info:
• Polar orbit: Ideal for Earth observation satellites
• SpaceX: Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, HQ – California

IISc Lunar Brick Repair Technology – Bio-Healing for Cracked Bricks

• IISc Bengaluru developed a novel bacteria-based method to repair cracks in lunar bricks.
• Targeted to withstand extreme lunar temperature variation (+121°C to -133°C).
• Crucial for long-term lunar base construction under NASA’s Artemis mission and ISRO projects.
• Microbial-induced calcite formation seals thermal cracks.
Useful Info:
• NASA Artemis aims to build permanent lunar habitats by 2030
• IISc = Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

ChaSTE – India’s First Lunar Surface Thermal Probe

• Part of Chandrayaan-3, ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermo-physical Experiment) recorded the first
direct temperature data from Moon’s surface.
• Measured thermal conductivity and temperature profile up to 10 cm depth.
• Developed by: PRL (Physical Research Laboratory), SPL (Space Physics Lab), VSSC (ISRO).

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 72 GVK Study Circle

• Helps understand lunar regolith behaviour under solar heating.
ISRO Fact:
• Vikram Lander successfully deployed ChaSTE in August 2023

POEM-4 Module – Controlled Atmospheric Re-entry

• PSLV-C60’s POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) was successfully deorbited and re-entered
Earth’s atmosphere.
• First Indian experimental module to perform controlled re-entry post-mission.
• Managed by ISRO’s IS4OM (Indian Space Situational Awareness) division.
• Carries 24 payloads: 14 by ISRO, 10 by startups and academia.
Static Info:
• POEM initiative: Launched by ISRO in 2022 for orbital tech experiments
• Contributes to orbital debris reduction

Kalam-100 Engine Test for Vikram-1 Rocket – Skyroot Aerospace

r
• Skyroot successfully conducted static fire test of Kalam-100 solid-fuel engine.

a
• Burn duration: 102 seconds, Thrust: 100 kN (Kilonewtons).
um
• Engine will power Vikram-1, capable of launching 480 kg payloads to LEO.
• Skyroot Aerospace – India’s first private rocket firm (Vikram-S in 2022).
Skyroot Info:
• Based in Hyderabad
K

• Backed by ISRO’s IN-SPACe initiative for private sector launch

Biomass Satellite Mission – European Space Agency (ESA)

ay

• The Biomass Satellite, ESA's 7th Earth Explorer Mission, will launch in April 2025 via Vega-C rocket
from French Guiana.
Mission Objectives:
Vin

• Map global forest biomass and canopy structure

• Measure carbon storage in vegetation
• Monitor greenhouse gas emission patterns
• It uses P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for 3D imaging of forests.
• P-band can penetrate dense rainforests to measure hidden biomass.
• GK Point: ESA = European Space Agency | HQ – Paris; Earth Explorer programme started in 1999.

Murder Prediction AI – UK Pre-crime Surveillance Debate

• The UK Ministry of Justice is piloting an AI tool under a project named "Murder Prediction Program".
• It assesses criminal behavior, history, and psychological data to identify individuals at high risk of
committing murder.
• While aimed at public safety, critics label it a "pre-crime technology" violating civil liberties.
• The system uses risk assessment modeling through AI-based data science.
• GK Point: Similar debates were sparked globally with facial recognition & predictive policing models.

Thorium-Based Small Modular Reactor (SMR) – Indo-Russian Agreement

• MahaGenco (Maharashtra Power Utility) signed a deal with Rosatom (Russia) to develop a Thorium-
fueled SMR.
• SMRs generate less than 300 MW and are compact, safer, and produce minimal nuclear waste.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 73 GVK Study Circle

• Thorium-232 is converted into Uranium-233, which is fissile.
• The reactor will function under the supervision of India’s Department of Atomic Energy.
Static GK:
• Major Thorium Reserves in India: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
• Laws: Atomic Energy Act, 1962; IAEA safety compliance
• Key Nuclear Sites: Tarapur, Kalpakkam, Kudankulam

BatEchoMon Device – India’s First Automated Bat Monitoring System

• Developed by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bengaluru.
• BatEchoMon analyzes bat echolocation signals using real-time AI-based identification.
• Enables non-invasive, long-term monitoring of bat species and behavior.
• Bats are vital for ecosystem balance, pest control, and seed dispersal.
• The system may provide early warnings for zoonotic diseases like rabies and Nipah.
• Static GK: Bats are the only flying mammals and act as pollinators and insect regulators. Monitoring

r
bat populations aids in One Health surveillance.

a
HANSA-3 (NG) Aircraft – Indigenous Training Aircraft with Private Licensing
um
• Developed by CSIR–NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories), Bengaluru.
• Two-seater aircraft for pilot training (PPL – Private Pilot License; CPL – Commercial Pilot License).
• Next-Generation HANSA-3 licensed to Pineye Clean Amps Pvt Ltd – first such private transfer.
• Cost-effective alternative to imported trainers.
K

• Supports pilot training capacity and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals in aviation.

• Static GK: CSIR–NAL is India's premier aerospace research lab; part of the Council of Scientific &
Industrial Research (CSIR).
ay

SARAS Mk-2 Aircraft – India’s Indigenous Regional Transport Aircraft

• 19-seater twin-engine turboprop developed by CSIR–NAL, in partnership with HAL (Hindustan
Vin

Aeronautics Limited).
• Designed for regional connectivity under UDAN Scheme – linking small towns via air.
• Features: Pressurized cabin, operable from semi-prepared runways, suitable for passenger, cargo,
training, and surveillance purposes.
• First test flight expected by December 2027.
• Promotes Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in civilian aviation.
• GK Tip: SARAS Mk-2 builds on the earlier SARAS aircraft program initiated in the 1990s.

SPADEx Success – ISRO’s Breakthrough in Docking Technology

• Launched on Dec 30, 2024 from Sriharikota, the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEx) tested successful
docking on Jan 16, 2025.
• India became the 4th country after the US, Russia, and China to demonstrate indigenous docking
technology.
• Docking: The process of connecting two spacecraft/modules in orbit.
• Critical for future missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and Indian space station.
• Note: A major step towards self-reliant orbital assembly capabilities.

Aryabhata Satellite Turns 50 (1975–2025)

• Launched on April 19, 1975 from Kapustin Yar, Russia via Kosmos-3M rocket.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 74 GVK Study Circle

• India’s first indigenously developed satellite, built by ISRO with just 25 engineers.
• Named after ancient astronomer Aryabhata.
• Objectives: X-ray astronomy, solar physics, ionosphere studies.
• Lost communication after 5 days, but remained in orbit longer.
• Trivia: Aryabhata was the first Indian satellite image to appear on a ₹2 currency note.

Japan’s ‘Ohisama’ Project – Space-Based Solar Power Trial

• Developed by Japan Space Systems (JSS) to beam electricity from space via microwaves.
• "Ohisama" means "Sun" in Japanese.
• Inspired by Peter Glaser’s 1968 concept of space solar power.
• Aim: Generate clean energy in space and transmit it to Earth.
• Insight: Could revolutionize renewable energy if successful.

Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) – New IN-SPACe Initiative

r
• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) launched the SBaaS scheme to

a
promote private sector participation in satellite bus development.
• Objective: Make India a global leader in small satellite manufacturing and hosted payload services.
um
• A satellite bus is the core structure of a satellite, including systems for power, propulsion, communication,
and data handling.
• Note: Through hosted payload services, private entities can rent this bus to attach their own instruments,
opening access beyond ISRO to private players.
K

NASA’s Curiosity Rover – Signs of Habitability on Mars

• Launched in 2011, Curiosity is part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory, which landed on Gale Crater in
ay

2012.
• Discovered siderite minerals, indicating the possibility of a past life-supporting environment.
• Aims: Study Mars' atmosphere, water presence, and potential habitability.
Vin

Key Findings:
• 2013 – Evidence of an ancient lake.
• 2018 – Detection of organic molecules.
• Stats: Over 30 km traversed, 1 million+ data points, and first Mars rover with an onboard chemistry lab
(ChemLab).

Tardigrades Experiment – Axiom-4 Mission with Shubanshu Shukla

• Tardigrades (a.k.a. “water bears”) are microscopic creatures known for surviving extreme conditions.
• Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla will study their egg-laying and molting in space.
• Cryptobiosis: A survival state where they reduce body water to 3% and remain dormant.
• Background: In a 2007 ESA mission, 68% of tardigrades survived space, and their offspring were healthy
– a major advancement in space biology.

