Daily Current Affairs April 03rd 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank of India: 98.21% of ₹2000 Banknotes Returned to Banking System

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a recent press release, has confirmed that 98.21% of ₹2000 denomination banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been successfully returned to the banking system.
• This highlights the smooth execution of the withdrawal process initiated by the central bank.

Key Highlights:

• Initial Circulation: ₹3.56 lakh crore worth of ₹2000 notes were in circulation when the withdrawal was announced on May 19, 2023.
• Current Status: As of March 31, 2025, only ₹6,366 crore worth of ₹2000 notes remain in circulation.
• Exchange & Deposit Timeline:
  • The public could exchange/deposit ₹2000 notes at bank branches until October 7, 2023.
  • Post this period, RBI’s 19 Issue Offices continued to accept deposits and exchange ₹2000 notes.
  • Individuals can still send ₹2000 notes via India Post to RBI Issue Offices for credit into their bank accounts.
• Legal Tender Status: Despite the withdrawal, ₹2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender.

Recent News:

• In March 2025, the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 strengthened the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) oversight over co-operative banks by expanding its powers in management, audit, capital requirements, and bank restructuring.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Reserve Bank of India releases details about Payment of Pension to Government Pensioners

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and government authorities for pension disbursement outline the Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks.

Key Highlights:

1. Continuation of Joint Account for Family Pension
   • If a pensioner passes away, the spouse does not need to open a new account if they are authorized for family pension in the Pension Payment Order (PPO).
   • The pension should be credited to the existing account.
2. Timing of Pension Credit
   • Pension is credited to pensioners’ accounts as per instructions from the Pension Paying Authorities.
3. Recovery of Excess Pension Payments
   • Agency banks must seek guidance from Pension Sanctioning Authorities regarding recovery of excess payments.
   • If a bank makes an error, it must refund the excess amount immediately to the government in a lump sum without waiting for recovery from the pensioner.
4. Acknowledgement of Life Certificates
   • Banks must issue signed acknowledgements when receiving life certificates over the counter.
   • Banks should enter the details in CBS (Core Banking System) for real-time updates and provide digital acknowledgements for digital life certificates.
5. Submission of Life Certificates Without Visiting a Branch
   • Pensioners can use Jeevan Pramaan if the Pension Sanctioning Authority is on board.
   • Banks must offer home visit facilities for super senior citizens (70+ years) and differently-abled pensioners.
6. Withdrawal of Pension for Sick or Disabled Pensioners
   • Category (a): If a pensioner cannot sign or visit the bank, withdrawal can be done with a thumb/toe impression identified by two witnesses, one being a bank official.
   • Category (b): If the pensioner cannot put an impression, a mark on the cheque/withdrawal form can be used, verified similarly.
   • Banks must display these instructions for easy access by pensioners.
7. Payment of Dearness Relief (DR) at Revised Rates
   • Banks must revise Dearness Relief as per government notifications and credit payments immediately.
8. Compensation for Delayed Pension Payments
   • Pensioners are entitled to 8% annual interest for delayed credit of pension or arrears.
   • The compensation should be automatically credited on the same day as the revised pension without requiring a claim.

President Droupadi Murmu Lauds Reserve Bank of India’s 90-Year Journey, Emphasizes Innovative Financial Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat 2047

• The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu released a special Postage Stamp commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.

Key Highlights:

• The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including:
  • Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region
  • Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra
  • Other distinguished officials and guests

Significance of the Event

• President Droupadi Murmu praised the RBI’s contributions in strengthening and regulating the financial sector, ensuring stability, and fostering economic growth.
• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia acknowledged RBI’s role in shaping India’s financial landscape and highlighted India Post’s efforts in financial inclusion through its extensive network of 1,65,000 Post Offices.
• The Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) and the transformation of the traditional money order service into iMoney Order were also emphasized for making transactions more efficient.

RBI’s Legacy and Contribution

• Established on April 1, 1935, in Kolkata, the RBI has played a pivotal role in:
  • Monetary policy and financial regulation
  • Currency management and government debt management
  • Financial inclusion, literacy, and consumer awareness
• As it completes nine decades, the RBI continues to uphold its principles of Stability, Trust, and Growth.

