Maharashtra Approved India’s First Shipbuilding, Repair & Recycling Policy 2025
In April 2025, the Maharashtra State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the ‘Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025’, making Maharashtra the first Indian state to implement a dedicated policy in the maritime manufacturing sector.
This strategic move is aligned with the Union Government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both of which aim to elevate India into the top five global shipbuilding nations by 2047.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
i. Goal: Transform Maharashtra into a Maritime Hub
- Investment target: ₹6,600 crore by 2030
- Employment generation: 40,000 jobs
ii. Financial Incentives:
- Capital subsidy: 15% of the total project cost
- Skill development support: Up to ₹1 crore per project
- R&D funding: Up to ₹25 crore
iii. Land Allocation:
- Concessional land leases: Allotment on long-term leases of 30 years, renewable
About the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW):
- Union Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
(Constituency – Dibrugarh, Assam) - Minister of State (MoS): Shantanu Thakur
(Constituency – Bangaon, West Bengal)
MoHFW Launches New Digital Platform for Faster CGHS Services
In April 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced an upgraded version of its flagship programme — the Health Management Information System (HMIS) — to deliver faster services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
The new digital platform, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), became operational on April 28, 2025.
In addition to HMIS, the ministry also re-launched the CGHS mobile app for both Android and iOS (iPhone Operating System), featuring an enhanced user interface and improved digital services.
Key Updates:
i. New Website Portal:
- The old CGHS websites (www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in) have been deactivated.
- All services are now available exclusively through the new portal:
👉 cghs.mohfw.gov.in
ii. Revamped HMIS Features:
- Offers faster, more transparent, and user-friendly access to CGHS services.
- Replaces the outdated CGHS software (in use since 2005) that lacked modern IT standards, cybersecurity, and user-focused features.
iii. New Enhancements in the Upgraded System:
- PAN-based identification for CGHS beneficiaries
- Real-time service tracking
- Automated payment verification
- Fully online application workflows
India’s Coastline Length Revised to 11,098.81 km Following Updated Methodology
In April 2025, the Survey of India (SoI) officially updated the length of India’s coastline to 11,098.81 kilometers (km), a significant increase of 3,537.21 km (nearly 50%) from the previously recorded figure of 7,516.60 km, which had been in use since the 1970s.
This revision follows a multi-year scientific review conducted by the National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO), based in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), in coordination with SoI. The updated measurements reveal that Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states, while Goa has the shortest. Among the union territories (UTs), the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline, and Puducherry the shortest.
Background:
- For decades, various government departments used inconsistent coastline figures due to outdated measurement methods.
- In the 11th meeting (2010) of the Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC), efforts began to address this discrepancy.
- In its 16th meeting (July 16, 2019), CPDAC accepted the NHO’s revised coastline length of 11,084.50 km, based on advanced hydrographic data.
- On August 10, 2023, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), New Delhi, finalized updated Terms of Reference (ToR) for standardizing maritime parameters.
- The final revised figure of 11,098.81 km was officially approved during a meeting in January 2024 at NSCS, with representatives from coastal states, UTs, and other stakeholders.
Reasons for the Deviation:
- Differences in scale and calculation methods: The data from the 1970s was likely calculated at a scale of 1:4,500,000 or smaller, whereas the new data uses a scale of 1:250,000.
- Technological advancements: The use of modern Geographic Information System (GIS) software has provided much more accurate measurements compared to the conventional/manual methods used earlier.
- Inclusion of offshore islands/islets: The new calculation includes the coastline lengths of 1,298 islands/islets (comprising 1,059 islands and 239 islets), which were possibly omitted in earlier measurements due to scale limitations.
About the Survey of India (SoI):
- The Survey of India (SoI) is India’s national organization for surveying and mapping, operating under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
- Surveyor General of India: Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
- Headquarters: Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
- Founded: 1767
MHA Constitutes High-Level Committee for National Disaster Management
On 30th April 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), established a High-Level Committee under the leadership of Union Minister Amit Shah to oversee national disaster preparedness and response mechanisms as per the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Constitution of the Committee:
The committee was formed under sub-section (2) of Section 8B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act No. 53 of 2005). The committee members include:
- Amit Shah – Union Minister, MHA (Chairperson)
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan – Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
- Nirmala Sitharaman – Union Minister, Ministry of Finance (MoF)
- Suman Bery – Vice Chairman (VC), NITI Aayog
About the Committee:
The primary goal of the committee is to strengthen India’s resilience against natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents by ensuring a coordinated national disaster management strategy.
