Stay updated with the latest national, banking, defence, science, and international news curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. Which Harappan sites were declared protected monuments by Haryana?
Answer: Mitathal and Tighrana in Bhiwani district were declared protected archaeological sites under the Haryana Ancient Monuments Act, 1964.
2. What change was announced in excise duty on fuel?
Answer: Excise duty on petrol increased to ₹13/litre and diesel to ₹10/litre, effective April 8, 2025. Retail prices remain unchanged as OMCs will absorb the hike.
International News
3. Why did Saudi Arabia impose a temporary visa ban on 14 countries?
Answer: To manage overcrowding during Hajj, the ban affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas until mid-June 2025.
4. What rare earth discovery was made in Kazakhstan?
Answer: Kazakhstan discovered its largest-ever reserve of rare earth metals at Kuirektykol, with potential reserves exceeding 20 million tons.
State News
5. What cultural event was celebrated in Puducherry?
Answer: The 11th Pondicherry Heritage Festival began with ‘Veedhi Vilayattu’ (Street Games), engaging over 250 children in traditional Tamil games.
6. What infrastructure projects did PM Modi launch in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: ₹8,300 crore worth of projects including India’s first vertical lift sea bridge (New Pamban Rail Bridge), new train services, and NH upgrades.
Banking News
7. What is the “One State, One RRB” policy?
Answer: A plan to consolidate 43 Regional Rural Banks into 28 to improve efficiency and credit flow in rural areas.
Agreements News
8. What defence pact was signed between India and Sri Lanka?
Answer: A historic MoU for joint military exercises, training, and strategic cooperation, reinforcing mutual security commitments.
Awards News
9. Who won the Fred Darrington Award for Excellence in Art and Culture?
Answer: Sudarsan Pattnaik, for his Lord Ganesha sand sculpture promoting world peace, exhibited at SandWorld in the UK.
Ranks & Reports
10. What is India’s global rank in private AI investment?
Answer: India ranks 10th globally with ₹11,943 crore (US$ 1.4 billion) invested in 2023. Projected AI impact by 2033 is ₹4.09 lakh crore (US$ 4.8 trillion).
Schemes News
11. Which state recently implemented Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Answer: Delhi became the 35th state/UT to implement the scheme, with registrations starting April 10, 2025.
Sports News
12. Who became the first Indian boxer to win gold at the World Boxing Cup?
Answer: Hitesh Gulia won gold in Brazil; India secured 6 medals including silver by Abhinash Jamwal and bronzes by four others.
Science & Technology
13. What AI models were launched by Meta under Llama-4?
Answer: Scout (multimodal), Maverick (assistant), and Behemoth (teacher model) to rival ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek.
Important Days
14. What is the theme of World Health Day 2025?
Answer: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focusing on maternal and newborn health.
15. What does the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide commemorate?
Answer: Honors victims of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, promoting education to prevent future atrocities.
16. What is the theme of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025?
Answer: “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” promoting equality through sport.
Miscellaneous News
17. Which West Bengal products received GI tags recently?
Answer: Nolen Gurer Sandesh, Baruipur Guavas, Kamarpukur Bonde, Chhanabora, Motichur Laddoo, Radhunipagal Rice, and Nistari Silk Yarn — raising the state’s GI count to 33.