Tiangong Space Station – Shenzhou-20 Mission Update

• Date: April 24, 2025
• Shenzhou-20 mission carried 3 astronauts to the Tiangong Space Station.
• The previous crew is expected to return to Earth by April 29.
• China follows a crew rotation every 6 months on the station.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 75 GVK Study Circle

• For the first time, international collaboration is being planned – training and sending Pakistani astronauts
in future missions.
• Tiangong Station: China's independent, permanent space station.
• First module "Tianhe" was launched in April 2021.
• CMSA (China Manned Space Agency) oversees Shenzhou missions.
• Chang’e-5 mission: China’s first successful lunar sample return.

Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon – China-Russia Joint Plan

• Under the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, China and Russia aim to set up a nuclear
power plant on the Moon by 2028.
• The Moon has long nights (14 Earth days), making solar energy insufficient – hence the shift to nuclear
energy.
• Nuclear energy ensures reliable and continuous power for operations on the lunar surface.
• ILRS will include habitats, resource extraction zones, and space research bases.
• ILRS was launched in 2021 by CNSA (China) and Roscosmos (Russia).

a r
• NASA's Artemis program also plans to build a permanent base on the Moon.
• A nuclear-powered solution is seen as essential for stable energy in harsh lunar conditions.
um
Lunar Hatch Project – Fish Farming in Space
• French scientists have launched the Lunar Hatch project to grow sea bass fish eggs in space.
• The project aims to study the impact of weightlessness, hypergravity, microgravity, and cosmic radiation
K

on the eggs.
• After developing in space, the eggs will be brought back to Earth for analysis.
• If successful, astronauts may receive fresh fish meat twice a week, improving protein intake in space diets.
ay

• Sea bass is a highly nutritious marine fish.

• This is the first attempt to supply fresh non-vegetarian food in space missions.
Vin

Amazon Kuiper Satellite Launch – A Starlink Competitor

• Amazon launched its first 27 Kuiper satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the Atlas V rocket.
• The goal is to deploy 3,200 satellites to deliver affordable, high-speed internet globally.
• The satellites feature special sunlight-reflective coatings to avoid interference with astronomical research.
• Elon Musk’s Starlink has already launched over 8,000 satellites for the same purpose.
• The project is named after the Kuiper Belt.
• LEO = Low Earth Orbit (160–2000 km altitude).
• Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon and head of Blue Origin.
• ULA (United Launch Alliance) manufactures the Atlas V rocket.

Ebola Sudan Virus – Uganda Declared Outbreak-Free

• The Ugandan government declared the country Ebola-free after 42 days without new cases.
• The first case was reported in Kampala, and the outbreak was controlled within 3 months.
• As per WHO guidelines, an outbreak is considered over if 2 x 21-day incubation periods pass without new
infections.
• The Ebola Sudan strain was first identified in 1976.
• Uganda had successfully controlled outbreaks in 2000, 2012, and 2019 as well.
• Symptoms include high fever, internal and external bleeding.
• WHO’s 2025 goal: Strengthen rapid response systems against viral outbreaks.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 76 GVK Study Circle

World’s First Sperm Race – Fertility Awareness Drive
• Held on April 25, 2025, at Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles.
• Real sperm samples competed on microscopic race tracks designed to simulate the female reproductive
path.
• Organized by Sperm Racing, a startup focused on fertility awareness.
• Objective: Use fun science to spread awareness about male fertility.

Aorta as a Potential Heart Substitute – USC Study

• University of Southern California (USC) researchers revealed that the aorta can mimic heart-like pulsation
under certain conditions.
• Could play a role in reducing cardiac pressure, especially in patients with heart complications.
• Aorta is the largest artery in the human body, responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart
to other organs.

r
Ironwood TPU – Google’s 7th-Gen AI Processor

a
• Google released TPU v7, named Ironwood, designed to accelerate AI model performance.
um
• Built as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).
• Developed by the Google Cloud AI Infrastructure team.
• Follows the earlier TPU versions (v4, v5e), with major improvements in speed and energy efficiency.
K

Ubiquitin Protein – Bacteria Killer Found by IIT Bombay

• Researchers at IIT Bombay discovered that ubiquitin, a naturally occurring cellular protein, can detect and
destroy harmful bacteria early.
ay

• Plays a key role in preventing bacterial spread in human cells.

• Important for fighting antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
• Acts as a "cellular sanitation force", helping clean up infected components.
Vin

Laser Weeder – Herbicide-Free AI Farming by Carbon Robotics

• US-based Carbon Robotics developed a tractor-sized Laser Weeder powered by AI and laser tech.
• Capable of identifying and destroying weeds using focused laser beams – no herbicides required.
• Can weed up to 20 acres per hour, eco-friendly and chemical-free.
• Especially effective for row crops like carrots, lettuce, onions.

Ollo – The Invisible New Color Discovered

• Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new color named "Ollo".
• This color lies beyond the visible light spectrum, making it invisible to the unaided human eye.
• Using laser manipulation technology, researchers enhanced retinal response to make the color perceptible.
• Only five individuals have reportedly seen Ollo, which resembles a Peacock Blue / Teal-like hue.
• Published in the journal Science Advances.
• Retina – The light-sensitive layer of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain.
• Science Advances – A peer-reviewed journal by the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS).

Ångström-Scale Chip Technology – India’s Emerging Leap

• IISc Bengaluru has submitted a proposal for Ångström-scale semiconductor chips to the central
government.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 77 GVK Study Circle

• 1 Ångström = 0.1 nanometer, making these chips 10 times smaller than existing 3nm chips.
• Based on 2D materials such as Graphene and TMDs for ultra-compact, high-efficiency circuits.
• Target applications include mobiles, data centers, and flexible electronics.
• Proposal submitted to the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and MeitY as part of a Detailed Research
Plan (DRP).
• Graphene – A single layer of carbon atoms known for exceptional conductivity.
• TMDs (Transition Metal Dichalcogenides) – 2D materials with multiple electronic and optical properties.

Moonlight Solar Technology – Nighttime Power Generation

• Developed by researchers at Stanford University, these "Moonlight Solar Panels" use thermoelectric
generators (TEGs) based on radiative cooling.
• Generate up to 50 milliwatts per square meter at night (compared to 200W in daytime via regular solar
panels).
• Suitable for low-power devices like LEDs, IoT tools, and environmental sensors.
• Retrofit-friendly: Can be attached to existing solar panels – no need for new panel installations.

a r
• Radiative Cooling: A process where the Earth emits heat into space, creating a temperature gradient.
• TEG: Thermoelectric Generator that produces electricity from temperature differences.
um
Nano Sulphur Technology – Boosting Mustard Yield
• TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) developed a nano-sulphur foliar spray that improves mustard
crop yield by 30–40%.
K

• Based on plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), the spray allows better absorption in smaller doses.
• Requires 50% less sulphur than conventional methods – reducing farming costs.
• Increases oil content up to 28–30%; plant absorption rate as high as 90–100%.
ay

• No leaching into the soil; highly effective in sandy soils.

• TERI: A Delhi-based premier research institute focused on sustainable development.
• Application: Especially useful in mustard farming for nutrient delivery and healthy plant growth.
Vin

Children of Anaemic Mothers Face Higher Risk of Heart Defects

• A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology finds that iron deficiency
during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart defects in babies by 47%.
• According to NFHS-5 (2021–22), 52% of pregnant women in India are anaemic.
• Prior research has also linked maternal anaemia to structural heart anomalies in newborns.
• Congenital heart defects are seen in 8–10 out of every 1,000 live births.

RNA Silencing Technology Against CMV in Plants

• German scientists developed RNA-based gene silencing techniques (HIGS and SIGS) to combat
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV).
• HIGS (Host-Induced Gene Silencing): Offers long-term protection via genetic modification.
• SIGS (Spray-Induced Gene Silencing): Non-GMO method providing short-term immunity through RNA
sprays.
• CMV affects over 1,200 plant species, including tomato, chilli, cucumber.
• RNA Silencing inhibits viral gene expression, offering a chemical-free and eco-friendly disease resistance
strategy.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 78 GVK Study Circle

 ECONOMY
Andhra Pradesh – 2nd in Economic Growth (2024–25)
• Andhra Pradesh recorded an 8.21% GSDP growth rate in 2024–25, ranking second in India, after Tamil
Nadu (9.69%).
• As per MoSPI data, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rose from ₹7.99 lakh crore (2023–
24) to ₹8.65 lakh crore (2024–25).
• The report covered 18 states/UTs – AP showed significant improvement (2023–24 growth was 6.19%).
• Indicates the state's economic resilience and development progress.

