Current Affairs 3 May 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Cabinet Approvals on April 30, 2025On April 30, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals:
i.The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs(CCPA) approved to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census.

• To enumerate caste, some of the states in India conducted surveys, which lacked transparency and intent, resulted in the step to include caste enumeration in the main census instead of a separate survey.

ii.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved FRP of sugarcane for sugar season 2025-26 (October- September), at Rs 355 per qtl for a basic recovery rate of 10.25%. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) will be applicable for purchase of sugarcane by sugarmills from farmers starting from 1st October 2025.
iii.The CCEA, chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Development, Maintenance and Management of Greenfield High-Speed Corridor along the National Highway – 06 (NH- 06) from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) Assam.

• The 166.80 kilometre (km) long four-lane, access-controlled Greenfield expressway, spanning 144.80 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam, will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The project has an estimated cost of Rs. 22,864 crore.

>> Read Full News

Maharashtra Approved India’s First Shipbuilding, Repair & Recycling Policy 2025In April 2025, the Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, approved the ‘Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025;, making Maharashtra the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy in the maritime manufacturing sector.

• This initiative aligns with the Union Government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at positioning India among the top five countries in global shipbuilding by 2047.

i.The policy focuses on transforming Maharashtra into a maritime hub through:
Investment of Rs 6,600 crore by 2030, with a target of generating 40,000 jobs.
ii.Financial Incentives:

• Capital subsidy of 15% of project cost.
• Up to Rs 1 crore per project for skill development.
• Up to Rs 25 crore for research and development (R&D).

iii.Land Allocation: Concessional land allotment on long-term leases of 30 years (renewable).
About the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW):
Union Minister – Sarbananda Sonowal (Constituency – Dibrugarh, Assam)
Minister of State (MoS) – Shantanu Thakur (Constituency – Bangaon, West Bengal, WB)
>> Read Full News

MoHFW launches New Digital Platform, CGHS Beneficiaries to receive Faster ServicesIn April 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched a new version of its flagship programme, Health Management Information System (HMIS), to access faster services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).The platform developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) went live from April 28, 2025.

• Besides HMIS, the ministry has re-launched CGHS mobile application(app) for Android and iOS (formerly iPhone Operating System) with upgraded interface and digital services.

Key changes:
i. The previous CGHS websites, www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in, were officially deactivated. All services and updates are now accessible exclusively through the new portal:cghs.mohfw.gov.in .
ii.The revamped HMIS enables faster, more transparent and user-friendly access to CGHS services. The former CGHS software, which has been in use since 2005, lacked modern Information Technology(IT) standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and user expectations.
ii.Under the upgraded version, the ministry has introduced Permanent Account Number(PAN)- based identification of beneficiaries; real-time tracking; automated payment verification, and fully online application workflows.
>> Read Full News

India’s Coastline Length Revised to 11,098.81 km Following Updated MethodologyIn April 2025, as per the Survey of India (SoI) data, India’s coastline length was officially updated to 11,098.81 kilometers (km), increasing by 3,537.21 km or nearly 50% from the earlier figure of 7,516.60 km recorded since the 1970s.

• This revision follows a multi-year scientific review led by the Dehradun (Uttarakhand) based National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) in coordination with SoI.
• According to the updated measurements, Gujarat has the longest coastline among states, while Goa has the shortest. Among union territories (UTs), Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands has the longest, and Puducherry the shortest.

Background:
i.For decades, different government departments used varying coastline figures due to outdated measurement methodologies.
ii.The Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi (Delhi), began addressing this issue in its 11th meeting (2010).
iii.During its 16th meeting (16th July 2019), CPDAC accepted NHO’s revised coastline length of 11,084.50 km, computed using advanced hydrographic data.
iv.On August 10, 2023, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), New Delhi, finalized updated Terms of Reference (ToR) for standardizing maritime parameters.
v.This revised length of 11,098.81 km was accepted during a meeting held in January 2024, at the NSCS, New Delhi (Delhi), with representatives from coastal States/UTs and other stakeholders.
Reasons for Deviation:
i.Differences in scale and calculation methods; the 1970s data were likely computed at a scale of 1:4,500,000 or smaller, whereas the re-verified data used a scale of 1:250,000.
ii.Advancements in technology, with modern Geographic Information System (GIS) software providing more accurate measurements compared to conventional/manual methods used previously.
iii.Inclusion of the coastline lengths of 1,298 offshore islands/islets (1,059 islands and 239 islets), which were possibly omitted in earlier calculations due to scale constraints.
About Survey of India (SoI):
SoI, the National Survey and Mapping Organization of India operates under the Department of Science & Technology(DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
Surveyor General of India – Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
Headquarters – Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
Founded – 1767

MHA Constitutes High-Level Committee under Union Minister Amit Shah for National Disaster ManagementOn 30th April 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), constituted a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of Union Minister Amit Shah, MHA, to oversee national disaster preparedness and response mechanisms under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Constitution of the Committee:
The committee was formed under sub-section (2) of Section 8B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act No. 53 of 2005). It comprises:

• Union Minister Amit Shah, MHA (Chairperson)
• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
• Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF)
• Suman Bery, Vice Chairman (VC), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

About the Committee:
i.The primary objective of the committee is to enhance India’s resilience against both natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents, by ensuring a coordinated national disaster management strategy.
ii.The committee plays a critical role in:

• Guiding national disaster management policies
• Coordinating efforts among multiple ministries and agencies
• Overseeing long-term risk reduction strategies
• Monitoring preparedness levels of States and Union Territories (UTs)

iii.With representatives from finance, agriculture, and planning sectors, it takes a multi-sectoral approach to ensure quick resource use, joined-up policies, and smooth execution of disaster risk plans.
About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):
Union Minister – Amit Shah (Constituency Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State(MoS) – Nityanand Rai (Constituency – Ujiarpur, Bihar); Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency – Karimnagar, Telangana)

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates World’s First Energy Transmission Garden in HyderabadIn April 2025, Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana,inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission garden at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and was launched as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, the founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system.

i.The garden encompasses 40 species of medicinal trees, including Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond, selected for their spiritual and healing properties.
ii.Designed to radiate Pranahuti (yogic transmission), the garden features acupressure pathways, percolation pits, and sloped landscapes to facilitate rainwater harvesting and promote ecological sustainability.
About Telangana
Chief Minister (CM) – A Revanth Reddy
Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma
Capital – Hyderabad
Bird Sanctuary – Manjira Bird Sanctuary
>> Read Full News

India Conducts First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia
In April 2025, India has achieved a significant milestone in medical science by conducting its first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia , which was conducted through a collaboration between Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s (BRIC’s) Institute for Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and Christian Medical College(CMC) Vellore, Vellore (Tamil Nadu, TN).

• It was announced during by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) during his inspection of facilities at BRIC -inStem.
• Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder in which blood doesn’t clot normally, causing abnormal bleeding.

i.In this trial, patients with severe haemophilia A received autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) that were genetically modified using lentiviral vectors to express the Factor VIII gene.
ii.These modified cells were then transplanted back into the patients, enabling their bodies to produce the necessary clotting factor naturally.
Note: India’s Biotechnology sector experienced remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold to reach USD165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to touch USD300 billion by 2030.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNESCO adds 16 new Global Geoparks, North Korea & Saudi Arabia features first timeIn April 2025, UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGp), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its Global Geoparks Network (GGN).

• The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, announced the list during its 10th anniversary.
• North Korea recorded its historic first with the inclusion of its site, Mt Paektu, Saudi Arabia has made its debut with North Riyadh and Salma.
• India does not have featured site in the list.

i.With the new entries, the Geopark network consists of 229 sites across 50 countries. The Network now comprises 229 sites across 50 countries, collectively spanning nearly 855,000 square kilometers
ii.UNESCO Geoparks are the model for the conservation of Heritage. They also support educational projects, promote sustainable tourism.
iii.To maintain the quality of UNESCO Global Geoparks, each site undergoes a thorough revalidation process every four years. As a result, a green card indicates the renewal status for four years while a yellow card denotes the renewal to a period of two years.

• Of the 39 revalidations, the council granted 33 green cards and 6 yellow cards.

>> Read Full News

Forbes India W-Power 2025: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker & Payal Kapadia Featured Among 20 India’s Top Self-Made WomenIn April 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Forbes India, in collaboration with France based L’Oréal Paris, unveiled its annual W-Power 2025 list, honoring 20 exceptional self-made women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and resilience across various sectors, including business, finance, sports, entertainment, and public service.

