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Justice B.R. Gavai to Become the 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai recommended as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) by current CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retires on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai, the second-most senior Supreme Court judge, will be sworn in as the 52nd CJI on May 14, 2025.

Born in Amravati, Maharashtra, on November 24, 1960, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985 and joined the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He played key roles in landmark cases, including those on Article 370 abrogation, electoral bonds, and demonetisation.

He will be the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His tenure will end on November 23, 2025. Known for his work in constitutional, administrative, and environmental law, Justice Gavai’s appointment reflects deep judicial experience and dedication to justice.

Record High Cargo Traffic on National Waterways in FY 2024-25

India’s National Waterways achieved a record cargo traffic of 145.5 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2024-25. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted a compound annual growth rate of 20.86% in cargo traffic during the last fiscal year. Additionally, traffic movement in FY 2025 showed a 9.34% year-on-year growth compared to FY 2024. Five major commodities—coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash—accounted for over 68% of the total cargo transported on National Waterways.

List of Important Waterways in India:

  1. National Waterway 1 (NW-1): Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System (1620 km) – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
  2. National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra River (891 km) – Assam.
  3. National Waterway 3 (NW-3): West Coast Canal (205 km) – Kerala.
  4. National Waterway 4 (NW-4): Kakinada Canal and Godavari-Krishna River System (1095 km) – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
  5. National Waterway 5 (NW-5): Brahmani-Mahanadi Delta Rivers (623 km) – Odisha, West Bengal.

India’s Haj Quota Rises to 1.75 Lakh in 2025, Over 1.22 Lakh Pilgrims Under Main Quota

India’s Haj quota has increased from 1.36 lakh in 2014 to 1.75 lakh in 2025, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. In a post on 15 April 2025, the Ministry stated that it is coordinating arrangements for over 1.22 lakh pilgrims this year through the Haj Committee of India under the main quota.

All preparations, including flights, transport, Mina camps, accommodation, and services, have been completed following Saudi Arabian guidelines. The remaining quota has been allocated to private tour operators, and in accordance with new Saudi regulations, over 800 operators have been merged into 26 Combined Haj Group Operators and assigned quotas in advance.

IMD Predicts Above Normal Monsoon for 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) 2025 will bring above normal rainfall across most parts of India. However, below normal rainfall is expected in some areas of the North-East, North-West, and South Peninsular India.

IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that El Niño-neutral conditions are likely to prevail during the season. He also noted that northern hemisphere and Eurasian snow cover from January to March 2025 was below normal. Additionally, Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, warned that heatwave conditions in May and June 2025 are expected to occur twice as frequently as last year.

Magnus Carlsen Wins Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 in Paris

World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 in Paris by defeating American GM Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-0.5, earning $200,000. Nakamura secured second place with $140,000. Fabiano Caruana beat Vincent Keymer for third place, winning $100,000 and a spot in the Las Vegas Grand Slam.

Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi claimed fifth place with a 1.5-0.5 win over France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, earning $50,000. Arjun will next compete at the Grenke Freestyle Open starting April 17.

QNu Labs Launches World’s First Unique Platform, Q-Shield, to Protect Critical Infrastructure

QNu Labs, a startup selected under the National Quantum Mission by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has launched the world’s first platform, Q-Shield, on World Quantum Day. This innovative platform allows enterprises to protect critical infrastructure and manage cryptography seamlessly across various environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid.

The platform offers multiple services such as Qosmos for key generation, QConnect for secured connectivity, and QVerse for secured collaboration. The launch marks another milestone in India’s journey toward global leadership in quantum technology. Incubated at IIT Madras Research Park in 2016, QNu Labs is now revolutionizing cybersecurity with quantum-safe solutions, positioning India as a key player in quantum cryptography.

Daniel Noboa Re-elected as Ecuador’s President for second four-year term

Daniel Noboa, the incumbent President of Ecuador, has won a second four-year term by securing 55.85% of the vote against his left-wing opponent, Luisa González. The 37-year-old right-wing leader described his re-election as historic and pledged to continue his administration’s war on drugs.

Ecuador faces one of the highest homicide rates in South America. While President Noboa has achieved some reduction in crime, his military presence on the streets and the construction of high-security prisons have also led to a rise in violence, highlighting the complex challenges of his anti-drug campaign.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025 to Be Hosted in Bihar: Dates, Mascot & Key Highlights

Bihar will host the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from 4th to 15th May across cities like Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. The mascot “Gajsimha”, symbolizing the strength of an elephant and the courage of a lion, was unveiled along with the logo by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The mascot is inspired by the Pala dynasty’s heritage from Nalanda and Bodhgaya, while the logo reflects Bihar’s rich culture and the enthusiasm of youth, using vibrant orange.