Andhra Pradesh – 3rd in Per Capita Income Growth

• AP reported 11.89% growth in per capita income at current prices, placing third nationally.
• Tamil Nadu (13.58%) and Karnataka (12.09%) ranked first and second.
• AP's per capita income for 2024–25 reached ₹2,66,240.
• Reflects rural development and rising employment opportunities.

a r
Gender Gap in Working Hours – Time Use Survey 2025
• Uttar Pradesh shows the largest gender gap – women spend 72% less time working than men.
um
• Bihar follows with 71.6% gap; Kerala & Delhi report the lowest gaps (22%).
• Goa ranks best in gender equality – only 8% difference in work hours between men and women.
• National average working time: 7.5 hours/day (455 minutes); higher in urban areas.
• Rural average: 424 minutes; Urban: 494 minutes.
K

• Delhi has the highest average daily work time (9.5 hours).
• The data highlights state-wise gender equity in labour contributions.
ay

RBI’s Monetary Policy – 90-Year Milestone (1935–2025)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marked 90 years of its monetary policy journey in 2025, having
introduced its first policy in 1935.
Vin

• Under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the central bank continues to focus on:
• Controlling inflation,
• Ensuring currency stability, and
• Supporting economic growth.
• Key instruments: CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, Reverse Repo, OMO, MSF.
• New tools: LTRO (Long-Term Repo Operations), MSS (Market Stabilisation Scheme) for long-term
liquidity management.
• Monetary decisions are taken by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – consisting of 6 members.
• The policy framework is essential for maintaining financial stability in the country.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 6.00%

• The Repo Rate was cut by 25 basis points (bps) from 6.25% to 6.00% in April 2025.
• This marks the second consecutive cut – previous reduction was in February 2025.
• Announced by Governor Sanjay Malhotra during the MPC meeting.
• Aim: To control inflation and encourage credit flow.
• Note: 1 basis point = 0.01%, so 25 bps = 0.25%.
• Repo rate changes directly impact lending rates offered by banks.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 79 GVK Study Circle

98.21% of ₹2000 Notes Returned – RBI
• ₹2000 currency notes were introduced after the 2016 demonetization.
• RBI announced withdrawal of ₹2000 notes from circulation on May 19, 2023.
• As of March 31, 2025, ₹3.56 lakh crore (98.21%) worth of ₹2000 notes have been returned.
• Only ₹6,366 crore remains with the public.
• This aligns with RBI’s Clean Note Policy and support for digital transactions.
• The move is seen as a moral-economic measure to reduce reliance on high-denomination currency.
• Dr. Poonam Gupta Appointed RBI Deputy Governor
• Appointed for a 3-year term, replacing M.D. Patra, whose term ended in January 2025.
• Formerly Director General of NCAER, with experience at IMF and World Bank.
• Member of PM’s Economic Advisory Council and Convener of the 16th Finance Commission.
• Appointed under provisions of RBI Act, 1934.
• First woman Deputy Governor of RBI: K.J. Udeshi.
• Current RBI Governor (2025): Sanjay Malhotra.

a r
States Economic Forum Portal – NITI Aayog & NCAER
• Launched on April 1, 2025, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
um
• Offers social, economic, and fiscal data (1990–91 to 2022–23) for 28 states.
• Developed jointly by NITI Aayog and NCAER.
• Features dashboards, research reports, and expert analyses.
• Aims to support data-driven governance and policymaking.
K

• NITI Aayog – Central Think Tank (est. 2015) | NCAER – Public policy research institute.

Record GST Collection – ₹1.96 Lakh Crore in March 2025

ay

• March 2025 collection: ₹1.96 lakh crore (all-time high).

• Total GST for FY 2024–25: ₹22.08 lakh crore.
• Growth due to economic momentum and improved compliance.
Vin

• GST launched: July 1, 2017 (GST Day).

• GST Types: CGST, SGST, IGST, Cess.
• Constitutional Basis: 101st Amendment | GST Council under Article 279A.
• First state to pass GST Bill: Assam.
• GST Pioneer (India): Atal Bihari Vajpayee; Ambassador: Amitabh Bachchan.
• First country to implement GST: France.
• GST Slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%.
• GSTIN: 15-digit unique registration number.

India’s 6.5% GDP Growth – Fastest in G20 (Moody’s Report)

• Moody’s projected 6.5% GDP growth for India in FY 2025–26.
• India tops the list among G20 economies in growth rate.
Growth supported by:
• Income tax exemption raised to ₹12 lakh
• RBI repo rate cut to 6.25%
• Inflation controlled at 4.5%
• Moody’s – US-based international credit rating agency.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 80 GVK Study Circle

India's GDP Growth Cut to 5.9% – Nomura Report
• Nomura, a Japanese investment firm, revised India’s 2025 GDP forecast from 6.0% to 5.9%.
• In 2024, growth was 6.7%, and it may rise to 7% in 2026.
• Growth aided by domestic consumption, low oil prices, and strategic ties with the USA.
• Founded in 1925, Nomura is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Moody’s Analytics Forecasts 6.1% GDP Growth for India (2024)

• Moody’s Analytics cut India’s 2024 growth forecast from 6.4% to 6.1%.
• Cited reason: US proposal of 26% retaliatory tariffs on gems, jewellery, medical devices, and textiles.
• RBI’s repo rate may fall to 5.75% by end of the year.
• Report title: “APAC Outlook: US vs Them”.
• Moody’s Analytics is a global market analysis firm.

India’s Forex Reserves Hit All-Time High – $676.26 Billion

• As of April 4, 2025, forex reserves rose by $10.8 billion to reach a record high of $676.26 billion.

a r
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): $574B (↑ $9.07B)
• Gold Reserves: $79.36B (↑ $1.56B)
um
• SDRs (IMF): $18.36B (↑ $186M)
• IMF Reserve Position: $4.46B (↑ $46M)
• India ranks among the top 5 countries globally in forex reserves.
• Uses: rupee stability, financial buffer, global credibility.
K

Bengaluru Introduces 'Garbage Tax' – SWM Fee

• From April 1, 2025, BBMP (Bengaluru civic body) imposed a Solid Waste Management Fee (SWM
ay

Fee).
• All property owners in Bengaluru are liable to pay.
• Purpose: Improve waste collection, organized dumping, and promote recycling.
Vin

• Estimated annual revenue: ₹685 crore.

India–Chile Begin Talks on CEPA Agreement

• Chilean President Gabriel Boric met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi to initiate CEPA discussions.
• CEPA – Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement covering trade, services, and investments.
• Key cooperation areas: Defence, Health, Rare Minerals, Ayurveda, Railways, and Space.
• Film industry tie-up through “Shoot in Chile” initiative.
• Agreement includes collaboration in Antarctic research.
• Chile: Capital – Santiago; Currency – Chilean Peso.

Indian Railways Freight Revenue Reaches ₹1.68 Lakh Crores (2023–24)

• Increased from ₹93,468 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1.68 lakh crore in 2023–24 (an 80% growth).
• Growth aided by dedicated freight corridors and digital initiatives.
• Railways recognized as a low-cost, environment-friendly transportation mode.
• Plays a vital role in bulk goods transport and domestic trade development.

India’s Population Growth Rate to Fall to 0.58% by 2036

• Down from 2.2% in 1971 due to family planning, better education, urbanization, and healthcare.
• Projected population in 2036: 1.522 billion.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 81 GVK Study Circle

• Urban population: from 31.15% (2011) to 45.67% (2036).
• Elderly population expected to increase, posing pressure on social security.
• Majority aged 15–59 will enable a demographic dividend.
Record Cotton Procurement – 1 Crore Bales in 2024–25
• As of March 31, 2025, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured 100 lakh bales under MSP.
• Top contributors: Telangana (40L), Maharashtra (30L), Gujarat (14L), Karnataka (5L).
• ₹37,450 crore paid to 21 lakh farmers.
• India is the 2nd largest cotton producer globally.
• 1 bale ≈ 170 kg.

India’s Exports Cross $820 Billion in 2024–25

• Up from $778 billion in 2023–24.
• Merchandise exports: $395.63 billion
• Services exports: $354.90 billion (6% growth, driven by IT & business services).

r
• India is emerging as a major global service exporter.

a
• Data released by the Ministry of Commerce.
um
Coal Supply Hits Historic High – 1,025.24 Million Tonnes (2024–25)
• Marks highest coal supply in Indian history.
• Reflects government’s strong push for energy security.
• Top producing states: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh.
K

• Coal India Ltd (CIL) remains the largest producer.

• Ministry of Coal oversees exploration, production, and policy.
ay

India’s GDP Forecast by Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• GDP growth for 2024–25: 6.7% | 2025–26: 6.8%.
• Growth supported by strong domestic demand, better rural income, and low inflation.
Vin

• Rising urban middle-class consumption adds momentum.

• RBI estimate: 6.5%; acknowledges global uncertainty.
• ADB HQ: Manila, Philippines | Established: 1966
• India is a founding member of ADB.

India–USA: Largest Trading Partner (2023–24)

• USA remained India’s largest trading partner for the 4th consecutive year
• Bilateral trade: $131.84 billion
• Exports to USA: $86.51 billion (↑11.6%)
• Imports from USA: $45.33 billion (↑7.44%)
• Trade surplus: Increased from $35.32 billion to $41.18 billion
• Top Indian exports: Pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, software services
• Top imports from USA: High-value machinery, electronics, skilled services
• China remained India’s second-largest trading partner in 2024–25

India–Saudi Arabia: 5th Largest Trading Partner

• Bilateral trade (2023–24): $42.98 billion (approx. ₹3.6 lakh crore)
• India’s imports: $31.42 billion (mainly crude oil, LPG)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 82 GVK Study Circle

• Exports to Saudi Arabia: $11.56 billion (pharma, engineering, food processing)
• India became Saudi Arabia’s 2nd largest trading partner
• Expanding cooperation: Automobiles, digital tech, new sectors
• IMEEC (India–Middle East–Europe Corridor) expected to boost trade connectivity

Global Trade Outlook 2025 – WTO Report

• According to the WTO, global merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025
• US–China tariff tensions may further reduce trade by up to 1.5%
• In contrast, global services trade is projected to grow by 4.0%
• North American exports are expected to fall by 12.6%
• Asia (↑1.6%) and Europe (↑1.0%) may see only marginal growth
• WTO warns that Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face severe economic stress
WTO Info:
• Established: 1995 | HQ: Geneva

r
• DG (2025): Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

a
• Merchandise Trade = Physical goods
• Services Trade = Tourism, finance, communication, etc.
um
• India’s Focus: FTAs, export diversification, trade facilitation

Inflation Decline in Telugu States – Telangana Tops Again

• India’s average CPI-based inflation (March 2025) = 3.34%
K

• Telangana: 1.06% – Lowest in India for the 2nd consecutive month

• Rural Telangana: 0.20%
• Urban Telangana: 1.79%
ay

• Andhra Pradesh: 2.50% – 4th lowest in India

• Rural AP: 1.31%
• Urban AP: 2.04%
Vin

• Inflation = Rate of price increase over time

• Measured using Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Lower inflation = Controlled prices → Relief for consumers

India’s Growth Rate in 2025 – UNCTAD Forecast

• As per UNCTAD's report, India’s GDP growth rate is projected to be 6.5% in 2025
• India is expected to remain resilient despite global recessionary conditions
Key growth drivers:
• Increased government spending
• Monetary easing (RBI cut repo rate by 25 basis points)
• Rising private investment
• Report Title: "Trade and Development: Foresights 2025 – Under Pressure"
• Global growth estimate: Only 2.3%, indicating looming recession
• South Asia projected to grow at 5.6%
• Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh face economic stress due to food price volatility
• UNCTAD: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 83 GVK Study Circle

India’s 2025–26 Growth – Fitch Ratings Forecast
• Fitch Ratings revised India’s 2025–26 GDP growth to 6.4% (down 10 basis points)
Forecasts:
• 2024–25: 6.2%
• 2025–26: 6.4%
• 2026–27: 6.3%
• Adjustments due to global economic uncertainty
Global projections:
• World growth may decline by 0.4% in 2025
• US GDP growth forecast: 1.2%
• China: Less than 4%
• Eurozone: Less than 1%
• Fitch Ratings: Leading global credit rating agency
• Report: Global Economic Outlook (GEO) Special Update

a r
India’s 2025–26 Growth Forecast – Morgan Stanley
• According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP growth rate in 2025–26 may drop to 6.1%
um
• Previous estimate: 6.5% → Revision: Down by 40 basis points (0.40%)
• 2026–27 growth is expected to recover to 6.3%
Key reasons for downgrade:
• Global trade wars
K

• Geopolitical instability
• Adverse impact on investments and exports
• Morgan Stanley: US-based global financial services firm
ay

• Basis Point (bps): 1 bps = 0.01%

India’s 2024–25 Growth Forecast – IMF Update

Vin

As per the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO):

• India’s growth estimate for 2024–25 has been revised down to 6.2%
• Previous forecast: 6.5%
• Despite support from private consumption, global trade tensions and weak demand are concerns
Global economy:
• 2025 world growth forecast: 2.8% (down by 0.5% from earlier)
• 2026 projection: May rise to 3%
• US growth forecast revised from 2.7% to 1.8%
• Similar downgrades noted for Canada, Japan, and the UK
IMF (International Monetary Fund):
• Established in 1944
• HQ: Washington D.C., USA
• Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva
• World Economic Outlook (WEO): Flagship IMF report on global economy

World Bank Forecast – India’s GDP to Slow to 6.3% in 2025–26

• The World Bank projects India's GDP growth at 6.3% for 2025–26, down from its earlier forecast of 6.7%
• Revision: 0.4% decrease
• 2024–25 growth is expected to be 6.5%, but momentum may slow due to:

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 84 GVK Study Circle

• Sluggish private investments
• Reduced public spending
• Weak global economy and policy uncertainties
• Monetary easing and stimulus measures could offset these challenges
• World Bank President: Ajay Banga
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA

EY Report – Optimistic Growth at 6.5% in 2025–26

• According to EY’s Economy Watch, India may achieve 6.5% growth in 2025–26
• Low crude oil prices → less inflation pressure → support to growth
• Retail inflation expected to remain below 4%
Key growth influencers:
• Declining exports
• Global slowdown

r
• Crude oil prices: USD 60–65 per barrel

a
• Improved global production capacity
• EY (Ernst & Young): Leading global consulting firm
um
• India is on track to become the world’s 3rd largest economy by 2025

Fitch Ratings Cuts India’s GDP Growth Forecast Amid Global Trade Tensions
• Fitch Ratings revised India's 2025–26 GDP growth forecast from 6.5% to 6.4% (a cut of 10 basis points)
K

Reasons cited:
• US–China trade tensions
• Uncertainty in global trade policies
ay

• Slowing global economy impacting investment sentiment

• Caution: India's growth is increasingly affected by global trade dynamics
• Fitch Ratings: Established in 1914, a leading global credit rating agency
Vin

• India remains among the fastest-growing major economies

• Global trade tensions are a major hurdle to global growth

Direct Tax Collections for FY 2024–25 Exceed Target

• Net direct tax collections: ₹22.26 lakh crore (↑ 13.57% vs. ₹19.60 lakh crore in FY 2023–24)
• Gross collections: ₹27.02 lakh crore (↑ 15.59%)
• Refunds issued: ₹4.76 lakh crore (↑ 26.04% over last year)
• Revised tax collection target: Increased from ₹22.07 lakh crore to ₹22.37 lakh crore
• Direct Taxes: Include Income Tax and Corporate Tax
• CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes): Nodal agency for direct tax administration
• By 2025, over 55% of central revenue is projected to come from direct taxes
• Growing tax collection is a positive signal for economic development

India to Allow 49% FDI in Nuclear Power Sector

• The Indian government is set to allow 49% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the nuclear power sector.
• In the Monsoon Session 2025, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1960) and the Civil Liability for
Nuclear Damage Act (2010) are planned.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 85 GVK Study Circle

• Private and foreign companies may be allowed to participate in construction and operation of nuclear
plants.
• Goal: Increase nuclear power capacity from 8 GW (current) to 100 GW by 2047.
• Interested players include Westinghouse, GE-Hitachi, EDF, Rosatom, Reliance, Tata, Adani, Vedanta.
• Currently, NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) is the sole operator of nuclear power in India.
• The 2010 Act defines liability in case of nuclear accidents;
• The 1960 Act keeps the sector under exclusive government control – proposed to be relaxed.
• By 2025, India is among the fastest-growing nuclear power nations
• These changes align with India’s clean energy goals and Net Zero target by 2070

India’s Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism at Record High

• In 2024, India earned $33.18 billion in foreign exchange from tourism – a new all-time high.
• Surpasses the previous record of $30.1 billion in 2019, marking full recovery post-COVID.
• During 2020–21, tourist arrivals fell below 4 crore due to the pandemic.

r
• Strong revival momentum began in 2023.

a
Tourism Foreign Exchange Earnings (USD billion):
• 2019 – 30.1
um
• 2020 – 6.9
• 2021 – 8.7
• 2022 – 21.4
• 2023 – 28.07
K

• 2024 – 33.18
• Source: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
• Result of initiatives under Visit India Year 2024
ay

• Contributing factors: infrastructure development, e-Visa facility, cultural festivals

