🇮🇳 National News
The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme completed 5 years of implementation. Launched on April 24, 2020 on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day by PM Narendra Modi.
- Implemented by Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) with support from Survey of India (SoI) (Dehradun) and technology partner NICSI (National Informatics Centre Services Inc.) (New Delhi)
- A Central Sector Scheme (CSS) providing ‘record of rights’ via property cards to village household owners in inhabited rural areas; initial budget: Rs 566.23 crore (FY21–FY22), extended till FY26
- As of January 18, 2025: 65 lakh property cards distributed across 50,000+ villages in 10 states including 2 UTs
- MoPR Union Minister: Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) — Munger, Bihar | MoS: S.P. Singh Bhagel — Agra, UP
SVAMITVA — launched April 24, 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by PM Modi. Full form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. Nodal ministry: MoPR; tech partner: Survey of India (SoI) + NICSI. Progress: 65 lakh property cards, 50,000+ villages. Central Sector Scheme; budget: Rs 566.23 crore.
In April 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) — India’s highest decision-making body on national security, chaired by PM Narendra Modi — took strict actions against Pakistan following a terror attack that killed 26 people (including a foreign national) in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
| # | Action |
|---|---|
| (i) | Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with immediate effect — India’s most significant diplomatic action since 1960 |
| (ii) | Closure of the Integrated Attari–Wagah Border with immediate effect; those already crossed with valid documents allowed to return before May 1, 2025 |
| (iii) | Expulsion of all Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi; declared ‘Persona Non Grata’; asked to leave within one week |
Pahalgam Terror Attack (J&K) — 26 killed. India’s CCS response: (1) Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT); (2) Closure of Attari–Wagah Border; (3) Expulsion of Pakistani military/naval/air advisors from New Delhi (‘Persona Non Grata’). CCS chaired by PM Modi. Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960.
In April 2025, ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) signed an MoU with the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India to enhance Capacity Building (CB) in commercial accounting, financial auditing, and taxation.
- MoU exchanged by K. Sanjay Murthy (CAG of India) and Charanjot Singh Nanda (President, ICAI)
- Covers: training for recent recruits; advanced programmes; Continuous Professional Education (CPE); focus on ERP systems, forensic accounting, fraud investigation
- CAG of India: Established 1949 | Supreme Audit Institution of India | HQ: New Delhi
ICAI + CAG of India MoU for capacity building in public sector audits. CAG: K. Sanjay Murthy; ICAI President: Charanjot Singh Nanda. Focus: ERP systems, forensic accounting, fraud investigation, CPE. CAG est.: 1949; Supreme Audit Institution of India.
In April 2025, Neeraj Chopra (India’s two-time Olympic medallist) opened his 2025 season with a gold medal at the NWU Potch Invitational in Potchefstroom, South Africa, with a throw of 84.52 metres.
- Set a new Indian season-best (surpassing Sachin Yadav’s 84.39 m)
- First competition under new coach Jan Železný — Czech legend, 3-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder in javelin at 98.48 m
- Neeraj’s personal best: 89.94 m (June 2022)
Neeraj Chopra — gold at NWU Potch Invitational, Potchefstroom, South Africa (84.52 m); new Indian season-best. First competition with new coach Jan Železný (Czech; 3× Olympic gold; WR: 98.48 m). Neeraj’s PB: 89.94 m (June 2022).
💼 Business & Economy
RBI data shows outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) during April 2024–February 2025 (FY25) dropped 8.21% YoY to USD 27.02 billion (from USD 29.43 billion).
| Category | Change (YoY) | Value (FY25) |
|---|---|---|
| International Travel (largest segment) | −1% | USD 15.84 bn |
| Maintenance of close relatives | −22% | USD 3,300.5 mn |
| Overseas education | −16% | USD 2,758.9 mn |
| Overseas property purchase | +28.32% | USD 277.7 mn |
| Equity/Debt investment | +8.27% | USD 1,392.55 mn |
- LRS (introduced 2004): All resident individuals (including minors) can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions; initial limit: USD 25,000
RBI LRS data FY25 (Apr–Feb): Total outward remittances down 8.21% to USD 27.02 bn. Biggest fall: maintenance of relatives (−22%). Biggest rise: overseas property purchase (+28.32%). LRS (introduced 2004): limit USD 250,000/year/resident (initial: USD 25,000).
In April 2025, SBI announced deployment of ‘Grahak Mitras’ (Customers’ Friends) across 4,500 branches (~20% of its 22,740 total branches) to promote self-service banking and reduce branch congestion. Sourced from SBOSS (State Bank Operations Support Services) — a wholly-owned SBI subsidiary. As of December 2024, 98.1% of SBI’s total transactions were via alternate channels (up from 88.1% in March 2019).
Separately, HDFC Bank (Mumbai) became the 3rd Indian company to surpass Rs 15 lakh crore market capitalisation (after Reliance Industries and TCS). Q4 FY25 highlights: Net Profit Rs 17,616 crore (+6.7% YoY); NII Rs 32,070 crore (+10.3% YoY).