Over 8,500 athletes and 10,000 delegates are expected to participate, making it the second-largest sporting event in India after the National Games. The games will feature 27 sports disciplines, including traditional events like Malkhamb, along with volleyball, football, basketball, boxing, kabaddi, and 18 events in Athletics and Sepak Takraw.

Katy Perry Among First All-Women Tourist Crew to Fly to Space with Blue Origin

On 14 April 2025, six women, including singer Katy Perry, successfully completed a short space tourism flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 spacecraft. The rocket launched from western Texas around 7 PM IST, reaching over 100 kilometers above Earth, past the Karman line—the boundary of space. The fully automated flight lasted about 10 minutes, with the crew capsule safely parachuting back to the Texas desert.

This was the first all-women tourist spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. The crew included Gayle King, Kerianne Flynn, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Lauren Sánchez. New Shepard, developed by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, is a reusable sub-orbital vehicle named after astronaut Alan Shepard.

India Demonstrates Laser Weapon System, Joins Elite Global Powers

For the first time, India has successfully demonstrated a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system, capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries—the US, China, and Russia—that have demonstrated such Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) capabilities.

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), under DRDO, conducted the field demonstration of the land-based, vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Weapon DEW MK-II(A) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The system successfully disabled surveillance sensors and caused structural damage to fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat called it just the beginning, highlighting ongoing projects in high-energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulses, and other futuristic Star Wars-like defense technologies.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 134th Birth Anniversary on April 14

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly called Babasaheb, is being honored across India on his 134th birth anniversary. Born on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice.

Rising from humble beginnings, he became a social reformer, economist, politician, and a symbol of hope for marginalized communities. Ambedkar’s lifelong fight against social and caste discrimination led to a Constitution rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

An accomplished scholar, he earned degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. Across the country, people celebrate his legacy through cultural events, processions, and discussions on equality and inclusion.

AIKEYME 2025 Begins in Tanzania: Indian Navy Joins African Nations for Maritime Drill

Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), a multilateral maritime exercise, began on 13 April 2025 in Tanzania and will conclude on 18 April 2025. The exercise focuses on collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges.

Participating countries include Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and India. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Chennai, INS Kesari (a Landing Ship Tank), and INS Sunayna.

The harbour phase features an inauguration ceremony and deck reception, while the sea phase (16–18 April) emphasizes strengthening maritime security cooperation.

Sourav Ganguly Reappointed as ICC Men’s Cricket Committee Chairperson

Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricket captain, has been reappointed as the chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee as of April 13, 2025. He first took on the role in 2021, succeeding Anil Kumble.

The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee advises the ICC Board on key areas such as playing conditions, rule changes, and the sport’s long-term development. Under Ganguly’s leadership, the committee aims to further modernize and grow the game globally.

Joining him on the committee are prominent names like VVS Laxman, Temba Bavuma, Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, and Jonathan Trott, bringing diverse and global perspectives.

Ganguly’s reappointment signals the ICC’s trust in his vision and progressive leadership, promising positive strides for the future of cricket.

India Wins Gold in Compound Mixed Team Archery at World Cup 2025

The Indian archery duo of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Florida, USA, on April 12, 2025. They defeated Chinese Taipei’s Huang I-Jou and Chen Chieh-Lun with a score of 153-151.

After a slow start, losing the first two series, the Indian pair staged a strong comeback, dominating the final two rounds. This was Rishabh Yadav’s first World Cup gold and Jyothi’s 11th. Notably, they became the first-ever champions in this category since it was officially added to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Mohun Bagan Wins ISL 2024-25 Title with 2-1 Victory Over Bengaluru FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) title with a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC on April 12, 2025, at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata. Bengaluru took the lead via an own goal by Alberto Rodríguez in the 49th minute, but Jason Cummings equalized with a penalty in the 72nd minute. Greg Maclaren scored the winning goal in extra time, sealing the title.

This marked Mohun Bagan’s second ISL title (after 2022-23) and made them only the second team after Mumbai City FC to win both the League Winners Shield and ISL Cup in the same season.

Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Devotion, Strength, and Selflessness

Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated on April 12, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, a symbol of devotion, strength, and courage in Hindu mythology.

Lord Hanuman, a key figure in the Ramayana, is revered for his loyalty to Lord Rama, heroic deeds like carrying the Sanjeevani mountain, and his unwavering faith and humility.

