🇮🇳 National News
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has overseen transformative growth in India’s aviation sector aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047.
| Legislation / Milestone | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 | Passed by both Houses in April 2025; aligns India’s aircraft leasing & financing with Cape Town Convention, 2001 |
| Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 | Passed by both Houses in 2024; in force from January 1, 2025; replaces the colonial-era Aircraft Act, 1934 |
- New terminals laid at Varanasi, Agra (UP), Darbhanga (Bihar), and Bagdogra (West Bengal); since 2014, 12 of 21 in-principle approved Greenfield airports operationalised
- Domestic air passenger traffic more than doubled to 22.81 crore (2024) compared to 10.38 crore in the 65 years preceding 2014
Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 — passed April 2025; aligns with Cape Town Convention, 2001. Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 — in force January 1, 2025; replaces Aircraft Act, 1934. Domestic air passengers: 22.81 crore (2024) — doubled. India airports: 74 (2014) → 159 (2025).
In April 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU with Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington, USA) to launch ‘AI Careers for Women’ — a skilling initiative for women in Higher Education Institutions to pursue Artificial Intelligence (AI) careers.
- Microsoft will train 20,000 women through a 240-hour training curriculum aligned with NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education and Training)
- 30 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to be established at women’s colleges in 6 Indian states, each supporting 150 spoke institutions in Tier-II and Tier-III towns
- Implementation partner: Edunet Foundation (Bengaluru-based non-profit); integrated into credit-linked university curricula under NEP
- MSDE MoS (IC): Jayant Chaudhary (RS member, UP)
MSDE + Microsoft MoU — ‘AI Careers for Women’: trains 20,000 women in AI via 240-hour curriculum aligned with NCVET. 30 AI CoEs at women’s colleges in 6 states; each supporting 150 spoke institutions. Implemented by Edunet Foundation (Bengaluru). Minister: Jayant Chaudhary.
In April 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal (MoC&I) launched ‘The Bharat Project’ — a national initiative by YourStory (India’s leading digital media platform) — at Radisson Goregaon, Mumbai, aiming to empower 1 million entrepreneurs from Tier-II, Tier-III, and rural India.
- Co-Pilot for Entrepreneurs — AI-powered mobile-first platform (Hindi + English)
- Education & Upskilling — state/district-level activations + WhatsApp-based learning
- Bharat Ideathon — nationwide challenge across 1,000+ districts for best business ideas
- BharatSparks — launchpad where selected entrepreneurs pitch to investors and win grants
- Shuru-Kar — 7-part web documentary series featuring real startup stories
‘The Bharat Project’ by YourStory, launched by Piyush Goyal (MoC&I). Goal: empower 1 million entrepreneurs from Tier-II/III/rural India. Five pillars: Co-Pilot (AI), Education, Bharat Ideathon (1,000+ districts), BharatSparks (investor pitching), Shuru-Kar (web series).
The ISSF Rifle/Pistol & Shotgun World Cup 2025 was held in Lima, Peru (April 13–22, 2025). India finished 3rd with 7 medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze), behind China (13 medals) and USA (7 medals).
- India’s 42-member contingent was the second largest after China (46)
- Suruchi Singh won gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol, defeating double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker
- Suruchi Inder Singh + Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team, defeating China
- Gold medalists from Lima have qualified for the ISSF World Cup Final (WCF) 2025 in Doha, Qatar (December 4–9, 2025)
- This was the 2nd WC of the 2025 ISSF season (after Buenos Aires, where India finished 2nd with 8 medals)
ISSF WC Lima 2025 — India: 3rd, 7 medals (2G-4S-1B); China 1st (13), USA 2nd. Suruchi Singh — gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol (beat Manu Bhaker). Suruchi Singh + Saurabh Chaudhary — gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team (beat China). Lima WC qualifier for ISSF WCF 2025, Doha (Dec 4–9).
The 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championships 2025 were held from April 15–18 at Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Sports City, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (organised by the Asian Athletics Association — AAA). India secured 8th position with 11 medals (1 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze). China topped with 36 medals.
- Himanshu Jakhar clinched India’s first-ever gold in boys’ javelin throw with a 67.57 m throw — India’s maiden gold in the history of the Asian U18 Athletics Championships
- Defeated China’s Lu Hao (63.45 m) and Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Sadullaev (61.96 m)
Himanshu Jakhar — India’s first-ever gold at Asian U18 Athletics Championships in boys’ javelin throw (67.57 m); Dammam, Saudi Arabia. India: 8th overall, 11 medals. China: 1st (36 medals). Organised by Asian Athletics Association (AAA). 6th edition.