Features of the Special Postage Stamp

• Symbolizes RBI’s journey over 90 years, showcasing:
  • Its original headquarters in Kolkata (where it was first established)
  • Its present headquarters in Mumbai, representing its evolution
• Includes the 90-year RBI logo with the inscription “Stability. Trust. Growth.”, reflecting its core values and economic contributions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

IIT Madras Completes First Batch of Cyber Commandos Training

• The IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation successfully trained the first batch of Cyber Commandos on April 1, 2025, under the Cyber Commandos Programme initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
• This initiative aims to strengthen India’s cyber defense capabilities by equipping law enforcement officers with advanced cybersecurity skills.

Key Highlights

Objective of the Cyber Commandos Programme

• Addresses the rising cybercrime threats with proactive digital defense strategies.
• Enhances law enforcement capabilities beyond traditional cybercrime investigation.
• Focuses on preventing cyberattacks, safeguarding national data, and ensuring digital sovereignty.

Valedictory Ceremony & Key Officials

The graduation ceremony took place at IIT Madras, attended by prominent officials:

• Sandeep Mittal, IPS, ADGP (Cyber Crime Wing), Tamil Nadu
• Shankar Ram, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation
• Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer, Pravartak
• Mangala Sunder, Head, Digital Skills Academy, IIT Madras
• IPS Roopa M, Director, Threat Analytics Unit (TAU), I4C

India Records Highest Child Adoptions in 12 Years (FY 2024-25)

• India witnessed a record 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years, driven by strengthened adoption mechanisms, digital transparency, and awareness initiatives.
• The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) played a key role in streamlining the process, introducing 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool and setting up 245 new adoption agencies.

Key Highlights of CARA’s Adoption Achievements

1. Record-Breaking Adoption Numbers

• Total Adoptions: 4,515 (highest since 2015-16).
• Domestic Adoptions: 4,155, indicating growing acceptance of legal adoption in India.

2. Strengthened Adoption Pool & New Agencies

• 8,598 children were newly identified and added to the adoption pool.
• 245 new adoption agencies set up in collaboration with state governments.

3. Awareness & Training Initiatives

• State orientation programs conducted across 12 states/UTs.
• 45 virtual training sessions covering:
  • Adoption timelines.
  • Training of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members.
  • Foster care procedures.
  • Adoption counseling for children & prospective adoptive parents (PAPs).
• Adoption Awareness Campaign (Oct 2024 – Jan 2025) held in 16 states, including:
  • Meetings with adoptive parents.
  • Annual Conclave (Nov 2024) with 500+ stakeholders, led by Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur, focusing on foster care and advocacy.

4. Supreme Court-Directed Child Identification Initiative

• Children categorized into five groups:
  1. Orphaned
  2. Abandoned
  3. Surrendered
  4. Children with No Visitation
  5. Children with Unfit Guardians
• Ensured legal protection & secure placements for children.

5. Introduction of Family-Based Alternate Care Initiatives

• Foster Care & Foster Adoption Modules launched on the CARINGS portal to place older children in family-based care.

NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal Launched  in New Delhi

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal on April 1, 2025, in New Delhi.
• Developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal serves as a comprehensive repository of economic, social, and fiscal data for Indian states.

Key Highlights

Portal Development

• Developed by NITI Aayog and NCAER.
• Houses over 30 years of data (1990-91 to 2022-23) on fiscal, social, and economic parameters.

Purpose and Benefits

• Provides authentic and comprehensive data to help states manage revenues, debts, and fiscal policies.
• Enables peer learning for better policy-making.
• Facilitates collaboration between states for effective governance.
• Helps states balance revenue generation without burdening citizens.

India Set to Overhaul Maritime Regulations with New Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill

• The Lok Sabha recently passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, paving the way for the enactment of modern maritime law in the country.
• It will replace the colonial-era Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
• The Act establishes the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities in case of goods carried from a port in India to another port in India or any other port in the world.
• The Act is in conformance with the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading of August 1924 (Hague Rules) and subsequent amendments to it.
• The Bill empowers the central government to issue directions for carrying out provisions of the Bill and amend the schedule specifying rules applicable to bills of lading.
• The Union Minister also introduced the ‘Indian Ports Bill, 2025’, aimed at consolidating laws related to port management, promoting integrated port development, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) & Delhi Government Collaborate to Develop Sustainable Cruise Tourism on Yamuna

