Current Affairs One - Liner : 10th April 2025

National:

• The Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti, highlighted on April 7, 2025, focuses on women empowerment and child care. It provides day-care services for children aged 6 months to 6 years, ensuring nutrition, safety, and cognitive development. The scheme supports working mothers, enabling them to pursue employment. It was reorganized from the National Creche Scheme in 2022.

• On April 8, 2025, IIT Kharagpur released a study highlighting the impact of surface ozone pollution on India's key food crops like wheat, rice, and maize. The Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central India are particularly vulnerable. Under high-emission scenarios, wheat yields could decline by 20%, and rice and maize by around 7%.
• Mahavir Jayanti, celebrated on April 10, 2025, honors the birth of Lord Mahavir, Jainism's 24th Tirthankara. Devotees reflect on his teachings of non-violence, truth, and non-possessiveness. Rituals, processions, and charitable acts are organized at Jain temples.

International:

• India and Russia have agreed on six new strategic initiatives to enhance bilateral investment cooperation. This decision was made during the 8th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects (IRWG-PIP), held in New Delhi on April 9, 2025. The initiatives aim to strengthen economic ties and foster collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.
• India and Israel signed an Agriculture Cooperation Agreement on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi to boost agricultural productivity. It focuses on soil and water management, post-harvest technology, and farm mechanization. Key initiatives include expanding Centers of Excellence and introducing Villages of Excellence.

Banking:

• Bandhan Bank launched the ‘Elite Plus’ Savings Account on April 8, 2025, for HNIs. It provides unlimited cash deposits, free RTGS/NEFT/IMPS transactions, and ₹15 lakh debit card insurance. Perks include airport lounge access, golf sessions, and global transaction benefits.
• Juspay became India's first unicorn of 2025 on April 7, 2025, after raising $60 million in Series D funding, led by Kedaara Capital. The Bengaluru-based payment infrastructure provider focuses on payment orchestration and expanding into global markets.

MoUs:

• The Supreme Courts of India and Nepal signed an MoU on April 7, 2025, in New Delhi to enhance judicial cooperation. It focuses on sharing legal knowledge, fostering judge interactions, and adopting technology to improve processes. A Joint Working Group will be formed to develop collaboration plans.

Science & Technology:

• The Soyuz MS-27 launched on April 8, 2025, from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, carrying NASA's Jonny Kim and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky to the ISS. The crew will spend eight months conducting research and technology demonstrations.

Reports:

• The UNESCAP report, titled Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025: Understanding the Macroeconomic Implications of Climate Change, was released on April 8, 2025. It highlights that climate disasters could lead to annual economic losses of 6% GDP in one-third of Asia-Pacific nations.

Defence:

• The Indian government approved a ₹63,000-crore deal to procure 26 Rafale-Marine jets from France on April 9, 2025. This includes 22 single-seater jets and 4 twin-seater trainers for deployment on aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant. The jets will enhance India's maritime air combat capabilities.

Important Days:

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day, celebrated annually on April 9, commemorates the heroic defense of Sardar Post in Gujarat during the 1965 conflict. In this battle, 300 CRPF personnel repelled a 3,500-strong Pakistani brigade, showcasing exceptional bravery. 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of this extraordinary victory.

Appointments:

• Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina was appointed Acting Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank on April 9, 2025, following the end of Maha Prasad Adhikari's term on April 6. She will hold the position until the Governor Recommendation Committee, led by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel, selects a new Governor.

Awards & Honours:

• On April 8, 2025, the Kannada novel ‘Heart Lamp’ became the first-ever Kannada title to be shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Written by Banu Mushtaq and translated by Deepa Bhasthi, it explores themes of family and women’s struggles.

Obituaries:

• Renowned Rai folk dancer and Padma Shri awardee Ram Sahay Panday passed away on April 8, 2025, in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, at the age of 92. He was celebrated for promoting Rai folk dance globally and blending it with Mridangam tunes.
• Dadi Ratan Mohini, the spiritual leader of the Brahma Kumaris, passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 101 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Her mortal remains were kept at the Shantivan Complex for homage.

Questions:

Q.1 According to the IIT Kharagpur study (April 8, 2025), which Indian region is most vulnerable to surface ozone pollution affecting food crops?
a) Western Ghats
b) Indo-Gangetic Plain
c) Northeastern States
d) Deccan Plateau

Answer: b) The study highlights that the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central India are highly vulnerable to ozone pollution, which could reduce wheat yields by 20% and rice/maize yields by 7%.

Q.2 Bandhan Bank’s ‘Elite Plus’ Savings Account targets:
a) Students
b) High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs)
c) Small farmers
d) Government employees

Answer: b) The account offers premium benefits like unlimited cash deposits, airport lounge access, and insurance, catering to High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs).