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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE
National Payments Corporation of India Tightens Unified Payments Interface Rules: Ends International QR Payments, Caps Domestic Transactions
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) has revised the UPI framework, introducing major changes to international and domestic QR-based transactions.
- The announcement follows frequent outages reported by users of Google Pay, Paytm, and other UPI platforms—third outage this month.
Key Highlights:
- International QR Code Payments Discontinued
- “QR share and pay” for international transactions has been discontinued.
- Indian users abroad, including NRIs, can no longer scan merchant QR codes sent via messaging apps or social media for cross-border payments.
- Move aimed at enhancing security and compliance due to concerns around traceability and potential misuse.
- Domestic Transaction Cap Introduced
- New ₹2,000 cap on QR share and pay for unverified merchants (not registered with NPCI).
- Targets informal merchant setups without standard digital verification.
- Aims to reduce consumer risk and prevent fraud in peer-to-merchant (P2M)
- Encourages formalization of UPI among small/unregistered merchants.
- Wallet Reload Regulations Tightened
- NPCI has barred “collect requests” for prepaid wallets and gift cards.
- Users must now initiate such reloads via “push requests”
- The move comes after fraud cases involving unauthorized deductions through collect requests.
- Designed to give more control to users and enhance transaction safety.
About NPCI:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 2008
- CEO: Dilip Asbe
- Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)
CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS
Second National Horticulture Expo 2081 Concludes in Kathmandu Valley
- The Second National Horticulture Expo 2081 in Nepal, held over four days at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu Valley, concluded.
- The expo showcased commercial nursery products including flowers, fruits, agricultural plants, forestry species, and herbs, drawing garden and plant enthusiasts from across the country.
Expo Overview
- Event: Second National Horticulture Expo 2081
- Duration: Four days; concluded on Sunday
- Venue: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Products and Displays
- Over 700 species of plants were exhibited, sourced from flower, fruit, agro-forestry, and herbal nurseries.
- The expo featured a wide array of horticultural products available for sale, including:
- Commercial nursery products (flowers, fruits, agricultural plants, forestry species, herbs)
- Fertilizers, organic and chemical pesticides
- Seeds, flower pots, tools, and horticulture technology
Interactive Components
- A horticulture competition was organized, where participants showcased the best grafted plants.
- The expo facilitated vibrant business activity, with more than 12 million transactions recorded during the mega fair.
RECENT NEWS
- In January 2025, The first-ever International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition, organized by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, attracted significant attention from consumers.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Lays Foundation Stone for New Terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana
- In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana, with an investment of over Rs 410 crore.
- The event was attended by a large gathering, where the Prime Minister also extended his greetings to the people of Haryana, recognizing their strength, sportsmanship, and brotherhood as the defining traits of the state.
Key Highlights
- Event: Foundation Stone Laying of the New Terminal Building
- Location: Maharaja Agrasen Airport, Hisar, Haryana
- Investment: Over Rs 410 Crore
- Prime Minister’s Address:
- Acknowledgment of Haryana’s people’s strength and brotherhood.
- Homage to Guru Jambheshwar, Maharaja Agrasen, and Agroha Dham.
Significance of the Event
- Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Birth Anniversary: The Prime Minister marked the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, celebrating his life and his vision for the country. He reiterated that the government’s actions over the last 11 years are dedicated to fulfilling Babasaheb’s goals for the underprivileged, oppressed, and marginalized communities.
- Aviation Connectivity:
- Flights from Hisar: Scheduled flights will connect Hisar to Ayodhya, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.
- UDAN Scheme Impact: Under the UDAN scheme, nearly 90 aerodromes have been connected with over 600 operational routes, making air travel more affordable.
Waqf Act and Social Justice
- Waqf Land Explotation: PM Modi criticized the previous government’s handling of the Waqf Act, which allowed land mafias to exploit Waqf properties. He emphasized that recent amendments to the Act will protect tribal lands and ensure Pasmanda Muslim families benefit from the land meant for the poor.
Haryana’s Role in Social Justice and Governance
- Job Creation in Haryana: Modi praised the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for eradicating corruption and ensuring merit-based appointments. Thousands of youth were provided government jobs without needing bribes or political connections.
- One Rank One Pension (OROP): The Prime Minister highlighted the implementation of OROP for ex-servicemen, disbursing ₹13,500 crore to Haryana’s veterans, which was neglected by previous governments.
Background of the New Terminal Building
- The new terminal will feature a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, cargo terminal, and ATC building. It is designed to enhance aviation connectivity for Haryana with flights to Ayodhya, Jammu, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh hosts International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- The event aimed to promote agricultural and processed food exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.
- In his keynote address, Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, committed to developing the agricultural and allied sectors, focusing on enhancing farmer livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and encouraging women-led development.
Key Highlights:
- He envisioned boosting agri-exports of GI tagged products such as Khaw Tai Rice (Khamti Rice), Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, and Yak Cheese (Churpi) to South East Asian and ASEAN countries.
- He encouraged both domestic and international buyers to invest in the state’s untapped potential.
- Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, the Minister of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized the need to raise awareness and build the capacity of farmers to ensure they receive fair prices for their products in both domestic and international markets.
- The event was graced by prominent figures such as Shri Manish Gupta, Chief Secretary, Shri Siraj Hussain, Former Union Secretary, and Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, along with several officers from the Central and State Governments of India.
- Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in key national and international trade fairs for market access and promotion.
- The focus will be on branding, international promotion, and the development of agriculture products from the state for export.
- The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet facilitated direct interactions between 11 international buyers from UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan, and 17 Indian exporters from 7 states and UTs including Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Gujarat, and West Bengal.
- Over 50 FPOs and 350 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh participated in the event to showcase their agri-produce quality, availability, and production quantities.
- APEDA played a vital role in facilitating discussions among policymakers, buyers, exporters, exhibitors, and industry leaders in key sectors such as organic produce, millets, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed food, spices, and tea to unlock the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agri-business and processed food export sectors.
About APEDA:
- Formed : 13 February 1986
- Headquarters : New Delhi, India
- Chairman : Abhishek Dev
- APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, tasked with promoting and facilitating the export of agricultural and processed food products.
- It provides invaluable support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies, and Indian exporters in navigating international markets.
About Arunachal Pradesh:
- Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
- Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
- Capital: Itanagar
- National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary,
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary
Mumbai Launches ‘Mumbai 1’ Smart Card to Streamline Urban Transit
- Mumbai 1 Smart Card to offer unified access to suburban trains, metro, monorail, and BEST buses through a single contactless card.
- Jointly announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
- Part of a broader urban mobility reform plan in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
- Initially functional on Metro Rail Lines 1, 2A, and 7 via a dedicated software application.
- Future plans include integration with suburban railway, monorail, and BEST buses.
- The State Government and Indian Railways are working to expand compatibility across all transport modes.
- Rollout of the card expected within a month.
Features of Mumbai 1 Card:
- Tap-and-go payment system across transit points.
- Single ticket booking for multi-mode end-to-end journeys.
- Chip-based security for protection of data.
- Stored value with pay-as-you-go
- Printed validity at the time of issuance.
- Replacement available for Rs 100 if lost or damaged.
Transport Infrastructure Upgrade:
- 238 new air-conditioned (AC) trains to be inducted into Mumbai’s suburban railway
- Aim is to phase out non-AC coaches in a two-phase process.
- No official timeline provided for full implementation.
- Initiative part of a broader push to digitize and modernize public transport in Mumbai.
- Full integration across all transport systems is still in progress.
Recent News:
- In April 2025, in a culturally significant step, the Maharashtra government decided to rename the historic town of Khultabad to its earlier name, Ratnapur.
Maharashtra signs Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s ROSATOM to develop thorium-based small modular reactor
- The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with ROSATOM, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) powered by thorium fuel.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis under the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ initiative, aiming to boost advanced nuclear technology in the state.
Key Features of the MoU
- MAHAGENCO and ROSATOM’s Thorium SMR programme will collaborate on:
- Development of thorium-fueled SMRs within Maharashtra.
- Commercial deployment as per Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety norms.
- Setting up a local manufacturing and assembly line to scale reactor production.
- MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation) will provide strategic support to the project.
- A joint working group will be formed involving:
- MAHAGENCO
- Rosatom Energy Projects
- MITRA
- Global Technology Alliance
About Maharashtra:
- Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
- Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
- Capital: Mumbai, Nagpur (Winter)
- National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Surge by $10.8 Billion
- India’s foreign exchange reserves saw a significant increase, rising by $10.8 billion to reach $676.3 billion in the week ending April 4, 2025, as per the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- This marks the fifth consecutive week of gains in India’s forex reserves, signaling a strengthening external position.
