NATIONAL NEWS

J P Nadda Launches The Unified Health Insurance Scheme Of Odisha

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched a unified health insurance scheme of the Odisha government in Cuttack, Odisha, on 11 April 2025.

The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) of the central government was formally launched in the state as part of the unified insurance scheme.

The minister also launched the newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana in the state.

It will provide health insurance coverage to around 1.3 crore families and 3.52 crore people of the state.

It will provide free medical treatment, including hospitalisation up to Rs 5 lakh per year for each beneficiary.

Every beneficiary will be issued a personal health card, replacing the earlier system of separate cards for male and female family members.

The Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion of the launch of the unified health insurance scheme.

In January 2025, the Odisha government signed an agreement with the National Health Authority, which implements the AB-PMJAY scheme, to implement the scheme in the state. Odisha was the 34th State/Union Territory to join the AB-PMJAY scheme.

With the launch of the AB-PMJAY in the state, the Gopabadhu scheme has been merged with the AB-PMJAY.

Jagat Prakash Nadda also launched the Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, which provides health insurance benefits to senior citizens of 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

Madhya Pradesh Government Announces New Wildlife Sanctuary

The Madhya Pradesh government has declared a 258.64 sq km area in Sagar district as a wildlife sanctuary.

The sanctuary is named Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, in honour of Dr B R Ambedkar.

The official notification was issued, ahead of Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary on April 14.

With this, Madhya Pradesh, known for its tiger reserves, now has 25 wildlife sanctuaries.

The sanctuary is located in the reserved forest area of the North Sagar forest division, Tehsil Banda, and Shahgarh forest.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated the sanctuary will enhance conservation efforts, promote forests and wildlife, and strengthen the ecosystem.

It is also expected to boost tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and Italy Sign Mou For Cooperation In The Field Of Scientific Research

An MoU has been signed between India and Italy to further cooperation in the field of scientific research.

India and Italy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of scientific research on 11 April 2025.

The MoU was signed during the visit of the Italian Minister of University and Research, Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, to India.

 Both Ministers discussed cooperation in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors.

Both countries agreed to implement the 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which aims to further collaboration in critical technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization.

The 13th ministerial meeting of the India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in London on 8th April 2025.

The meeting was held to further collaboration in the financial services sector, FinTech, the Digital economy, and between the respective regulatory bodies. The next meeting will be held in India in 2026.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IIM Ahmedabad to Launch First Global Campus in Dubai

In a milestone move for India’s higher education sector, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) is set to establish its first international campus in Dubai.

This announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIM-Ahmedabad and the UAE Government.

The new campus will strengthen India's global standing in management education and serve professionals and entrepreneurs across regions.

The initiative is planned in two phases, with academic operations beginning in September 2025 and a permanent campus set for completion by 2029.

Dubai was chosen for its role as a global hub of innovation and investment

It offers access to international markets, world-class faculty, and diverse peer groups

It also supports IIM-A’s mission of globalizing Indian management education

 

BANKING

NaBFID Signed MoU with NDB

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) and the New Development Bank (NDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Objective is to create a sustainable infrastructure financing market and foster a robust ecosystem for long-term development.

It is to explore collaboration in clean energy, sustainable transportation, efficient water/sewage systems, and other environmental projects.

The key aim is to promote joint research, capacity building, seminars, and knowledge sharing

Argentina Signed $20 billion International Monetary Fund

Argentina signed a $20 billion, 48-month Extended Fund Facility deal with the International Monetary Fund.

$12 billion will be disbursed by April 8, 2025, and $2 billion more by June.

The IMF aims to help Argentina regain access to international capital markets and attract multilateral/bilateral support.

The program emphasizes fiscal discipline and a more flexible foreign exchange regime.

Argentina’s central bank will scrap the fixed currency peg and allow the peso to float within a band of 1,000–1,400 per dollar.

Capital controls known as “cepo,” in place since 2019, will be largely dismantled.