India’s Organic Product Exports Reach ₹5,700 Crore in 2024–25

Vin

• In 2024–25, India exported organic products worth $665.96 million (approx. ₹5,700 crore)
• This marks a 34.6% increase over $494.8 million (₹4,200 crore) in 2023–24
• Export volume rose 4% to 3.68 lakh tonnes
• Growth driven by rising demand for organic grains, edible oils, and fresh fruits in developed nations
Product-wise Growth:
Product 2023–24 ($ Mn) 2024–25 ($ Mn)
Organic Pulses 5.25 17.89
Edible Oils 4.52 12.35
Fresh Fruits & 9.20 4.52
Vegetables
• Organic Farming: Cultivation without chemical fertilizers or pesticides
• APEDA: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (est. 1985)
• Major Export Destinations: USA, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan
• Support: Under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 86 GVK Study Circle

First Sea Shipment of Bhagwa Pomegranates Reaches New York
• In March 2024, Bhagwa variety pomegranates reached New York Harbor via commercial sea route for the
first time.
• Exported by Kay Bee Exports, sourced from farmers in Maharashtra, processed at APEDA’s Navi Mumbai
irradiation center
• Sea route cuts transportation cost by 30–40% compared to air freight
• Enhances global reach while reducing logistics expenses for fruit exports
• Bhagwa Pomegranates: Known for sweetness, bright red color, long shelf life – grown in Solapur and
Nashik
• India: World's #1 producer of pomegranates (~30% global share)
• Irradiation Processing: Mandatory for pest control & shelf-life extension in US/EU markets
• APEDA: Export facilitation agency under Govt. of India

AI Investments in India (2013–2024)

r
• According to the latest AI Index Report by Stanford University, India attracted $11.29 billion in AI

a
investments between 2013 and 2024
Comparatively during the same period:
um
• USA: $470.9 billion
• China: $119.3 billion
• UK (2024 alone): $28.2 billion
• India is emerging as a global AI hub, thanks to its large datasets and growing digital infrastructure
K

• Key AI segments: Machine Learning, NLP, Deep Learning, Generative AI

• The AI Index Report is Stanford’s comprehensive global report covering AI trends in research, investment,
policy, and ethics
ay

Key Highlights:
• Government initiatives like Digital India, National AI Mission, and Startup India are major enablers
• Research contributions from institutions like IITs, IIITs, DRDO, and C-DAC
Vin

• India is also collaborating on International AI Frameworks to stay competitive globally

RBI Allows 10+ Aged Minors to Independently Operate Bank Accounts

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) now permits minors aged 10 and above to independently open and
operate savings or term deposit accounts
• Objective: Promote early financial literacy and autonomy among young individuals
Conditions for such accounts:
• No overdraft facility allowed
• Account must always maintain a positive balance
• Upon turning 18, fresh consent from the account holder is required
• Bank's internal policy approval is mandatory for independent operation
About RBI & Context:
• Founded: 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Governor (2025): Sanjay Malhotra
• This move aligns with inclusive banking initiatives like:
• PM Jan Dhan Yojana
• School Banking Programs
• Financial Literacy Mission

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 87 GVK Study Circle

Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways – 2024–25
• In 2024–25, 145.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo was transported via inland waterways – a record
figure
• In comparison, it was only 18.1 MMT in 2013–14 → CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate): 20.86%
• Growth from 2023–24: 9.34% increase
• Major cargo types: Coal, iron ore, sand, fly ash – making up 68% of total cargo
• Number of National Waterways increased from 5 to 111
• Operational waterway length grew from 2,716 km (2014–15) to 4,894 km (2023–24)
Future Targets:
• By 2030: 200+ MMT
• By 2047: 500+ MMT
• Target modal share for waterways by 2047: 12%

Jalvahak Scheme (Incentive Scheme for Waterborne Cargo)

• Launched: December 15, 2024

a r
• Budget: ₹95.42 crore
• Subsidy: 35% reimbursement on operating costs for cargo moved over 300 km
um
Target Waterways:
• NW-1 (Ganga)
• NW-2 (Brahmaputra)
• NW-16 (Barak River)
K

Scheme duration: 3 years

• Additional Information:
• Longest waterway: NW-1 (Allahabad to Haldia – 1,620 km)
ay

• Regulatory Authority: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

• IWAI founded: 1986
• Ministry: Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Vin

India’s Forex Reserves Surge – April 2025

• In the week ending April 18, India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $8.31 billion to reach $686.145
billion
• Previous week’s increase: $1.567 billion → total then: $677.835 billion
• All-time high: $704.885 billion (as of September 2024)
Breakdown of April 18 Weekly Increase:
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): ↑ $3.516 billion
• Gold Reserves: ↑ $4.575 billion
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): ↑ $212 million
• India’s IMF Position: ↑ $7 million
Key Points:
• India is now the 4th largest forex reserve holder in the world (after China, Japan, and Switzerland)
• Managed by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Forex reserves can cover 11 months of imports
• Components: FCA + Gold + SDR + IMF reserve position

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 88 GVK Study Circle

 RANKINGS-INDICES-REPORTS
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2022–23 – First Nationwide Report
• Released by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Coverage: Over 2.16 lakh gram panchayats
• Framework: Based on 9 SDGs with 435 indicators (331 mandatory + 104 optional)
Top Performers:
• Gujarat scored 346
• Telangana scored 270
• Low-performing (aspirational) states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh
• No panchayat achieved "Achiever" status (i.e., 90+ score).
• Assessment based on National Indicator Framework designed by the Ministry.
Static GK:
• SDGs = Sustainable Development Goals (17 total)
• MoPR launched PAI to promote evidence-based local governance

a r
Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 – India Ranks 148th
• India’s rank: 148th (↓ from 147th in 2024)
um
Top ranks:
• 1st: Ireland
• 2nd: Switzerland
• 3rd: Greece
K

• United States: Ranked 45th

Ranking criteria:
• Visa-free access (50%)
ay

• Taxation policy (20%)

• Global freedom (10%)
• Dual citizenship availability & global perception
Vin

• India’s lower rank due to limited visa-free travel, tax complexity, and restricted dual citizenship.
Static GK:
• Published by: Nomad Capitalist, a global citizenship consultancy
• Index highlights the travel freedom and economic opportunities tied to citizenship

UN Report: India Ranks 2nd in Global Maternal Deaths – 2023

• Released by: WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA
• Maternal deaths in India (2023): 19,000 (≈ 52 deaths/day)
• Global Rank: 2nd (after Nigeria)
MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio):
• 2000: 362 per 100,000 live births
• 2023: 80 (78% reduction)
• SDG Target: Reduce MMR to below 70 by 2030
Government schemes:
• Janani Suraksha Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Static GK:
• MMR = Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 89 GVK Study Circle

• WHO defines maternal death as death due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth

Energy Statistics India 2025 – NSO Annual Report

• Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO)
• Period Covered: 2023–24
• Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES): 9,03,158 KToE (↑ 7.8%)
Coal dominance:
• 79% of domestic energy production
• 60.21% share in TPES
• Renewable energy capacity: 2,10,000 MW
• Wind and solar are leading contributors
• CAGR of renewable energy production (2014–24): 6.76%

Per Capita Energy Consumption Rises by 25% in 10 Years

• 2024–25 per capita energy use: 18,410 megajoules

a r
Rise due to:
• Industrialization
um
• Electrification schemes
• Employment growth
• Government initiatives (LED adoption, renewable push)
K

Massive Surge in Renewable Energy – Rajasthan, Gujarat Lead

• Installed capacity:
• 2015: 81,593 MW → 2024: 1,98,213 MW (2.4x growth)
ay

• Top producer states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra

• Target: Achieve Net Zero by 2070
Vin

RGIA Hyderabad Wins Skytrax Award – 4th Time

• Award: Best Staff Service (India & South Asia)
• Event: Passenger Terminal Expo 2025, Spain
Other Awards:
• Best Airport in India: IGI Delhi
• Best Regional Airport: Bengaluru
• Best under 5 million passengers: Manohar Intl, Goa
Top 3 global airports:
• 1st: Singapore Changi
• 2nd: Hamad (Qatar)
• 3rd: Dubai Intl

India Ranks 66th in 2025 Global Safety Index – Numbeo

• India's rank: 66 out of 147 countries
Comparison:
• China: 15
• Pakistan: 65
• USA: 89
• UK: 87

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 90 GVK Study Circle

• Top-ranked country: Andorra (Southern Europe)
Index based on:
• Crime rate, night-time safety, property loss, sexual violence
• Source: Numbeo, a global user-contributed data aggregator on safety and cost of living

• UN ESCAP Report 2025 – Asia-Pacific Environmental & Economic Risks

• UN-ESCAP warned that Asia-Pacific countries are facing high economic losses due to environmental
hazards.
• Average GDP loss in 30 countries: 4.8%; 11 countries are at high risk.
• In 1/3rd of the countries, annual economic loss may exceed 6%.
• Root causes: lack of infrastructure, agriculture dependence, poor urban planning.
• Green transition & climate finance are critical recommendations.
• India is a founding member; ESCAP HQ: Bangkok, Thailand.

r
Global Social Protection Report 2025 – 1.6 Billion Without Coverage

a
• World Bank report says over 1.6 billion people lack social protection globally.
• Low-income countries (LICs): 80% uncovered; LMICs: 30% uncovered.
um
• In Sub-Saharan Africa, 70% of people lack coverage.
• Calls for policy reforms to reduce poverty and inequality.
• Includes pensions, health insurance, DBT schemes.
• World Bank HQ: Washington D.C. | President: Ajay Banga
K

UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025

• Focus: Readiness in AI, robotics, biotech, IoT.
ay

• India ranks 36th among 170 nations (up from 48th in 2022).
India ranks:
o R&D: 3rd
Vin

o Industrial Capacity: 10th

o ICT Access: 99th
o Skills: 113th
o Finance Access: 70th
• Private AI investments in India (2023): $1.4 billion (10th globally)

India Leads Uranium Mining – Andhra Pradesh on Top

• 4 key states: Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka.
• Andhra Pradesh leads in uranium output (last 5 years), esp. Pulivendula (Kadapa district).
• Mining agency: Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL)
• Uranium oxide: used in nuclear reactors as fuel

Global Nature Conservation Index 2024 – India’s Animal Species at High Risk
• India’s faunal species face more threats than flora.
• Mammals (21.2%), Amphibians (16.5%), Fish (11.9%)
• Global biodiversity ranking for India:
• 3rd in plants
• 3rd in reptiles
• Data source: IUCN Red List

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 91 GVK Study Circle

• India recognized as the 8th most biodiverse country globally

Forest Land Encroachment Report – Submitted to NGT

• Total forest area encroached (2024): 13,056 sq. km
Top states:
• Madhya Pradesh: 5,460 sq.km
• Assam: 3,620 sq.km
• Karnataka: 863.08 sq.km
• Encroached land area exceeds combined area of Delhi, Goa, Sikkim.
• Causes: agriculture, housing, infrastructure.
• Responsible bodies: NGT, MoEFCC, Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006

Turnitin–Vanson Bourne Survey: AI’s Positive Impact on Education

• A global education-focused survey supported by Turnitin, conducted by Vanson Bourne
• Countries covered: India, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Ireland, USA

a r
• Participants: 3,500+ (students, educators, academic leaders)
India-specific insights:
um
• 93% Indian respondents believe AI is beneficial to education
• 50% stated they lack full awareness about AI use in learning
• AI-powered educational tools are available and growing in India
• Turnitin – Global leader in academic integrity and plagiarism detection
K

• Insight – High optimism but low awareness indicates need for AI literacy initiatives in education

UNESCO Report: Only 60% Countries Have School Food Laws

ay

• As per the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM) by UNESCO

• Only 93 countries (approx. 60%) have legislation to regulate school food
• Only 29% of countries regulate marketing of food products in schools
Vin

• In 30 low- and middle-income nations, nutrition education is taught through projects, but not part of formal
curricula
• Only 28 countries have continuous student awareness programs on food nutrition
• Report supported by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Focus – Need for mandatory nutrition laws, marketing restrictions, and integrated food education globally

Climate Change Increases Arsenic Levels in Rice

• A recent study published in Lancet Planetary Health Journal reveals that climate change is increasing
arsenic content in rice.
• A 2°C rise in temperature leads to greater arsenic uptake by paddy plants from the soil.
• Arsenic is a toxic metalloid — prolonged consumption can lead to cancer, kidney failure, and
cardiovascular issues.
• By 2050, 1 in 5 individuals globally may face cancer at least once in their lifetime.
In India, high-risk arsenic-contaminated regions include:
• West Bengal
• Bihar
• Assam
• Uttar Pradesh
• Arsenic: Non-metallic carcinogen commonly found in groundwater

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 92 GVK Study Circle

• Global Warning: Climate-induced crop toxicity could become a major food safety issue

Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Rankings 2025

• IISc Bengaluru ranks 38th in Asia (down from 32nd in 2024) – India’s highest-ranked institute
• Other Indian universities in the top 150:
• Anna University – Rank 111
• IIT Indore – Rank 131
• Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala – Rank 140
Top 2 Asia Rankings:
• 1st – Tsinghua University, China
• 2nd – Peking University, China
Ranking Metrics:
• Teaching, Research Output, Citations, International Outlook, Industry Income
• IISc Bengaluru:

r
• Established: 1909

a
• Founder: Jamsetji Tata
• Focus: Advanced science, engineering, and research
um
• THE Asia Rankings – Among the most credible indicators of academic and research excellence in Asia

Delhi IGI Airport – 9th Busiest Airport in the World (2024)

• Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi ranked 9th globally in terms of passenger traffic in 2024
K

• Passenger Footfall: 77 million (as per ACI World preliminary data)

Ranking Progress:
• 2021: 13th
ay

• 2023: 10th
• 2024: 9th
• India’s only airport in the global Top 10
Vin

• Managing Authority: Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) – under GMR Group
• ACI World: Global organization publishing airport rankings based on passenger data

Vitamin-D Deficiency in India – 1 in Every 5 Affected

• As per a report by ICRIER, 1 in every 5 Indians suffers from Vitamin-D deficiency
• Report Title: Roadmap to Address Vitamin-D Deficiency in India
Majorly Affected Groups:
• Children (0–10 years): 46% show signs of rickets
• Women & elderly: High prevalence of osteoporosis and bone weakness
Main Causes:
• Inadequate sun exposure
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of proper UV-B absorption
• ICRIER – Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (a policy think tank)

Hand & Power Tools Sector – $25 Billion Export Potential: NITI Aayog Report
• NITI Aayog's report titled “India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector” estimates a $25 billion export potential
• Released by: Shri Suman Bery (Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 93 GVK Study Circle

Global Market Size:
• Current (2024): $100 billion
• Projected by 2035: $190 billion
China’s Global Dominance:
• Hand Tools: 50% share
• Power Tools: 40% share
India’s Current Export Share:
• Hand Tools: $600 million (1.8%)
• Power Tools: $470 million (0.7%)
India’s 2035 Targets:
• Hand Tools: 25% global share
• Power Tools: 10% global share
• Employment Generation: 3.5 million jobs
Key Recommendations:
• Strengthening MSMEs

a r
• Upgrading industrial infrastructure
• Improving quality standards
um
• Note: The sector is aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ national missions

NATIONAL
Warangal Chapata Chilli Gets GI Tag – Telangana's 18th Geographical Indication
K

• The Warangal Chapata Chilli has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its distinct color,
thin skin, and mild pungency.
• This is the 984th GI tag in India and the 18th GI product from Telangana.
ay

• It is widely used in food, dye production, and cosmetic items.

• The application was filed by a farmers’ society from Thimmanpet (Warangal) and supported by
Mahabubabad district.
Vin

• The tag is granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• GI certification authority: Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai.
• GI logo tagline: “Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India”.
• First GI from Telangana: Pochampally Ikat (2004–05).
• India’s first GI tag: Darjeeling Tea (2004–05).
S.No Product Name in English Year District
1 Pochampally Ikat 2004–05 Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
2 Karimnagar Silver Filigree 2007–08 Karimnagar
3 Nirmal Furniture & Toys 2008–09 Nirmal
4 Nirmal Paintings 2008–09 Nirmal
5 Cheriyal Scroll Paintings 2010–11 Siddipet
6 Pembarthi Metal Craft 2010–11 Jangaon
7 Hyderabad Haleem 2010–11 Hyderabad
8 Gadwal Sarees 2010–11 Jogulamba Gadwal
9 Siddipet Gollabhama Sarees 2011–12 Siddipet
10 Narayanpet Handloom Sarees 2012–13 Narayanpet
11 Pochampally Ikat Logo 2017–18 Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
12 Banginapalli Mango 2017–18 India (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh)

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 94 GVK Study Circle

 13 Dokra Metal Craft 2017–18 Adilabad
14 Warangal Durries 2017–18 Warangal
15 Puttapaka Telia Rumal 2020–21 Yadadri Bhuvanagiri
16 Tandur Red Gram 2022–23 Vikarabad
17 Lac Bangles (Lakka Gajulu) 2024–25 Hyderabad

Kumbakonam Betel Leaf & Thovalai Floral Garland – Tamil Nadu Now Has 62 GI Tags
Kumbakonam Betel Leaf (Thanjavur):
• Noted for its green color, aromatic oil, and long shelf life.
Thovalai Floral Garland (Kanyakumari):
• Known for colorful and artistic flower arrangements.
• These are widely used in religious festivals and wedding ceremonies.
• With these additions, Tamil Nadu now has 62 GI products, the highest among Indian states.

