Stay updated with the top headlines from 21st April 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, appointments, summits, books, and important days — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
State News
1. What new conservation reserve was declared in Maharashtra?
Answer: DPS Flamingo Lake in Navi Mumbai was designated as a conservation reserve, marking the first formal protection for a wetland linked to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
2. What renewable energy milestone is Amaravati aiming for?
Answer: Amaravati is set to become the world’s first fully renewable-powered city, aligning with India’s clean energy goals and sustainable urban planning.
3. What land governance reform was introduced in Telangana?
Answer: The Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, was launched to replace the Dharani portal, promoting decentralization, transparency, and citizen participation in land records.
4. What women’s empowerment campaign was launched in Bihar?
Answer: The “Mahila Samvad” campaign was launched to connect rural women with welfare schemes and amplify their voices in policymaking.
Appointments News
5. Who was appointed Vice-President at AIIB?
Answer: Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, former Finance Secretary of India, was appointed Vice-President at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
6. Who is the new Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India?
Answer: Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari was appointed to lead the commission, which is expected to review key legal reforms including the Uniform Civil Code.
7. Who became Chanel’s first-ever Indian brand ambassador?
Answer: Bollywood actress Ananya Panday was announced as Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador, marking a milestone in global fashion representation.
Banking News
8. What customer initiative was launched by SBI?
Answer: SBI introduced ‘Grahak Mitras’ at select branches to promote alternate banking channels and reduce branch congestion.
Business News
9. What mining innovation was introduced by SECL?
Answer: SECL became the first coal PSU to implement paste fill technology for underground mining, enhancing sustainability and reducing surface impact.
10. What corporate rebranding did Zepto undertake ahead of IPO?
Answer: Zepto renamed its parent entity from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to Zepto Pvt. Ltd., aligning brand identity with business strategy.
Summits & Conferences
11. How did India participate in GITEX Africa 2025?
Answer: Minister Jayant Chaudhary led India’s delegation, showcasing digital innovations and engaging in bilateral meetings to promote inclusive tech growth.
Defense News
12. What multinational exercise is the Indian Air Force participating in?
Answer: The IAF joined Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE from April 21 to May 8, 2025, enhancing global air combat cooperation.
13. Where did INS Sunayna dock as part of India’s SAGAR mission?
Answer: INS Sunayna arrived at Nacala Port in Mozambique, strengthening India-Africa maritime ties under the Indian Ocean Ship deployment.
14. What joint naval exercise is planned between India and EUNAVFOR?
Answer: A joint exercise under Operation ATALANTA is scheduled for late May 2025 to combat piracy and enhance maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
Books & Authors
15. What book was launched featuring PM Modi’s speeches on culture?
Answer: ‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’ was released at IGNCA, compiling PM Modi’s thoughts on India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Important Days
16. Why is National Civil Service Day observed on April 21?
Answer: It commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to IAS officers, honoring the role of civil servants as the “steel frame of India.”
17. What is the significance of World Creativity and Innovation Day?
Answer: Observed on April 21, it promotes creative thinking to solve global challenges, originally founded by Marci Segal in 2001.
18. Who passed away on April 21, 2025?
Answer: Pope Francis died at age 88 after battling double pneumonia. He was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, known for reform and compassion.