🇮🇳 National News
Stand-Up India was launched on April 5, 2016 and operates under the Ministry of Finance. Total loans sanctioned increased from ₹16,085.07 crore (as of March 31, 2019) to ₹61,020.41 crore (as of March 17, 2025).
The scheme supports Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women entrepreneurs through bank loans for starting new ventures. It is highlighted as contributing to entrepreneurship, employment, and inclusive growth.
Memorise the launch date (April 5, 2016) and the latest loan figure (₹61,020.41 crore as of March 17, 2025). Target beneficiaries: SC, ST, Women. A common question pattern: “scheme → ministry → beneficiaries → key numbers”. Schemes with clear beneficiary groups and updated figures are frequent in Prelims-style MCQs.
Quick revision: Stand-Up India (launched 5 April 2016) crossed ₹61,020.41 crore in sanctioned loans (as of 17 March 2025).
West Bengal topped state performance in thermal power generation efficiency based on Plant Load Factor (PLF). The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) survey assessed 201 thermal power plants across India.
Top plants from West Bengal:
- Santaldih Thermal Power Plant (WBPDCL) – PLF 94.38% (top national rank)
- Bakreshwar Thermal Power Plant – PLF 93.3% (2nd)
- Sagardighi Power Plant – PLF 90.86% (4th)
- Bandel Thermal Power Station – PLF 89.62% (9th)
West Bengal secured 4 plants in the Top 10.
PLF full form: Plant Load Factor (definition-level). Remember the top plant + PLF (Santaldih: 94.38%) and the “4 in Top 10” fact. CEA-linked rankings are common in objective questions. PLF and CEA surveys often appear in energy-sector current affairs.
Quick revision: CEA PLF survey: WB leads; Santaldih ranks #1 with 94.38% PLF.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu during Ram Navami. It replaces the century-old Pamban Bridge and connects Rameswaram Island to the mainland at Mandapam.
The bridge is highlighted as India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge. PM Modi also had an aerial view of Ram Setu during his return from Sri Lanka.
“First” tag is crucial: first vertical-lift sea bridge. Location mapping: Rameswaram-Mandapam (Tamil Nadu). Landmark infrastructure projects are frequently asked as “where/what is unique”.
Quick revision: PM Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge (first vertical-lift sea bridge) connecting Rameswaram-Mandapam.
Akarsh Shroff, founder of YuvaSpark, received the National Youth Award 2025 from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He was recognised for his work in early childhood education reform.
Shroff founded YuvaSpark in 2018 at age 17. Notable initiatives include:
- Digitising 600+ anganwadi centres with local-language content
- Improving teacher training and child engagement
- Supporting infrastructure in orphanages and government school libraries
Key pair: Akarsh Shroff + National Youth Award 2025. Numbers to retain: 2018, 17, 600+. Awards linked to ministry + social initiatives are frequently asked.
Quick revision: Akarsh Shroff (YuvaSpark) won the National Youth Award 2025 for early childhood education work.
The first edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 has begun. It is conducted in two phases:
- Phase I – Karwar, April 5, 2025
- Phase II – New Delhi, April 7-10, 2025
This is a biannual top-level forum for strategic, operational, and administrative discussions. Phase I included the ceremonial flag-off of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Dates + venues are key: Karwar (Apr 5); New Delhi (Apr 7-10). Know the ship name: IOS Sagar. Defence conferences and their schedules are common in objective exams.
Quick revision: Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 runs in two phases: Karwar (Apr 5) and New Delhi (Apr 7-10).
💼 Business & Economy
The India Fintech Foundation (IFF) was launched during Startup Mahakumbh 2025. It is described as a new self-regulatory organization (SRO).
The aim is to strengthen regulatory standards and governance in India’s fintech sector while supporting innovation. It is positioned as a coordinating body for stakeholders and a platform for dialogue between fintech players and policymakers.
Remember: IFF = SRO + launched at Startup Mahakumbh 2025. SRO (general): industry-led body that promotes standards and responsible conduct. Fintech governance structures are rising in importance for banking-awareness exams.
Quick revision: IFF, launched at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, is a fintech SRO to boost governance and standards.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) partnered with Paytm for property tax digitisation. The goal is to improve accessibility and reduce reliance on cash transactions.
GHMC deployed 400+ Paytm All-In-One EDC machines at tax counters and for door-to-door collection.
Remember: Paytm + GHMC + property tax digitisation + 400+ EDC machines. Digital payments + civic body collaborations are common current affairs MCQs.
Quick revision: GHMC-Paytm digitise property tax payments using 400+ All-In-One EDC machines.
HIL Limited (part of the $3 billion CK Birla Group) has rebranded as BirlaNu Limited. The company announced a $150 million investment strategy with a target to become a $1 billion company by 2028.
Corporate rebranding questions often ask: old name → new name → investment figure → target. Business rebrands and growth targets are common in exam current affairs.
Quick revision: HIL Ltd → BirlaNu Ltd, with a $150 million plan and a $1 billion by 2028 goal.
🌐 International News
Bangladesh took over as BIMSTEC Chair, succeeding Thailand. The handover was accepted by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on behalf of Bangladesh.
BIMSTEC members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Chair shift: Thailand → Bangladesh. Memorise the 7 member countries. Regional groupings are frequently tested via membership and chairmanship.
Quick revision: Bangladesh becomes BIMSTEC Chair, taking over from Thailand.
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The theme was “Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC.”
A moment of silence was observed for those affected by the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.
Two outcome documents adopted:
- Bangkok Declaration
- BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision
The BIMSTEC chair rotates every two years in alphabetical order. After Thailand and Bangladesh, Bhutan is expected next.
Learn: host city (Bangkok) + theme + the two documents. Summits are asked via “where held, theme, documents adopted”.
Quick revision: 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok adopted Bangkok Declaration and BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision.
👔 Appointments
Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was appointed President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He succeeds Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka).
The sequence of ACC Presidents: Jay Shah stepped down to lead the International Cricket Council (ICC) in December 2024, after which Shammi Silva assumed the role, who is now succeeded by Mohsin Naqvi.
Remember the sequence: Jay Shah → Shammi Silva → Mohsin Naqvi. Organization mapping: ACC vs ICC. Sports administration appointments are direct MCQ material.
Quick revision: Mohsin Naqvi becomes ACC President, succeeding Shammi Silva.
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