Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 2nd April 2025

 National News 

1. Govt to launch ‘Sahkar Taxi’ service across India to compete with Ola, Uber 

•  The Indian government is set to launch a new cooperative-based taxi service called “Sahkar Taxi” across the country to offer an alternative to popular ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber in a market with huge growth projection. 
•  Union Minister Amit Shah announced the plan in Parliament stating that the new service will register two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, and four-wheeler taxis. 
• Moreover, unlike existing private company services, Sahkar Taxi will ensure that all profits go directly to the drivers, rather than large corporations. 

2. Indian Consulate General in Jana launches Hindi language course at University of Vavuniya 

•  The Consulate General of India in Jaffna has launched a Hindi language course at the University of Vavuniya, catering to growing interest in the language. 
•  The course was inaugurated jointly by Indian Consul General Sai Murali and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Atputharajah. The initiative aims to enhance linguistic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, fostering better communication and deeper cultural exchanges. 
•  The program reflects India’s commitment to strengthening educational and people-to-people connections in Sri Lanka. With Hindi gaining popularity in the region, the course is expected to provide students with new opportunities for academic and professional growth.

 International News 

3. UNESCO released a report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” 

•  On March 27-28, the report was published on the occasion of the Nutrition Development Summit hosted by France.
•  This report calls on governments to not only expand access to school meals but also improve their nutritional quality." 
•  In 2024, almost half of primary school pupils globally received school meals, and the agency warned that the nutritional value of these meals remains a serious concern. 
•  The paper highlighted that 27% of school meals worldwide were not developed with input from nutritionists. 
•  Of the 187 countries assessed, only 93 had any laws or guidance regarding the food served in schools. 
•  Whereas, even fewer countries had regulations regarding foods sold in cafeterias and vending machines.
•   Studies have shown that providing school meals increased enrollment rates by 9%, attendance by 8%, and also improved learning. 
• The report cites positive examples in which the use of fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra, India, has improved the memory and attention span of adolescents. 
•  UNESCO advocated the use of fresh, locally produced foods and recommended the inclusion of food education in school curricula. 
• In 2025, UNESCO will develop a set of tools to help governments and education professionals better address health and nutrition issues in schools. 
•  This will include a practical guide and a training program. 

4. PM Modi will attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok 

•  From April 3-4, PM Narendra Modi will travel to Thailand to take part in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. 
•  The 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be held on 4 April in Bangkok, Thailand, on the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.” 
• On April 3, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for a bilateral discussion during his visit. 
•  India and Thailand’s bilateral cooperation and future partnerships will be a key focus of the discussions between the two leaders. 
• In recent years, Thailand has significantly increased its investments in India, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, agro-processing, electronics, automotive, food processing, hospitality, and renewable energy. 
•  In 2021, Global Renewable Synergy Co., Ltd. made history with the biggest Thai investment in India’s renewable energy sector, totaling $453.29 million, marking a major highlight in economic collaboration. 
•  Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce reported that bilateral trade between India and Thailand reached $16.04 billion in 2023, with Indian exports at $5.92 billion and imports from Thailand at $10.11 billion. 
•  Thailand is India’s fourth-largest trading partner among ASEAN nations, ranking behind Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. 
• Earlier, the 5th BIMSTEC Summit was held virtually in Colombo in 2022. 
•  Founded in June 1997, BIMSTEC has organized five summits, held in Bangkok (2004), New Delhi (2008), Nay Pyi Taw (2014), Kathmandu (2018), and Colombo (2022). 

5. The ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment will be given by Constitutional Court of South Korea on April 4 

• On December 14, 2024, Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly (the unicameral national legislature of South Korea). 
• Accusation against him was of declaring martial law without a valid reason. 
•  Yoon’s argument is that the martial law declaration was not meant to impose military rule. 
•  As per Yoon, it was a call against the opposition’s abuse of power. 
•  The court’s ruling will be broadcast live. To remove Yoon from office, minimum six justices must reach an agreement.
•  In case of Yoon’s removal, fresh presidential election will be held in 60 days.
•   Yoon is also facing criminal charges. He allegedly led an insurrection with his martial law declaration. 
•  As a result of the martial law declaration, there was a constitutional crisis and impeachment of the prime minister. 
• Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was reinstated as acting president on March 24. He resumed his role as acting president.
•  In 2017, Constitutional Court unanimously gave its ruling in support of impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. 
• He was impeached for violating her constitutional duties. 
•  South Korea: 
•  It is a country in East Asia. It shares its land border with North Korea. 
•  Its capital is Seoul. Moon Hyungbae is acting President of the Constitutional Court of South Korea. 