Companies will now be allowed to repatriate profits abroad—expected to boost investment.

Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the end of forex restrictions and predicted economic normalization.

President Javier Milei claimed Argentina is now better positioned against external shocks.

The IMF cautioned about risks from global trade tensions, upcoming elections, and domestic instability.

Funds will recapitalize the central bank, fight inflation, and potentially enable tax relief.

 

DEFENCE

India Becomes The 4th Nation To Test A Laser Directed Weapon System

India became the fourth nation in the world to successfully test a high-energy laser-directed (DEA) weapon system that can engage and destroy airborne targets.

Russia, China, and the United States have successfully demonstrated this capability.

The 30-kilowatt laser-directed-energy weapon system Mk-II(A) DEW was tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The Mk-II(A) system has been developed by the DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian industries and academic institutions.

The weapon system has been designed to engage and take down fixed-wing drones at long range, engage multiple hostile drone attacks and destroy enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

The range of the weapon system is 5 kilometers.

DRDO is also developing a more powerful 300-kilowatt surya weapon system with a range of 20 kilometers

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Uttar Pradesh Police’s Crime-Tracking Portal Wins SKOCH Award

In a significant achievement, the Uttar Pradesh Police's 'Investigation, Prosecution and Conviction Portal' has received the SKOCH Award at the national level under the “Police & Safety”

The award acknowledges UP Police’s efforts in digitally modernizing investigation and prosecution processes, enhancing the speed, transparency, and accountability of criminal justice delivery.

It was developed by the Technical Services Unit of UP Police.

Tracks and monitors serious and sensitive crimes, including Mafia-related offenses, POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases and Rape and other heinous crimes

Indian President Droupadi Murmu Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Slovakia

On the concluding day of her four-day state visit to Slovakia and Portugal, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Constantine The Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia.

The honor recognizes her distinguished public service, commitment to social justice, and her advocacy for education, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation.

This prestigious recognition reflects India’s rising global influence and Murmu’s unique contribution as a representative of democratic values and inclusive governance.

She was bestowed Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her service to public life and humanity.

James Anderson Knighted for Outstanding Contribution to Cricket

James Anderson, England’s iconic fast bowler, has been awarded a knighthood in the resignation honours list of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, announced.

Known for his unparalleled longevity and record-breaking achievements, Anderson retired from international cricket in 2024, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Test bowling.

Anderson is now officially “Sir Jimmy Anderson”.

He made his debut in 2003 at Lord’s.

He retired after playing 188 Test matches, claiming 704 wickets, the highest by any England bowler.

He accumulated 991 international wickets across all formats.

Dr. Ambrish Mithal Receives 2025 CSA Medal

Dr. Ambrish Mithal, a distinguished Indian endocrinologist, has been honored with the 2025 Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

The award was presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025) in Rome, Italy, recognizing his pioneering work in osteoporosis research and his significant contributions to improving the understanding and treatment of the disease, especially in India.

The award was presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025) in Rome.

His studies on vitamin D and hypovitaminosis D have significantly influenced global recommendations on vitamin D intake.

 

OBITUTARY

Padma Vibhushan Kathak Pioneer Kumudini Lakhia

Noted Kathak dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Kumudini Lakhia passed away in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 12 April 2025.

Kumudini Lakhia, affectionately called Kumiben, was born on 17 May 1930 in Ahmedabad. She was initially trained under Pandit Sundar Prasad of the Jaipur Gharana.

Later, she learned the dance from Pandit Shambhu Maharaj of the Lucknow gharana and worked with Pandit Birju Maharaj.

She modernised Katahak while retaining its traditional roots. She developed new techniques, vocabulary, and expressions in Kathak, transforming the classical dance form.

She founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music in Ahmedabad in 1964 and trained a generation of Kathak dancers.

Apart from her stage performance, Kumdini Lakhia was also a noted choreographer.