- On April 3, 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a record addition of 25 GW renewable energy capacity in FY25. This marks a 35% growth from the previous year, with solar energy contributing 21 GW. India’s total installed solar capacity also crossed the 100 GW milestone.
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- On April 2, 2025, Paradip Port retained its No. 1 position in cargo handling among Indian ports, achieving a record 150.41 million metric tonnes. It joined the prestigious 150 MMT Club, showcasing 3.5% growth from FY 2023-24. Coastal cargo accounted for 42.36%, and containerized cargo grew by 111%.
- On April 2, 2025, the Ministry of Railways announced that India produced 1,681 locomotives in FY25, surpassing the combined output of the USA and Europe. This marked a 19% growth compared to FY24's production of 1,472 locomotives. Major contributors included Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (700 units) and Banaras Locomotive Works (477 units).
- On April 4, 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by Parliament after approval in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill received 128 votes in favor and 95 against and focuses on enhancing the governance of Waqf properties. It introduces technology-driven management and better coordination with local authorities to ensure transparency and heritage protection.
- On April 3, 2025, India finalized the concept design for its first Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), a 200 MWe pressurized water reactor. Developed by BARC and NPCIL, it is designed for energy-intensive industries and remote areas with advanced safety features.
- On April 3, 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga in New Delhi. The Indian Army teams, including Lt. Col. Manoj Joshi for Everest and Col. Sarfaraz Singh for Kangchenjunga, aim to inspire youth through mountaineering. A joint NCC Everest expedition also includes 5 girl cadets and 5 boy cadets, showcasing India's leadership in high-altitude exploration.
- On April 3, 2025, India and Thailand signed six agreements across sectors like digital technology, maritime heritage, MSMEs, and handlooms. These agreements aim to enhance cultural ties, strategic partnerships, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- India's Services PMI fell to 58.5 in March 2025, down from 59.0 in February, reflecting a slight slowdown in sector expansion. Softer demand and slow international sales growth contributed to the dip. The index remains above 50, indicating continued growth. This data was reported on April 3, 2025.
- On April 3, 2025, Citi and SBI launched a $295 million Social Loan facility to finance affordable housing, healthcare, education, and green infrastructure projects. This initiative aligns with ESG standards, ensuring measurable social impact. It aims to foster sustainable development and uplift underserved communities through innovative financing.
- On April 2, 2025, the Bank of Maharashtra (BOM), in partnership with Customer Capital, launched the travel platform ‘Tripstacc’. It enables BOM cardholders to book travel and earn loyalty rewards via the bank's website and app. This white-label solution also offers insights into travel trends for banks.
- SEBI has extended the deadline for retail algorithmic trading regulations to August 1, 2025. This provides additional time for stock exchanges and brokers to finalize implementation standards. The move ensures safer adoption of algo trading for retail investors. It aims to mitigate associated risks effectively.
- On April 2, 2025, IDFC FIRST Bank was authorized by the CPAO to disburse pensions for central government pensioners, including All India Service Officers and retired judges. Pensioners can receive their pensions in IDFC FIRST Bank accounts with benefits like zero-fee banking and senior citizen perks.
- On April 4, 2025, Indian Railways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. The agreement focuses on the procurement and installation of Automatic Wheel Profile Measurement Systems (AWPMS), which utilize laser scanners and high-speed cameras for non-contact measurement of train wheel profiles.
- On April 2, 2025, the damselfly species Euphaea wayanadensis was discovered in the Wayanad region of Kerala. It thrives in fast-flowing streams surrounded by evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and underscores the need for conservation efforts.
- On April 2, 2025, the Indian Navy signed a ₹270 crore deal with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited to develop a 6 MW marine diesel engine under the Make-I category. Over 50% indigenous content will be featured, with funding from the government. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign OEMs and strengthens India's defence industrial base under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- The Army Commanders’ Conference 2025 took place in New Delhi from April 1 to April 4, 2025. Chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, it focused on the theme "Year of Reforms." The aim was to address security challenges, modernize through indigenization, and enhance operational readiness.
- The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed annually on April 4 to highlight the dangers of landmines and war explosives. The 2025 theme, "Safe Futures Start Here," emphasizes mine clearance's role in building safer communities. Established by the United Nations in 2005, the day promotes global efforts for mine removal and survivor assistance.
- On April 3, 2025, the Army Medical Corps celebrated its 261st Raising Day, honoring its long-standing service since 1764. Renowned for providing exceptional healthcare during peace and combat, its motto is "Sarve Santu Niramaya" (Let all be free from disease). AMC personnel also contribute to disaster relief, UN peacekeeping missions, and medical research advancements.
- On April 2, 2025, Sohini Rajola was appointed as Executive Director – Growth at NPCI. She will oversee business development, product innovation, and partnerships with banks, fintechs, and regulatory bodies.
- Debmalya Sen has been appointed as the President of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), effective April 1, 2025. He brings expertise in energy storage, green hydrogen, and e-mobility. His leadership aims to strengthen India's energy transition efforts.
- Ravneet Kaur, the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has been entrusted with the additional charge of Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) for a period of three months, starting April 1, 2025.
- On April 3, 2025, Akarsh Shroff, founder of YuvaSpark, received the National Youth Award for transforming early education in India. YuvaSpark has digitized learning in 600 anganwadi centers, positively impacting 3.46 lakh children across 10 states.
- On April 2, 2025, GI tags were awarded to Tamil Nadu's Kumbakonam Betel Leaf for its unique taste and aroma, and Thovalai Flower Garland for its intricate designs. Gujarat's Saudagari Block Print, a 300-year-old textile technique, also received the tag. These certifications boost local artisan livelihoods and protect product authenticity.
- On April 4, 2025, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar released the book ‘AI on Trial’, authored by Shri Sujeet Kumar, a Member of Rajya Sabha. In his address, he emphasized regulating Artificial Intelligence while promoting innovation.
- Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his patriotic films like Upkar and Shaheed, passed away at 87 on April 4, 2025, in Mumbai. Fondly called Bharat Kumar, he was honored with the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
- Veteran actor Ravikumar, aged 71, passed away on April 4, 2025, in Chennai after battling cancer. Known for his versatile performances in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, his illustrious career spanned over five decades.
Questions:
Q.1 Who authored the book 'AI on Trial' released on April 4, 2025?a) Amitabh Kant
b) Jagdeep Dhankhar
c) Sujeet Kumar
d) Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Answer: c) The book, released by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, explores ethical AI regulation and innovation.
Q.2 Who was appointed as the President of the India Energy Storage Alliance effective April 1, 2025?
a) Sohini Rajola
b) Debmalya Sen
c) Ravneet Kaur
d) Akarsh Shroff
a) Sohini Rajola
b) Debmalya Sen
c) Ravneet Kaur
d) Akarsh Shroff
Answer: b) Debmalya Sen’s appointment as IESA President on April 1, 2025, focuses on energy storage and green hydrogen.