Defence News 

6. HAL signs Rs 62,700-cr deal with MoD for supply of light combat helicopters 

• Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has signed two contracts with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, along with training and other associated equipment, worth Rs 62,700 crore. 
•  The first contract is for the supply of 66 LCHs to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the second is for the supply of 90 LCHs to the Indian Army. The supply of these helicopters will commence in the third year and will be spread over the next five years. These contracts will enhance the combat capability of the Armed Forces at high altitudes. 
• The Defence Ministry also signed a contract with Metrea Management for the wet leasing of one Flight Refueling Aircraft (FRA) to provide air-to-air refueling training to pilots of the IAF and Indian Navy
•  Metrea will provide the FRA (KC-135 Aircraft) within six months, marking the first FRA to be wet-leased by the IAF. 
•  With the signing of these three contracts, the total number of contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence during 2024-25 has reached 193, with an overall contract value exceeding Rs 2,09,050 crore. This is the highest-ever figure, nearly double the previous highest amount. Of these, 177 contracts (92%) are with the domestic industry, totaling Rs 1,68,922 crore (81%)

 7. The 4th edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph began on 1 April 

• The 4th edition of the bilateral tri-military Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise Tiger Triumph between India and the USA is being held from 01 to 13 April 2025 off the Eastern Seaboard. 
•  The aim of the exercise is to develop mutual interoperability capabilities for conducting HADR activities and to build Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for setting up a Joint Coordination Centre (CCC).
•   This initiative will enable rapid and smooth coordination between Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF) during various exercises and crisis/contingency. 
• The Indian side is being represented by Indian Naval ships Jalashwa, Gharial, Mumbai, and Shakti. 
• Along with these helicopters and landing craft, long-range maritime patrol aircraft P8I, Army personnel from 91 Infantry Brigade and 12 Mech Infantry Battalion, the Air Force's C-130 aircraft and MI-17 helicopters, and Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) will be present. 
• The US side is being represented by US Navy ships Comstock and Ralph Johnson, which will carry troops from the US Marine Division. 
•  The Harbour Phase of the exercise is being conducted from 01 to 07 April 2025 at Visakhapatnam. 
• During the exercise, the Indian Army and the US Navy will establish a joint command and control center at Kakinada Naval Enclave. 
•  In 2019, the "Tiger Triumph" exercise between India and the US took place for the first time. 

8. INSV Tarini reached Cape Town in continuation of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition 

• On 31 March, INSV Tarini has entered Cape Town, South Africa, completing the fourth and final phase of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) expedition. 
•  INSV Tarini and its crew were welcomed in Cape Town by Consul General of India Ms. Ruby Jaspreet and Chief of Staff of the South African Navy Fleet Rear Admiral (jg) Lisa Hendricks. 
•  The NSP II expedition was flagged off by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi from Goa on 02 October 2024. 
•  It is being operated by two women officers of the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, on board the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV Tarini). 
•  The mission aims to cover a distance of over 23,400 nautical miles (about 43,300 kilometres) in eight months and return to Goa in May 2025. 
• So far, the expedition has made three stops at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), and Port Stanley, Falklands (UK). 
•  Indigenously built INSVS Tarini is a 56-foot-long sailing vessel, which was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2018. 
•  The Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition promotes women's empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces and is also expected to inspire many young women to join the forces, especially the Indian Navy. 
•  Navika Sagar Parikrama I was the first all-women crew circumnavigation on INSV Tarini. 
•  The six-member crew managed the entire expedition during their journey of 254 days from 10 September 2017 to 21 May 2018. 

