Amazon Launches First Kuiper Internet Satellites
United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched Amazon's first Kuiper satellites on board Atlas-5 under KA-01 mission into space from launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA. These 27 satellites are the first of more than 3200 that Amazon plans to send into low-Earth orbit for Project Kuiper. Project Kuiper's initial satellite constellation design includes 3,236 satellites. Under Project Kuiper, Amazon aims to provide broadband internet globally for consumers, businesses, and governments. The research and development began in 2018, and in July 2020, the US Federal Communica¬tions Commission (FCC) granted Amazon a license to deploy and operate Project Kuiper satellites. The first two prototype satellites were launched in October 2023, achieving 100% success. Project Kuiper has three main parts: ground infrastructure, satellites, and customer terminals. The terminals combine antennas and processors into a single, compact system to deliver connectivity. Amazon has designed three models for customer terminals - Ultra-compact model (speed up to 100 Mbps), Standard model (speed upto 400 Mbps), and large model (speed upto 1 Gbps).
Sunil Mittal Joins World Bank's Private Sector Investment Lab
Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairperson of Bharti Enterprises, is one of the four members of the World Bank's Private Sector Investment Lab. The World Bank, had announced the launch of the next phase of its Private Sector Investment Lab, focused on implementing proven solutions at scale and expanding its membership to include industry leaders with experience generating jobs in developing economies, aligning directly with the Bank's sharpened focus on job creation as a core driver of development. In its implementation phase, PSIL aims to catalyse job creation in infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana named Wisden’s leading cricketers of 2024
India duo Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana have been crowned the world’s leading cricketers in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Bumrah won the honour in the men’s section after a stellar 2024 when he excelled across formats and was named player of the tournament as India won the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.
Opener Mandhana won the women’s honour after a prolific 2024 that included five hundreds, four of them in one-day internationals. Mandhana also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Women’s Premier League title last year. West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was named the ‘Leading T20 Player in the World’. England’s Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Sophie Ecclestone were named among Wisden’s five ‘Cricketers of the Year’, alongside Liam Dawson and Dan Worrall. The Almanack, often called “the Bible of cricket”, has been published every year since 1864.
Rafael Nadal, Armand Duplantis, Simone Biles emerge as winners at Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Former tennis player Rafael Nadal and Paris 2024 Olympic champions Armand Duplantis, Simone Biles, and Rebeca Andrade were among the top winners at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid. The event marked the 25th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the world’s most outstanding athletes. Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award, while Nadal was honoured with the Laureus Sporting Icon Award to a standing ovation from a hall filled with sporting legends.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat takes charge as Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished Agronomist, has assumed charge today as the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in its notification last week, named Dr Jat as the new Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, for period of three years. Prior to this he was serving as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.
Denmark has launched the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI)
The Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) was established by Denmark to strengthen cooperation with India on sustainable energy alternatives. It aims to accelerate India's and Denmark's goals to become carbon neutral countries, through collaboration between companies, academic institutions and governmental organizations. This initiative is an extension of the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP), which was formed in 2020 and supports the ambitious climate goals of both nations.
India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India won its third ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after beating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, India has become the most successful team in the ICC Champions Trophy. They were joint-winners with hosts Sri Lanka in 2002 and beat England in Birmingham for their second title in 2013.
Rohit Sharma of India was awarded the Player of the Match of the ICC Champions Trophy Final. Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand was adjudged the Player of the Tournament of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He scored 263 runs in four innings at an average 68.75 and a strike rate of over 106. His highest score of 112 came against Bangladesh.
Mauritius became the first country from Africa and fourth worldwide to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF)
Mauritius became the first country from Africa and fourth worldwide to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which provides for strengthening cooperation between the two for achieving Mauritius' sustainable development goals and energy security by leveraging solar energy. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Cuba are three other countries which have signed CPF which serves as a blueprint for long-term solar energy collaboration, focusing on innovative and scalable technologies.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant Clinches Indian Super League 2024-25 Title
Mohun Bagan Super Giant clin-ched the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 title following a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Viveka- nanda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata. This was Mohun Bagan's second ISL title, following their maiden triumph in the 2022-23 season.
Changi Airport (Singapore) topped the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025
Changi Airport (Singapore) topped the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025 for the 13th consecutive year. Hamad International Airport (Doha) and Tokyo International Airport (Japan) were ranked second and third, respectively. The Skytrax World Airport rankings reflect outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, infrastructure, services, and innovation. Asia dominated the ranking, with its six airports bagging top six slots in the top ten rankings.
