National News
Pahalgam Terror Attack Aftermath
India revoked visas of Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians
Pakistani troops fired at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC), heightening tensions
UN Security Council strongly condemns the attack, urging action against organizers and sponsors
Global leaders have expressed solidarity with India following the incident
India’s Poverty Reduction Achievement
World Bank report shows India’s extreme poverty dropped sharply from 16% to 2.3% over a decade
Approximately 171 million people lifted above the poverty line between 2011 and 2023
Both rural and urban areas showed significant improvement in poverty metrics
UDAN Scheme Milestone
The UDAN scheme completes eight years of implementation
Successfully enhanced air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India
Made air travel affordable for common citizens, boosting regional tourism and economic development
Healthcare Initiatives
India sent medicines to Nepal for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients
Maharashtra enforces ‘no denial’ policy for emergency care in private hospitals to improve healthcare access
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde provides ₹5 lakh aid to family of Pahalgam terror attack hero Syed Adil Hussain
Urban Development
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approves Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, restructuring BBMP for better municipal management
NCR home prices rise 81% in 5 years with Greater Noida leading the growth
Political Developments
Raja Iqbal Singh elected as Delhi Mayor with Jai Bhagwan Yadav as Deputy Mayor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourns death of former ISRO chief Dr. K. Kasturirangan
International News
Diplomatic Developments
Iran (Capital: Tehran) and the United States (Capital: Washington D.C.) hold indirect nuclear talks in Oman (Capital: Muscat)
Hamas open to hostage release and five-year truce in Gaza
Public Health Achievement
Cambodia (Capital: Phnom Penh) nears malaria-free status in 2025
Military Advancements
North Korea (Capital: Pyongyang) launches new 5,000-tonne warship equipped with advanced AI-enabled drones
Australian Election Campaign
Peter Dutton plans a tour of 28 seats in the final week of the Australian (Capital: Canberra) election campaign
Labor party promises 1800MEDICARE, a 24/7 nationwide health advice service with $204.5 million election pledge
Vatican News
Public to be allowed to visit Pope Francis’ tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome (Capital of Italy)
United States Education Policy
US pauses student visa cancellations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to develop new review system; students’ SEVIS status to remain active nationwide
Business and Economy
Corporate Leadership Changes
Reliance Industries appoints Anant Ambani as Executive Director from May 1
Economic Indicators
India’s forex reserves rise to $686.145 billion, up by $8.31 billion
Net direct tax collection grows 13.57% in FY25, slightly missing revised target
Capital Markets
Canara Robeco Asset Management files DRHP with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for IPO
Equity mutual funds see a 71% surge in redemptions over five years
Industrial Development Plans
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announces plan to triple steel production by 2030 to boost industrial growth
Science and Technology
Defense Research Breakthrough
Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tests scramjet engine for over 1,000 seconds
Marks major progress in India’s hypersonic technology development and aerospace research
Sports
Cricket: IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeat Chennai Super Kings by five wickets
Harshal Patel shines with four wickets and wins player of the match award
Tennis: Madrid Open
Italian player Matteo Arnaldi defeats Novak Djokovic (Serbia) at the Madrid Open
Athletics
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra defends invitation to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem
Yogasana Championships
2nd Asian Yogasana Championships begin in New Delhi
Over 170 athletes from 21 countries compete to promote Yogasana globally
State Affairs
Indus Water Treaty Controversy
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls Indus Water Treaty the most unfair document for the region’s people
India reportedly considering changes to the treaty following tensions with Pakistan
Maharashtra Developments
Historic Elphinstone Bridge demolition in Mumbai halted after residents protest for transparency and better relocation plans
Karnataka Updates
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy orders suspension of bike taxi services following High Court directive
Educational Reforms
Gujarat government to replace unit test system in schools
Panel to propose new student evaluation methods by May
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune granted ‘Deemed University’ status by Ministry of Education
Andhra Pradesh urged to simplify DSC-2025 teacher recruitment rules to fill vacancies faster
Employment Initiatives
Sikkim reserves 20% police jobs for Agniveers
Provides new opportunities for retired army personnel and youth