In April 2025, Indian cueist Sourav Kothari won the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2025, defeating multiple-time world champion Pankaj Advani in the final at the Snooker and Billiards Ireland (SBI) Academy, Carlow, Ireland, with a score of 725 points (vs Advani’s 480 points).
- His standout break of 325 points was the match highlight; also scored breaks of 119 and 112
- Sourav Kothari’s first IBSF World Billiards title (timed format) — only the 3rd Indian to win both IBSF and World Billiards League (WBL) World titles
- Triumph came 35 years after his father Manoj Kothari won the IBSF title in 1990
- Bronze: Dhruv Sitwala (India) and David Causier (England)
Sourav Kothari wins IBSF World Billiards Championship 2025 at SBI Academy, Carlow, Ireland; beats Pankaj Advani (725–480 pts). Top break: 325 pts. Only 3rd Indian to win both IBSF & WBL World titles. His father Manoj Kothari won IBSF in 1990 (35 years earlier).
In April 2025, Karnataka is set to become the first state in India to complete a village-level survey of antiquities — creating a comprehensive inventory of historical monuments, inscriptions, and sculptures.
- Initiated by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage (DAMH), Government of Karnataka; completed in 119 taluks so far; remaining areas by end of FY26
- Each item is geo-tagged for precise location mapping
- Karnataka safeguards over 800 state-protected monuments plus 600+ ASI-protected monuments; DAMH has proposed adding 110 + 1,000 more monuments to protected lists
Karnataka = first state in India to complete village-level survey of antiquities. By DAMH (Dept. of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, GoK). Covered 119 taluks; items geo-tagged. Karnataka: 800+ state-protected and 600+ ASI-protected monuments.
💼 Business & Economy
In April 2025, the IMF released its ‘April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO): A Critical Juncture amid Policy Shifts’, revising India’s FY26 GDP forecast down by 30 bps to 6.2% (from 6.5%).
| Indicator | Projection |
|---|---|
| India FY26 GDP growth | 6.2% (↓30 bps from 6.5%) |
| India FY27 GDP growth | 6.3% (revised from 6.5%) |
| India inflation (FY26) | 4.2% (↓ from 4.7% in FY25) |
| India Current Account Deficit | 0.9% of GDP (FY26); 1.4% (FY27) |
| World GDP (CY25) | 2.8% (↓ from 3.3% in Jan 2025) |
| World GDP (CY26) | 3.0% |
| Global inflation (CY25/CY26) | 4.3% / 3.6% |
- Combined global downgrade of 80 bps — well below the 2009–19 average of 3.7%
- India growth supported by private consumption (especially rural)
- IMF MD: Kristalina Georgieva | HQ: Washington DC | Est.: 1944 | Members: 191 (Liechtenstein joined as 191st on October 21, 2024)
IMF April 2025 WEO: India FY26 GDP = 6.2% (↓30 bps). India FY27: 6.3%. India inflation FY26: 4.2%. Global GDP CY25: 2.8% — down 80 bps from Jan 2025, below 2009–19 avg of 3.7%. IMF MD: Kristalina Georgieva; 191 members (Liechtenstein = 191st, Oct 21, 2024).
On April 21, 2025, the RBI announced amendments to the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework, applicable to all Commercial Banks (excluding Payments Banks, RRBs, and Local Area Banks), effective from April 1, 2026.
- Key amendment: Banks must assign an additional 2.5% run-off factor for retail deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking (IMB) facilities
| Deposit Type (with IMB) | Old Run-Off Rate | New Run-Off Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stable retail deposits with IMB | 5% | 7.5% |
| Less stable deposits with IMB | 10% | 12.5% |
RBI LCR Framework amendment (effective April 1, 2026): Additional 2.5% run-off factor for retail deposits with IMB (Internet & Mobile Banking). New rates: Stable deposits with IMB → 7.5% (from 5%); Less stable → 12.5% (from 10%). Applies to all Commercial Banks except Payments Banks, RRBs, LABs.
In April 2025, the Government of Telangana signed a tripartite agreement with NTT DATA Group Corporation (Japan) and Neysa Networks (AI-first cloud platform) to set up an AI Data Centre Cluster in Hyderabad with an investment of Rs 10,500 crore, in the presence of CM Anumula Revanth Reddy in Tokyo, Japan.
