National News
The Return of Raghuji Bhosale’s Legendary Sword to Bharat
- Maharashtra government acquired the legendary sword of Raghuji Bhosale I for Rs 47.15 lakh at a London auction, marking a significant step in reclaiming Maratha heritage. The firangi-style sword, featuring a Mulheri hilt, gold inlays, and a Devanagari inscription, symbolizes the valor of Raghuji Bhosale I, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty, who expanded Maratha rule across Odisha, Berar, and Central India. Likely looted after the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, the sword’s return reflects efforts to preserve India’s cultural legacy.
Right to Digital Access: Supreme Court Directs Changes in KYC Process for Disabled Persons
- The Supreme Court of India has directed the Centre and RBI to revise digital KYC norms to ensure inclusivity for persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments and facial disfigurement such as acid attack survivors. Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, the court ruled that the right to digital access is integral to the right to life and liberty, urging both public and private entities to create accessible digital platforms. The decision, arising from two writ petitions, marks a landmark shift in recognizing digital inclusion as a constitutional right, aligned with SDG 10 and international human rights standards.
Cabinet Hikes Sugarcane Price for 2025–26 Season
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an FRP of ₹355/qtl for sugarcane for the 2025–26 season, offering a premium of ₹3.46/qtl for higher recovery rates and protecting farmers from deductions below 9.5% recovery.
- The price is 105.2% above production cost and 4.41% higher than 2024–25 rates, benefiting 5 crore farmers and 5 lakh sugar workers.
- The FRP is based on CACP recommendations and will be effective from October 1, 2025.
Centre Clears Greenfield NH-6 Corridor Linking Meghalaya and Assam
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved a 166.80 km Greenfield High-Speed Corridor on NH-06, from Mawlyngkhung (Meghalaya) to Panchgram (Assam) at a capital cost of ₹22,864 crore via the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
- Traversing key districts like Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills and Cachar, the project aims to enhance regional connectivity, especially between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, and northeastern states like Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, reduce traffic on existing NH-06, and promote logistics, tourism, employment, and infrastructure growth under the PM Gati Shakti plan.
EC Launches Capacity-Building Training for Grassroot Poll Officials
- Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a two-day capacity-building training in New Delhi for 369 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aims to ensure accurate electoral rolls, boost poll preparedness, and educate officials on tools like the Voter Helpline App, aligning with the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of key state assembly elections, especially in Bihar.
International News
Nepal to Restrict Mt. Everest Permits: New Law to Limit Access
- On April 18, 2025, the Government of Nepal introduced a draft law to restrict Mount Everest access only to climbers who have previously summited a peak above 7,000 meters, aiming to improve safety, reduce fatalities, control overcrowding, and address environmental degradation. This move is part of the Integrated Tourism Bill, promoting responsible mountaineering and aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by enhancing waste management and sustainable tourism on the world’s highest peak.
Banking News
RBI Launches 3 Key Surveys for Monetary Policy Input
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on April 29, 2025, launched three key surveys—the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH), the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS), and the Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS)—to collect public sentiment on inflation, employment, income, and economic confidence.
- Covering urban (19 cities) and rural (31 states/UTs) areas, these surveys aim to provide data-driven insights for the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting from June 4–6, 2025, reinforcing evidence-based policymaking for inflation control and economic management.
Business News
Nvidia’s $500 Billion AI Push: U.S. to Become Chip Manufacturing Hub
- Nvidia, led by CEO Jensen Huang, has announced a $500 billion investment to set up AI chip manufacturing infrastructure in the United States, shifting from its reliance on Taiwan-based production. The initiative, supported by the Trump administration, includes collaboration with global giants like TSMC, Foxconn, Amkor, Wistron, and SPIL, and aims to create over a million sq. ft of facilities and thousands of jobs. This move underscores the strategic importance of domestic tech manufacturing, AI-driven development, and supply chain resilience, positioning the U.S. as a leader in next-gen supercomputing and AI infrastructure.
Appointments News
Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Head of Revamped National Security Board
- Amid rising India–Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) to strengthen national defense. Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the Chairman, heading a team of retired top military, police, and diplomatic officials. The move aims to bolster India’s security strategy, address cross-border terrorism, and implement critical policy recalibrations, marking a significant step in national security enhancement.