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with Delhi government agencies to promote eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna River.
• The agreement covers a 4 km stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, aiming to develop sustainable inland water transport.
• The initiative will introduce electric-solar hybrid boats with safety features, supported by HDPE jetties for ferry services.
• To ensure sustainable and non-polluting water transport, electric-solar hybrid boats—each capable of carrying 20-30 passengers—will be deployed as river cruise vessels.
• IWAI is also developing similar projects across India, including electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Approves Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor, Kosi-Mechi Link Project for Bihar

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major infrastructure projects in Bihar—the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor and the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project—designed to improve regional connectivity and enhance agricultural irrigation in the state.
• The CCEA approved the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Patna-Arrah-Sasaram corridor (NH-119A), spanning 10 km.
• This project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a capital cost of 3,712.40 crore.
• Currently, the route is congested, relying on state highways, with travel times between the cities taking 3-4 hours.
• The new corridor will feature both greenfield and brownfield developments, improving connectivity and reducing traffic bottlenecks.
• In a separate decision, the CCEA approved the inclusion of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
• The project, estimated to cost 6,282.32 crore, will receive central support of Rs. 3,652.56 crore and is expected to be completed by March 2029.
• The project aims to divert surplus water from the Kosi River to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar, creating an additional irrigation potential of 2.10 lakh hectares across four districts: Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar.
• This link project will remodel the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC), ensuring better water supply to existing farmlands while enhancing irrigation for Kharif crops in the region.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UNESCO Releases “Education and Nutrition – Learn to Eat Well” Report

• The ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event hosted by France on March 27-28, 2025, saw UNESCO release a report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well.”
• The report urges governments to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals worldwide, emphasizing the link between balanced nutrition and children’s health and learning.

Key Highlights:

• As of 2024, 47% of primary school pupils globally received school meals. However, many meals lack proper nutrition, affecting child health and academic performance.
• Studies show that nutritious meals boost enrolment and attendance rates.
• In 2022, 27% of school meals lacked nutritionist input.
• Only 93 out of 187 countries had school food legislation.
• Just 65% of these countries had food standards for school cafeterias and vending machines.
• Childhood obesity rates have doubled since 1990, while food insecurity persists.
• UNESCO stresses that schools must promote healthy eating habits, shifting towards fresh, locally sourced food.
• Several successful programmes have been implemented worldwide.
• Brazil has limited ultra-processed foods in school meals.
• China has added dairy and vegetables, improving rural schools’ nutrient intake.
• Nigeria’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme increased primary school enrolment by 20%.
• India’s introduction of fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra has enhanced adolescents’ cognitive functions.
• UNESCO calls on governments to prioritize fresh produce and reduce sugary, ultra-processed foods.
• It also encourages integrating food education into school curricula.
• To support this, UNESCO plans to develop practical tools and training programmes to help governments integrate nutrition into education systems.

About UNESCO:

• Founded: 16 November 1945
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
• Member States: 194 & Associate Members: 12
• Official Languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese

Russia Launches Nuclear Sub With Missile ‘Impossible’ to Intercept

• Russia has officially unveiled the Zircon hypersonic missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9—over 10,000 kph—at altitudes of 20 km.
• President Vladimir Putin described it as a “strategic” weapon designed to strike land, sea, and air targets with extreme precision.
• The missile’s speed and manoeuvrability make it nearly impossible to intercept, significantly enhancing Russia’s military capabilities.
• As part of its naval expansion, Putin announced the construction of five Yasen-M class submarines, three Borei-A class submarines, and various surface ships by 2050.
• A key development is the launch of Perm, the first Yasen-M class submarine specifically designed to fire Zircon hypersonic missiles.
• Equipped with 10 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, it can fire Zircon, Kalibr, and Oniks cruise missiles, with a total payload of 40 missiles.
• The Yasen-M class is considered Russia’s most advanced attack submarine, featuring stealth and automation.