SBI ‘Grahak Mitras’ deployed at 4,500 branches; sourced from SBOSS. SBI alternate channel transactions: 98.1% (Dec 2024). HDFC Bank = 3rd Indian company above Rs 15 lakh crore m-cap (after RIL and TCS). Q4 FY25: Net Profit Rs 17,616 crore (+6.7%).
In April 2025, the RBI mandated all banks to migrate digital operations to the exclusive ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 31, 2025. Registrar authority: IDRBT (Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology), Hyderabad — authorised by NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) under MeitY. Initiative first introduced: February 7, 2025.
Separately, the ACC approved the re-appointment of T. Rabi Sankar as RBI Deputy Governor for a one-year extension from May 3, 2025 — his second consecutive one-year extension since initial appointment in May 2021.
- T. Rabi Sankar oversees: Foreign Exchange, Currency Management, Government Accounts; former Executive Director, RBI; IMF Consultant (2005–2011)
- Also serves as: Chairman, IFTAS | Board Member, ReBIT | Member, Governing Council, IDRBT
- RBI’s 4 Deputy Governors (April 2025): T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, Poonam Gupta
RBI mandates ‘.bank.in’ domain for all banks by October 31, 2025; registrar: IDRBT, Hyderabad (authorised by NIXI/MeitY). T. Rabi Sankar re-appointed RBI Deputy Governor (1-year ext. from May 3, 2025). RBI’s 4 DGs: Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, Poonam Gupta.
On April 23, 2025, the World Bank released its ‘South Asia Development Update April 2025’, lowering India’s FY26 GDP forecast to 6.3% (a 0.4 pp cut from 6.7%). India’s FY25 estimated at 6.5%. South Asia region: 5.8% (2025). World Bank President: Ajay Banga | Est.: 1944 | Members: 189.
The CCI on April 22, 2025 approved: (i) Bharat Forge (BFL) acquires 100% equity of AAM India Manufacturing (AAMCPL), Ahmednagar; (ii) 360 ONE Private Equity + Bharti Life Ventures acquire stakes in Bharti AXA Life Insurance (BALIC); (iii) Kandhari Global Beverages acquires a Target Business for Rs 2,000 crore.
Adani Group-backed Ambuja Cements (Mumbai) officially took control of Orient Cement Limited (OCL) — previously run by the CK Birla Group — acquiring 37.79% stake from promoters + 8.87% from public = total 46.66%. Adani entered cement in 2022 by acquiring Ambuja from Holcim Group (Switzerland) for Rs 51,000 crore; target: 140 MTPA by FY28.
World Bank South Asia Update (April 23, 2025): India FY26 GDP = 6.3% (↓0.4 pp). President: Ajay Banga. CCI April 22: Bharat Forge acquires AAMCPL; 360 ONE + Bharti LV acquire BALIC stake; Kandhari Beverages deal (Rs 2,000 cr). Ambuja Cements acquires 46.66% of Orient Cement (ex-CK Birla); Adani cement target: 140 MTPA by FY28.
In April 2025, LIC raised its stake in Bank of Baroda (BoB) (Vadodara, Gujarat) by ~2% to 7.05% (from 5.03%), acquiring an additional 10.45 crore shares through Open Market Purchases over November 2023–April 2025.
Separately, Campbell Wilson stepped down as Chairman of Air India Express (AIX) (held since June 2022) and will be succeeded by Nipun Aggarwal, current CCO of Air India. Air India Express was reacquired by Tata Group for Rs 18,000 crore in January 2022 | HQ: Gurgaon, Haryana | Est.: 2004.
LIC raises stake in Bank of Baroda (BoB) to 7.05% (from 5.03%) via Open Market Purchases. Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express Chairman; successor: Nipun Aggarwal (CCO, Air India). AIX reacquired by Tata Group for Rs 18,000 crore (Jan 2022); est. 2004.
🌐 International News
PM Narendra Modi undertook an official two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (April 22–23, 2025) at the invitation of Crown Prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). He received a 21-gun salute in Jeddah — his 3rd visit to Saudi Arabia and 15th official trip to the Gulf region since 2014.
- PM Modi and Crown Prince MBS co-chaired the 2nd meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC)
- The SPC decided to form a new Ministerial Committee focused on Defence Cooperation, Tourism, and Cultural Cooperation
- 4 MoUs signed to enhance bilateral cooperation
- Saudi Arabia PM: Mohammed bin Salman | Capital: Riyadh | Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
PM Modi’s Saudi Arabia visit (April 22–23, 2025) — his 3rd visit; 15th Gulf trip since 2014. Co-chaired 2nd India–Saudi Arabia SPC meeting with Crown Prince MBS. New Ministerial Committee on Defence, Tourism, Culture; 4 MoUs signed. Saudi Arabia PM: Mohammed bin Salman; Capital: Riyadh.