Telangana Becomes First State in India to Introduce Scheduled Castes Sub-Categorization
The Telangana State Government issued a gazette notification for categorization of the Scheduled Castes (SC) into three groups - Group-I, Group-II, and Group-III. The gazette notification implemented the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2025, which had received the Governor's assent on April 8, 2025.
India Becomes the 4th Nation to Shoot Down Fixed Wing Drone by Laser Beam
The Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle mounted Laser Directed Weapon DEW MK-II(A) at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. For the first time, India demon¬strated its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones using a 30 KW laser-based weapon system. With this, India has become the 4th country in the World, after the USA, China, and Russia, to demonstrate such capability. The platform was created by DRDO's CHESS, in collaboration with DRDO labs including LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, Indian academic institutions and private industry partners.
Masaki Kashiwara, has been awarded the Abel Prize for Mathematics for 2025
78-year-old Japanese Mathematician, Masaki Kashiwara, has been awarded the Abel Prize for Mathematics for 2025. The award recognizes his contribution to algebraic analysis and representation theory, particularly his development of the theory of D-modules and the discovery of crystal bases. It was first awarded in 2003 to Jean-Pierre Serre. Srinivasa Vardhan was awarded the Abel Prize in 2007 for his fundamental contributions to the probability theory and theory of large deviations.
Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre
Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, inaugurated India's first-ever 'Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre' in the higher hill reaches of Nathatop, climate study and research in the Himalayas.
President Droupadi Murmu Receive the 'City Key of Honour' of Lisbon
During the official visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Portugal from April 7 to 8, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu received the 'City Key of Honour' of Lisbon City from the Mayor of Lisbon. Her visit commemorated the 50 years of re-establishment of diplomatic relationship of India with Portugal.
59th Jnanpith Award for 2024 Awarded to Vinod Kumar Shukla for Hindi
Vinod Kumar Shukla, the poet-writer from Chhattisgarh's Raipur, has been awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024 in Hindi. He is the first writer from Chhattisgarh and the 12th author from the Hindi language to be awarded the Jnanpith Award. The award recognizes his outstanding contribution to Hindi Literature, distinctive style of writing imbued with creativity.
Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian to Score 13,000 Runs in T20 Cricket
Virat Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket and fifth cricketer worldwide. He achieved this historic feat during Royal Challengers Banga¬lore match with Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium during Indian Premier League(IPL) 2025, on April 7, 2025.
PM Modi inaugurates new Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pamban sea bridge, providing a rail link between Rameswaram island and the mainland, and flagged off the new Rameswaram-Tambaram (Chennai) train service here. The PM also flagged off a Coast Guard ship, which passed under the bridge. The bridge is all set to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination flocked by devotees throughout the year from across the country. Built at a cost of over Rs 550 crore, this is India’s first vertical sea-lift bridge.
Prime Minister receives the highest Sri Lankan Honour for Foreign Leaders
The President of Sri Lanka, H. E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, conferred on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana award, the country’s highest honour bestowed on foreign leaders. This is the first time that an Indian leader is receiving this award. The award was conferred on Prime Minister for his enduring contribution to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship.
Ajay Seth Appointed as the Union Finance Secretary
Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Officer of Karnataka cadre, was appointed as the Union Finance Secretary, according to the official notice released by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Grievances and Pensions. As per the convention, the senior-most secretary in the Union Ministry of Finance is designated as the Union Finance Secretary. Accordingly, he succeeded Tuhin Kanta Pandey, who had been appointed as the SEBI Chairman in March 2025. Before being appointed as the Union Finance Secretary, he served as the Economic Affairs Secretary in the Union Ministry of Finance. In this role, he played key role in overseeing implementation of critical initiatives such as management of external borrowings, infra-structure financing and public-private partnerships.
Sivasubramanian Ramann Appointed as PFRDA Chairman
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Sivasubramanian Ramann, Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General, to the post of chairperson, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). He will succeed incumbent PFRDA chairman Deepak Mohanty, who is set to retire at the end of May 2025.
