- Madhya Pradesh declared its 25th wildlife sanctuary as the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary on April 12, 2025 in Sagar district. It spans 258.64 sq. km across Banda and Shahgarh tehsils in the North Sagar Forest Division.
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- The Central Railway introduced India's first onboard ATM on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express on April 16, 2025. The ATM, installed in the AC chair car, was developed in collaboration with the Bank of Maharashtra under the INFRIS scheme. This initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience and is part of a pilot project. Future expansion depends on its success.
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Amravati Airport in Belora, Vidarbha, on April 16, 2025. The airport launched its first commercial flight to Mumbai and is set to host South Asia's largest pilot training school within six months.
- Telangana classified heatwaves, sunstrokes, and sunburns as "State-Specific Disasters" through a Government Order on April 15, 2025. Victims' families are now eligible for ₹4 lakh compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The move addresses the growing impact of extreme heat, particularly on vulnerable populations.
- WHO member states finalized a historic pandemic agreement on April 16, 2025, after over three years of negotiations. This draft agreement, aimed at strengthening global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, will be presented at the 78th World Health Assembly in May for adoption.
- On its 131st Foundation Day on April 12, 2025, PNB launched 34 new products, including 12 customer-focused deposit schemes and 10 digital transformation initiatives like WhatsApp-based FD bookings. Other highlights include the introduction of the live assistant "Pihu" and enhanced services for MSMEs, NRIs, and students.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a ₹3.20 lakh penalty on Citibank N.A. on April 9, 2025 for violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The penalty was due to inadequate due diligence in processing inward remittances from a foreign currency account.
- India's exports rose marginally by 0.7% to $41.97 billion in March 2025, while imports increased by 11.3% to $63.51 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $21.54 billion. Overall exports for FY 2024-25 reached a record $820.93 billion, marking a 5.5% annual increase despite global economic challenges.
- Telangana announced its Clean and Green Energy Policy on April 17, 2025, at the Telangana Institute of Rural Development in Hyderabad. The state aims to produce 20,000 MW of green energy by 2030 and signed MoUs worth ₹29,000 crore for renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and compressed biogas.
- The India's Trade Dynamics in FY25 report, released by the Ministry of Commerce on April 16, 2025, highlights key trade trends. India recorded a $41 billion surplus with the US, driven by pharmaceutical and gemstone exports, while its trade deficit with China deepened to $99.2 billion, primarily due to high imports of electronics and EV batteries.
- The Madhya Pradesh government confirmed the continuation of the Ladli Behana Yojana on April 16, 2025, providing monthly assistance of ₹1,250 to over 1.27 crore women beneficiaries. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav disbursed the 23rd installment under the scheme. This initiative promotes women's economic empowerment, health, and nutrition.
- World Art Day 2025 was celebrated on April 15 to honor the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci. This year's theme, "A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art", emphasized art's role in fostering unity. Events worldwide included exhibitions, live demonstrations, and cultural discussions.
- World Voice Day 2025 was celebrated on April 16 with the theme "Empower Your Voice", highlighting vocal health and the role of voice in communication. Originating in Brazil in 1999 and recognized globally since 2002.
- Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, former Supreme Court judge, was appointed as Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India on April 15, 2025. Joined by Advocate Hitesh Jain and Professor D.P. Verma, the Commission will serve until August 2027.
- T Koshy, CEO of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), stepped down on April 10, 2025, after a three-year tenure. Leadership has been transitioned to an executive committee, and Koshy will advise the board for three months.
- On April 16, 2025, the MacGregor Memorial Medal was awarded to five military personnel for their contributions in reconnaissance and adventure. Winners included Wing Commander D. Panda, Electrical Artificer Rahul Kumar Pandey, Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer Ram Ratan Jat, Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia, and Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal for his mountaineering feat on Mt. Kangchenjunga. The awards were presented by CDS General Anil Chauhan at the USI.
- S. Ambujammal's autobiography, The India I Saw (originally Naan Kanda Bharatham in Tamil), was released on January 15, 2025. Translated by Sriram V. and published by Rupa Publications, it provides personal insights into India's freedom struggle.
- Former Indian basketball captain Hari Dutt Kapri passed away at 83 on April 9, 2025, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. A recipient of the Arjuna Award in 1969, he elevated India’s rank in Asian basketball from 7th to 4th during his captaincy (1965–1978).
Questions:
Q.1 Where is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary located?a) Vidarbha, Maharashtra
b) Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh
c) Belora, Amravati
d) Shahgarh, Rajasthan
Answer: b) The sanctuary spans 258.64 sq. km across Banda and Shahgarh tehsils in the North Sagar Forest Division, making it Madhya Pradesh’s 25th wildlife sanctuary.
Q.2 Which state declared heatwaves, sunstrokes, and sunburns as “State-Specific Disasters” in April 2025?
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Telangana
d) Andhra Pradesh
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Telangana
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: c) On April 15, 2025, Telangana classified these events as state-specific disasters, enabling ₹4 lakh compensation for affected families under SDRF.