Key Contributors to Reserve Increase
- Foreign Currency Assets: Rose by $9 billion, reaching $574.08 billion.
- Gold Reserves: Increased by $1.5 billion, totaling $79.36 billion.
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): Gained $186 million, bringing the total to $18.36 billion.
Previous Week Data
- Week Ending March 28: Forex reserves touched a five-month high of $665.4 billion, after a $6.6 billion increase.
Recent Trends in Forex Reserves
- The recent uptrend marks a reversal from a period of decline, primarily due to revaluation losses and RBI interventions to manage rupee volatility.
- This positive trend reflects a stronger external position for India after weeks of decline.
Historical Highs
- All-time High: India’s forex reserves peaked at $704.89 billion in September 2024.
India’s Merchandise Trade Deficit
- India’s merchandise trade deficit for February narrowed to a three-year low of $14.05 billion, compared to $22.99 billion in January 2025.
- Exports: Remained steady despite global uncertainties, indicating resilience.
- Imports: Declined, contributing to the improved trade deficit.
- Geopolitical Uncertainties: The decline in imports signals strength in the external sector despite ongoing global economic challenges.
CURRENT AFFAIRES: AWARDS AND HONOURS
Aamir Khan Honoured with ‘Master Humor Award’ at Macau International Comedy Festival 2025
- Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan received the prestigious ‘Master Humor Award’ at the Macau International Comedy Festival 2025 held in Macau, China.
- The event, which ran from April 9–13, 2025, also marked Aamir’s first public appearance with his new partner Gauri Spratt.
- His presence captivated fans, especially in China, where he enjoys immense popularity and is fondly called ‘Uncle Mi’.
Event Details
- Festival: Macau International Comedy Festival 2025
- Award: Master Humor Award
- Dates: April 9–13, 2025
- Venue: Macau, China
Cultural Impact in China
- Aamir Khan is hugely popular in China and affectionately nicknamed ‘Uncle Mi’.
- His films have outperformed Indian collections in the Chinese market, including:
- 3 Idiots (2009)
- PK (2014)
- Dangal (2016) – Grossed over ₹1000 crore (~$193 million)
- Secret Superstar (2017) – Earned ~$109 million
Panel Participation
- Aamir joined popular Chinese comedians Ma Li and Shen Teng in a panel discussion titled ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’.
- The discussion focused on the future of comedy and its role in social change.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT
India-Italy Strategic Partnership: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
- India and Italy have made significant strides in deepening their bilateral ties, focusing on vital areas such as trade, defence, clean energy, and strategic connectivity.
- Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that India and Italy are working to forge impactful partnerships across various sectors and elevate their strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic relationship.
- This new phase of cooperation was marked by the visit of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to India.
- The discussions centered around trade, defence, and security, as well as shared goals for a secure Indo-Pacific.
Key Points for Exams
Bilateral Relations: Recent Developments
- Strong commitment from both nations to expand cooperation in:
- Trade and investment
- Defence and security
- Clean energy and green transition
- High technology and infrastructure
Antonio Tajani’s Visit
- Strategic discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
- Review of JSAP 2025–29 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
- Focus areas:
- Boosting bilateral trade
- Defence industrial collaboration
- Cooperation in space, science, and digital technology
- Enhancing people-to-people exchanges and mobility
Geopolitical Convergence
- Support for a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- Dialogue on Indo-Pacific security, the Global South, and multilateral reform.
- Reaffirmation of India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
JSAP 2025–29: Joint Strategic Action Plan
- Launched during the Modi-Meloni meeting in November 2023.
- Objective: To guide bilateral ties for the next 5 years.
- Key sectors:
- AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Technologies
- Renewable energy and biofuels
- Telecom, Biotechnology, Education, and Youth mobility
IMEEC – India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
- Strategic corridor to enhance:
- Multimodal connectivity
- Trade integration and energy security between India, the Middle East, and Europe
- Italy’s proactive role:
- Appointed a special envoy for IMEEC
- Renewed bilateral commitment to advance the project.
India-Italy Diplomatic Overview
- Ties established in 1947.
- Strategic Partnership declared in March 2023 during Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s visit to India.
- People-to-people ties: ~200,000 Indian diaspora in Italy.
