This update covers national, international, economy, banking, appointments, awards, sports, and important days — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What steps has India taken against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack?
Answer: India announced a 5-point action plan: suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani military advisors, and reduction of diplomatic staff in Islamabad.
International News
2. Who resigned as Chairman of the World Economic Forum after five decades?
Answer: Klaus Schwab resigned on April 21, 2025. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has taken over as interim Chair.
3. How many new Global Geoparks were added by UNESCO in April 2025?
Answer: 16 new Global Geoparks were added, bringing the total to 229 across 50 countries. India still has none.
Banking News
4. What initiatives did PNB launch on its 131st Foundation Day?
Answer: Punjab National Bank launched 34 new products including 12 deposit schemes and 10 digital tools like AI assistant “Pihu” and QR-based feedback system.
Economy News
5. What is India’s revised GDP growth forecast for FY26 by IMF and World Bank?
Answer: IMF revised it to 6.2%, and World Bank to 6.3%, citing tariff uncertainty and global slowdown.
6. What was the life insurance premium growth in FY25?
Answer: The industry recorded a 5.13% growth, with LIC leading at ₹2.26 lakh crore in new business premium.
Appointments News
7. Who was elected President of CIFEJ for 2025–2027?
Answer: Jitendra Mishra, Festival Director of SIFFCY, was elected President of CIFEJ, a UNESCO-supported global film body.
Books & Authors News
8. What book was launched by MeitY to promote circular economy?
Answer: “I Am Circular” coffee table book was launched, showcasing 30 Indian innovations in sustainable design and recycling.
Ranks & Reports News
9. Which Indian university topped THE Asia Rankings 2025?
Answer: IISc ranked 38th, the highest among Indian institutions. Other entries include Anna University (111th) and IIT Indore (131st).
Schemes News
10. What is the Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative launched in Maharashtra?
Answer: A scheme to provide 10,000 electric rickshaws to women, with ₹1 lakh subsidy and low-interest loans, promoting green mobility and women’s empowerment.
Sports News
11. How did India perform at the 2025 ISSF World Cup in Lima?
Answer: India won 7 medals (2 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze), finishing third overall behind China and USA.
12. Why was the South Asian Athletics Championship 2025 postponed?
Answer: It was postponed due to visa issues for Pakistani athletes, including Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem.
Science & Technology News
13. Where is India’s first Quantum Computing Village being set up?
Answer: In Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, led by RTGS with IBM, TCS, and L&T as collaborators.
14. Which US astronaut returned to Earth on his 70th birthday?
Answer: Don Pettit returned after a 220-day ISS mission, becoming the oldest serving US astronaut.
Important Days
15. What is celebrated on 24th April in India?
Answer: National Panchayati Raj Day, marking the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. PM Modi visited Bihar and launched projects worth ₹13,480 crore.
16. What is the theme of World Book and Copyright Day 2025?
Answer: “The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.