Zircon’s Capabilities

• The 3M22 Zircon is Russia’s cutting-edge hypersonic missile, designed for high-speed strikes against naval and land targets.
• First unveiled in 2019, it was successfully test-fired from a warship in January 2020, reaching a training target 500 km away.
• Travelling at Mach 9 while maintaining manoeuvrability, Zircon is difficult to detect or intercept using existing air defence systems.
• Initially developed as an anti-ship missile, it is also capable of striking ground targets.
• The Admiral Gorshkov, a frigate of Russia’s Northern Fleet, was the first warship to carry Zircon.
• The missile was also test-launched underwater from the nuclear-powered Severodvinsk in October 2021.
• Zircon is compatible with Russia’s standard VLS, allowing integration across multiple naval platforms.
• While Moscow has not officially disclosed its full range, estimates suggest it can reach up to 1,500 km (932 miles), significantly boosting Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Assam Government launches biggest women entrepreneurship support scheme

• The Assam government has launched its largest women entrepreneurship support scheme, the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan,’ providing seed capital of ₹10,000 each to beneficiaries for self-employment.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, launching the scheme at Behali in Biswanath district, announced that it will benefit 30 lakh women across the state.
• He encouraged beneficiaries to invest in their loom, livestock, plantation, or even their husband’s business for sustainable income generation.

Key Highlights:

• Government officials will inspect the usage of funds after one year, and women who utilize the money properly will receive ₹25,000 in the second year (₹12,500 as a bank loan and ₹12,500 as government support).
• In the third year, beneficiaries who manage ₹25,000 well will get ₹50,000 from the government.
• The government will bear the loan interest, while beneficiaries need to repay only the principal amount.
• The scheme aims to promote micro-level entrepreneurship and will be implemented across all Assembly constituencies with the presence of the Chief Minister or other ministers.
• At the launch event, 23,375 women received their first cheques, reinforcing Assam’s rural economy through agriculture, livestock, and micro-enterprises.

Recent News:

• In March 2025, The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of a Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex (Namrup-IV) within Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Namrup, Assam.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

N Chandrasekaran joins International Monetary Fund advisory council on entrepreneurship & growth

• N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons and a member of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) board, has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
• The IMF stated that this initiative aims to create favorable macroeconomic and financial conditions for sustained economic growth.
• Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, highlighted that the medium-term global economic growth outlook is at its lowest in decades, attributing much of the slowdown to declining productivity growth.
• She emphasized that the newly formed Council, consisting of experts from business, finance, academia, and policymaking, will contribute insights on how macroeconomic and financial policies can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity.
• The Council convenes every three months under Chatham House rules, with its discussions shaping the IMF’s policy research and analytical agenda to support stronger medium-term economic prospects

State Bank of India Card gets Salila Pande as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

• Salila Pande, who was chief general manager, State Bank of India, is now managing director and CEO, SBI Card.
• An alumna of University of Lucknow, Pande studied financial risk management (FRM) from GARP, USA and is a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).
• Pande’s association with State Bank of India dates back to
• For about 24 years, she served the bank in various leadership roles, in the US, Singapore, Delhi and Mumbai.
• She was part of the board of SBI, California, as an executive director, from January of 2020 to June of 2024.
• During this period, she was also the president and CEO of the bank, working out of Los Angeles, California.
• This tenure was witness to Pande leading the overall management of the Bank, including achieving business targets, and maintaining consistent business growth, even while steering the growth of the bank amidst an uncertain economic environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In July 2024, Salila Pande was back in India, taking on the role of chief general manager, State Bank of India, based out of Mumbai.

Former Federal Bank Chief Executive Officer Shyam Srinivasan joins TVS Capital Funds as Senior Advisor

• Shyam Srinivasan, former CEO of Federal Bank, has been appointed as Senior Advisor and Operating Partner at TVS Capital Funds (TCF).
• He brings over 30 years of experience in banking and financial services.
• During his 14-year tenure as Managing Director and CEO of Federal Bank, he led the bank’s national expansion, enhanced its digital banking capabilities, strengthened asset quality, and improved operational performance.
• He has received several industry recognitions, including Business Standard Banker of the Year (2020) and Forbes Icon of Excellence (2025).
• In 2021, he was listed among the Top 50 Best Leaders in Times of Crisis by the Great Place to Work Institute.