Business News 

9. CBIC to launch E-processing for gems & jewellery trade next month 

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs will introduce the electronic processing of the import and export of gems, jewellery, and machinery samples through personal carriage by air passengers. 
• This will come into effect from the 1st of next month at specified airports. Nine airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur would allow personal carriage export of gems and jewellery. 
•  Seven airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur would allow personal carriage import of gems and jewellery. In the case of samples or prototypes of machinery, the facility would initially be made available at the Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai airports 
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has introduced electronic processing of Bill of Entry/ Shipping Bill pertaining to gems and jewellery/samples/prototypes through personal carriage by air passengers from 01.05.2025 onwards at specified airports. 

10. Ajay Kapur reappointed as MD of Ambuja Cements 

•  Ajay Kapur has been reappointed as Managing Director (MD) of Ambuja Cements Limited, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, for two years. 
• Alongside Vinod Bahety has been appointed as the new CEO and Whole-time Director of Ambuja Cements for a three-year term. 
• The company also appointed Rakesh Tiwary as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Praveen Garg as a Non-Executive Independent Director for a three-year term.

 Economy News 

11.Ministry of Heavy Industries has achieved one million electric vehicle (EV) sales in the 2024-25 financial year

• This achievement aligns with PM Modi’s vision for Net Zero emissions by 2070. 
•  In FY 2024-25, electric two-wheeler sales reached 1,149,334 units. This is a 21% increase from the previous year. 
•  Electric three-wheeler sales rose by 57%. 159,235 units were sold during FY 2024-25. 
•  PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme was introduced in September 2024. 
• The scheme has a budget of Rs. 10,900 crore for two years upto 31.03.2026. 
• The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 of MHI is merged with the PM E-DRIVE scheme. 
•  Under the PM E-DRIVE initiative in FY 2024-25, over 10 million electric two-wheelers and 120,000 electric three-wheelers were registered. 
•  More than one million EVs were sold in this financial year. 
•  The PM E-DRIVE scheme offers financial incentives, encourages local manufacturing, and strengthens the EV ecosystem.
•  Till 31st March 2025, the scheme has provided following benefits. ○ Fuel saving per day: 8,55,723 litres ○ Total fuel saved: 15,77,33,334 litres ○ CO2 reduction per day: 12,48,100 kg ○ Total CO2 reduction: 23,01,73,978 kg

 Schemes and Committees News 

12. More than 270 projects worth Rs 1.41 lakh crore were completed under the Sagarmala Programme 

• A total of 839 projects worth ₹5.79 lakh crore are planned under the Sagarmala Programme, out of which 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed. 
•  The Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. 
• It aims to promote port-led development in the country by utilising India's 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of navigable waterways and strategic location on major international maritime trade routes. 
• The program is structured around five key pillars: port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping & inland water transport. 
• Under the modernization pillar, 103 completed projects have resulted in an estimated four-fold increase in cargo volumes, reaching 528 million tonnes. 
•  Coastal community development is a dedicated pillar of the Sagarmala Programme. 
•  This pillar primarily focuses on improving the living standards of coastal communities by enhancing their livelihood opportunities, while ensuring skill development, capacity building and access to sustainable economic activities. 
• A skill gap study was conducted across 21 coastal districts in 9 states and 3 Union Territories, including Odisha and Tamil Nadu, under the program. 
• Under the DDU-GKY Sagarmala Convergence Program, the Ministry of Rural Development and MoPSW signed an MoU in May 2017 to train coastal populations. 
• In the first phase of the convergence program (2016-2018), 2,079 candidates were trained across five states, out of which 1,243 were successfully placed in jobs. 

Appointment News 

13. Nidhi Tewari appointed as private secretary to PM Modi

•  Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
• The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, was officially announced by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). 
•  Tewari is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). 
•  The 2014-batch IFS officer is from Varanasi’s Mahmoorganj area, PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014. She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination in 2013 and initially served as an Assistant Commissioner in Varanasi before joining the Indian Foreign Service. 
•  She has been serving as Deputy Secretary in the PMO since January 6, 2023, after initially joining as an Under Secretary in 2022. 