- Strong cultural, educational, and architectural cooperation.
Economic Linkages
- Italy: India’s 4th largest EU trading partner.
- Trade Volume (2023–24): Over $15 billion.
- Key sectors: Machinery, automotive, chemicals, fashion, renewable energy.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS
INS Sunayna entered Port of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania
- INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR ship, entered Dar-es-Salaam Port in Tanzania.
- The ship departed from Karwar, Goa, on April 5, carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) of the Indian Ocean Region.
- Participating Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs): Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
- Next Mission Leg: INS Sunayna will depart Dar-es-Salaam on April 15 for its next port of call — Nacala, Mozambique, continuing the IOS SAGAR mission.
Exercise AIKEYME
- Conducted during the port call at Dar-es-Salaam.
- To be inaugurated by Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence.
- Aims to:
- Enhance operational coordination
- Refine joint strategies
- Improve interoperability in maritime operations
- Participating Indian Navy ships:
- INS Sunayna
- INS Chennai
- INS Kesari
Strategic Significance
- Embarkation of FFN personnel reflects India’s commitment to global maritime cooperation.
- Promotes:
- Collective maritime security
- Goodwill among partner nations
- Free and secure maritime navigation
Ministry of State Defence Sanjay Seth attends inaugural ceremony of AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement) in Tanzania
- Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, attended the cultural programme of the AIKEYME exercise in Tanzania.
About AIKEYME:
- The inaugural edition of AIKEYME began on April 13 and will continue till April 18.
- “AIKEYME” means “Unity” in Sanskrit.
- The initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of
MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. - A multilateral naval exercise focused on maritime progress and security.
- Involves 10 countries, including:
India, Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Key Highlights
- Cultural engagement:
- Sanjay Seth interacted with members of the Indian community in Tanzania.
- Sameer Gupta, MD of Kamal Group, shared that his company has operated in Tanzania for over 20 years across multiple sectors.
- Exercise details:
- Includes India’s 3 major naval ships and 4 Tanzanian vessels.
- Accompanied by a Defence Expo, showcasing collaborative defence capabilities.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
European Space Agency (ESA) Biomass Satellite Mission 2025: Tracking Forest Carbon from Space
- The Biomass Satellite Mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), is set to launch in April 2025 aboard the Vega C rocket from French Guiana.
- It is the seventh mission under ESA’s Earth Explorer programme and will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 666 km.
- The mission aims to map global forests, measure forest biomass, and evaluate carbon stock and carbon flux.
- It will help scientists understand the role of forests in the carbon cycle and track the impact of deforestation and CO₂ emissions.
- In addition to forest monitoring, the satellite will observe ice sheet movement in Antarctica and create digital models of densely vegetated terrains.
- It will use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology operating in the P-band frequency range (70 cm wavelength)—making it the first satellite in the world to carry a P-band SAR.
- The radar is mounted on a large 12-meter deployable antenna.
- The mission is part of ESA’s Earth Explorer programme, which provides vital data on Earth’s interior, cryosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere, and land surfaces.
- The first mission in this series, GOCE, launched in 2009, focused on gravity and ocean circulation.
- The most recent mission before Biomass was EarthCARE, launched in May 2024, which studies clouds, aerosols, and radiation.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS
Oscar Piastri Dominates Bahrain GP, Securing McLaren’s Historic Victory
- McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance at the Bahrain International Circuit, clinching his second win of the 2025 Formula One season.
- Starting from pole position, Piastri led the race even after a safety car interruption, reinforcing his championship contention alongside teammate Lando Norris.
- With this victory, Piastri became the first repeat winner of the season and secured McLaren’s first-ever win at the home track of their Bahraini owners.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Led from pole position and won by a margin of 499 seconds.
- Significance:
- Second win of the season, following his triumph at the Shanghai GP.
- It marked his 50th Formula One race.
- Noted as McLaren’s first win at the Bahrain circuit.
- Piastri is now positioned second in the championship, only 3 points behind teammate Lando Norris.
Podium Finishers
- 1st: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 2nd: George Russell (Mercedes)
- 3rd: Lando Norris (McLaren)
Championship Standings After Bahrain
- Drivers’ Championship:
- Lando Norris – 77 points
- Oscar Piastri – 74 points
- Constructors’ Championship:
- McLaren – 151 points
- Mercedes – 93 points
Notable Performances and Points Scorers
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): Finished 4th.