The committee plays a crucial role in:
- Guiding national disaster management policies
- Coordinating efforts across various ministries and agencies
- Overseeing long-term risk reduction strategies
- Monitoring the preparedness levels of States and Union Territories (UTs)
By taking a multi-sectoral approach with members from finance, agriculture, and planning sectors, the committee ensures:
- Quick resource mobilization
- Integrated policies
- Smooth execution of disaster risk management plans
About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):
- Union Minister: Amit Shah (Constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
- Minister of State (MoS): Nityanand Rai (Constituency: Ujiarpur, Bihar); Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency: Karimnagar, Telangana)
International news
UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks, North Korea & Saudi Arabia Join for the First Time
In April 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGp), part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its Global Geoparks Network (GGN). This announcement was made during the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Notable First-Time Entries:
- North Korea made history with the inclusion of Mt Paektu as its first-ever UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Saudi Arabia debuted with two sites: North Riyadh and Salma.
However, India did not have any featured site in this latest list.
Key Facts about the Geopark Network:
- With the new additions, the Global Geoparks Network now includes 229 sites across 50 countries, covering an area of nearly 855,000 square kilometers.
- UNESCO Geoparks are important for the conservation of heritage, supporting educational projects and promoting sustainable tourism.
- To ensure the quality of UNESCO Global Geoparks, each site undergoes a revalidation process every four years. A green card indicates four years of renewal, while a yellow card signifies a two-year renewal period.
In the most recent round of 39 revalidations, 33 green cards and 6 yellow cards were awarded to various sites.
This expansion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks reflects a growing global commitment to preserving geological heritage and fostering sustainable development.
Rank and report news
Forbes India W-Power 2025: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker & Payal Kapadia Among Top 20 Self-Made Women
In April 2025, Forbes India, based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris (France), unveiled its annual W-Power 2025 list. This list honors 20 exceptional self-made women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and resilience across various sectors such as business, finance, sports, entertainment, and public service.
Among the honorees were Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia, recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and their commitment to creating meaningful legacies.
About W-Power Initiative:
- Launched in 2017, the W-Power initiative aims to spotlight women who have carved their own paths to success, serving as inspirations for future generations.
- Forbes India shortlisted candidates from primary and secondary sources, focusing on entrepreneurs and professionals who did not inherit wealth or positions.
- Key criteria for selection included financial success, influence, leadership, innovation, and societal impact.
About Forbes India:
- Editor: Suveen Sinha
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: 2009
The W-Power 2025 list serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable women who continue to break barriers and lead with resilience across diverse fields.
SRFTI Film ‘A Doll Made Up of Clay’ to Feature at Cannes 2025
The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), has announced that its film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” will make its entry to the 78th Festival De Cannes.
The film has been selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which highlights works by film school students from around the world.
Key Details about the Film:
- Director and Writer: The film is written and directed by Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the Indian Council of Cultural Research (ICCR) at SRFTI.
- Producer: Sahil Manoj Ingle.
- Plot: The film follows a 23-year-old Nigerian footballer, Ahmed, who originally came to the city to play seven-a-side football but unexpectedly ends up as an actor.
- Film Format: This 23-minute experimental film was created as part of an academic project for the Department of Producing for Film and Television at SRFTI. It blends Yoruba and Bengali languages.
About SRFTI:
- Established: 1995
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)
- Focus: SRFTI is a premier autonomous institution dedicated to film and television education in India and is named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
This film’s selection for Cannes 2025 highlights SRFTI’s growing international recognition in the world of cinema.
Banking news
SBI Signs MoU with LPAI to Enhance Banking Services for Border Trade
In April 2025, State Bank of India (SBI), based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This collaboration aims to enhance banking services at 26 land ports situated along India’s borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
The MoU was signed by S N Panigrahi, Deputy General Manager (DGM), SBI, and Vidyadhar Jha, Director (Operations), LPAI.
Key Features of the MoU:
- Banking Services Expansion:
- SBI will offer Foreign Exchange (Forex) transactions, Letter of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantee (BG) services, bulk cargo insurance, and digital banking solutions (e.g., YONO 2.0, e-Trade) at land ports within six months.
- The goal is to increase annual border trade volumes from Rs 80,000 crore (2025) to Rs 2 trillion by 2030.
- Employee Benefits:
- 1,900 LPAI employees will receive corporate salary packages, personal accident insurance, loans, and discounted locker rentals.
- Services will also be extended to over 5,000 employees of border agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Customs Department.
- Infrastructure Development:
- LPAI currently operates 15 land ports across 8 border states and plans to develop 11 more in states like Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal (WB).
- Forex Management:
- The initiative aims to facilitate Rs 71,000 crore in forex trade annually through improved cross-border transactions.
About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI):
- Chairperson: Aditya Mishra
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 2012
Sa-Dhan Signs MoU with Bank of India to Enhance Financial Access for Small, Micro & Women-Led Enterprises
In April 2025, Sa-Dhan, a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) based in New Delhi (Delhi), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of India (BoI), based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), to enhance financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of India.