On this day, devotees visit temples, chant the Hanuman Chalisa, and engage in bhajans, kirtans, fasting, and rituals. Many also perform charity and community service, reflecting Hanuman’s spirit of selflessness.

Hanuman Jayanti serves as a reminder to embrace devotion, humility, and inner strength in our lives, drawing inspiration from Lord Hanuman’s teachings and actions.

Mahatma Phule Jayanti: Honoring a Visionary Social Reformer

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jayanti, observed annually on April 11, commemorates the birth anniversary of one of India’s most influential social reformers, Jyotirao Phule. Born in 1827 in Satara, Maharashtra, Phule dedicated his life to challenging caste discrimination, promoting education for all, and advocating for social equality.

Phule’s revolutionary contributions include establishing schools for girls and marginalized communities, alongside his wife, Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher. Together, they founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to fight caste injustices and promote rational thinking. His literary work, Gulamgiri (Slavery), boldly critiqued Brahminical supremacy and called for the empowerment of oppressed communities.

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ with Su-30 MKI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI aircraft on 12 April 2025.

The Gaurav bomb demonstrated a range close to 100 km with high accuracy during the trials, according to the Defence Ministry.

Gaurav is a 1000-kg class indigenously developed glide bomb, designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

Senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) were present and reviewed the trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, IAF, and industry for the successful development, stating that Gaurav will significantly enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team on the successful trials.

India’s Industrial Growth Slows to 2.9% in February 2025: Mixed Sector Performance Noted

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 2.9% year-on-year in February 2025, showing moderate growth compared to 5.0% in January, as per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Sector-wise:

  • Manufacturing (highest weight in IIP) grew 2.9%
  • Electricity generation rose 3.6%
  • Mining increased by 1.6%

Overall IIP stood at 151.3 in February, up from 147.1 last year.

Within manufacturing, 14 of 23 industry groups posted gains, led by:

  • Basic metals: 5.8%
  • Motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers: 8.9%
  • Other non-metallic mineral products: 8%

Key drivers: auto components, alloy steel, cement, and prefabricated concrete blocks.

Use-based trends:

  • Capital goods: +8.2%
  • Infrastructure/construction goods: +6.6%
  • Primary goods: +2.8%
  • Consumer durables: +3.8%
  • Consumer non-durables: -2.1%

The report included revised figures for January 2025 (first revision) and November 2024 (final), with 94% and 95% response rates respectively.

March 2025 IIP data will be released on April 28.

Tahawwur Rana Extradited to India: Major Breakthrough in 26/11 Mumbai Terror Case

Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited to India on April 9, 2025. A Canadian national of Pakistani origin, Rana aided David Headley in conducting reconnaissance for the attacks. He will be in NIA custody for 18 days for interrogation.

His extradition, following failed legal appeals in the U.S., marks a major step in India’s pursuit of justice. This move highlights global cooperation against terrorism and may reveal further details about the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 238.

Indian Men’s Recurve Archery Team Enters World Cup Final

The Indian men’s recurve archery team—Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tarundeep Rai—has reached the final of the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Florida, USA. They defeated Spain 6-2 in the semi-finals on April 10, 2025, after a 6-2 win over Indonesia in the quarterfinals.

The team will face China in the final on Sunday evening.

Mahavir Jayanti 2025 – Celebrating the Birth of Lord Mahavir

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important religious festivals in Jainism. It celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. In 2025, Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Sunday, April 10. On this day, Jains across the world pay homage to Lord Mahavir’s teachings of non-violence, truth, and simplicity.

Who Was Lord Mahavir?

Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama, near Vaishali (in present-day Bihar, India). Born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, he renounced his royal life at the age of 30 and embarked on a spiritual journey. After 12 years of intense meditation and penance, he attained Keval Gyan (absolute knowledge) and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).

Cricket at Los Angeles Olympics 2028: T20 Format Confirmed

Cricket will be played in the T20 format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with six teams each in the Men’s and Women’s tournaments. The IOC Executive Board has approved the event programme and athlete quotas, allowing 90 players per gender (15 per team).

Cricket is one of five new sports added to LA 2028, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. Venues for cricket matches are yet to be finalised.

