Table of Contents
State News
Maharashtra Designates DPS Flamingo Lake as Conservation Reserve
- In a significant move for wildlife conservation in urban India, the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board has officially declared DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve.
- This landmark designation represents the first time a wetland connected to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary has received formal protection status, marking a crucial step in preserving the ecological integrity of Navi Mumbai’s fragile wetland ecosystem.
- The decision came during a high-level board meeting presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation amid rapid urban development.
Amaravati: World’s First Fully Renewable-Powered City in the Making
- In a landmark step towards sustainable urban development, Amaravati, the planned capital of Andhra Pradesh, is on track to become the world’s first city powered entirely by renewable energy.
- Envisioned by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, this ambitious project aligns with India’s commitment to clean energy and climate-conscious urbanization.
- Located between Vijayawada and Guntur, Amaravati is being designed as a modern, eco-friendly “people’s capital”, setting a global benchmark in sustainable city planning.
Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025: A Major Reform in Land Governance
- The Government of Telangana has introduced a landmark reform in land governance through the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights) Act, 2025. The Act seeks to correct the loopholes and address the widespread grievances that arose from the earlier Dharani portal system.
- By focusing on decentralisation and citizen participation, the Bhu Bharati Act is designed to create a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive land administration framework.
Bihar’s Mahila Samvad Campaign: Empowering Women Through Dialogue and Awareness
- In a significant push towards women’s empowerment, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the “Mahila Samvad” campaign, a state-wide initiative aimed at connecting women with welfare schemes and amplifying their voices in policy discussions.
- This transformative campaign particularly targets rural women and intends to create a two-way communication channel between women citizens and government officials.
Appointments News
Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey Appointed Vice-President at AIIB
- In a significant international appointment, Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, former Finance Secretary of India and ex-chief of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), has been appointed Vice-President at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
- His appointment underscores India’s growing influence in global financial institutions and reflects Pandey’s vast experience in governance, finance, and infrastructure policy.
Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Appointed Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India
- In a significant development in the Indian legal landscape, Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari, a former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India in April 2025.
- The announcement marks a crucial step in the government’s ongoing efforts to review and recommend reforms in various aspects of Indian law, particularly the long-debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Ananya Panday Becomes Chanel’s First-Ever Indian Brand Ambassador
- In a landmark moment for the Indian fashion and entertainment industry, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has been officially announced as the first-ever Indian brand ambassador for the iconic French luxury house, Chanel.
- The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, positioning Ananya at the forefront of global haute couture and marking a significant step in Chanel’s expansion into the Indian fashion landscape.
Banking News
SBI Deploys ‘Grahak Mitras’ to Boost Alternate Banking Channel Adoption
- The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank, has unveiled a new customer engagement initiative by introducing ‘Grahak Mitras’ at select branches.
- These specially trained personnel, drawn from SBI’s subsidiary, State Bank Operations Support Services (SBOSS), will assist walk-in customers with alternate banking channels, helping to decongest busy branches and promote digital banking.
Business News
SECL Pioneers Paste Fill Technology for Sustainable Coal Mining in India
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is making history in India’s mining sector by becoming the first coal PSU to implement paste fill technology for underground coal mining.
- This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant advancement in sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices within the country’s coal industry. The adoption of this innovative approach promises to transform how coal is extracted in areas with surface constraints while minimizing environmental impact.
Zepto Renames Parent Entity Ahead of IPO: Aligning Brand and Business Strategy
- Zepto, one of India’s fastest-growing quick-commerce startups, has taken a significant step toward its Initial Public Offer (IPO) by officially changing the name of its parent company.
- The company has rebranded from Kiranakart Technologies Private Limited to Zepto Private Limited, aligning its corporate identity with its consumer-facing brand.
- This change was recently approved by the Registrar of Companies (RoC) in Mumbai, signaling a deeper alignment of brand recognition and stakeholder strategy ahead of a potential stock market debut.
Summits and Conferences News
India Showcases Digital Leadership at GITEX Africa 2025
- Africa’s largest technology and startup exhibition, GITEX Africa 2025, recently concluded its three-day program in Marrakesh, Morocco, bringing together policy leaders, innovators, and visionaries from across the globe.
- The summit served as a vital platform for collaborative discussions on fostering inclusive and equitable growth in the global digital economy. Representing the Republic of India at this prestigious event was Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Education, who participated in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions, and interactions with Indian startups showcasing their technological innovations.
Defence News
Indian Air Force Joins Multinational Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a contingent to the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to participate in Exercise Desert Flag-10, a prestigious multinational air combat exercise.
- This strategic engagement, scheduled to take place from April 21 to May 8, 2025, represents India’s continued commitment to enhancing its military cooperation with global partners and strengthening its operational capabilities through international collaboration.
INS Sunayna Arrives at Mozambique’s Nacala Port: Strengthening India-Africa Maritime Cooperation
- The Indian Navy’s warship INS Sunayna has docked at Nacala Port in Mozambique on Thursday, April 17, 2025, as part of its ongoing deployment under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission.
- This port call represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime engagement with African nations and underscores India’s strategic commitment to fostering naval partnerships across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- The vessel’s arrival in Mozambique follows its recent participation in the inaugural session of the India-Africa maritime partnership exercise AIKEYME 25 held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA: Safeguarding Maritime Security in the Western Indian Ocean
- The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA stands as a cornerstone of maritime security efforts in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions.
- This comprehensive naval operation, launched by the European Union, has evolved significantly since its inception to address various maritime security challenges.
- Recent developments in the operation’s scope and activities include a proposed joint exercise with the Indian Navy scheduled for late May 2025, aimed at enhancing cooperation and developing coordinated responses to piracy threats that continue to affect regional maritime security.
Books and Authors News
Launch of ‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’: A Compilation of PM Modi’s Speeches on Culture
- In a significant literary and cultural event, a new book titled ‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’ was officially launched on April 18, 2025, at the Samvet Auditorium of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi.
- This book is a curated compilation of speeches and thoughts by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focused on India’s cultural, spiritual, and traditional heritage.
Important Days
National Civil Service Day 2025: Honoring the Steel Frame of India
- National Civil Service Day 2025 will be observed on April 21, 2025. The day is marked by ceremonies and awards held across the country, especially in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister and senior government officials acknowledge and honour exceptional performances by civil servants.
- The roots of this day go back to April 21, 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, addressed the first batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at Metcalfe House, New Delhi. In his iconic speech, he referred to them as the “steel frame of India,” underlining their crucial role in maintaining order, unity, and governance in a newly independent nation.
World Creativity and Innovation Day
- World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) is observed annually on April 21st, following its official designation by the United Nations. This important observance was established to raise awareness about the crucial role that creativity and innovation play in all aspects of human development.
- The day serves as a global reminder that creative thinking and innovative approaches are essential tools for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The journey of WCID began well before its UN recognition.
- Initially founded by creativity expert Marci Segal in 2001, the day was conceived to encourage people to use their creativity to make positive differences in their communities. The grassroots movement gradually gained momentum across different countries.
Obituaries News
Pope Francis Dies at 88
- In a solemn moment for the Roman Catholic Church and the global community, Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in history, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
- His death follows a prolonged illness, with reports indicating he had recently battled a serious case of double pneumonia. Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that was marked by reform, compassion, controversy, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.