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): Finished 5th.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Finished 6th (drop in standings despite a strong performance in Japan).
- Additional Points Scorers (from 7th to 10th place):
- 7th: Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – Achieved Alpine’s first points of the season.
- 8th: Esteban Ocon (Haas) – Bounced back from a qualifying crash.
- 9th: Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – Contributed to Red Bull securing its first double points finish of the season.
- 10th: Oliver Bearman (Haas) – British rookie earned his point after starting from last.
ICC Forms Task Force for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
- In a landmark move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched a task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers.
- This initiative, in partnership with global cricket boards such as BCCI, ECB, and CA, aims to provide monetary and developmental support to help these athletes continue their careers amid political and social challenges.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
Formation of a Task Force
- A dedicated task force has been established by the ICC to focus on the welfare and development of displaced Afghan women cricketers.
Collaboration with Global Cricket Boards
- Partnering boards:
- BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)
- ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board)
- CA (Cricket Australia)
Creation of a Dedicated Fund
- A monetary support fund will be set up to provide essential resources to Afghan women cricketers.
High-Performance Programme
- Comprehensive support through:
- Advanced coaching
- World-class training facilities
- Personalised mentorship programmes
Appointments and Re-appointments
- Catherine Campbell re-appointed to the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee (WCC).
- New members:
- Avril Fahey
- Pholetsi Moseki (WCC)
Men’s Cricket Committee Appointments
- Sourav Ganguly re-appointed as Chair.
- New and re-appointed members:
- Hamid Hassan
- Desmond Haynes
- Temba Bavuma
- VVS Laxman (re-appointed)
- Jonathan Trott
RECENT NEWS
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month Awards for February 2025. India’s Shubman Gill won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, while Australia’s Alana King claimed the ICC Women’s Player of the Month title.
- In March 2025, India once again made history by winning the ICC Champions Trophy for the third time.
Mohamed Salah Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Liverpool
- Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation regarding his future by signing a two-year contract extension at Anfield.
- The Premier League leaders announced the deal, keeping Salah at the club until at least 2027.
- This move came after concerns over his potential free transfer in the summer as his previous contract was set to expire in June.
Contract Extension Details
- Player: Mohamed Salah
- New Deal: Two-year contract extension
- Club: Liverpool
- Previous Contract Expiry: June (potential free transfer)
Liverpool’s Achievements with Salah
- Goalscoring Record: Salah is Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer with 243 goals in 394 games.
- Trophies: Under Salah, Liverpool has won:
- 1 Premier League title (potentially two),
- 1 Champions League title,
- FA Cup, 2 League Cups,
- UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup.
Salah’s Form in 2025 Season
- Goals in 2025: Salah has scored 32 goals in all competitions, leading the Premier League golden boot race with 27 goals.
- Liverpool’s Position: Liverpool is 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with seven games left to play.
India’s Recurve Men’s Archery Team Clinches Silver at World Cup Stage 1
- India’s recurve men’s archery team—comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tarundeep Rai—opened the 2025 season with a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Auburndale, Florida.
- Although the team was seeded as the world number two, they fell short in the final, losing 1-5 to the third-seeded Chinese team.
- Prior to the final, the Indian trio had secured their place by defeating Spain, the 8th seed, in the semi-finals.
Event Overview
- Competition: Archery World Cup 2025, Stage 1 – Men’s Recurve Team Final
- Location: Auburndale, Florida
- Medal: Silver for India
- Final Result: India lost 1-5 to China
Team Composition
- Indian Team Members:
- Dhiraj Bommadevara
- Atanu Das
- Tarundeep Rai
- Chinese Team Members:
- Li Zhongyuan
- Kao Wenchao
- Wang Yan
Match Breakdown
- Set 1:
- Both teams finished tied at 1-1.
- India’s final arrow by Atanu Das (scoring 8) was crucial in preventing China from winning the set.
- Set 2:
- India: Scored 55 points
- China: Scored 58 points
- The Chinese team secured 2 points, taking the lead in the match at 3-1.
- Set 3:
- India: Scored 54 points
- China: Scored 55 points
- Despite a weaker arrow by Wang Yan (scoring 8), strong performances by Kao Wenchao and Li Zhongyuan (consistent 10s and 9s) ensured China sealed the victory.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY
Kumudini Lakhia Kathak Legend Passed Away
- Kumudini Lakhia, renowned Kathak maestro and choreographer, passed away at the age of 95 at her residence in Ahmedabad.