Summits & Conferences News
WAVES 2025: India’s Mega Leap Towards a Global M&E Powerhouse
- WAVES 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 1, 2025, at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, is a landmark event aiming to position India as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector. With over 100,000 participants from 60+ countries, the summit features initiatives like the Create in India Challenge, Creatosphere, and the Bharat Pavilion, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and technological advancements. Major global and Indian companies are participating, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the global entertainment landscape.
Sports News
Liverpool Crowned 2024–25 Premier League Champions
- Liverpool clinched the 2024–25 Premier League title with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, marking their 20th top-flight championship, tying them with Manchester United.
- The match featured goals from Luis Diaz, Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah (his 28th of the season), and an own goal from Destiny Udogie.
- This win under new coach Arne Slot confirms Liverpool’s dominance this season with 82 points in 34 games, 15 points ahead of Arsenal, sealing their second title in the Premier League era.
Science & Technology News
GenomeIndia Project: India Unlocks National Genetic Resource for Research and Innovation”
- The GenomeIndia Project, led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has achieved a milestone by completing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of over 10,000 individuals, with data now accessible to Indian researchers as of April 30, 2025. Housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), this dataset—among the largest in Asia—includes over 700 TB of genomic data and 27 phenotype variables, crucial for advancing precision medicine, healthcare R&D, and ancestry research. This initiative supports SDG 3 and SDG 9, and aligns with global data-sharing norms, using ethical frameworks like the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines and FeED Protocols, marking a leap in India’s scientific innovation and health policy formulation.
Important Days News
Gujarat Statehood Day, Date, History, Celebrations
- Gujarat Formation Day or Gujarat Sthapana Divas, celebrated on May 1st, marks the creation of Gujarat in 1960 following the bifurcation of Bombay State based on linguistic lines, driven by the Mahagujarat Movement led by Indulal Yagnik. The day honors Gujarati cultural identity, the sacrifices of movement leaders, and showcases the state’s progress in industrialization, infrastructure, and education. In 2025, celebrations in Godhra, Panchmahal, featured inaugurations worth ₹644.72 crore by CM Bhupendra Patel, cultural events, and participation from Governor Acharya Devvrat, emphasizing Gujarat’s status as a hub of petroleum, diamonds, SEZs, and logistics excellence.
Maharashtra Diwas 2025: Origin, History, Significance & Celebration
- Maharashtra Diwas 2025, celebrated on May 1st, marks the formation of Maharashtra in 1960 following the Bombay Reorganisation Act, recognizing the Marathi-speaking community’s linguistic and cultural identity. The day commemorates the state’s struggle for statehood, celebrates its heritage, culture, and economic progress, and includes flag hoisting, cultural programs, and project inaugurations. Mumbai, the capital, remains the financial hub of India, reflecting Maharashtra’s significant contribution to the nation’s growth and regional pride.
World Tuna Day 2025: Promoting Sustainability of a Vital Marine Resource
- World Tuna Day 2025, observed on May 2, highlights the global need for sustainable tuna fishing to protect marine biodiversity, ensure food security, and support economic development. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2016 and first celebrated in 2017, the day emphasizes responsible harvesting of tuna species like Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Skipjack, which face threats from overfishing and illegal fishing. With over 96 countries involved and tuna contributing 20% of marine fisheries’ value, the initiative aligns with SDG 14 – Life Below Water, urging global cooperation, science-based policies, and conservation efforts led by organizations like WWF.
What Is Lapu-Lapu Day?
- Lapu-Lapu Day, observed on April 27, honors Datu Lapulapu, the first Filipino hero who led the Battle of Mactan in 1521, defeating Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Officially declared a national holiday in the Philippines in 2017, it celebrates Filipino resistance, pride, and heritage. The day gained international recognition in 2023 when British Columbia, Canada, also recognized it, highlighting the contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community.
Miscellaneous News
What is the Papal Conclave?
- The Papal Conclave 2025, expected to take place in Vatican City, will mark a critical moment in global religious affairs as cardinals under the age of 80 gather in secrecy to elect the next Pope, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. This sacred event, rooted in centuries-old tradition, gains worldwide attention due to the Pope’s influential role in guiding 1.3 billion Catholics and shaping discussions on Church reforms, secularism, abuse scandals, and global ethical issues.
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