- 400 MW data centre cluster featuring 25,000 GPUs — India’s most powerful AI supercomputing infrastructure
- Combines NTT DATA’s global data centre leadership with Neysa’s AI acceleration platform
- Will run on a mix of grid and renewable energy (max 500 MW) with liquid immersion cooling to meet ESG standards
Telangana–NTT DATA (Japan) + Neysa Networks tripartite deal: Rs 10,500 crore AI Data Centre in Hyderabad. Specs: 400 MW, 25,000 GPUs — India’s most powerful AI supercomputing infrastructure. Renewable energy (up to 500 MW); liquid immersion cooling. CM: Revanth Reddy (signed in Tokyo).
🌐 International News
In April 2025, China introduced its first Gold ATM — developed by Shenzhen Kinghood Holdings Group Company Limited (Guangdong) — in Shanghai, offering paperless gold-to-cash conversion.
- Machine evaluates, melts, and weighs gold; transfers equivalent cash to seller’s bank account within 30 minutes — no paperwork or ID required
- Eligibility: Gold items weighing over 3 grams with minimum purity of 50%
- Processing: Melts at >1,200°C; real-time purity check; value calculated at current market rates
- Fee: 18 yuan (~Rs 210) per gram deducted before transfer
China’s Gold ATM (by Shenzhen Kinghood Holdings) launched in Shanghai. Converts gold to cash in 30 minutes; no ID/paperwork. Minimum: 3 grams, 50% purity. Melts at >1,200°C. Fee: 18 yuan/gram. Relevant context: Rising global gold prices 2024–25.
👔 Appointments
In April 2025, the ACC approved the appointment of Captain (Retd.) Jagmohan as the new CMD of MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited), Mumbai — a premier Defence PSU under MoD — effective April 21, 2025, until his superannuation on September 30, 2029.
- Succeeds Biju George (additional charge since March 2025, following Sanjeev Singhal’s superannuation in February 2025)
- Previously Director (Corporate Planning, Projects & BD) at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL); earlier as Head of Design at GRSE, Kolkata — led Advanced Stealth Frigate, P28 ASW Corvette, and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for Indian Navy and ICG
- 25+ years in the Indian Navy and shipbuilding
Captain (Retd.) Jagmohan appointed CMD of MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai) from April 21, 2025; till superannuation September 30, 2029. MDL = Defence PSU under MoD. Previously: Director at GSL; Head of Design at GRSE — led Advanced Stealth Frigate, P28 ASW Corvette.
In April 2025, TrillionLoans Fintech Private Limited (TFPL) (Mumbai — a digital-first NBFC) appointed Sandeep Singh as its new CEO, succeeding Sabyasachi Senapati. Sandeep Singh previously served as Head of Digital Loans at Aditya Birla Finance Limited (ABFL); 16+ years in digital lending. BharatPe holds ~60% stake in TFPL.
In a major global development, Klaus Schwab — founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) — announced his resignation as Chairman and member of the Board of Trustees. The WEF Board unanimously appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe (former Chairman & CEO of Nestlé S.A.) as interim Chairman.
- Klaus Schwab (German) founded WEF in 1971; made famous for annual Davos meetings; also founded Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) and co-founded the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
- Peter Brabeck-Letmathe (Austrian) was previously Vice Chairman of the WEF Foundation Board
Klaus Schwab (founder) resigns as WEF Chairman; interim Chairman: Peter Brabeck-Letmathe (ex-CEO, Nestlé). Schwab founded WEF in 1971; also founded YGL Forum and Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. WEF known for Davos meetings. Sandeep Singh new CEO of TrillionLoans NBFC (BharatPe subsidiary).