Recent Appointments 

• MD of Ambuja Cements Limited – Ajay Kapur 
•  CEO and Whole-time Director of Ambuja Cements – Vinod Bahety 
•  Whole-time Director of Maruti Suzuki India – Sunil Kakkar 
•  Full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to PM (EAC-PM) – Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Former Chief of ED) 

14. SBI Card names Salila Pande as MD & CEO 

•  Salila Pande has taken charge as the Managing Director and CEO of SBI Card. 
•  Prior to this role, Pande served as Chief General Manager of SBI’s Mumbai Metro Circle, leading the retail business, and held international positions such as President and CEO of SBI California and a risk management leader in Singapore. 

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector 

•  Whole-time Member (Life) of IRDAI – Swaminathan S. Iyer
•  Secretary of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) – B Ramesh Babu 
•  Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)- CS Setty 
•  Executive Director of Canara Bank– S K Majumdar (for 3 years)
•  Head of Bank of America in India -Vikram Sahu (replace Kaku Nakhate) 

15.Nidhi Tewari appointed as private secretary to PM Modi 

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
• The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, was officially announced by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). 
•  Tewari is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
•   The 2014-batch IFS officer is from Varanasi’s Mahmoorganj area, PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014. She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination in 2013 and initially served as an Assistant Commissioner in Varanasi before joining the Indian Foreign Service.
•   She has been serving as Deputy Secretary in the PMO since January 6, 2023, after initially joining as an Under Secretary in 2022. 

Recent Appointments 

• MD of Ambuja Cements Limited – Ajay Kapur
•   CEO and Whole-time Director of Ambuja Cements – Vinod Bahety 
• Whole-time Director of Maruti Suzuki India – Sunil Kakkar
•   Full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to PM (EAC-PM) – Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Former Chief of ED) 

16. SBI Card names Salila Pande as MD & CEO 

• Salila Pande has taken charge as the Managing Director and CEO of SBI Card. 
• Prior to this role, Pande served as Chief General Manager of SBI’s Mumbai Metro Circle, leading the retail business, and held international positions such as President and CEO of SBI California and a risk management leader in Singapore. Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector 
• Whole-time Member (Life) of IRDAI – Swaminathan S. Iyer 
• Secretary of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) – B Ramesh Babu
•  Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)- CS Setty
•   Executive Director of Canara Bank– S K Majumdar (for 3 years) 
•  Head of Bank of America in India -Vikram Sahu (replace Kaku Nakhate)

 Banking News

 17.IBA elects CS Setty as new Chairman

•   The managing committee of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has elected State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman CS Setty as the new Chairman.
•  The committee also elected Union Bank MD A Maninekhalai, Punjab & Sind Bank MD Swarup Kumar Saha, and Madhav Nair from Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait BSC as three deputy Chairmen. 
• Karur Vysya Bank, MD B Ramesh Babu has been elected as honorary secretary of IBA. Earlier this month, former Punjab National Bank MD Atul Kumar Goel was elected as the CEO of IBA, succeeding Sunil Mehta. 
•  IBA is the industry body for banks, having members from across public and private sector banks. The body holds consultations between bankers and the banking regulator on areas concerning the sector. 

Important Day News 

18. World Autism Awareness Day: 2 April 

•  World Autism Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder every year on 2 April. 
•  The first World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, 2008.
•   The theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2025 is "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".
•  United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. 
•  Autism spectrum disorder is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. 
•  According to India Autism Centre, every one in 68 children has autism. 
• Boys are more prone to be affected by it in comparison to girls. 

Awards and Achievements News 

19. Historian MyNaa Swamy to receive Ugadi Award 

• Historian and archaeologist MyNaa Swamy will receive the prestigious Ugadi Award from the Andhra Pradesh government for his contributions to historical research and social service. 
• The award, including the ‘Kalaratna’ title, ‘Hamsa’ medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize, will be presented by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada.
•   MyNaa Swamy’s research on the Vijayanagara Empire and Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple complex has uncovered over 100 previously unknown inscriptions in Telugu, Kannada, and Sanskrit. Recent Award 
•  59th Jnanpith Award – Vinod Kumar Shukla (for Deewar Mein Ek Khirki Rehti Thi) 
•  Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 – Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar 
•  Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for Eri silk – North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation
•   Stockholm Water Prize 2025 – Austrian hydrologist Günter Blöschl (for his groundbreaking contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering)
•  Air Service Quality (ASQ) award – Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (for the third consecutive year). 

