Daily Current Affairs April 04

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April 04 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 04

1. What is the first day of the seven-day Rongali Bihu festival traditionally called?
A) Manuh Bihu
B) Bohag Bihu
C) Gosain Bihu
D) Goru Bihu
E) Magh Bihu
Answer: D) Goru Bihu

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu) as the Assamese New Year and onset of the agricultural season.
• Location: Assam, India.
• Date: Mid-April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Festival Name: Rongali Bihu (also called Bohag Bihu).
• Main Purpose:
  • Marks the Assamese New Year.
  • Celebrates the beginning of the agricultural season.
  • Strengthens cultural identity, community bonding, and gratitude for nature.
• Structure and Duration:
  • Celebrated over seven days, also known as Xaat Bihu.
  • Each day has unique significance and rituals.
• Important Days of Rongali Bihu:
  • Goru Bihu (Day 1): Cattle are bathed, decorated, and worshipped.
  • Manuh Bihu (Day 2): Human celebrations – new clothes, blessings, and traditional food.
  • Gosain Bihu (Day 3): Deity worship for a prosperous year.
  • Remaining days include various regional rituals, folk dances, and melas.
• Key Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Bathing and honoring cattle with turmeric and garlands.
  • Wearing traditional attire like mekhela sador and dhoti-kurta.
  • Community feasts and Bihu dances (dhol, pepa, and song performances).
  • Worship of household deities for health and prosperity.

Culinary Highlights:

• Traditional Assamese dishes prepared and shared:
  • Chira (flattened rice)
  • Pitha (rice cakes like til pitha, ghila pitha)
  • Laru (sweet coconut or sesame balls)
  • Doi-Gur (curd and jaggery)
• Cultural Importance:
  • Rooted in agrarian traditions and seasonal cycles.
  • Symbolizes joy, renewal, and rural life.
  • Strong emphasis on community, nature, and tradition.
• Modern Celebrations:
  • State-sponsored Bihu dance competitions and cultural festivals.
  • Celebrated by the Assamese diaspora worldwide through Bihu sammelans.
  • Efforts ongoing to recognize Bihu dance as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rongali Bihu / Bohag Bihu:
  • Spring festival and Assamese New Year.
  • First of the three Bihu festivals, followed by Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu.
• Xaat Bihu:
  • Refers to the seven-day celebration of Rongali Bihu, with specific rituals each day.
• Goru Bihu:
  • Day dedicated to cattle for their contribution to agriculture.
  • Farmers bathe and honor livestock with love and respect.
• Bihu Dance:
  • Traditional folk dance of Assam performed during Bihu.
  • Symbol of Assamese culture and pride.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs April 04

2. Which team won the final match of the Batalik Cricket League 2025?
A) Hanu A
B) Darchiks A
C) Sherquilla B
D) Batalik A
E) Maryul XI
Answer: D) Batalik A

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Army’s Batalik Cricket League 2025.
• Location: Jubar Stadium, Batalik.
• Date: April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Main Purpose:
  • Promote sports and community bonding.
  • Engage youth in remote areas.
  • Support regional development through local initiatives.
• Participation:
  • 13 teams took part, grouped into 4 pools.
  • Final Match Result:
    • Batalik A: Scored 86 runs.
    • Darchiks A: Scored 39 runs.
    • Result: Batalik A won by 47 runs.
• Special Community Initiative:
  • Indian Army bought Ladakhi Willow cricket bats from local brand Maryul Willow.
  • Presented as trophies to promote local entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
• Event Attendees:
  • Col. Dinesh Singh Tanwar: Deputy Commandant, 192 Mountain Brigade.
  • Dr. Kacho Liyaqat Ali Khan: Chief Medical Officer, Kargil.
• Future Development Plan:
  • Sherquilla Cricket League to be held next month at the same venue.
  • Initiative aims to boost local tourism and continue youth engagement through sports.
• Impact on Local Community:
  • Recognition and support for local artisans.
  • Promotion of local manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
  • Strengthened bonds between the Army and civilians in border areas.
  • Support via medical camps, education drives, and sports initiatives.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ladakhi Willow Cricket Bats:
  • Locally manufactured cricket bats from Hanu village under the brand Maryul Willow.
  • Represent self-reliance and promotion of local craftsmanship.
• Kargil Vijay Diwas:
  • Celebrated annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
  • Batalik region played a key role during the war, making the location symbolically important.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs April 04