Poonam Gupta Appointed as the Deputy Governor of RBI
Poonam Gupta was appointed as the Deputy Governor of RBI, succeeding Michael D. Patra, and will hold the position for three years as per the order issued by the Union Cabinet Committee on Appointments. Before she was appointed the RBI's Deputy Governor, she was serving as the Director-General of the National Council for Applied Economics Research (NCAER). She has also been a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Convener of the Poonam Gupta Advisory Council to the 16th Finance Commission. She has also been the RBI Chair Professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and a Professor at the (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
14th edition of the Indian - Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA
The 14th edition of the Indian - Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA, a cornerstone of the enduring maritime partnership between India and Russia, is taking place off Chennai from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 25. Since its inception in 2003, Exercise INDRA has epitomised the long-term strategic relationship between the two Navies. The exercise has evolved into a symbol of maritime cooperation, showcasing the two nations' commitment to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy. The exercise is being conducted in two phases - Harbour phase from 28 to 30 Mar 25 at Chennai, and Sea phase from 31 Mar to 02 Apr 25 in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise will see participation of Russian Federation Naval Ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov, along with Indian Naval Ships Rana, Kuthar, and Maritime patrol aircraft P8l. The Harbour Phase will include an Opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies. The Sea Phase will witness advanced naval drills, including tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, underway replenishment, helicopter cross-deck landings, and exchange of sea-riders. These exercises and interactions are intended to enhance maritime cooperation, strengthen bridges of friendship, exchange best operational practices, and bolster diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Lukashenko Sworn In for 7th Term as Belarus President
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko takes office for the seventh time in a low-key ceremony in Minsk. Despite past protests and Western criticism over election fraud claims, Lukashenko solidifies his grip on power. He remains a key ally of Russia, echoing Putin's stance on NATO and offering Belarusian territory for Russian weapons.
N. Chandrasekaran Joins IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth
The IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, named nine prominent individuals to serve on a new Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth. It included the name of Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Group. The Advisory Council, which will meet once every three months, will inform the IMF's analytical agenda and policy research aimed at promoting macroeconomic and financial policies that are conducive to higher productivity growth and can support stronger medium-term economic prospects across its membership.
N. Chandrasekaran Joins IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth
The IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, named nine prominent individuals to serve on a new Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth. It included the name of Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Group. The Advisory Council, which will meet once every three months, will inform the IMF's analytical agenda and policy research aimed at promoting macroeconomic and financial policies that are conducive to higher productivity growth and can support stronger medium-term economic prospects across its membership.
Rajeev Gauba Appointed as the Fifth Full Time Member of NITI Aayog
Former Cabinet Secretary of India, Rajeev Gauba, has been appointed as the fifth full-time member of NITI Aayog. He is a retired IAS officer of the 1982 batch of Jharkhand cadre and served as the Cabinet Secretary of India for five years, from 2019 to 2024, surpassing Pradeep Kumar Sinha's stint of four years and 79 days. He has also served as Union Home Secretary, Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. He will join the other four full-time members of NITI Aayog - Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Ramesh Chand, Vinod Kumar Paul and Arvind Virmani. His vast experience and excellence in public administration will be pivotal in spearheading policy-making and implementation.
Shri Ashok Singh Thakur elected as Chairman of INTACH
The AGM of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was held on 22nd March 2025 at the Head Office in New Delhi. The Elections were held successfully for the post of Chairman and Governing Council members. After following due procedure the results were declared and Shri. Ashok Singh Thakur was elected as Chairman for a period of 3 years.
INTACH is India’s premier heritage conservation organisation formally constituted on 27th January, 1984. It is a national registered Society under the Societies Registration Act (1860). Our mandate is to preserve and conserve the environment, to revitalise intangible heritage and to foster awareness and appreciation of our immense heritage. It also acts as a cultural bank for providing financial and technical expertise towards the preservation of cultural, natural resources and heritage as also of cultural and innovative activities. The INTACH Charter was adopted in 2004 which serves as a foundation document guiding heritage conservation in India. Recognizing the evolving nature of heritage, we are currently working on revising the Charter to make it interdisciplinary, ensuring it encompasses all aspects of heritage from tangible and intangible to natural and cultural dimensions.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn-in as Namibia's First Female President
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the first female President of Namibia, after winning the elections held in November 2024. Earlier, she served as the Vice President of Namibia. She belongs to the South West Africa People's Organi¬sation (SWAPO), which led Namibia's independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who served as interim President following the death of President Hage Geingob in February 2024. After Geingob's passing, she was promoted to Vice-President before assuming the presidency.
Anju Rathi Rana Appointed as the First Female Law Secretary
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana has become the first woman to be appointed as Secretary to the Department of Legal Affairs of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. She has been appointed for an initial period of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders.
Interior design is a fun and creative field. It mixes art and practicality to make spaces look good and work well. With more people wanting great places to live and work, the need for skilled interior designers is rising. Let’s look at what it takes to have a career in interior design, including nee →
Foundation Date: December 8, 1991 Headquarters: The Republic of Belarus Executive Secretaries: Sergei Lebedev Member Countries: 12 Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was established on December 8, 1991, and the leaders of the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine signed an a →
In 2009, an unknown programmer by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto put forward a whitepaper that proposed a creation of new form of digital currency - cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency functions the same way as regular currencies do in that its used as a means of exchange, unit of account and a store of va →
Headquarter: New Delhi Function and Objective of the Organization: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food-related issues in various Ministries →
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