Madhya Pradesh Declares New Wildlife Sanctuary Named After Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Madhya Pradesh government declared a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district, covering an area of 258.64 square kilometres. The sanctuary, named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, was officially announced ahead of the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The sanctuary's creation is aimed at bolstering conservation efforts in the region, ensuring the protection of flora and fauna.
It is designed to enhance the ecosystem by providing a protected environment for wildlife and facilitating the preservation of the region's biodiversity.
The sanctuary will also act as a tool to boost tourism and provide employment opportunities for the locals, which could help in the socio-economic development of the area.
The new sanctuary increased the number of wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh to 25, with the state already known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts.
Madhya Pradesh is also recognised as the "Tiger State of India", with several renowned national parks and wildlife reserves such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, and Panna Tiger Reserves.
The union government launched a dedicated 'Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk' to assist traders navigate emerging trade issues amid global uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's tariff measures.
According to a notice issued by the government, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) operationalised the helpdesk to look into issues relating to 'import and export challenges, import surges or dumping, EXIM clearance, logistics or supply chain challenges, financial or banking issues, regulatory or compliance issues, and other Issues or suggestions.'
Lamborghini Appoints Nidhi Kaistha as Head of Operations in India
Italian super luxury automaker Automobili Lamborghini appointed Nidhi Kaistha as Head of Lamborghini India.
In her new role, Kaistha will oversee sales, marketing and after-sales operations in India, the sixth-largest market in the Asia Pacific region.
With over 25 years of experience across hospitality, aviation, and automotive industries, she brings extensive expertise and leadership to her new position.
Lamborghini currently operates through three dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, catering to a growing community of enthusiasts and customers.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri led from the pole position and won the Bahrain Grand Prix, his second of the Formula One 2025 season at the Bahrain International Circuit. This was Piastri's second win after claiming the top position in the Shanghai Grand Prix.
Javelin Thrower D. P. Manu Handed Four-Year Ban
Indian javelin thrower D. P. Manu was banned for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after a positive test for a prohibited substance during the Indian Grand Prix athletics meet in Bengaluru last year (2024).
Manu is a silver medalist in the Asian Athletics Championships 2023 in Bangkok and a sixth-place finishing athlete in World Championships 2023 at Budapest.
Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Monte Carlo Masters Title
Ace Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz registered a win over Lorenzo Musetti in the final and clinched his maiden Monte Carlo Masters title.
Alcaraz won 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in an hour and three-quarters to secure a sixth ATP Masters 1000 title of his career.
India and Italy Agree to Take Forward IMEEC Initiative
India and Italy decided to expand cooperation in areas of trade, defence, clean energy and high technology while agreeing to work jointly in implementing the ambitious India-Middle-East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Ways to deepen India-Italy cooperation under the framework of Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 figured prominently during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajan.
Tajani, also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was on a two-day visit to India.
Kerala Declares CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam Constituency Extreme Poverty-Free
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam Assembly constituency in Kannur was declared as the state's first extreme poverty-free constituency.
In a function held at Pinarayi village in his constituency, Vijayan said that the entire state will be declared as an extreme poverty-free state on 1 November, 2025.
Significantly, the four common factors taken as indicators of extreme poverty were food availability, health, income, and housing, which were considered basic requirements for survival of a family.
India Develops Laser Weapon to Shoot Down Aerial Targets
In a first, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully developed a laser-based weapon system that can neutralise fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones, marking a huge milestone in the country's defence technology.
A team of DRDO officials tested the new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with positive results. With this technology, India joined the list of elite countries like the United States, China and Russia who possess advanced laser weapon capabilities.
The indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.
IAF Wraps up Multinational Exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece
In a display of precision, cooperation, and operational strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded its participation in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) at Greece's Andravida Air Base.
The biennial air exercise, which concluded on April 11, saw the participation of air and surface assets from fifteen countries. Representing India, the IAF deployed a fleet comprising Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, and C-17 strategic airlifters.
INIOCHOS-25 provided a high-intensity training ground for multinational forces, with missions designed to replicate modern air warfare conditions. The exercise focused on refining tactics, strengthening interoperability, and building synergy between participating air forces through the execution of combined air operations under complex and realistic combat scenarios.
Daripalli Ramaiah, a prominent environmentalist known as "Vanajeevi" or "Chettu Ramaiah," passed away at the age of 87 in Telangana. Ramaiah was widely recognised for planting over one crore saplings across the district over several decades, earning him national acclaim as a green crusader. He was honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 2017 for his contribution to environmental conservation.
Ramaiah strongly believed that human survival is impossible without nature and the environment. He dedicated his life to planting trees and promoting ecological awareness, inspiring countless others to join the cause.
Kathak Legend and Choreographer Kumudini Lakhia Dies
Eminent Kathak exponent and choreographer Kumudini Lakhia passed away at the age of 95 due to an age-related ailment.
Born in 1930, in Ahmedabad, Lakhia became a celebrated Indian Kathak dancer and choreographer. At Kadamb Centre, she developed the technique, vocabulary and repertoire of Kathak dance.
