🌐 International News
A bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol inspired by Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) will be unveiled in Leicester Square, London in Spring 2025.
The sculpture is based on a notable scene from the film and will be placed outside the Odeon Cinema (featured in the movie). The tribute aligns with DDLJ’s 30th anniversary and highlights Bollywood’s cultural footprint among the British South Asian diaspora.
Location-based recall: Leicester Square + outside Odeon Cinema. Link the event with DDLJ (1995) → 30th anniversary. Culture-international news questions often test place + work + personalities.
Quick revision: A DDLJ-themed statue of SRK-Kajol is set for Leicester Square, London in Spring 2025.
Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of proposed tariff hikes for most countries, replacing them with a 10% “reciprocal tariff.” Countries noted as beneficiaries include the EU, Vietnam, and South Africa.
China faced stricter action: tariffs on Chinese goods raised to 125%, citing China’s high tariffs on US imports (84%) and perceived disrespect. The announcement initially spurred global concern but was followed by a US stock market rally.
Numbers are key: 90 days, 10%, 125%, 84%. Typical framing: “tariff decision + duration + rate + country targeted”. Trade policy changes are frequently tested in international economy MCQs.
Quick revision: US announced a 90-day tariff pause for most, but raised China tariff to 125%.
After the US imposed 104% tariffs on Chinese goods, China raised tariffs on US goods to 84% (from 34%). China also blacklisted 12 American companies, expanded its unreliable entities list by six, and imposed export controls on rare earth materials.
China filed a complaint with the WTO, accusing the US of undermining global trade. Trade imbalance cited: USD 440B in imports vs USD 145B in exports.
Track the escalation chain: 104% (US) → 84% (China). Terms to remember: unreliable entities list, rare earth export controls, WTO complaint. Retaliatory tariff cycles are asked via “who did what, by how much, and where challenged”.
Quick revision: China countered US tariffs by raising duties to 84% and moving actions through lists, controls, and the WTO.
At the 8th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects (IRWG-PIP), both sides agreed on six new priority ventures. The session was co-chaired by Amardeep Singh Bhatia (India) and Vladimir Ilichev (Russia).
The 2nd India-Russia Investment Forum hosted 80+ participants. The “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” was established in 2000 and expanded in 2010.
Keep the identifiers: IRWG-PIP (8th session) + six projects + the two co-chairs. Years: 2000 and 2010 are high-yield. Bilateral forums often appear via “which session + co-chairs + outcomes”.
Quick revision: India-Russia IRWG-PIP (8th session) agreed on six priority investment projects.
🇮🇳 National News
As per PLFS 2024, unemployment for those aged 15+ declined from 5.0% to 4.9%. Rural unemployment fell to 4.2%.
Key highlights:
- Urban female unemployment reduced from 8.9% to 8.2%
- Marginal increase observed in urban male unemployment
- LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate) dipped to 59.6%
- Urban LFPR rose to 51.0%
- WPR (Worker Population Ratio) declined to 57.7%
- Rural female WPR fell due to fewer unpaid female workers
Keep the headline figures straight: Unemployment 4.9%, LFPR 59.6%, WPR 57.7%. Gender/region splits: Urban female 8.9 → 8.2, rural 4.2. PLFS indicators are repeatedly used in data-based MCQs.
Quick revision: PLFS 2024: unemployment (15+) eased to 4.9%; LFPR 59.6%, WPR 57.7%.
IIM Ahmedabad signed an MoU with the UAE government to set up its first overseas campus in Dubai. Operations begin in September 2025 at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
It will offer a one-year full-time MBA aimed at global professionals and entrepreneurs. A permanent campus is planned by 2029.
Memorise: Dubai + DIAC + Sept 2025 + one-year MBA + permanent campus by 2029. Education-international expansion is asked via institution + location + timeline.
Quick revision: IIM-A will launch its first overseas campus in Dubai from Sept 2025.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the Inter-AIIMS Referral Portal designed by AIIMS New Delhi. The portal enables referrals using facial recognition and automated processing.
Initially implemented between AIIMS New Delhi and AIIMS Bilaspur, with plans for expansion to all AIIMS. It aims to reduce wait time, strengthen service security, and improve patient experience.
The portal will integrate with the Vishram Sadan platform for affordable patient lodging options.
Match: Portal name + designer (AIIMS Delhi) + launch by J.P. Nadda. Features: facial recognition, automated processing; link to Vishram Sadan. Digital health initiatives are a common governance/healthcare theme.
