National News
India-China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, President Xi Jinping and President Droupadi Murmu exchanged messages emphasizing the importance of a strategic partnership. Xi highlighted the metaphor of a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant,” calling for cooperation in modernization efforts. The commemorative event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in India, focused on rebuilding trust and enhancing cooperation in areas like border security, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. Vikram Misri and Xu Feihong also participated, underscoring mutual respect and strategic ties.
State News
Free Bus Service for Women in Jammu & Kashmir
On April 1, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government launched a free bus service for women, aimed at promoting gender-inclusive mobility. Flagged off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the service allows women to travel for free on smart city e-buses and JKRTC buses across the Union Territory. The initiative includes 200 e-buses in urban areas and 235 JKRTC buses in the Kashmir and Jammu regions. This development enhances women’s safety, accessibility, and empowerment, focusing on supporting the mobility of working women.
Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan Inaugurates 62nd National Maritime Day and Merchant Navy Week
The 62nd National Maritime Day and Merchant Navy Week were inaugurated by Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, on April 5, 2024, emphasizing India’s maritime sector’s role in Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The Governor highlighted the need for port modernization and better coordination among key organizations like the Directorate General of Shipping, SCI, Indian Railways, and exporters to boost global trade and strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure.
Banking News
RBI Revises Norms on Government-Guaranteed Security Receipts
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines for Government of India-guaranteed Security Receipts (SRs) by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to enhance bad loan resolution and financial stability. Key provisions include reversal of excess provisions to P&L accounts, stricter capital treatment by deducting non-cash SRs from CET1 capital, and a revised valuation methodology requiring periodic valuation based on Net Asset Value (NAV) and recovery ratings. These measures aim to improve investor confidence and enforce capital discipline.
RBI’s Transition of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) to the PCA Framework
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will transition 500 financially weak Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) from the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) to the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework starting April 1, 2025. This shift aims to enhance regulatory oversight, ensure early intervention, and restore financial stability. The PCA framework will monitor capital adequacy, asset quality, and profitability, allowing timely corrective actions while enabling additional supervisory measures if needed.
RBI Revises ATM Cash Withdrawal Charges: Key Details and Impact
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised ATM withdrawal charges, increasing the fee from Rs 21 to Rs 23 per transaction for withdrawals exceeding the monthly free limit, effective May 1, 2025. Customers will still get five free transactions at their own bank’s ATMs, three at other banks’ ATMs in metros, and five in non-metros. The revised charges also apply to cash recycler machines, except for cash deposits. This change aims to compensate banks for rising ATM maintenance costs.
Business News
Aditya Birla Capital Merged With Aditya Birla Finance Ltd.
Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL) has successfully amalgamated its NBFC subsidiary Aditya Birla Finance Ltd. (ABFL), effective April 1, 2025, after approvals from SEBI, RBI, NCLT, shareholders, and creditors. The merger aims to simplify the corporate structure, enhance financial stability, and improve efficiency. Vishakha Mulye has been appointed as MD & CEO, while Rakesh Singh will serve as Executive Director & CEO (NBFC). Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla highlighted ABCL’s commitment to financial inclusion and value creation.
Appointments News
Sivasubramanian Ramann Appointed as New Chairperson of PFRDA
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Sivasubramanian Ramann as the new Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for a five-year tenure. Currently serving as Deputy CAG and Chief Technology Officer at CAG of India, Ramann will oversee India’s pension sector, including the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). The PFRDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance, ensures regulation, transparency, and financial security in pension fund management while promoting retirement savings and pension sector reforms.
H Shankar Assumes Charge as Managing Director of CPCL
H Shankar has officially assumed the role of Managing Director (MD) of CPCL, after holding additional charge since July 16, 2024. A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA, he has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. Inducted as Director (Technical) in October 2020, Shankar has led key infrastructure projects, modernized refining operations, and introduced value-added, sustainable products, aligning CPCL with global energy sustainability goals. His leadership is expected to drive strategic growth and efficiency in CPCL’s operations.
Kamal Haasan Appointed Chairperson of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee South
Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the Chairperson of FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Committee South, announced at the FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave South Connect 2025 in Chennai. He envisions transforming India’s Media & Entertainment sector into a $100 billion industry, emphasizing bold storytelling, cultural representation, and global resonance in the digital era.