Lakhia won numerous prestigious awards, such as Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kalidas Samman, and Gaurav Puraskar from the Gujarat government in recognition of her contribution to the world of Indian dance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Chagas Disease Day every April 14 to raise awareness about the neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people, especially in Latin America.
It was first celebrated on April 14, 2020, and was named after Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas, the Brazilian doctor who diagnosed the first case. The 72nd World Health Assembly dedicated this day to the disease in 2019.
The theme for World Chagas Disease Day 2025 is 'Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone's role in Chagas disease.'
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan made headlines with his presence at the Macau International Comedy Festival 2025 held in China, where he was honoured with the 'Master Humor Award'. Widely loved in China and affectionately known as 'Uncle Mi', Aamir's appearance drew widespread attention, reflecting the strong cross-cultural influence of his films in the Chinese market.
Dr. Ambrish Mithal Honoured with the Prestigious IOF 2025 CSA Medal of Achievement
Dr. Ambrish Mithal, a renowned Indian endocrinologist, was honoured with the 2025 Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) for his exceptional contributions to osteoporosis research. The award was presented to Dr. Mithal at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025) held in Rome, Italy. Dr. Mithal's pioneering work in the field of endocrinology and osteoporosis has greatly advanced the understanding and treatment of the disease, particularly in India.
The award was presented by Professor Eugene McCloskey, Chair of the CSA, at the World Congress held in Rome.
Dr. Mithal established India's first bone density measurement service in 1996, which marked a major advancement in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in India.
Unified Health Coverage Scheme Rolled Out in Odisha
Odisha rolled out a unified health insurance scheme aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare for its residents. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, at an event held in Cuttack, inaugurated the distribution of the new Unified Ayushman Card, which integrated the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) with the state-sponsored Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025 to Give up to Rs. 4 Lakh Concessional Loan
The Telangana government rolled out the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025, aimed at promoting self-employment among youth from disadvantaged communities, including SC, ST, BC, Minorities, and EBC/EWS groups.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants can access concessional loans of up to Rs. 4 lakh to establish their own businesses, with implementation managed by respective development corporations.
To qualify for Telangana's Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme, applicants must meet income criteria — Rs. 1.5 lakh annually for rural residents and Rs. 2 lakh for urban dwellers. Age eligibility ranges from 21 to 55 years for non-agricultural businesses, and up to 60 years for agricultural and allied activities.
The Ministry of Education gave an additional charge to Vineet Joshi, the current Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. He was appointed as the interim chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC). This decision was taken following the retirement of the previous UGC chairman, Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar. Joshi will discharge his duties as UGC chairperson till a full-time appointment is made or until further orders are issued.
A BTech in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Joshi is an alumnus of the institute.
Committees for VC Appointment & Faculty Recruitment: Odisha Governor Gives Assent to University Bill
With Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati giving his assent, the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into effect, marking a significant reform in the state's higher education sector. The Odisha University bill was passed after extensive deliberation in the Odisha Assembly.
According to the provision of the Odisha University act, the recruitment of faculty in universities will not be conducted through the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). Instead, universities will form a committee comprising educationists for faculty recruitment.
Regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors, the Odisha University act has provision of forming a three-member committee for the selection of the VCs. Only distinguished educationists from the field of higher education will be part of this committee. The age limit for VCs has been increased from 67 to 70 years.
The new Odisha University Act also ensured the reintroduction of the Senate in universities. The senate is the highest advisory body of a university, comprising educationists, faculty, students, and administrative staff, and it plays a vital role in the development of the university and the higher education sector.
Dubai Airport Retains Title as Busiest International Hub
Dubai International Airport maintained its position as the busiest international airport in the world in 2024, Bloomberg reported citing data from Airports Council International (ACI). The airport, which serves as the hub for Emirates Airlines, accommodated 92.3 million passengers last year (2024), an increase of 6.1 per cent from 2023.
Following Dubai, London Heathrow Airport ranked second in international passenger traffic, with Seoul Incheon third, Singapore Changi and Amsterdam Schiphol rounded out the top five busiest airports for international flights.
Justice Arun Palli New Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court
The Central government cleared the appointment of Justice Arun Palli of Punjab and Haryana High Court as the new Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Justice Palli graduated in Commerce and completed his law degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 1988.
He then commenced his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court was appointed Additional Advocate General for Punjab on September 1, 2004, a position he held until March 2007.
He was designated as a Senior Advocate on April 26, 2007. He also appeared before the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and also argued several important matters in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Kerala Becomes First in India to Launch Online Permanent Lok Adalat Services
Kerala became the first state in India to introduce online filing and hearing facilities for Permanent Lok Adalats.
This initiative of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) seeks to improve the accessibility of justice, especially for marginalised communities.
The online filing system was officially inaugurated by the Kerala High Court Chief Justice Nitin M. Jamdar at a function organised by KELSA.
This digital transition for Lok Adalats aligns with the Kerala judiciary's broader vision of ensuring accessible and affordable justice for every citizen, by leveraging technology.
Kerala currently hosts three Permanent Lok Adalats- one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.