3. Which of the following patriotic films was directed and acted in by Manoj Kumar and was inspired by the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”?
A) Shaheed
B) Kranti
C) Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
D) Upkar
E) Purab Aur Paschim
Answer: D) Upkar

Event and Location:

• Event: Manoj Kumar, veteran Bollywood actor, passed away at the age of 87 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai on April 4, 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Full Name: Harikrishan Giri Goswami.
• Stage Name Origin: Inspired by a character played by Dilip Kumar, he adopted the name Manoj Kumar.
• Early Career Start: Began his film journey in 1957 with Fashion Brand.
• Initial Recognition: Gained popularity with films like Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi? (1964).
• Patriotic Image: Known for portraying nationalist characters, earning him the nickname Bharat Kumar.
• Iconic Patriotic Films: Acted and directed in Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Kranti (1981).
• Film Message: Upkar was inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” and promoted nationalism.
• Later Works: Films like Clerk (1989) and Jai Hind (1999) did not perform well.
• Final Film Appearance: Last seen in Maidan-E-Jung (1995).
• Political Association: Joined Bharatiya Janata Party in 2004, supported nationalist values but didn’t contest elections.
• Cause of Death: Suffered from heart-related complications and decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Important Terms Explained:

• Padma Shri:
  • Definition: Fourth-highest civilian award in India.
  • Relevance: Conferred to Manoj Kumar in 1992 for his impact on Indian cinema.
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award:
  • Definition: India’s highest cinematic honor.
  • Relevance: Awarded to Manoj Kumar in 2016 for lifetime achievement.
• Jai Jawan Jai Kisan:
  • Origin: Coined by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
  • Meaning: Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer.
  • Relevance: Central theme of Manoj Kumar’s film Upkar (1967).
• Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis:
  • Definition: Advanced stage of liver failure with complications.
  • Relevance: One of the primary causes of Manoj Kumar’s death.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs April 04

4. According to the 2025 UNCTAD report, what is India’s global rank in the Readiness for Frontier Technologies index?
A) 48
B) 36
C) 25
D) 99
E) 10
Answer: B) 36

Event and Location:

• Event: India ranks 36th in UNCTAD’s Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index.
• Location: Global ranking report published by UNCTAD.
• Date: April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Report Published By: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
• Report Title: Technology and Innovation Report 2025.
• Purpose of Index:
  • Evaluate a country’s ability to adopt frontier technologies like AI and nanotech.
  • Focus on ICT, skills, R&D, industrial capacity, and access to finance.
• India’s Global Ranking:
  • Current Rank (2025): 36th out of 170 countries.
  • Previous Rank (2022): 48th.
  • Improvement Drivers: Progress in R&D, AI development, industrial capacity.
• Component-wise India Rankings:
  • ICT Readiness: 99th
  • Human Capital (Skills): 113th
  • R&D Performance: 3rd globally
  • Industrial Capacity: 10th
  • Finance (Access to funding): 70th
• Technology Readiness Leadership:
  • India among developing countries outperforming expectations despite lower per capita income.
  • Comparable countries: China, Brazil, Philippines.
• AI Sector Highlights:
  • AI Contributions: Strong scientific output in AI and Generative AI.
  • GitHub Developers: India ranks 2nd globally with 13 million developers.
  • Private AI Investment: Ranked 10th with USD 1.4 billion invested in 2023.
  • AI’s Role: Expected to transform job markets; reskilling needed for future workforce adaptability.
• Strategic Initiatives:
  • India AI Mission: Promotes AI education, inclusivity, and access, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
  • Focus: Enhance AI ecosystem through research, training, and infrastructure development.

