NATIONAL NEWS

Union Government Approves Central Vibrant Villages Programme-II

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSC) Vibrant Villages Programme -II in a meeting held on 4 April 2025.

The Vibrant Villages Programme -II will complement the Vibrant Villages Programme -I, launched by the central government in 2023.

The duration of the Vibrant Villages Programme -II is from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

The total allocation for the scheme is Rs 6,839 crore.

It is 100 % funded by the central government.

The Vibrant Villages Programme -I and II is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The scheme aims to develop the backward villages located in these blocks along the international borders so that the people do not migrate from these areas, and also do not fall prey to hostile enemy propaganda.

Microsoft Signs MoU With Maharashtra To Set Up Three AI Centers

In a boost to Digital India and to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence in the state administration, the Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft Corporation to establish three Artificial Intelligence (AI) centres of excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra government has also decided to form a high-power committee to strengthen Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Limited (MARVEL) for the efficient use of AI in government and semi-government offices.

Microsoft will help train the Maharashtra government staff in the use of Microsoft's Co-pilot AI platform that will make the government more efficient, transparent, and responsive to people's needs.

Microsoft will also help in establishing three AI Centers in the state.

The forensic science center in the city will use AI to enhance criminal investigation processes, forensic data analysis, and evidence management.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and Thailand Elevate Their Bilateral Ties To Strategic Partnership

India and Thailand have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

This was agreed during the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Thailand's Prime Minister Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on 3rd April 2025.

India and Thailand also signed five Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-nation tour of Thailand and Sri Lanka from 3-6 April 2025.

The following five Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between the two countries.

Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies;

Cooperation for the development of National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat;

Cooperation in the field of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME);

Cooperation in handlooms and handicrafts;

Cooperation between the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand's Foreign Affairs.

The Government of Thailand issued a special postage stamp depicting 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings to mark the Prime Minister’s visit.

Hungary First European Country To Withdraw From The ICC

The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on 3rd April 2025, that his country is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Hungary is the first European country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, which was established in 2002.

According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, his country decided to withdraw from the ICC as it has become a political tool.

The decision to withdraw from the ICC was announced by Viktor Orbán in the presence of the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a four-day official visit to Hungary.

The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Hungary, being the founder member of the ICC and a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute, was under an obligation to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

With Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC, the country is under no obligation to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, there will be no effect on the proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the ICC.

Hungary’s decision was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Google Launches AI-Powered FireSat Satellite

Google has launched the AI-powered satellite FireSat to address forest fires, providing timely warnings to prevent their spread.

The satellite was placed in space a few days ago aboard a SpaceX launch vehicle.

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai thanked Elon Musk's SpaceX for supporting this major initiative.

FireSat is designed to detect wildfires early and issue alerts every 20 minutes.

It was developed in collaboration with Earth-Fire Alliance, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, and Muon Space.

org has allocated $13 million (Rs 108 crore) for the FireSat constellation.

The satellite uses an advanced AI system to analyze historical fire incidents and weather conditions to predict potential wildfire outbreaks.

The satellite approach replaced earlier plans for high-altitude drones after SpaceX's support made satellite deployment more affordable.

FireSat aims to prevent wildfires from spreading, reducing environmental damage and economic losses.

The technology was developed following major wildfires in California that caused extensive destruction.

By leveraging AI-driven space technology, Google hopes to revolutionize wildfire detection and improve global disaster response efforts.

 

BANKING

Federal Bank with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Visa Launches Fed StarBiz –Credit Card

Federal Bank has launched its latest credit card product, Fed StarBiz, specifically for business customers.

Designed in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Visa, this new credit card is designed to meet the distinct financial requirements of India’s dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The launch is Federal Bank’s strategic entry into the business and commercial credit card space.

Fed StarBiz is specially designed to meet the needs of SME customers, providing functionalities that facilitate better financial management and more convenience.

The card is directly linked to the customer’s Overdraft (OD)or Cash Credit (CC) account, thus providing complete integration with their current financial setup.

With a limit of up to ₹50 lakh, the card offers significant transaction authority while making financial reconciliation easier by having all transactions accounted for in the underlying OD/CC account.

Cash Credit is a short-term loan given to businesses and companies.

These loans help clients meet their daily operating expenses.

It can be used to cover urgent payments related to current assets, selling costs, etc.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Nikhil Singhal Honored with Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award

Nikhil Singhal, a distinguished media strategist, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, has been conferred with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award.

The award ceremony, organized by the Tapasya Foundation Trust, took place at the Taj Lucknow.

He was awarded for his contributions to the PR industry and leadership in strategic communication.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ECL Finance Appoints Ajay Khurana as Managing Director

ECL Finance, a subsidiary of Edelweiss Group, has appointed Ajay K Khurana as its Managing Director, effective April 1, 2025.

With over 40 years of experience in banking and financial services, Mr. Khurana brings expertise in consumer banking, risk management, and digital transformation.

He has played key roles in Bank of Baroda, where he helped strengthen its market position, as well as Syndicate Bank and Vijaya Bank, where he led growth and operational improvements.

He has also served on the boards of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Indo Zambia Bank.

As Chairman of Baroda Global Shared Services and Baroda Sun Technologies, he spearheaded technological advancements, streamlined banking operations, and enhanced the customer experience.

At ECL Finance, Mr. Khurana will focus on expanding the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) segment, driving innovation and operational efficiency, and integrating advanced technologies to improve financial solutions for underserved businesses in India.

His leadership is expected to strengthen ECL Finance’s market presence and advance its digital initiatives.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Mine Awareness

International Day for Mine Awareness 2025 is observed all over the world on April 4th, 2025.

The theme for the 2025 observance is “Safe Futures Start Here.”

The day aims to increase awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication.

“Mine action” refers to a range of efforts to get rid of landmines and explosive remnants of war and to mark and fence off dangerous regions.

The General Assembly on 8 December 2005 declared that each year on 4 April would be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

It was first observed on 4 April 2006.