SBI Reviving the 'Amrit Vrishti' FD Scheme with New Rates
The State Bank of India (SBI) reintroduced its special Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme called 'Amrit Vrishti' from April 15, 2025, with revised interest rates. Initially launched in July 2024, the scheme concluded on March 31, 2025, after multiple extensions. Now, SBI has brought back this scheme with a modified structure to cater specifically to senior and super-senior citizens, offering them competitive interest rates on their fixed deposits. The scheme aims to mobilise deposits by attracting elderly investors with favourable returns, promoting their long-term financial security.
Long-delayed ISRO-NASA Mission NISAR May Finally Be Launched in June
The long-awaited NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Satellite) mission, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of India and the US, may finally be launched in June.
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan revealed this in a meeting he had with Science Minister Jitendra Singh to update him on India's space activities in the coming months.
NISAR is meant to make extremely granular observations of the Earth at regular intervals.
A two-day conclave titled 'Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India' will be held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, starting from April 21, 2025. This event is significant as it aims to highlight the impact and spread of Buddhism in the North-east region of India, emphasising its role in preserving and propagating various Buddhist traditions, including Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. The conclave is being organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. The event will include panel discussions, cultural performances, and practices related to Vipassana meditation, focusing on the Buddhist influence on the region's art, culture, and global peace.
In a major step towards equitable distribution of reservation benefits among Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved a draft ordinance to implement sub-categorisation of SCs in the state. The move is rooted in the principle of "reservation within reservation", aimed at distributing quota benefits based on degree of backwardness among SC sub-castes. This ordinance follows the Supreme Court's allowance for states to sub-classify SCs and is based on the recommendations of a commission headed by retired IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan Mishra.
India's First Defence MoU with Slovakia Through JCBL Group
India and Slovakia signed a significant defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. This agreement, in April 2025, marks the first of its kind between the two countries. Under the partnership, JCBL Group's defence unit, Airbornics Defence & Space Pvt. Ltd. (ADSL), will collaborate with Slovakia to develop cutting-edge technologies for next-generation combat vehicles, strengthening India's indigenous manufacturing initiative. The MoU emphasises India's ongoing efforts to reduce its dependency on foreign defence imports by enhancing self-reliance in defence production.
Adani Realty Crowned Visionary Real Estate Brand at Grohe Hurun India Conclave 2025
Adani Realty, the real estate arm of the diversified Adani Group, was honoured with the prestigious Grohe Hurun India Visionary Real Estate Brand of the Year Award at the Real Estate Leaders' Conclave 2025, held in the national capital.
The award recognises Adani Realty's exceptional growth, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to shaping the future of Indian real estate through innovation, sustainability, quality, and customer-centric development.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin launched the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT), artisans development scheme named after former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, rejecting the Centre's PM Vishwakarma Scheme in its present form.
Unlike the Vishwakarma Scheme, the DMK government's programme does not discriminate people on the basis of caste but encouraged caste inclusivity, the CM said at the launch of his government's version.
Former CJI Opts Out of Dulat's Book Launch Function
Former Chief Justice of India T. S. Thakur skipped former R&AW chief A. S. Dulat's book release function, citing the political storm over certain parts of the book concerning National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
The book, 'The Chief Minister and the Spy' was to be released by Justice Thakur (retd).
This came a day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in Jammu that his father and veteran politician Farooq Abdullah would not be attending the book release function.