Important Terms Explained:

• UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development):
  • A UN body focused on development through trade, technology, and investment.
  • Publishes the Technology and Innovation Report assessing global tech-readiness.
• Frontier Technologies:
  • Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, nanotech, robotics.
  • Aim to revolutionize economies and societies globally.
• India AI Mission:
  • Government initiative to scale AI education and infrastructure.
  • Focused on innovation and inclusion in AI deployment.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 04

5. Who has been appointed as the Executive Director – Growth at the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2025?
A) Shweta Sharma
B) Ashima Bhat
C) Sohini Rajola
D) Gita Gopinath
E) Manju Agarwal
Answer: C) Sohini Rajola

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Sohini Rajola as Executive Director – Growth at NPCI.
• Location: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), India.
• Date: April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Position Appointed: Executive Director – Growth at NPCI.
• Appointee: Sohini Rajola.
• Main Responsibilities:
  • Drive adoption and innovation of NPCI’s digital payment solutions.
  • Lead business development and product enhancement strategies.
  • Strengthen partnerships with banks, fintechs, regulators, and government bodies.
• Previous Experience:
  • Asia-Pacific Regional Head at Western Union.
  • Digital Banking Head and Cards Head at Axis Bank.
• Strategic Timing:
  • Appointment aligns with record growth in UPI adoption.
  • Focus on scaling NPCI’s offerings to meet growing digital demand.
• UPI Performance Metrics (March 2025):
  • Transaction Volume: 19.78 billion.
  • Transaction Value: ₹24.77 trillion.
• FY25 UPI Annual Growth:
  • Value: Increased 30% to ₹260.56 trillion.
  • Volume: Increased 42% to 131.14 billion transactions.
• Significance of Appointment:
  • Brings leadership and digital expertise to scale NPCI’s ecosystem.
  • Aimed at bolstering NPCI’s role in the evolving digital payments landscape.

Important Terms Explained:

• NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India):
  • Umbrella organisation for retail payment systems in India.
  • Develops platforms like UPI, RuPay, IMPS, and Bharat BillPay.
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
  • Real-time payment system enabling inter-bank transactions via mobile.
  • Developed by NPCI; currently India’s leading payment method.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs April 04

6. Which book shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2025 tells the story of a WWII Polish resistance heroine?
A) Raising Hare
B) The Story of A Heart
C) Private Revolutions
D) Agent Zo
E) A Thousand Threads
Answer: D) Agent Zo

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2025 shortlist.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Prize Purpose: Recognize and celebrate outstanding non-fiction writing by women.
• Edition: Second year of the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.
• Selection Theme: Focuses on nature, identity, resilience, history, and memory.
• Scope: Highlights global voices and women’s lived experiences across personal and historical narratives.

Shortlisted Books:

• Book 1 – What the Wild Sea Can Be:
  • Author: Helen Scales.
  • Theme: Oceanic history and climate change.
  • Highlight: Uses a fossil as a metaphor for the memory and future of the ocean.
• Book 2 – Raising Hare:
  • Author: Chloe Dalton.
  • Theme: Human-animal relationship during isolation.
  • Highlight: Personal story of caring for a wild hare during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Book 3 – A Thousand Threads:
  • Author: Neneh Cherry.
  • Theme: Identity, music, and resilience.
  • Highlight: Memoir blending family history with a musical and cultural journey.
• Book 4 – The Story of A Heart:
  • Author: Rachel Clarke.
  • Theme: Organ donation and emotional healing.
  • Highlight: Story of two children connected by a heart transplant.
• Book 5 – Private Revolutions:
  • Author: Yuan Yang.
  • Theme: Female transformation in modern China.
  • Highlight: Stories of four women navigating life after China’s economic reforms.
• Book 6 – Agent Zo:
  • Author: Clare Mulley.
  • Theme: WWII resistance and women in warfare.
  • Highlight: Life of Elżbieta Zawacka, a female paratrooper and resistance icon in Poland.

Important Terms Explained:

• Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction:
  • Definition: A literary award recognising exceptional non-fiction work written by women.
  • Established: 2023.
  • Objective: Celebrate and support women’s voices in factual storytelling.
• Cichociemni (Silent Unseen):
  • Definition: Elite Polish paratroopers during WWII.
  • Relevance: Elżbieta Zawacka was one of the few women members.
• Organ Donation:
  • Definition: The process of donating organs to save or improve others’ lives.
  • Relevance: Central theme in The Story of A Heart, highlighting generosity in tragedy.