Awards News
Nikhil Singhal Honored with Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award
Nikhil Singhal, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, received the Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award at the Taj Lucknow on March 31, 2025, organized by the Tapasya Foundation Trust. The award, presented by Akhilesh Yadav, recognized his leadership in PR and strategic communication. In his speech, he credited his team’s dedication and commitment to excellence.
Schemes News
Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Zero Poverty – P4 Policy’ Initiative
As part of the Swarna Andhra-2047 vision, Andhra Pradesh will launch the ‘Zero Poverty – P4 Policy’ on Ugadi (March 30, 2025) to eradicate poverty by 2047. Based on the ‘P4’ (Public, Private, People Partnership) model, the initiative fosters government-private-public collaboration for sustainable socio-economic development. It focuses on housing, sanitation, tap water, LPG connections, reliable power (including rooftop solar), high-speed internet, and entrepreneurship to empower underprivileged families.
Summits & Conferences News
RBI Conference on Strengthening Large NBFCs Held in Chennai
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hosted a conference for large NBFCs on March 28, 2025, in Chennai, under the theme “Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility: Strengthening the NBFCs.” Attended by over 200 participants, including RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J and ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda, the event focused on regulatory supervision, risk management, fair lending practices, and audit transparency. The ICAI stressed the role of Chartered Accountants in maintaining trust and adapting to technological advancements in auditing.
Sports News
Francesco Bagnaia Triumphs at Grand Prix of the Americas After Marc Marquez Crash
Francesco Bagnaia secured victory at the Grand Prix of the Americas after Marc Marquez crashed out on lap nine at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Ducati dominated the podium with Alex Marquez in second and Fabio Di Giannantonio in third, marking Ducati’s 20th consecutive grand prix win, just two wins shy of Honda’s record (22). Marquez, who led early after excelling in Thailand, Argentina, and Austin, crashed after touching a kerb, allowing Bagnaia to capitalize after climbing from sixth place.
India Concludes Senior Asian Wrestling Championship With 10 Medals
India won 10 medals at the 2025 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship in Amman, showcasing strong performances in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Manisha Bhanwala (62kg) won gold, while Deepak Punia (92kg), Udit (61kg), and Reetika Hooda (76kg) secured silver. Six wrestlers, including Antim Pangal (53kg) and Dinesh (125kg), won bronze. The 30-member squad featured top talents like Mansi Lather and Mukul Dahiya, reinforcing India’s dominance in continental wrestling.
Niharika Singhania’s Gold in the Azelhof CSI Lier Equestrian Competition
Niharika Singhania, a young Indian equestrian, secured first place in the Azelhof CSI Lier equestrian competition in Belgium, held from March 25-30, 2025. Competing in the CSI2-1– YH – LIER – Spring Tour** category, Niharika demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Riding Hotese Charboniere, she finished with penalty points of 34.48 and 31.95 in the final Two-Phase Special event to clinch the gold. Her victory underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and balancing academics with extracurricular activities.
Important Days
International Mine Awareness Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance
International Mine Awareness Day is observed annually on April 4 to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and promote demining efforts. The 2025 theme, “Safe Futures Start Here,” emphasizes the importance of addressing the impact of landmines, particularly in war-affected regions. Landmines, including Anti-Personnel Mines (APM), Anti-Vehicle Mines (AVM), and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), cause civilian casualties long after conflicts end. The day, first observed in 2006, highlights global efforts for mine clearance, victim support, and the role of new technologies in promoting a landmine-free world.
Obituaries News
Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Passes Away at 65
Renowned American actor Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes Kilmer. Known for iconic roles in Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone, and Batman Forever, Kilmer had battled throat cancer for years. Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, he was the youngest student admitted to Juilliard’s Drama Division. His career began on stage before his Hollywood debut in Top Secret! (1984), which earned him a devoted fan base.
Miscellaneous News
Warangal Chapata Chilli Receives GI Tag, Boosting Farmer Benefits
The Chapata Chilli (Tomato Chilli) from Warangal, Telangana, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, benefiting around 20,000 farmers by boosting income and market demand. Known for its bright red color and mild pungency, it is widely used in pickles and as a natural coloring agent. Cultivated for over 80 years across 3,000 hectares in Warangal, Hanmakonda, Mulugu, and Bhupalpally, it produces 11,000 tonnes annually, opening opportunities for exports and processing industries.
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