Kannadippaya Mat – Kerala's First Tribal Handicraft to Get GI Tag

r
• A handcrafted mat made from banana fiber and forest grasses.

a
• Known for its cooling effect, durability, and eco-friendliness—integral to rural life.
um
• It is the first tribal handicraft from Kerala to receive a GI tag.

Amalsad Chikoo – Gujarat’s 28th GI-Tagged Product

• Noted for its high sweetness, soft texture, and long shelf life.
• Fourth food product from Gujarat to get a GI tag (after Kesar mango, Kachchhi Kharek, and Bhalia wheat).
K

• Gujarat now has a total of 28 GI-tagged products.

ay

General Information on GI Tag:

• Act: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• Launched: September 15, 2003
Vin

• Certifying Authority: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai

• Tagline: Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India
• First GI Tag in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004–05)

West Bengal Receives 7 New GI Tags – Nolen Gur-er Sandesh Takes the Lead
• Nolen Gur-er Sandesh: A winter-special Bengali sweet made from date palm jaggery.
Other Traditional GI-Tagged Products:
• Baruipur Guava
• Kamarpukur White Bonde
• Murshidabad Chanabora
• Bishnupur Motichoor Laddu
• Radhunipagal Rice
• Malda Nishatari Silk Yarn
• Total GI-tagged products from West Bengal: 33
• Certifying Authority: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai
• Benefits of GI Tag: Legal protection for traditional products and support for rural development.

Improved Health Infrastructure in India – Statement by Amit Shah

• Union Home Minister’s remarks during an event in Agroha, Haryana.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 95 GVK Study Circle

• ₹1.37 lakh crore allocated to the health sector in Budget 2025–26.
• In comparison, only ₹37,000 crore was allocated in 2013–14.
• A threefold increase in infrastructure highlights the government's focus on the health sector.

"Saudagiri Block Print" of Jamalpur, Ahmedabad – New GI Tag for Gujarat’s Craft
• A 300-year-old traditional block printing art from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad.
• Wooden blocks are hand-carved and stamped onto fabric using natural dyes.
• Commonly used in Kurtis, chunnis, shawls, and dhotis.
• The Chhipa community has preserved this heritage across generations.
• GI tag brings official recognition and protection to this local art form.

Meghalaya's “Ryndia Silk” and “Khasi Handloom” Get GI Tag – Recognition for Northeast Tradition
• Ryndia Silk: Handwoven eri silk using natural dyes; specialty of Umden village.
• Made through an Ahimsa (non-violent) process—cocoons are used without killing the silkworms.

r
• Khasi Handloom: Traditional weaving of the Khasi tribe, featuring indigenous designs and natural colors.

a
• The GI tag grants national and international recognition to Northeast India's handicrafts.
• Meghalaya is among India’s leading producers of eri silk.
um
BIMSTEC Summit – PM Modi Gifts Meenakari Artwork
• During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Prime Minister Modi gifted traditional Meenakari craft
items to the Prime Minister of Thailand and his spouse.
K

• Meenakari art: Decorative metalwork using colorful glass powder fused with heat.
• Origin: Safavid Empire (Iran); major Indian centers – Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi.
• Widely used in jewelry, ornaments, and temple sculptures.
ay

• “Meena” means heaven, “kari” means making—symbolizing “creating heaven on an object.”

Uttarakhand Renames 15 Places with Indian Cultural Names

Vin

• On March 31, 2025, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced renaming 15 places to honor Indian culture and
historical identity.
• Places in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar districts renamed.
• New names include: Shivaji Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Vijayanagar, Ramjeewala, Atal Marg, etc.
• Implementation will follow approval from the Union Home Ministry.
• These changes reflect public opinion and cultural-historical significance.

Keeranatham Village Panchayat Model – Paying for Plastic Waste

• Keeranatham village in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, launched an innovative scheme to pay ₹10 per
kg of collected plastic waste.
• A community-driven initiative to remove plastic waste at the grassroots level.
• Promotes plastic recycling, public awareness, and sustainable development.

National Highway Construction Exceeds Target in 2024–25 – NHAI Achievement

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) spent ₹2.5 lakh crore in capital expenditure, constructing
5,614 km of national highways.
• Exceeded the annual target of 5,150 km.
• Monetized assets worth ₹28,724 crore through TOT (Toll Operate Transfer), InvIT, and toll securitization.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 96 GVK Study Circle

GeM Platform – New Milestone in Government Digital Procurement
• In 2024–25, over 1 million contracts were created through GeM for human resource hiring.
• A paperless and cashless digital platform used by central/state governments and PSUs.
• Launched in 2016, developed by MeitY and DGS&D.
• Over 60,000+ government organizations and 1.1 million sellers registered.
• Prioritizes MSMEs and startups; includes features like e-bidding and reverse auction.

Tripartite Talks on Gorkha Citizenship – Centre, West Bengal & Gorkha Representatives
• Talks initiated under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to address Gorkha identity and citizenship issues.
• Gorkhas are Nepali-speaking Indian citizens residing in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Dooars.
• The Gorkha Regiment is a prestigious unit in the Indian Army.
• Issues stem from the 1950 India–Nepal Treaty leading to recognition-related confusion.
• Constitutional solutions being explored post establishment of DGHC and GTA.

‘Antardrishti’ – Dark Room Awareness Campaign

r
• Launched on April 7, 2025 at NIEPVD, Dehradun.

a
• Organized in partnership with NAB (National Association for the Blind), New Delhi.
um
• A dark room simulation to replicate experiences of the visually impaired.
• Aimed at raising awareness and empathy for people with visual disabilities.
• Inaugurated by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
(DEPwD).
K

• NIEPVD is a national institute under DEPwD, working for the blind.

20% Reservation for Agniveers in Haryana Police

ay

• Haryana government announced 20% reservation for Agniveers in police jobs.

• State with first-ever reservation for Agniveers in any government employment.
• Scheme announced by CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Vin

• Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, provides four years of military service under a central recruitment
plan.

Niveshak Didi – Women-Centric Financial Literacy Mission

• On April 8, 2025, a MoU was signed between IEPFA and IPPB.
• Aims to impart financial literacy to rural and semi-urban women.
• Women postal employees will be trained as "Niveshak Didi" to provide community-based awareness.
• IEPFA – Established in 2016 under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• IPPB – Launched in 2018 under the Department of Posts, focused on digital banking inclusion.

Coromandel-Ma’aden Ammonia Supply Agreement

• Coromandel International Ltd, a leading Indian fertilizer firm, signed an agreement with Ma’aden (Saudi
Arabia) for ammonia supply.
• Ensures steady supply of DAP and NPK fertilizers.
• Production capacity to rise from 6 million to 9 million tonnes.
• A strategic partnership during global supply disruptions.
• Ma’aden – Saudi government’s mining-fertilizer company; Coromandel – part of India’s Murugappa
Group.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 97 GVK Study Circle

‘Café Rista’ – Police-Citizen Harmony Initiative by Noida Police
• Café Rista inaugurated within the Noida Police Commissionerate campus, Uttar Pradesh.
• A unique platform to strengthen citizen-police trust.
• Promotes civic engagement, transparency, and problem-solving in policing.
• Aims to foster a people-friendly and empathetic police environment.

Imperial Global – India Centre Launched in Bengaluru

• Imperial College London is launching the ‘Imperial Global – India’ Centre in Bengaluru.
• To serve as a hub for knowledge, science, education, research, and innovation collaboration between India
and the UK.
• Will enable student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects.
• Strengthens UK-India educational and research cooperation.

NaBFID–NDB Agreement – Funding for Infrastructure & Clean Energy Projects

• A strategic memorandum of understanding was signed between NaBFID (National Bank for Financing

a r
Infrastructure and Development) and the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank established
by BRICS countries.
um
• Objective: To mobilize long-term investments in infrastructure and clean energy sectors.
• The agreement also covers co-funding, knowledge exchange, and technology promotion.
• NaBFID: Established under the NaBFID Act, 2021, serves as a key financial institution for infrastructure
funding in India.
K

• NDB: Headquartered in Shanghai, it supports sustainable development in BRICS and other emerging
economies.
ay

Blue Category Industries – New Classification by CPCB

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced a new “Blue” category for the first time.
• It includes industries that generate minimal hazardous waste, mainly those related to environmental
Vin

services.
• Inclusion of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants in this category sparked criticism.
• The classification aligns with the goals of low-emission, circular economy.
• Pollution Index (PI) classification:
• White: PI < 20
• Green: PI 21–40
• Orange: PI 41–59
• Red: PI 60–100
• Blue: Newly introduced (for low-to-moderate pollution industries)

STELLAR Model – Domestic Tech Solution for Power Sector Planning

• STELLAR (System for Transmission, Expansion, Load Levelling and Resource Planning) was launched
on April 11, 2025 by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
• It's a free software tool designed to aid in generation, transmission, and storage planning in the electricity
sector.
• Meant to help state DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) for integrated power planning.
• Developed in partnership with The Lantau Group (TLG).
• Based on the Resource Adequacy Guidelines (June 2023).
• Useful for demand response management, peak power supply planning, and efficient grid management.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 98 GVK Study Circle

• CEA functions under the Ministry of Power as a technical authority.