Shirley Botchwey becomes 1st African woman to assume office as Commonwealth Secretary-General

• Shirley Botchwey will assume office as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, becoming the first woman from Africa to hold this position.
• She has 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service.
• Previously, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council.
• The Secretary-General is nominated by Commonwealth leaders and can serve a maximum of two terms of four years each.
• The role involves promoting and protecting the Commonwealth’s values, representing the Commonwealth publicly, and managing the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Historical Background

• Originated from the British Empire.
• In 1929, the British Commonwealth of Nations was officially recognized.
• The London Declaration of 1949 allowed republics to remain members even without recognizing the British Monarch as Head of State.

Key Facts about the Commonwealth

• Total Members: 56 countries
• Headquarters: London, UK
• Head of the Commonwealth: The British Monarch
• Unique Members: Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon, and Togo were never part of the British Empire but later joined the Commonwealth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama Honored with Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability

• Tibetan spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, was conferred with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
• The award was presented by Gold Mercury International, a globally recognized think tank dedicated to peace, governance, and sustainable development.

About the Gold Mercury Award

• Origins: Established in Italy, the Gold Mercury Award honors individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to world peace, governance, and sustainability.
• Global Recognition: The award has been previously presented in major cities like Brussels, Moscow, Madrid, and Washington.
• Symbol of Ethical Leadership: It serves as a hallmark of global responsibility and sustainable governance.

Why was the Dalai Lama Honored?

1. Advocacy for Non-Violence & Human Rights
   • Lifelong commitment to peaceful resolutions in the Tibetan freedom movement.
   • Advocate for human dignity and ethical leadership.
2. Environmental Sustainability & Climate Awareness
   • One of the early voices warning against climate change.
   • Promotes sustainable living and ecological responsibility.
3. Interfaith Dialogue & Universal Responsibility
   • His teachings emphasize harmony among religions.
   • Encourages a global sense of interconnectedness and compassion.

Award Ceremony in Dharamshala

• Presenter: Nicolas De Santis, President & Secretary-General of Gold Mercury International, personally handed over the award.
• Venue: Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
• Special Occasion: The event also marked his upcoming 90th birthday, celebrating his legacy of peace and sustainability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025: Rajnigandha Achievers Crowned Champions

• The Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 culminated in a thrilling final in New Delhi, where the Rajnigandha Achievers emerged victorious against Jindal Panther.
• This prestigious tournament, held in honor of Shri Aditya Vikram Birla, brought together some of the finest polo players from around the world.

Key Highlights

1. Final Match Outcome

• Winners: Rajnigandha Achievers defeated Jindal Panther.
• Winning Team: Dino Dhankhar, Shamsheer Ali, Abhimanyu Pathak, and Bk Mr. Daniel Otamendi.
• Runner-up Team: Jindal Panther, captained by Naveen Jindal, included Hurr Ali, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, and Bk Mr. JP Clarkin.
• Trophy Presentation: The prestigious cup was presented by Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Mrs. Rajashree Birla, and Mr. Askaran Agarwala (Group Advisor, Birla Group Trusts).

2. Teams in the Tournament

• Rajnigandha Achievers: The 2025 champions, known for their synergy and top-tier polo skills.
• Jindal Panther: A formidable opponent with experienced players.
• Cavalry Royal Enfield: Another participating team in the tournament.

Significance of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup

1. Legacy and National Importance

• Established in 2018 by the Aditya Birla Group in collaboration with the Amateur Riders Club, the tournament celebrates the legacy of Shri Aditya Vikram Birla, a polo enthusiast.
• It has grown into a major sporting fixture, attracting dignitaries and celebrities from India and abroad.
• The 2025 edition was hosted in partnership with the Army Polo & Riding Centre, New Delhi.

Vandana Katariya Announces Retirement from International Hockey

• Indian women’s hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya announced her retirement from international hockey.
• The 32-year-old striker, known for her exceptional goal-scoring ability and record-breaking career, retires as India’s most capped female hockey player with 320 international appearances and 158 goals.

A Glorious Career Spanning 15 Years

1. Journey in Indian Hockey

• Debut: 2009, senior national team.
• Key Role: A game-changer for India in multiple international tournaments.

2. Tokyo 2020 Olympics – A Defining Moment

• Historic Achievement: First Indian woman to score a hat-trick in Olympic hockey.
• India’s Best Finish: Fourth place, marking a milestone for Indian women’s hockey.