🔬 Science & Technology
In April 2025, South Korea launched its 4th indigenous military spy satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, to monitor North Korea’s nuclear/missile activities under the ‘425 Project’.
| Unit | Type | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 (EO/IR) | Electro-optical/Infrared | December 1, 2023 |
| Unit 2 (SAR) | Synthetic Aperture Radar | April 7, 2024 |
| Unit 3 (SAR) | Synthetic Aperture Radar | December 21, 2024 |
| Unit 4 (SAR) | SAR | April 22, 2025 |
| Unit 5 (SAR) | SAR | Scheduled later in 2025 |
- Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) — high-resolution imaging in adverse weather or night; developed by ADD (Agency for Defence Development), managed by DAPA
- South Korea President: Han Duck-soo | Capital: Seoul | Currency: KRW
South Korea’s 425 Project: 4th military spy satellite launched via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral (April 22, 2025). Technology: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). Purpose: Monitor North Korea nuclear/missile activity. 5 satellites total (Units 1–5); 4th = Unit 4 SAR. Developed by ADD/DAPA. South Korea President: Han Duck-soo.
In April 2025, India dispatched the 2nd batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of the USD 375 million (Rs 3,202 crore) deal signed in January 2022 — the Philippines being the 1st nation to sign a BrahMos import agreement with India.
- 2nd batch transported by ship (1st batch in April 2024 was by IAF aircraft); deal covers 3 BrahMos missile batteries
- BrahMos specs: Range: 290 km | Speed: Mach 2.8 (3× speed of sound) | Payload: 200–300 kg warheads
- 83% of components now indigenised; India’s defence export target: Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029
- Vietnam set to become the 2nd Asian nation to acquire BrahMos (~Rs 5,990 crore / USD 700 mn)
- Philippines President: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | Capital: Manila
India’s 2nd BrahMos batch to Philippines (by ship; 1st batch April 2024 by IAF). Deal: USD 375 mn (Jan 2022); 3 missile batteries. Philippines = 1st nation to import BrahMos. BrahMos: Range 290 km, Mach 2.8, 200–300 kg payload. 83% indigenised. Vietnam = next buyer (~USD 700 mn).
In April 2025, China launched the world’s first 10G broadband network in Sunan County, Hebei Province, through a collaboration between Huawei and state-run China Unicom.
- Powered by next-generation 50G PON (Passive Optical Network) technology and DWDM (Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing)
- Test results: Download: 9,834 Mbps | Upload: 1,008 Mbps | Latency: as low as 3 ms
- Applications: cloud gaming, remote surgery, AI smart homes, telemedicine, smart agriculture, autonomous driving
China launches world’s first 10G broadband network — Sunan County, Hebei Province; by Huawei + China Unicom. Technology: 50G PON + DWDM. Speeds: Download 9,834 Mbps, Upload 1,008 Mbps, Latency 3 ms. Applications: telemedicine, autonomous driving, cloud gaming.
📅 Important Days
National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) is observed on April 24. April 24, 2025 = 16th NPRD — marking 32 years since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayats.
- First declared by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2010; first observed April 24, 2010
- 2025 main event: Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat, Jhanjharpur Block, Madhubani District, Bihar; PM Modi was Chief Guest and conferred National Panchayat Awards (Special Categories) 2025 — including new categories for Climate Action, Atmanirbharta, Capacity Building (Localisation of SDGs)
National Panchayati Raj Day: April 24; 2025 = 16th observance; first in 2010 (PM Manmohan Singh). Marks 32 years of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. 2025 venue: Lohna Uttar GP, Madhubani, Bihar. New award categories: Climate Action, Atmanirbharta, Capacity Building. Link: SVAMITVA scheme launched on this day in 2020.
| Observance | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| International Girls in ICT Day (4th Thursday of April) | By ITU; 2025 theme: ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’. Stemmed from ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution 70 (Oct 2010, Guadalajara); first observed April 28, 2011. ITU: est. 1865 as International Telegraph Union; UN agency since January 1, 1949; SG: Doreen Bogdan-Martin; HQ: Geneva |
| World Day for Laboratory Animals (April 24) | Birth anniversary of Lord Hugh Dowding. Established by UK-based NAVS (National Anti-Vivisection Society) in 1979. Lab Animal Week 2025: April 20–26 |
| International Day of Multilateralism & Diplomacy for Peace (April 24) | Via UNGA Resolution A/RES/73/127 (December 12, 2018), proposed by Azerbaijan. First observed: April 24, 2019 |
April 24 observances: Girls in ICT Day (ITU; 4th Thursday; theme 2025: ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’; first April 28, 2011; ITU est. 1865). World Day for Laboratory Animals (NAVS, UK, 1979; birthday of Lord Hugh Dowding). Multilateralism & Diplomacy for Peace (UNGA A/RES/73/127; first 2019; proposed by Azerbaijan).
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