• The honorees included Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia, among others, recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to building meaningful legacies.

About W-Power:
i.This initiative, launched in 2017, aims to spotlight women who have carved their paths to success, serving as inspirations for future generations.
ii.The Forbes India team shortlisted candidates from primary and secondary sources, focusing on entrepreneurs and professionals without inherited wealth/positions.

• Key metrics included financial success, influence, leadership, innovation, and societal impact.

About Forbes India:
Editor – Suveen Sinha
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established – 2009
>> Read Full News

SRFTI’s Film ‘A Doll Made Up of Clay’ Makes its Entry to Cannes 2025
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute(SRFTI), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting(MoI&B) has announced the entry of its film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” to 78th Festival De Cannes.

• The film has been selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which showcases works by film school students across the world.

i. The movie has been written and directed by KokobGebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the Indian Council of Cultural Research (ICCR)at SRFTI and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle.
ii.The movie features a 23-year-old Nigerian Footballer, Ahmed, who originally came to play seven-a-side games in the city and somehow, he ended up as an actor.
iii.The 23-minute experimental film, was made as a part of an academic project for the Department of Producing for Film and Television, SRFTI. The movie has a mix of Yoruba and Bengali languages.
Note: SRFTI, established in 1995, is an autonomous premier institution dedicated to film and television education in India. Named after the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray, it is located in Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)

FAO Launches ‘AIM4NatuRe Initiative’ to Boost Global Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring
In April 2025, Rome, Italy-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the ‘Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) initiative’ to enhance global monitoring of ecosystem restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and degraded farmlands.

• This four year(2025-28) initiative was launched with 7 million Great British Pounds (GBP) or approximately USD 9.38 million support from the United Kingdom (UK).
• Initial pilot projects will begin in Brazil and Peru in collaboration with FAO’s Indigenous Peoples Unit to integrate traditional knowledge and biocentric practices.

i.Builds upon FAO’s AIM4Forests by utilizing advanced tools such as the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) to enhance restoration monitoring and reporting efforts.
ii.This initiative directly supports Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
iii.Addresses data gaps highlighted by a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) survey, where 80% of countries lack the technical skills to track restoration.

BANKING & FINANCE

SBI Signed MoU with LPAI to Enhance Banking Services for Border TradeIn April 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi (Delhi) based Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), to enhance the banking services infrastructure at 26 land ports situated along India’s borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

• The MoU was signed by S N Panigrahi, Deputy General Manager (DGM), SBI, and Vidyadhar Jha, Director (Operations), LPAI.

Key Features of the MoU:
i.Banking Services Expansion:

• SBI will provide Foreign Exchange (Forex) transactions, Letter of Credit (LC) / Bank Guarantee (BG) services, bulk cargo insurance, and digital banking solutions (e.g., You Only Need One (YONO) 2.0, e-Trade) at land ports within six months.
• Targets increasing annual border trade volumes from Rs 80,000 crore (2025) to Rs 2 trillion by 2030.

ii.Employee Benefits:

• 1,900 LPAI employees will receive corporate salary packages with personal accident insurance, loans, and discounted locker rentals.
• Services extended to 5,000+ employees of border agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Customs Department.

iii.Infrastructure Development: LPAI operates 15 land ports across 8 border states and plans to develop 11 more in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal (WB).
iv.Forex Management: Facilitates Rs 71,000 crore in forex trade annually through streamlined cross-border transactions
About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI):
Chairperson – Aditya Mishra
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 2012

Sa-Dhan Signed MoU with BoI to Enhance Financial Access for Small, Micro & Women-Led Enterprises
In April 2025, New Delhi(Delhi)-based Sa-Dhan, a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for microfinance and impact finance institutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Bank of India (BoI) to enhance financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises, especially in rural and semi-urban regions of India.

• The MoU was signed by Jiji Mammen,Executive Director(ED) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sa-Dhan and P. R. Rajagopal, ED of BoI, aims to foster financial inclusion and support national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Areas of the MoU:
i.Enterprise Financing:Provide loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and non-SHG entrepreneurs.
Promote co-lending partnerships with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).
ii.Climate and Green Financing: Support adoption of climate-resilient technologies and green projects.
iii.Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Fund initiatives to improve rural sanitation and clean water access.
iv.Financial Literacy: Conduct workshops to educate rural entrepreneurs about government schemes and digital banking tools.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi appointed as Chairman of new NSABIn April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as its new Chairman. This strategic move aims to bolster national security advisory mechanisms in light of recent security challenges.