3. Major Achievements

• Most Capped Player: 320 international matches.
• Top Scorer: 158 international goals.
• Tournament Contributions:
  • Asian Champions Trophy
  • Commonwealth Games
  • Asian Games

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPS & PORTALS

Health Ministry’s new digital portal to track rabies vaccine, anti-snake venom stocks

• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is launching a digital portal to track rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom stocks in real time.
• Developed by NCDC through its Centre for One Health with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the portal will be piloted in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry.
• The initiative aims to monitor rabies vaccine stocks, track beneficiaries, and ensure that all doses of the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis regimen are administered on time.

Key Highlights:

• The UNDP announced on social media that the ZooWIN platform will streamline the vaccine and venom supply chains and track impact across pilot states.
• The NCDC, led by Director Prof. (Dr.) Ranjan Das recently conducted a training program for master trainers in collaboration with UNDP in New Delhi.
• In 2024, NCDC and UNDP also launched a dedicated helpline, 15400, in the five states to improve access to rabies and snakebite-related information and treatment.
• The ZooWIN platform is designed to centralize information and enhance collaboration among healthcare providers, municipal authorities, and veterinary services.
• According to UN data, rabies claims over 60,000 lives globally each year, with India accounting for nearly 36% of those deaths.
• Despite being preventable, millions remain at risk.
• UNDP has previously worked with the Health Ministry on digital health solutions such as the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) and Covid-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN), which have played a key role in digitizing vaccine stock management, registrations, and immunization records.

About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:

• Cabinet Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda​
• Ministers of State (MoS): Anupriya Patel and Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav​

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Val Kilmer, Batman Forever and Top Gun star, died at 65

• Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles in films such as Batman Forever and Top Gun, has died at the age of 65
• Val Kilmer, best known for playing Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, passed away in Los Angeles due to pneumonia.
• Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer documented his battle in Val, a 2021 Cannes-premiered documentary, which depicted his use of a breathing tube.

Cinematic Legacy

• Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s versatility shone through in iconic roles such as:
• Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995)
• Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991)
• Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993)
• Chris Shiherlis in Heat (1995)
• Simon Templar in The Saint (1997)
• In 2021, he reprised his Iceman role in Top Gun: Maverick, though he could no longer speak due to his cancer.

Early Career & Achievements

• Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer grew up in Chatsworth and attended Hollywood Professional School and Juilliard.
• He debuted off-Broadway in The Slab Boys, alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon.
• His first TV role was in the after-school special One Too Many, co-starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
• In 2012, he received a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word for an audio production of Zorro.
• His memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry—a reference to his famous Tombstone line—was published in 2020.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 3

• The IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation successfully trained the first batch of Cyber Commandos on April 1, 2025, under the Cy ber Commandos Programme initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• India witnessed a record 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years, driven by strengthened adoption mechanisms, digital transparency, and awareness initiatives.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal in New Delhi.
• The Lok Sabha recently passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, paving the way for the enactment of modern maritime law in the country
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with Delhi government agencies to promote eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna River
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major infrastructure projects in Bihar—the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor and the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project—designed to improve regional connectivity and enhance agricultural irrigation in the state
• Tibetan spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, was conferred with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
• The Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 culminated in a thrilling final in New Delhi, where the Rajnigandha Achievers emerged victorious against Jindal Panther
• Indian women’s hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya announced her retirement from international hockey
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a recent press release, has confirmed that 98.21% of ₹2000 denomination banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have been successfully returned to the banking system.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and government authorities for pension disbursement outline the Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks.
• The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu released a special Postage Stamp commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.
• The ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event hosted by France on March 27-28, 2025, saw UNESCO release a report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well.”
• Russia has officially unveiled the Zircon hypersonic missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9—over 10,000 kph—at altitudes of 20 km.
• The Assam government has launched its largest women entrepreneurship support scheme, the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan,’ providing seed capital of ₹10,000 each to beneficiaries for self-employment.
• N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons and a member of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) board, has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director’s Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth.
• Salila Pande, who was chief general manager, State Bank of India, is now managing director and CEO, SBI Card.
• Shyam Srinivasan, former CEO of Federal Bank, has been appointed as Senior Advisor and Operating Partner at TVS Capital Funds (TCF).
• Shirley Botchwey will assume office as the 7th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, becoming the first woman from Africa to hold this position.
• The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is launching a digital portal to track rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom stocks in real time.
• Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles in films such as Batman Forever and Top Gun, has died at the age of 65