Tabular Summary:

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7. For which key initiative was Akarsh Shroff awarded the National Youth Award in 2025?
A) Mental health awareness campaigns
B) Women’s empowerment through sports
C) Rural water conservation projects
D) Digitisation of anganwadi centres and early education
E) Renewable energy awareness drives
Answer: D) Digitisation of anganwadi centres and early education

Event and Location:

• Event: Akarsh Shroff conferred with the National Youth Award 2025.
• Location: Parliament House, New Delhi.
• Date: April 3, 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Award Name: National Youth Award.
• Presented By: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Instituted By: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
• Purpose of Award:
  • Recognise youth under 30 for outstanding contributions to national development and social service.
  • Honour changemakers in fields like education, health, innovation, community service, and more.
• Recipient Details:
  • Name: Akarsh Shroff.
  • Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Organisation Founded: YuvaSpark, launched in 2018 when he was just 17 years old.
  • Academic Background: Graduated from BITS Pilani in 2022; opted out of placements to work full-time on YuvaSpark.
• Key Contributions:
  • Digitisation of over 600 anganwadi centres across rural India using curated vernacular content.
  • Supported libraries in government schools and infrastructure in orphanages.
  • Provided smart learning devices for differently-abled students in special schools.
  • Mobilised 700+ volunteers from 35 institutions, impacting over 3.46 lakh children in 10 Indian states.
  • Raised ₹2.5 crore in funding from organisations like Amazon, BCG, Indian Oil, MNGL, and SECI.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Youth Award:
  • A prestigious recognition for individuals under 30 who contribute meaningfully to national development and community service.
  • Fields covered: Education, Health, Innovation, Culture, Human Rights, Sports, Tourism, and Community Engagement.
• YuvaSpark:
  • Youth-led nonprofit founded by Akarsh Shroff.
  • Focuses on early childhood education reform, particularly through technology-based innovations in rural India.
  • Emphasises volunteer-driven models and public-private collaborations for education access.
• Anganwadi Digitisation:
  • Integrating technology into early childhood care centres.
  • Enables better teacher training, vernacular learning, and student engagement in rural settings.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 04

8. What is the name of the Russian nuclear submarine equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile?
A) Belgorod
B) Kazan
C) Severodvinsk
D) Perm
E) Kursk
Answer: D) Perm

Event and Location:

• Event: Russia launched the nuclear submarine Perm at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Submarine Name: Perm.
• Class: Yasen-M class nuclear-powered submarine.
• Commissioning Timeline: Expected to join Russia’s Pacific Fleet in 2026.
• Primary Role: Multi-role submarine for both naval and land-based strikes.
• Strategic Significance: First Yasen-class submarine equipped with hypersonic missiles.
• Replaced Classes: Designed to replace Akula and Oscar-class submarines.
• Launch Purpose: Part of Russia’s ongoing naval expansion and modernization strategy.
• Missile Details – Zircon Hypersonic Cruise Missile:
• Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 8 (9,900 km/h).
• Range: 500 – 1,000 km (311 – 621 miles).
• Stealth Feature: Creates a plasma cloud that absorbs radar waves, making it undetectable.
• Defensive Challenge: Too fast for current air defense systems to intercept.
• Combat Use Claim: Allegedly used during the Ukraine conflict in February 2024.

Important Terms Explained:

• Zircon Hypersonic Missile:
  • Definition: A next-generation hypersonic cruise missile developed by Russia.
  • Speed: Mach 8 (approx. 9,900 km/h).
  • Feature: Surrounded by a plasma cloud for radar evasion.
  • Impact: Considered a strategic game-changer due to speed and stealth.
• Yasen-M Class Submarine:
  • Type: Modern nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine.
  • Capability: Equipped with cruise and hypersonic missiles for offensive naval operations.
  • Replacement: Replaces older Akula and Oscar-class submarines.
• Plasma Cloud:
  • Definition: High-energy ionized gas that surrounds the missile.
  • Function: Absorbs radar signals, reducing detection and interception.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 04

9. Under which scheme has the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project been included?
A) PM Gati Shakti Yojana
B) Jal Jeevan Mission
C) PMKSY-AIBP
D) Bharat Mala Pariyojana
E) National River Linking Project
Answer: C) PMKSY-AIBP