India Approves Purchase of 26 Rafale Jets for Navy

On April 9, 2025, India approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its naval capabilities amid growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The deal, estimated at ₹630 billion (approx. $7 billion), includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets from Dassault Aviation.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agreement is expected to be signed soon, with France’s defence minister likely to visit India beforehand. This move aligns with India’s goals to modernize its military, reduce dependence on Soviet-origin systems, and bolster defence ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 6% in April 2025 Monetary Policy Review

On April 9, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, marking the second consecutive rate reduction this year. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) was adjusted to 5.75%, while the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) and Bank Rate were set at 6.25%.

The MPC also shifted its policy stance from neutral to accommodative, citing evolving economic conditions and the need for close monitoring. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra mentioned that unless shocks arise, the committee will consider either maintaining rates or further cuts in future.

Inflation data showed food inflation dropped to a 21-month low of 3.8% in February 2025, while core inflation rose to 4.1%, driven by higher gold prices. The RBI projects CPI inflation at 4% for 2025–26, noting positive signs like falling crude oil prices, but also warning of risks from global uncertainties and weather-related disruptions.

The Governor also addressed global trade tensions, including tariff uncertainties, which he said could hurt both global and domestic growth, though exact impacts are hard to quantify. He added that all central banks are adopting a cautious approach due to weakening US dollar, lower bond yields, and falling oil prices.

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for June 4–6, 2025.

Trump Pauses Global Tariffs for 90 Days, Excludes China

On April 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for all countries except China, surprising many after days of strong rhetoric. Trump cited non-retaliation from over 75 countries as the reason for the pause, and during this period, a reduced 10% reciprocal tariff will apply. However, tariffs on China were hiked to 125%, reflecting ongoing tensions.

The pause came amid internal concerns, particularly from the US Treasury Department, about a selloff in the bond market and fears of a global recession. Trump admitted the decision was emotionally driven, claiming it was “written from the heart.”

The move caused a massive stock market rally in the US:

  • Dow Jones surged nearly 2,500 points
  • Nasdaq jumped 12.2%, its best day in 24 years
  • S&P 500 rose by 6%
  • Oil prices and the US dollar also strengthened

Impact on India:

India had been hit by a 26% reciprocal tariff, but the 90-day pause is expected to provide relief. The Indian government, through ongoing negotiations with the US, is working toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement, said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

World Homoeopathy Day 2025: Honouring Dr. Hahnemann and Embracing Natural Healing

World Homoeopathy Day is celebrated every year on April 10 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy. The day aims to recognize his contributions and promote awareness of homoeopathy as a holistic and natural system of healing.

The theme for 2025 is “Adhyayan, Adhyaapan, Anusandhaan” (Education, Practice, and Research), emphasizing the core pillars for the development and integration of homoeopathy in modern healthcare.

Homoeopathy follows the principle of “like cures like,” using minute doses of natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing processes with minimal side effects. Celebrations include global seminars, workshops, and discussions focusing on research, clinical practice, and education.

The day highlights the continued relevance of homoeopathy in addressing modern health challenges and encourages individuals to explore safer, personalized treatment approaches rooted in nature.

Govt Merges 26 Regional Rural Banks Under ‘One State, One RRB’ Plan

On 8 April 2025, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance announced the amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) as part of the fourth phase of consolidation, following the principle of “One State, One RRB.” This move aims to improve operational efficiency, rationalize costs, and enhance rural financial inclusion.

The merger, based on stakeholder consultations since November 2024, covers RRBs in 10 states and one union territory. With this move, the number of RRBs is now reduced from 43 to 28, operating over 22,000 branches across 700 districts, with 92% branches in rural and semi-urban areas.

The government has been implementing RRB mergers in phases:

  • Phase 1 (2006–2010): RRBs reduced from 196 to 82
  • Phase 2 (2013–2015): Reduced to 56
  • Phase 3 (2019–2021): Reduced to 43
  • Phase 4 (2025): Now 28 RRBs remain

The reform is expected to boost the scale and efficiency of RRB operations and support India’s broader financial inclusion goals.

Navkar Mahamantra Divas 2025 Promotes Global Peace and Spiritual Unity

Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a spiritually significant event rooted in Jain philosophy, dedicated to the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—a sacred prayer that honors enlightened beings rather than deities. It emphasizes core values like non-violence (ahimsa), humility, self-awareness, and spiritual elevation.

In 2025, the day is celebrated with a grand global event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with participation from over 108 countries and more than one crore devotees worldwide. The event also precedes Mahavir Jayanti, honoring Lord Mahavir’s legacy of truth, non-violence, and renunciation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering, highlighting the mantra’s universal message of harmony and compassion. This global celebration reflects the timeless relevance of Jain principles in promoting a more peaceful and united world.

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