Pahalgam Terror Attack – India’s Strong Response (April 2025)

• Date: April 22, 2025
• Location: Baisaran, near Pahalgam (Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir)
• Target: Tourists – open firing by terrorists
• Perpetrators: The Resistance Front (TRF) – pro-Pakistan terror group formed after Article 370 abrogation
(2019)
• Significance: Baisaran is known as "Mini Switzerland" of Kashmir

🇮🇳 India's Counter-Measures
• Indus Waters Treaty – Temporarily suspended
• Attari-Wagah Border – Closed
• Strict action on Pakistani nationals:

r
• Ordered to leave India within 48 hours

a
• New SAARC visa issuance banned
• Pakistan High Commission downsized:
um
• Indian diplomats withdrawn
• Staff reduced from 55 to 30
About TRF (The Resistance Front)
• Formed in 2019, acts as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
K

• Uses social media propaganda to radicalize youth

• Designated as a terrorist group by Indian security agencies
Major Terror Attacks in India – Timeline
ay

Year Attack Location Deaths Terror Group

1993 Mumbai Blasts 257 D-Company
2001 Parliament Attack 9 Jaish-e-Mohammed
Vin

2002 Akshardham Attack 33 Lashkar-e-Taiba

2006 Mumbai Train Blasts 209 LeT, SIMI
2008 Mumbai 26/11 173 Lashkar-e-Taiba
2013 Hyderabad Blasts 17 Indian Mujahideen
2016 Uri Attack 19 soldiers Jaish-e-Mohammed
2019 Pulwama Attack 40 CRPF jawans Jaish-e-Mohammed

Flipkart to Relocate Headquarters to India

• Flipkart, owned by Walmart Group, has announced the relocation of its headquarters from Singapore to
India.
• The decision is part of the company’s IPO (Initial Public Offering) preparation process.
• This move reflects strategic alignment with the rapidly growing Indian e-commerce market.
• Founded: 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal
• In 2018, Walmart acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion.
• IPO: The process of offering company shares to the public for the first time to raise capital
• India: One of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets globally

GI Tag for Banarasi Shehnai

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 99 GVK Study Circle

• Banarasi Shehnai, a classical wind instrument from the Banaras gharana, has been granted a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag.
• It gained national prominence when Ustad Bismillah Khan played it at the Red Fort during India’s first
Independence Day.
• Commonly played at weddings, religious ceremonies, and temples – considered a sacred ceremonial
instrument.
• It symbolizes the cultural identity of Varanasi, a spiritual and musical hub of India.
• GI Tag: Recognition for products linked to a specific geographic origin
• Varanasi: Known as a center for Indian classical music and arts

Labour Ministry – Swiggy MoU for Gig Jobs

• The Ministry of Labour & Employment signed an MoU with Swiggy to provide gig job opportunities via
the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
• Target: Creation of 12 lakh jobs in the next 2–3 years
• Sectors Covered: Food delivery, support roles, and flexible jobs for youth and women

r
• Jobs will be posted on the NCS Portal, promoting gig economy participation.

a
• NCS: National Career Service, a government portal for employment
um
• Gig Jobs: Freelance/contractual roles with limited job security

Japan to Support India with Shinkansen Bullet Trains

• Japan to donate E5 and E3 model bullet trains to India.
K

• Purpose: Use as trial vehicles for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail project
• E5 Max Speed: 320 km/h | E3: Older model with modern safety features
• The Shinkansen service began in 1964 during the Tokyo Olympics.
ay

• Key milestone for India's high-speed rail journey

• Japan: Known for the world’s most advanced bullet train network
Vin

CSIR-IMMT MoU with Russian Organisations for Mineral Tech

• CSIR-IMMT (Bhubaneswar) signed two MoUs with Russian entities – Rosatom, Giredmet, and NUST
MISIS.
• Focus Areas: Critical minerals processing, zero-waste mining, and environmental protection
• Aim: Develop sustainable mineral utilization technologies
• IMMT: Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, founded in 1964
• Rosatom: Leading Russian nuclear energy agency
• Critical Minerals (e.g., Lithium, Cobalt): Essential for electronics, green energy, and defence tech

Tamil Nadu Bans Raw Egg Mayonnaise – 2025

• The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of mayonnaise made from raw eggs for 1 year.
• Basis: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• Reason: Risk of foodborne illnesses due to bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
• FSSAI – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
• Mayonnaise – A sauce of French/Spanish origin made with egg and oil

Karad City (Maharashtra) – Model in Sanitary Waste Management

• Achieved 100% segregation, door-to-door collection, and scientific processing of sanitary waste.
• Efforts include: Menstrual hygiene awareness, eco-friendly disposal, and de-stigmatization.

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 100 GVK Study Circle

• Promoted community responsibility in managing bio-medical waste.
• Karad – Town in Satara District, a model in Swachh Bharat initiative
• Sanitary Waste – Includes napkins, diapers, and hygiene-related medical items

Pink E-Rickshaw Scheme – Empowering Women in Maharashtra

• Maharashtra govt launched e-rickshaw distribution for women to support clean mobility & empowerment.
• Benefits: Financial independence, employment, eco-friendly transport
• Phase-1 launched in Pune as a pilot; to be expanded statewide.
• Target Group: Widows, divorced, low-income women
• Vehicle Type: Electric e-rickshaws supporting green transport goals

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology – Kerala Project

• Project Partners: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) & IIT Bombay
• Core Idea: Enable electric vehicles (EVs) to send excess power back to the grid

r
• Technology: Bidirectional energy flow (EV ↔ Grid)

a
• Inventor: Dr. Willett Kempton, University of Delaware (1990s)
• Objective: Tackle renewable energy intermittency by using EVs as mobile energy storage
um
• India's 1st V2G Pilot: 2022, NCR
• World's 1st V2G: 2009, Denmark
• Global Market by 2030: $17 billion
• KSEB: Kerala's electricity utility, established in 1957
K

ISRO's CROP Framework – Satellite-Based Crop Monitoring

• CROP Framework: Developed by ISRO–NRSC (Hyderabad), for crop health, growth, harvest-stage
ay

monitoring
Satellites Used:
• EOS-04 (RISAT-1A) – Radar-based data
Vin

• EOS-06 (Oceansat-3) – Land & Ocean observation

• Resourcesat-2A – High-resolution imaging
• Data Fusion: Optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for accurate analysis
• Estimated Wheat Output 2024–25 (Rabi): 122.724 million tonnes
• India – 2nd largest wheat producer globally
• Other Agri-Satellites: FASAL, KISAN Sat, GeoImager
• Key Uses: Crop health, water usage, pest/disease alerts
• Supports schemes like: PM-KISAN, MSP planning, drought & disaster management

Rapido–Ministry of Labour & Employment MoU

• Partners: Rapido and Ministry of Labour & Employment
Purpose:
• Create 50 lakh employment opportunities in the logistics sector via NCS portal
• Promote gig & private sector jobs through public-private partnerships
• Strengthen employment access for youth, women, gig workers
• NCS (National Career Service): Launched in 2015, national job portal under the Labour Ministry
• Rapido: Leading gig-based logistics & bike taxi platform in India
• Focus: Formalizing informal jobs, logistics employment, gig economy boost

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 101 GVK Study Circle

NTPC–Axis Energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
• Deal: NTPC signs PPA to procure 300 MW of electricity from Axis Energy
Project Scale:
• Total capacity: 1,000 MW
• Wind power: 500 MW
• Solar power: 330 MW
Battery storage systems included
• Tariff: ₹4.65/unit (Trade margin ₹0.07/unit)
• Objective: Supply power during peak demand hours (morning & evening)
• Investment: ₹6,000 crore
NTPC:
• Established: 1975, HQ: New Delhi
• India’s largest power generator

r
Axis Energy:
• Subsidiary of Brookfield Management, expertise in renewables
India's Renewable Target:
a
um
• 500 GW by 2030
• Focus on hybrid models (solar + wind + storage)
K
ay
Vin

www.youtube.com/@praveensir 102 GVK Study Circle