• The decision followed a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, in response to the Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) terrorist attack.
• Alok Joshi is a 1976-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre. He served as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s external intelligence agency, from December 30, 2012, to December 31, 2014.

i.The revamped seven-member NSAB comprises distinguished retired officials from India’s military, police, and diplomatic services.
ii.Established in 1998, the NSAB functions as a key advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC) of India, which is chaired by PM of India.
About National Security Council (NSC) India:
NSC (India) was established in 1998 by the Government of India (GoI) under the leadership of the then Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
National Security Advisor(NSA) of India – Ajit Kumar Doval
Headquarters – New Delhi (Delhi)
>> Read Full News

BOOKS & AUTHORS

NAI Launches Book Titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician”
In April 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based National Archives of India (NAI), in collaboration with New Delhi-based Vani Prakashan Group, launched the book “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi (Delhi).

• Authored by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma, the book delves into the life and contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s most celebrated mathematicians

i.The publication offers a comprehensive account of Ramanujan’s journey from his early life in Erode, Tamil Nadu (TN), to his groundbreaking work in mathematics.
ii.It highlights his significant contributions to number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, achieved despite limited formal training.
iii.It includes original documents and letters, notably correspondence with British mathematician G.H. Hardy, who recognized Ramanujan’s genius and facilitated his work’s global recognition.

Memoir titled ‘The Undying Light’ by Gopalkrishna Gandhi Released
In April 2025, renowned author and former Governor of West Bengal(WB), Gopalkrishna Gandhi released his memoir titled “The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India.” The book was published by New Delhi (Delhi)-based Aleph Book Company, spans 624 pages and is available in English in hardcover format.
i.The memoir starts with a deeply personal recollection of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, witnessed by the author when he was just three years old. From this intimate moment, the narrative broadens into an insightful study of India’s political history post-1947, blending personal anecdotes with key historical events.
ii.It provides a unique insider view on India’s political and social evolution, making it a valuable resource for students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.
iii.Gopalkrishna Devadas Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari, India’s last Governor-General. He served as the Governor of West Bengal(WB) from 14 December 2004 to 14 December 2009.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International workers’ day 2025 – May 1 International Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day, is observed annually on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers worldwide and to promote workers’ rights.

• In India, this day is also referred to as May Day, Antar Rashtriya Shramik Divas, or Kamgar Din.

i.The origins of International Workers’ Day trace back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, United States. On May 4, 1886, a peaceful rally advocating for an eight-hour workday turned violent when a bomb was thrown at the police, leading to multiple casualties.

• In 1889, the Second International, an organization of socialist and labor parties, declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair and to promote labor rights globally.

ii.On the occasion of Labour Day 2025, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India(GoI), entered into a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve access to finance, relevant technologies, and ensure a safe and sustainable work environment for waste pickers across India.
iii.On May 1, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister(CM) Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Odisha Shramik Sathi’ mobile application(app) during a state-level Labour Day celebration in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
>> Read Full News

World Tuna Day 2025 – May 2The United Nations (UN’s) World Tuna Day is observed globally on 2nd May every year to emphasize tuna’s ecological and economic importance, advocate for sustainable fishing practices, and address the threats posed by overfishing to marine biodiversity.
Background:
i.On 7th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially designating 2nd May as World Tuna Day.
ii.The proposal was led by Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries contribute significantly to livelihoods and GDP.
iii.The first World Tuna Day was observed on 2nd May 2017.
About Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO):
Director General (DG) – QU Dongyu (China)
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Founded – 1945
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launches E-Kalyan portal of ESOMSA
In April 2025, Himachal Pradesh(HP) Chief Minister(CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the E-Kalyan Portal, developed by the Department for Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). This digital initiative aims to simplify the application process for various social security pension schemes in the state.

• The launch of the E-Kalyan Portal reflects theHP government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in delivering social welfare schemes

i.The portal is linked with Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card databases, ensuring seamless verification and reducing manual paperwork.
ii.Eligible applicants can apply online directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan.
iii.Applicants receive updates regarding application errors, verification, and approvals digitally, enabling them to track their applications from home.

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