Stay updated with the top headlines from 29th April 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, appointments, awards, schemes, summits, science, and sports — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What plan has NMCG approved for urban river rejuvenation?
Answer: Action Plan 2025 under River Cities Alliance, covering 145 cities with Urban River Management Plans (URMPs), international collaboration, and technical support.
2. What is the current status of India’s National Supercomputing Mission?
Answer: 34 supercomputers deployed with 35 petaflops capacity, supporting 10,000+ researchers. AI supercomputer AIRAWAT ranked 75th globally.
State News
3. Which state is facing an African Swine Fever outbreak?
Answer: Mizoram, with over 3,050 pig deaths across four districts and ₹336.49 crore in economic losses.
International News
4. Who won the Canadian federal election in April 2025?
Answer: Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a fourth term for the Liberal Party, likely forming a minority government.
Banking & Economy News
5. Which banks were fined by RBI for non-compliance?
Answer: Indian Overseas Bank (₹63.60 lakh) and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd (₹71.30 lakh).
6. What directive has RBI issued regarding ATM currency dispensing?
Answer: By March 2026, 90% of ATMs must regularly dispense ₹100 and ₹200 notes.
7. What was India’s factory output growth in March 2025?
Answer: 3%, up from 2.7% in February but lower than 5.5% in March 2024.
8. What is the objective of the new National Manufacturing Mission?
Answer: To boost manufacturing’s GDP share via ease of business, MSME support, tech integration, and global competitiveness.
Appointments & Agreements
9. Which bank partnered with IEPFA for investor education?
Answer: Kotak Mahindra Bank, offering outreach via ATMs, kiosks, apps, and social media at zero cost to IEPFA.
Awards News
10. How many Padma Awards were conferred in 2025?
Answer: 71 awards, including Padma Vibhushan to L. Subramaniam and Padma Bhushan (posthumous) to Pankaj Udhas.
Books & Reports
11. What book was launched on Srinivasa Ramanujan’s legacy?
Answer: “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma.
12. What climate concern was raised in the ICIMOD 2025 report?
Answer: A 23.6% decline in snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, threatening water security for 2 billion people.
Defense & Summits
13. What was discussed at the India-Bhutan Customs Summit?
Answer: Automation of transit, border coordination, and electronic cargo tracking during the 6th Joint Group of Customs Meeting.
14. What is India’s rank in global military spending according to SIPRI?
Answer: 5th, with $86.1 billion spent in 2024–25.
Sports News
15. Who became the youngest IPL centurion in April 2025?
Answer: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years, 32 days), scoring a century off 35 balls.
16. Which Indian pair won Mixed Doubles at WTT Contender Tunis 2025?
Answer: Manush Shah and Diya Chitale.
17. How many gold medals did India win at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship?
Answer: 83 gold medals, topping the medal tally.
Obituaries & Miscellaneous
18. Which legendary filmmaker passed away recently?
Answer: Shaji N Karun, acclaimed Malayalam director and recipient of multiple national and international awards.
19. Who is being honored with a commemorative stamp by the Department of Posts?
Answer: Tabla maestro Pandit Chatur Lal, for his global contributions to Indian classical music.