- She had been suffering from age-related health issues for the past three months.
- Born on May 17, 1930, in Ahmedabad, she was a pioneering figure in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak.
- She founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music in 1964, which became a prominent institution for Kathak innovation and training.
- Lakhia revolutionized Kathak by introducing group choreographies, a departure from its traditional solo format.
- Her choreography reflected a unique blend of classical foundation and contemporary expression.
- She was the choreographer for the acclaimed 1981 Hindi film Umrao Jaan.
- In 1973, she began choreographing with a small group of students, emphasizing modern creativity through traditional dance.
- She also gave lectures in India, Europe, and the USA on performance and creativity in dance.
- On Republic Day 2024, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, for her lifetime contribution to Kathak.
- She was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kalidas Samman, and Gujarat’s Gaurav Puraskar.
Jean Marsh, Emmy-Winning Upstairs, Downstairs Co-Creator and Star, Died at 90
- Jean Marsh passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 90 due to complications from dementia.
- She was born in London in 1934 and lived through the Blitz during World War II.
- At the age of 5, she experienced mental paralysis, which was treated with dancing and acting lessons.
- She later overcame her Cockney accent through voice lessons.
- Marsh co-created the 1971 British TV series Upstairs, Downstairs with Eileen Atkins.
- She starred as Rose, the parlormaid, and won an Emmy in 1975 for her performance.
- The series ran for five seasons in the UK and became extremely popular in the US after airing on PBS.
- She reprised her role in the 2010 revival and received a fourth Emmy nomination.
- She is also known for her roles in Willow (1988) as the evil Queen Bavmorda, Return to Oz (1985) as the main antagonist, and The Changeling (1980).
- She played Roz Keith in the 1982 TV series 9 to 5 and appeared in the British TV series The House of Eliott (1992), The Ghost Hunter (2008), and the BBC’s Sense and Sensibility (2008).
- Growing up from a lower-class background in Britain’s rigid class system, she often felt uncomfortable with upper-class roles.
- She preferred to focus on “downstairs” characters, which she and Atkins co-created for Upstairs, Downstairs.
- She was honored as an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for her contributions to television.
- In her final years, Marsh suffered a stroke during the filming of the Upstairs, Downstairs revival in 2010, limiting her appearances in the second season.
- Marsh’s portrayal of characters like Rose in Upstairs, Downstairs made her an iconic figure in British television.
- Her work in dark fantasy films such as Willow and Return to Oz also left a lasting impact on the genre.
Daily CA One- Liner: April 15
- The Second National Horticulture Expo 2081 in Nepal, held over four days at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu Valley, concluded.
- In line with his commitment to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to all, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Terminal Building of the Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana, with an investment of over Rs 410 crore.
- India’s foreign exchange reserves saw a significant increase, rising by $10.8 billion to reach $676.3 billion in the week ending April 4, 2025, as per the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan received the prestigious ‘Master Humor Award’ at the Macau International Comedy Festival 2025 held in Macau, China.
- India and Italy have made significant strides in deepening their bilateral ties, focusing on vital areas such as trade, defence, clean energy, and strategic connectivity.
- McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance at the Bahrain International Circuit, clinching his second win of the 2025 Formula One season.
- In a landmark move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched a task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers.
- Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation regarding his future by signing a two-year contract extension at Anfield.
- India’s recurve men’s archery team—comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tarundeep Rai—opened the 2025 season with a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in Auburndale, Florida.
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) has revised the UPI framework, introducing major changes to international and domestic QR-based transactions.
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Mumbai 1 Smart Card to offer unified access to suburban trains, metro, monorail, and BEST buses through a single contactless card.
- The Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with ROSATOM, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) powered by thorium fuel.
- INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR ship, entered Dar-es-Salaam Port in Tanzania.
- Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, attended the cultural programme of the AIKEYME exercise in Tanzania.
- The Biomass Satellite Mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), is set to launch in April 2025 aboard the Vega C rocket from French Guiana.
- Kumudini Lakhia, renowned Kathak maestro and choreographer, passed away at the age of 95 at her residence in Ahmedabad.
- Jean Marsh passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 90 due to complications from dementia.