Event and Location:

• Event: Cabinet approved the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor and Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Approval Authority: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Main Goal: Improve connectivity and irrigation in Bihar as part of the vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Project 1 – Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor:
  • Length: 120.10 km.
  • Cost: ₹3,712.40 crore.
  • Type: 4-lane access-controlled corridor via Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
  • Purpose: Decongest state highways and reduce travel time from 3–4 hours.
  • Connectivity: Links Patna to Arrah and Sasaram; connects to Bihita Airport, railway stations, and cities like Ranchi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
  • Employment: Will generate approx. 48 lakh man-days.
  • Economic Impact: Strengthens logistics, regional development.
• Project 2 – Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project:
  • Scheme Inclusion: Under PMKSY-AIBP (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme).
  • Estimated Cost: ₹6,282.32 crore.
  • Central Assistance: ₹3,652.56 crore.
  • Target Completion: March 2029.
  • Purpose: Divert surplus water from Kosi to Mahananda basin and remodel the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC).
  • Irrigation Impact: Provides irrigation to 2.10 lakh hectares in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar.
  • Agricultural Impact: Supports irrigation for kharif crops and boosts agricultural productivity.

Important Terms Explained:

• HAM (Hybrid Annuity Mode):
  • Definition: A public-private partnership model combining EPC (40%) and annuity-based payments (60%).
  • Use: Applied in infrastructure projects like highways for balanced risk-sharing.
• PMKSY-AIBP (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme):
  • Objective: Improve irrigation efficiency and increase agricultural productivity.
  • Application: Kosi-Mechi Project is part of this scheme.
• EKMC (Eastern Kosi Main Canal):
  • Function: A major canal system in Bihar used for irrigation.
  • Project Role: Being remodeled to divert water to the Mahananda basin under the Kosi-Mechi project.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Which of the following states was approved the highest SSA allocation for FY 2024–25 but received no funds by March 27, 2025?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) West Bengal
D) Kerala
E) Bihar
Answer: B) Tamil Nadu

Event and Location:

• Event: Centre withheld SSA funds for FY 2024–25 from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
• Location: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
• Date: As of March 27, 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scheme Name: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
• Objective: Improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and educational resources across India.
• Merged Schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education.
• Approved Allocations:
  • Tamil Nadu: ₹ 2,151.60 crore.
  • West Bengal: ₹ 1,745.80 crore.
  • Kerala: ₹ 328.90 crore.
• Fund Disbursement: No funds released to these states despite approved allocations.
• National Disbursement Context: ₹ 27,833.50 crore released to other states from total ₹ 45,830.21 crore allocation.
• Fund Release Criteria:
  • Submission of audited accounts and utilisation certificates.
  • Matching state share and up-to-date expenditure statements.
  • Outstanding advance settlement.
• Centre-State Policy Issues:
  • Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Opposed the three-language formula of NEP and refused to sign PM-SHRI MoU.
  • Result: Alleged withholding of SSA funds due to unrelated policy differences.
• Parliamentary Panel Observations:
  • Criticism: Described withholding of SSA funds due to unrelated schemes as “not justifiable”.
  • Impact: Delays in teacher salaries, school maintenance, training, and RTE implementation.
  • Recommendation: Urged immediate fund release to avoid disruption in educational services.
• Consequences:
  • Education Impact: Services halted in government schools.
  • Rural Effect: Hardship in remote and marginalised communities dependent on public education.

Important Terms Explained:

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):
  • Definition: Flagship education scheme to enhance school access, equity, and quality.
  • Scope: Pre-primary to senior secondary education.
• PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India):
  • Definition: Centrally supported model schools initiative.
  • Conflict: Tamil Nadu declined MoU participation.
• Three-Language Formula (NEP):
  • Definition: Educational policy proposing instruction in three languages.
  • Opposition: Rejected by Tamil Nadu for promoting Hindi.