Infrastructure and Energy News 

20. India achieved renewable energy capacity of 2,109,655 MW by March 31, 2024 

•  This marks a growth of 14.77% as per the Energy Statistics India 2025 report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. 
•  Wind power holds the largest share at 55.17%. Solar energy contributes 35.5%. 
•  Large hydro accounts for 6.32%. Biomass, bagasse-based cogeneration, and small hydro form the remaining portion. 
• As per the report, India’s total installed electricity generation capacity reached 521.31 GW by March 31, 2024.
•  This represents a 5.43% increase from the previous year. 
•  However, coal still remains India’s main energy source. 
•  Domestic coal production rose to 997.83 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, up 11.71%.
•   Non-coking coal makes up 93.3% of coal production in India. 
•  India’s coal reserves are estimated at 389.42 billion tonnes. 
•  The largest share (nearly 70%) of reserves is in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. 
• Total electricity generation reached 1,948,956 GWh in FY 2023-24. This marks a 6.5% increase from the previous year.
•   Renewable energy generation reached 370,320 GWh in FY 2023-24. This is up from 205,608 GWh in FY 2014-15.
•  As of March 31, 2024, India’s refining capacity stood at 256.82 million tonnes per year. 
• There are 23 operational refineries (19 in the public sector and four in private or joint venture) in India. 
• India’s total primary energy supply grew by 7.8% to 903.16 million tonnes of oil equivalent in FY 2023-24.
•   Coal made up 60.21% of the total primary energy supply. Crude oil accounted for 29.83%, and natural gas for 6.99%. 
•  India’s crude oil reserves are estimated at 671.40 million tonnes. 
• India’s natural gas reserves total 1,094.19 billion cubic meters. 
• As per International Renewable Energy Agency's Renewable Capacity Statistics 2024, India ranks fourth globally for renewable energy and wind power capacity. It ranks fifth in solar power capacity.
• The government aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil-based energy capacity by 2030. 
• This goal is to meet 50% of India’s electricity needs with renewable sources. 

Sports News 

21. Manav Thakkar Becomes First Indian to Reach Final Eight of WTT Star Contender 

• In Table Tennis, India’s Manav Thakkar created history by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the final eight of a WTT Star Contender event. 
• He defeated Andre Bertelsmeier of Germany, 3-2 in the men’s singles prequarterfinal at the WTT Star Contender in Chennai. 
•  Meanwhile, in women’s singles, India’s Krittwika Roy was defeated 0-3 by three-time World Championship medalist Miyu Nagasaki of Japan in the pre-quarterfinals. 

22. Novak Djokovic becomes oldest man to reach ATP Masters 1000 semi-final

•   In Tennis, Novak Djokovic has become the oldest man to reach semi-final of the ATP Masters 1000. 
•  The 37-year-old Serbian achieved this feat by defeating American Sebastian Korda with an impressive 6-3 7-6 win in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. He surpassed Roger Federer, who made the final four at Indian Wells and Miami open at the age of 37 years and seven months in 2019.

 23. Anahat Singh & Kareem El Torkey win the Indian Open 2025 Squash Title 

•  Indian number one-ranked women’s squash player, Anahat Singh has won the women’s singles title at the Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper event in Mumbai. 
• This was her second consecutive title after her victory in the SRFI Indian Tour PSA Challenger event in Chennai. 
•  The men’s title was won by Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey. 
•  The $53,500 prize money Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper event was held at the iconic Bombay Gymkhana’s court in Mumbai.

 Indian Polity News

 24. The Convention mentions basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees like right to housing, right to work, right to education, etc 

•  A refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.  UNHCR acts as the guardian of the Convention. 
• India is not a party to Geneva Convention or its 1967 protocol.