Quick revision: Inter-AIIMS Referral Portal launched to modernize referrals, starting with AIIMS Delhi-Bilaspur.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the Bhagirath mobile app under Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan 2025. Citizens can report endangered traditional water sources such as Naulas, Dharaas, and rain-fed streams.
The initiative uses the theme: “Dhara Mera, Naula Mera, Gaon Mera, Prayas Mera.” Emphasis was placed on sustainable practices for long-term water security and environmental sustainability.
Remember: Bhagirath app + Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan 2025 + Naulas/Dharaas. Theme line can be asked verbatim. State-level apps and water conservation drives are frequent in state GK and environment sections.
Quick revision: Uttarakhand rolled out the Bhagirath app to support reporting and conservation of traditional water sources.
Rajesh Unni, founder of Synergy Marine Group, received the National Maritime Varuna Award. The award was presented during the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations in Mumbai.
Presented by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the award recognised his contribution to India’s maritime sector and innovation, including sustainability efforts.
Remember: Rajesh Unni + Synergy Marine Group + National Maritime Varuna Award + DGS + Mumbai. Awards tied to sectors (maritime, aviation, etc.) are frequent direct MCQs.
Quick revision: Rajesh Unni won the National Maritime Varuna Award at National Maritime Day celebrations in Mumbai.
The 9th Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025 will be held in New Delhi from April 10 to 12, 2025. The theme is “Sambhavna” (Possibilities).
Co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India, the summit expects participation from 150+ speakers from 40+ countries.
Focus areas include AI governance, cybersecurity, space security, and tech cooperation with the Global South. The event also includes a Young Ambassadors Program.
Learn: dates + city + theme + co-hosts. Numbers: 150+ speakers, 40+ countries. Summits are asked via “where/when/theme/organisers”.
Quick revision: GTS 2025 (New Delhi, Apr 10-12) runs on the theme Sambhavna.
💼 Business & Economy
Juspay, a Bengaluru-based fintech focused on payment infrastructure, became a unicorn after raising $60 million in Series D funding. The round was led by Kedaara Capital, with participation from SoftBank and Accel.
Despite losing major clients such as Razorpay and PhonePe, the firm plans to invest in AI-driven tech and expand into APAC, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Keep: $60 million Series D + lead investor Kedaara + “first unicorn of 2025” label. Expansion regions: APAC, Europe, Latin America, North America. Unicorn and funding stories are common in economy/startups MCQs.
Quick revision: Juspay turned unicorn in 2025 after a $60M Series D round led by Kedaara Capital.
Adani Group raised $750 million through a private bond offering to finance Renew Exim’s acquisition of ITD Cementation. Investors cited include BlackRock, Sona Asset Management, Jefferies, and JPMorgan.
BlackRock reportedly took about one-third of the bonds. The update also references ongoing legal issues, including a $256 million bribery investigation.
Numbers and entities: $750M, Renew Exim-ITD Cementation, BlackRock ~1/3, $256M reference. Typical question: “deal size + purpose + key investors”. Big-ticket finance moves are frequently asked in business current affairs.
Quick revision: Adani raised $750M via private bonds to fund Renew Exim’s ITD Cementation acquisition.
🔬 Science & Technology
Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences reported bringing back the extinct dire wolf (Canis dirus) using CRISPR gene editing and ancient DNA.
Three puppies—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were born using gray wolf cells and domestic dog surrogates. The development sparked debate on ecology, authenticity, and adaptability.
The wolves are housed in a 2,000-acre protected reserve. Colossal is also pursuing de-extinction projects for the woolly mammoth and red wolf.
Remember: dire wolf (Canis dirus) + CRISPR + ancient DNA + puppy names. Numeric detail: 2,000-acre reserve. Emerging biotech “firsts” are increasingly asked in science current affairs.
Quick revision: Colossal Biosciences claims de-extinction of the dire wolf using CRISPR and ancient DNA.
👔 Appointments
Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina was appointed Acting Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank after Maha Prasad Adhikari’s five-year term ended on April 6, 2025.
The appointment was made by Nepal’s Ministry of Finance under Deputy PM Bishnu Prasad Paudel, as per the Nepal Rastra Bank Act.
A committee including Bishnu Prasad Paudel, former Governor Bijaya Nath Bhattarai, and economist Dr. Biswo Poudel will recommend candidates for the permanent role.
Remember: Acting Governor → Neelam Dhungana Timsina; term completion date: April 6, 2025. Committee composition can be asked. Neighbourhood-country central bank leadership updates are common in IR/current affairs.
Quick revision: Neelam Dhungana Timsina became Acting Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank after the previous term ended on Apr 6, 2025.
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