Tabular Summary:

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11. What is the total financial assistance a successful woman entrepreneur can receive over three years under Assam’s Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan?
A) ₹10,000
B) ₹25,000
C) ₹50,000
D) ₹85,000
E) ₹1,00,000
Answer: D) ₹85,000

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.
• Location: Behali, Biswanath district, Assam.
• Date: April 1, 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scheme Name: Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan.
• Launched By: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
• Main Goal: Promote women’s self-employment and economic independence.
• Total Beneficiaries: 30 lakh women across Assam.
• Initial Assistance: ₹10,000 per beneficiary for micro-enterprises, plantations, livestock, or husband’s business.
• Implementation Model: Scheme to be launched in every Assembly constituency in presence of CM or ministers.
• Monitoring Mechanism: Government officials to verify fund usage after one year.
• Phased Financial Assistance Structure:
  • Year 1: ₹10,000 as seed capital (non-repayable).
  • Year 2: ₹25,000 (₹12,500 bank loan + ₹12,500 government grant).
  • Year 3: ₹50,000 support for women showing success and progress.
  • Loan Terms: Only the bank loan needs to be repaid; interest covered by the government.
• Vision for Women Empowerment:
  • Part of Assam’s broader initiative from school to old age.
  • Support includes free girls’ education, Orunodoi livelihood support, pensions, and free food grains.
• Impact on Rural Economy:
  • Encourages formation of micro-enterprises.
  • Boosts agriculture and livestock-based business activity.
  • Promotes long-term financial self-reliance among women.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan:
  • Definition: Assam’s largest women entrepreneurship scheme.
  • Objective: Provide phased financial assistance to 30 lakh women for starting or expanding businesses.
  • Structure: Three-year support plan with government grants and bank loan component.
• Orunodoi Scheme:
  • Definition: Assam’s flagship Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfare scheme.
  • Relevance: Provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women, contributing to their livelihood security.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Which state has the highest number of solar installations in Indian Railways stations and service buildings as of February 2025?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) West Bengal
E) Gujarat
Answer: C) Rajasthan

Event and Location:

• Event: Rajasthan tops solar installations in Indian Railways stations and service buildings.
• Location: Indian Railways across India (notably Rajasthan).
• Date: As of February 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Total Installed Capacity: 209 MW of solar power across Indian Railways.
• Total Installations: 2,249 railway stations and service buildings.
• Growth Rate: 2.3 times increase over the last five years (2020–2025).
• Procurement Mode:
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under developer mode.
  • Round The Clock (RTC) power model combining solar and wind energy.
• Top Performing States:
  • Rajasthan: 275 installations.
  • Maharashtra: 270 installations.
  • West Bengal: 237 installations.
• State-Wise Example (Rajasthan):
  • 73 installations before 2020.
  • 200 installations after 2020.
• Challenges:
  • Regulatory issues.
  • Power evacuation and connectivity.
  • Coordination with state governments and transmission utilities.
• Environmental Goal:
  • Aligns with Indian Railways’ plan to increase renewable energy usage and move towards carbon neutrality.
  • Ensures long-term cost efficiency and sustainable infrastructure.

Important Terms Explained:

• Round The Clock (RTC) Power Model:
  • Definition: A hybrid renewable model using both solar and wind energy to ensure 24/7 supply.
  • Purpose: Reduce dependency on fossil fuels and maintain consistent power flow.
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
  • Definition: Legal agreement between the energy producer and buyer for power procurement.
  • Relevance: Used by Indian Railways under the developer mode for solar project execution.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What is the total number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) proposed to be set up across India?
A) 440
B) 500
C) 600
D) 728
E) 800
Answer: D) 728

Event and Location:

• Event: Central Government to set up 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• Location: Across tribal-dominated blocks in India.
• Date: As of April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scheme Name: Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
• Objective: Provide high-quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
• Total Schools Planned: 728 EMRSs.
• New Schools Announced: 440 new EMRSs.
• Coverage Criteria: One school in every block with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (2011 Census).
• Target Beneficiaries: Around 3.5 lakh tribal students.
• Implementation Start Year: 2018–19.
• Infrastructure and Amenities:
  • Classrooms: Equipped with modern teaching aids, smart boards.
  • Laboratories: Science and computer labs.
  • Libraries: Diverse learning resources.
  • Accommodation: Separate residential hostels for boys and girls.
  • Health Facilities: Regular medical check-ups and healthcare services.
  • Sports & Arts: Facilities for sports, music, and art for holistic growth.
  • IT Facilities: Internet access and computer labs for digital learning.
  • Vocational Training: Industry-oriented skill development programs.
• Collaborative Learning Support:
  • Smart Classrooms: In collaboration with ERNET and MeitY.
  • Online Coaching: IIT-JEE and NEET preparation via PACE-IIT & Medical.
  • Skill Labs: 400 labs in 200 EMRSs in partnership with Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE).