🔬 Science & Technology
In April 2025, India commemorated the Golden Jubilee of Aryabhata — its first satellite — launched on April 19, 1975, aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar, Astrakhan Oblast, Russia with assistance from the USSR.
| Aryabhata Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 360 kg |
| Design | 26-sided polyhedron, diameter 1.4 m |
| Power | 24 solar-panel-covered faces; 46 W |
| Purpose | Solar Physics, Aeronomy, X-ray Astronomy |
| Project Director | Prof. U.R. Rao |
| Re-entered atmosphere | February 11, 1992 (~17 years in orbit) |
- Developed under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (founder of India’s space programme); name chosen by PM Indira Gandhi from three options (Aryabhata, Mitra, Jawahar)
- Made India the 11th country to launch a satellite; power failure after 5 days but transmitted crucial data
- Since 1975, ISRO has built 131 satellites, with 55 currently operational | ISRO Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan | HQ: Bengaluru | Est.: 1969
Aryabhata — India’s first satellite; launched April 19, 1975 from Kapustin Yar, Russia (Kosmos-3M rocket). Weight: 360 kg; design: 26-sided polyhedron. India = 11th country to launch a satellite. Project Director: Prof. U.R. Rao. Named by PM Indira Gandhi. Re-entered: February 11, 1992. 2025 = 50th anniversary.
In April 2025, ISRO successfully developed and tested an indigenously-made nozzle divergent using Stellite alloy for the fourth stage (PS4) of the PSLV, replacing the imported Columbium (C103) material under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Stellite alloy (KC20WN): Cobalt-based alloy containing Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Tungsten (W), and Iron (Fe); maintains structural integrity at temperatures up to 1,150°C
- Final hot test: 665 seconds on April 8, 2025 at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
- Saves 90% of expenses previously spent on imported Columbium; strengthens India’s space hardware manufacturing
ISRO develops indigenous Stellite Nozzle Divergent for PSLV PS4 (4th stage); replaces imported Columbium (C103). Alloy: Stellite KC20WN (Cobalt-based; Cr, Ni, W, Fe). Tested for 665 seconds (April 8, 2025) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. Saves 90% import cost. Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
📅 Important Days
Three observances fall on April 23 each year:
| Observance | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| World Book & Copyright Day | By UNESCO; established at UNESCO General Conference, Paris, 1995; first official celebration: April 23, 1996, Barcelona. World Book Capital 2025: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| UN English Language Day | Established 2010 by UN DPI; first observed April 23, 2010. Aligns with birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare (1564–1616) |
| UN Spanish Language Day | By UN DGC (2010); honours death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (Don Quixote). Spanish: 4th most spoken native language (560+ mn speakers, 21 countries); Mexico = largest Spanish-speaking nation |
April 23 — triple observance: (1) World Book & Copyright Day (UNESCO, est. 1995/first 1996); World Book Capital 2025: Rio de Janeiro. (2) UN English Language Day — birth/death of Shakespeare (1564–1616). (3) UN Spanish Language Day — death of Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote); Spanish = 4th most spoken language (560+ mn, 21 countries).
On April 21, 2025, the Goldman Environmental Foundation (California, USA) announced recipients of the 36th Goldman Environmental Prize 2025 — the ‘Green Nobel Prize’ — honouring 7 grassroots environmental activists from the six inhabited continental regions. Ceremony held in San Francisco. Asia awardee: Batmunkh Luvsandash (Mongolia). Goldman Environmental Foundation: est. 1989.
Separately, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad (operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. — GHIAL) received Level-5 Accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme by ACI — among the top 4 airports in the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East region at Level-5, the highest ACA level.
- ACA has 7 levels: Mapping → Reduction → Optimization → Neutrality → Transformation → Transition → Level-5 (highest)
Goldman Environmental Prize 2025 (36th edition; ‘Green Nobel Prize’; est. 1989, California). Asia: Batmunkh Luvsandash (Mongolia). RGIA, Hyderabad (GHIAL) achieves ACA Level-5 — highest carbon accreditation by ACI; among top 4 in ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East. ACA has 7 levels.
In April 2025, Himachal Pradesh CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released the book ‘Mere Achhe Din’, authored by 90-year-old Hari Singh Rana (veteran social worker, Killar Gram Panchayat), during Himachal Day celebrations at Pangi, HP. The book chronicles HP’s developmental journey since its formation in 1971.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) observed Pan-India Fire Safety Week (April 21–25, 2025) under the theme ‘Fire Safety in Health Facilities’. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava led a nationwide pledge ceremony on April 22 at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi with 3,000+ participants.
Book: ‘Mere Achhe Din’ by Hari Singh Rana (90 yrs); released by HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Pangi, HP (Himachal Day). Chronicles HP’s development since 1971. Published by HP Dept. of Information & Public Relations. MoHFW Fire Safety Week (April 21–25, 2025): Theme — ‘Fire Safety in Health Facilities’.
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