NATIONAL NEWS

NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal Launched in New Delhi

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal on April 1, 2025, in New Delhi.

It is developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal serves as a comprehensive repository of economic, social, and fiscal data for Indian states.

It provides authentic and comprehensive data to help states manage revenues, debts, and fiscal policies.

It enables peer learning for better policy-making.

It facilitates collaboration between states for effective governance.

It helps states balance revenue generation without burdening citizens.

IWAI and Delhi Government Collaborate To Develop Sustainable Cruise Tourism

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with Delhi government agencies to promote eco-friendly cruise tourism on the Yamuna River.

The agreement covers a 4 km stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, aiming to develop sustainable inland water transport.

The initiative will introduce electric-solar hybrid boats with safety features, supported by HDPE jetties for ferry services.

To ensure sustainable and non-polluting water transport, electric-solar hybrid boats—each capable of carrying 20-30 passengers—will be deployed as river cruise vessels.

IWAI is also developing similar projects across India, including electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Russia Launches Nuclear Sub With Missile ‘Impossible’ to Intercept

Russia has officially unveiled the Zircon hypersonic missile, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9—over 10,000 kph—at altitudes of 20 km.

President Vladimir Putin described it as a "strategic" weapon designed to strike land, sea, and air targets with extreme precision.

The missile’s speed and manoeuvrability make it nearly impossible to intercept, significantly enhancing Russia’s military capabilities.

As part of its naval expansion, Putin announced the construction of five Yasen-M class submarines, three Borei-A class submarines, and various surface ships by 2050.

A key development is the launch of Perm, the first Yasen-M class submarine specifically designed to fire Zircon hypersonic missiles.

Equipped with 10 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes, it can fire Zircon, Kalibr, and Oniks cruise missiles, with a total payload of 40 missiles.

The Yasen-M class is considered Russia’s most advanced attack submarine, featuring stealth and automation.

BANKING

RBI Releases Details About Payment Of Pension To Government Pensioners

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and government authorities for pension disbursement outline the Scheme for Payment of Pension to Central Government Pensioners by Authorised Banks.

If a pensioner passes away, the spouse does not need to open a new account if they are authorized for family pension in the Pension Payment Order (PPO).

The pension should be credited to the existing account.

Pension is credited to pensioners’ accounts as per instructions from the Pension Paying Authorities.

Agency banks must seek guidance from Pension Sanctioning Authorities regarding recovery of excess payments.

If a bank makes an error, it must refund the excess amount immediately to the government in a lump sum without waiting for recovery from the pensioner.

Banks must issue signed acknowledgements when receiving life certificates over the counter.

Banks should enter the details in CBS (Core Banking System) for real-time updates and provide digital acknowledgements for digital life certificates.

IIT Madras Completes First Batch Of Cyber Commandos Training

The IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation successfully trained the first batch of Cyber Commandos on April 1, 2025, under the Cyber Commandos Programme initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

This initiative aims to strengthen India’s cyber defense capabilities by equipping law enforcement officers with advanced cybersecurity skills.

It addresses the rising cybercrime threats with proactive digital defense strategies.

It enhances law enforcement capabilities beyond traditional cybercrime investigation.

It also focuses on preventing cyberattacks, safeguarding national data, and ensuring digital sovereignty

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

UNESCO Releases “Education and Nutrition – Learn to Eat Well” Report

The ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event hosted by France on March 27-28, 2025, saw UNESCO release a report titled "Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well."

The report urges governments to enhance the nutritional quality of school meals worldwide, emphasizing the link between balanced nutrition and children's health and learning.

As of 2024, 47% of primary school pupils globally received school meals. However, many meals lack proper nutrition, affecting child health and academic performance.

Studies show that nutritious meals boost enrolment and attendance rates.

In 2022, 27% of school meals lacked nutritionist input.

Only 93 out of 187 countries had school food legislation.

Just 65% of these countries had food standards for school cafeterias and vending machines.

Childhood obesity rates have doubled since 1990, while food insecurity persists.

UNESCO stresses that schools must promote healthy eating habits, shifting towards fresh, locally sourced food.

Several successful programmes have been implemented worldwide.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Deputy Governor of the RBI

The government of India has appointed Dr Poonam Gupta, director of the New Delhi-based think tank National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Dr Poonam Gupta will replace Dr Michael Patra, who relinquished his office on 14 January 2025.

The name of Dr Poonam Gupta was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the other member of the Committee.

The government of India has the power to frame rules for the recruitment of the Deputy Governor of the RBI and specify the minimum qualifications, age, etc for the Deputy Governor of the RBI..

The Deputy Governor is selected by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee (FSRASC), which conducts the interview of the candidates and recommends the name of a suitable candidate to the government.

Dr Poonam Gupta has been appointed for a term of three years.    

According to section 8 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act 1934, there shall be a maximum of four Deputy Governors of the RBI.

Chairman of PFRDA

The government of India has appointed Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) India, Sivasubramanian Ramann, as the Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Sivasubramanian Ramann will replace the current chairperson, Deepak Mohanty, whose term comes to an end in May 2025.

The name of Sivasubramanian Ramann was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the recommendation of the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee (FSRASC).

According to the PFRDA Act 2013, the tenure of the chairperson of the PFRDA shall be five years, and is eligible for reappointment.

However, the retirement age of the PFRDA chairperson is 65 years.

Sivasubramanian Ramann has been appointed for a tenure of five years or till he attains the age of 65 years.