National News
India’s 5-Point Action Plan Against Pakistan
- After the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India announced strict steps against Pakistan.
- Measures include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, ending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistanis, expelling Pakistani military advisors, and reducing staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
International News
Klaus Schwab Resigns as WEF Chairman
- Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), stepped down after 50+ years.
- Peter Brabeck-Letmathe becomes interim Chair.
- Schwab warned early about the dangers of populism and globalization challenges.
UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks
- 16 new Global Geoparks added, total now 229 across 50 countries.
- New sites include Mt Paektu (North Korea), Kanbula (China), Arran (UK), and Tungurahua (Ecuador).
- No Indian site yet on the UNESCO Global Geoparks list.
Banking News
PNB Launches 34 New Initiatives on 131st Foundation Day
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched 34 new products and services.
- Highlights: New deposit schemes for women, farmers, pensioners, and AI tool “Pihu”.
- Organized "Cyber Run" marathon for cybersecurity awareness.
Economy News
IMF Cuts India’s Growth Forecast
- IMF reduced India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to 6.2% due to US tariffs and global slowdown.
- India remains the fastest-growing major economy.
Life Insurance Premium Growth in FY25
- Life Insurance industry grew 5.13% in new premium collections, reaching ₹3.97 lakh crore.
- LIC leads with a 57.05% market share.
World Bank Also Lowers India’s Growth Forecast
- World Bank revised India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%.
- Reasons: global economic slowdown and domestic uncertainty.
Appointments News
Jitendra Mishra Elected President of CIFEJ
- Jitendra Mishra, Director of SIFFCY festival, elected as President of CIFEJ (2025–2027).
- CIFEJ promotes educational films for children worldwide.
Books & Authors News
‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book Launched
- Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released a book showcasing 30 innovations in the circular economy.
- Highlights green innovations like e-waste recycling and eco-friendly packaging.
Ranks & Reports News
IISc Tops THE Asia University Rankings 2025 for India
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ranked 38th in Asia.
- Other Indian universities like Anna University and IIT Indore also featured.
- Tsinghua and Peking Universities (China) secured top spots.
Schemes News
Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative Launched in Maharashtra
- 10,000 electric rickshaws distributed to women (especially widows, low-income groups).
- Subsidies and easy loans provided.
- Initiative promotes women empowerment and green mobility.
Sports News
India Wins 7 Medals at ISSF World Cup Lima 2025
- India won 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals, finishing third overall.
- Standout players: Suruchi Singh, Saurabh Chaudhary, Manu Bhaker.
South Asian Athletics Championships 2025 Postponed
- Scheduled in Ranchi, postponed again due to visa issues for Pakistani athletes.
- New tentative date: Mid-June 2025.
Science & Technology News
India’s First Quantum Computing Village to Come Up in Amaravati
- Amaravati to host India’s first Quantum Computing Village.
- Big companies like IBM, TCS, and L&T involved.
NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Returns to Earth at 70
- Don Pettit returned from the ISS on his 70th birthday after a 220-day mission.
- He has spent a total of 590 days in space.
Important Days News
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025
- Celebrated on 24th April to mark the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1993).
- PM Modi visited Madhubani, Bihar, and launched projects worth ₹13,480 crore.
World Book and Copyright Day 2025
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Celebrated on 23rd April with the theme:
“The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. - Promotes reading, writing, and protecting authors' rights globally.