Financial & Scholarship Support:

• Scholarships:
  • Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships.
  • National Scholarship and Fellowship for Higher Education.
• Exam Fee Coverage: Application fee support for JEE, NEET, CLAT for Class XII EMRS students.

Important Terms Explained:

• Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS):
  • A government initiative for residential education of tribal children.
  • Comparable to Navodaya Vidyalayas in quality and infrastructure.
• MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology):
  • Government ministry collaborating on smart classroom implementation.
• PACE-IIT & Medical:
  • Coaching institute providing online training for EMRS students preparing for competitive exams.
• MoSDE (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship):
  • Partnering in setting up skill labs to enhance employability of tribal students.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What is the new name given to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after its passage in Parliament?
A) PARIVARTAN Bill
B) INSAAF Bill
C) UMEED Bill
D) SUDHAR Bill
E) NYAYA Bill
Answer: C) UMEED Bill

Event and Location:

• Event: Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
• Location: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.
• Date: April 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scheme Name: Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, renamed as UMEED Bill.
• Primary Purpose: Reform management, administration, and governance of Waqf properties.
• Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024: Repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, a colonial-era law.
• Goals:
  • Ensure transparency, accountability, and digitization of Waqf assets.
  • Mandate inclusion of women and non-Muslim members in governance bodies.
  • Enable appeal mechanism through High Court.
  • Improve dispute resolution and eliminate outdated laws.

Important Terms Explained:

• Waqf:
  • A property permanently dedicated by a Muslim for religious or charitable purposes.
  • Managed by a mutawalli; ownership lies with Allah.
• UMEED Bill:
  • Acronym for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development.
  • Modernized version of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025.
• Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923:
  • Historical law governing Waqf property registration, now repealed.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Which summit did PM Modi attend during his visit to Thailand in April 2025?
A) ASEAN-India Summit
B) SAARC Summit
C) BIMSTEC Summit
D) SCO Summit
E) G20 Summit
Answer: C) BIMSTEC Summit

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi’s visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and bilateral engagements.
• Location: Bangkok, Thailand and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Date: April 3–5, 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Summit Attended: 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit.
• Purpose of Visit:
  • Strengthen regional trade, economic collaboration, and connectivity.
  • Engage with leaders from BIMSTEC nations: Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and India.
  • Emphasize the role of India’s North Eastern region in regional trade links.
• Key Engagements in Thailand:
  • Received by Thai Deputy PM and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
  • Welcomed by the Sikh community with a traditional Bhangra performance at Don Mueang Airport.
  • Cultural ties, spiritual philosophies, and civilizational linkages with Thailand highlighted.
  • Reinforced India’s vision of shared prosperity in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Meetings with Leaders at Summit:
  • K.P. Sharma Oli – Prime Minister of Nepal.
  • Muhammad Yunus – Chief Adviser of Bangladesh.
  • Min Aung Hlaing – Myanmar’s military junta leader.
  • Discussions focused on connectivity, economic growth, and common regional challenges.
• Visit to Sri Lanka:
  • First visit to Sri Lanka since the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
  • Will review bilateral progress post-President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s 2024 India visit.
  • Reinforce cooperation under the theme “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.”
• Strategic Importance of North East India:
  • Serves as India’s connectivity gateway to BIMSTEC countries.
  • Integral to India’s Act East Policy and regional integration agenda.

Important Terms Explained:

• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):
  • Established: 1997
  • Members: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
  • Objective: Promote regional cooperation across sectors like trade, transport, technology, and culture.
• Act East Policy:
  • India’s strategic initiative to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations.
  • Focuses on economic integration and strategic partnerships.

Tabular Summary:

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