The MoU was signed by Jiji Mammen, Executive Director (ED) and CEO of Sa-Dhan, and P. R. Rajagopal, ED of BoI. The initiative aims to promote financial inclusion and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Areas of the MoU:
- Enterprise Financing:
- Provide loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and non-SHG entrepreneurs.
- Promote co-lending partnerships with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).
- Climate and Green Financing:
- Support the adoption of climate-resilient technologies and green projects.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):
- Fund initiatives to improve rural sanitation and clean water access.
- Financial Literacy:
- Conduct workshops to educate rural entrepreneurs about government schemes and digital banking tools.
These efforts are aimed at enhancing financial access and supporting the sustainable growth of small, micro, and women-led businesses in India.
State news
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches E-Kalyan Portal
In April 2025, Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the E-Kalyan Portal, developed by the Department for Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). This digital initiative is designed to streamline the application process for various social security pension schemes in the state.
Key Features of the E-Kalyan Portal:
- The portal aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in delivering social welfare schemes by linking with databases such as Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and the Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card.
- It reduces manual paperwork and ensures seamless verification.
- Eligible applicants can apply online directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan.
- Updates regarding application errors, verification, and approvals are provided digitally, allowing applicants to track their applications from home.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates World’s First Energy Transmission Garden in Hyderabad
In April 2025, Jishnu Dev Varma, the Governor of Telangana, inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission garden, located at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana.
This pioneering initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and launched as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, the founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system.
Key Features of Babuji Vanam:
- Medicinal Tree Species: The garden boasts 40 species of medicinal trees, such as Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond, chosen for their spiritual and healing properties.
- Design and Sustainability: The garden is designed to radiate Pranahuti (yogic transmission) and features:
- Acupressure pathways
- Percolation pits
- Sloped landscapes for rainwater harvesting and promoting ecological sustainability.
About Telangana:
- Chief Minister (CM): A Revanth Reddy
- Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
- Capital: Hyderabad
- Bird Sanctuary: Manjira Bird Sanctuary
This unique garden combines spiritual wellness, environmental sustainability, and medicinal properties, marking a significant step in integrating nature and energy transmission practices.
Science and tech news
India Conducts First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia
In April 2025, India reached a significant milestone in medical science by conducting its first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia. The trial was conducted through a collaboration between Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)‘s Institute for Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu (TN).
The announcement was made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) during his inspection of the BRIC-inStem facilities.
Key Details of the Trial:
- Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder where blood doesn’t clot properly, leading to abnormal bleeding.
- In this gene therapy trial, patients with severe haemophilia A received autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) that were genetically modified using lentiviral vectors to express the Factor VIII gene.
- These modified cells were then transplanted back into the patients, allowing their bodies to naturally produce the necessary clotting factor.
Growth of India’s Biotechnology Sector:
India’s biotechnology sector has seen remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold to reach USD 165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to hit USD 300 billion by 2030.
This groundbreaking trial represents a major step forward in genetic therapies and could potentially revolutionize the treatment of haemophilia in India and beyond.
Appointment news
Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Chairman of New NSAB
In April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed Alok Joshi, the former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as its new Chairman. This move is aimed at enhancing national security advisory mechanisms in response to recent security challenges.
The decision followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was made in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
About Alok Joshi:
- Alok Joshi is a 1976-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre.
- He served as the Chief of R&AW, India’s external intelligence agency, from December 30, 2012, to December 31, 2014.
NSAB Structure:
- The revamped seven-member NSAB includes distinguished retired officials from India’s military, police, and diplomatic services.
About the National Security Council (NSC) India:
- Established: 1998 by the Government of India (GoI) under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Role: The NSC is a key advisory body to the National Security Advisor (NSA), and the Prime Minister of India chairs it.
- NSA: Ajit Kumar Doval
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
The reconstitution of the NSAB and the appointment of Alok Joshi underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and enhancing strategic advisory mechanisms.
Books and author
NAI Launches Book “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician”
In April 2025, the National Archives of India (NAI), in collaboration with Vani Prakashan Group, launched the book titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
The book, authored by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma, explores the life and legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s most renowned mathematicians.
- Key Highlights of the Book:
- Ramanujan’s Journey: From his early life in Erode, Tamil Nadu (TN) to his revolutionary work in mathematics.
- Mathematical Contributions: Focus on his work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, despite limited formal education.
- Historical Documents: Includes original letters and documents, especially correspondence with G.H. Hardy, the British mathematician who recognized Ramanujan’s brilliance and promoted his work globally.
Memoir “The Undying Light” by Gopalkrishna Gandhi Released
In April 2025, renowned author and former Governor of West Bengal (WB), Gopalkrishna Gandhi, released his memoir titled “The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India”. The book, published by Aleph Book Company, spans 624 pages and is available in hardcover format in English.
- Key Features of the Memoir:
- Personal Recollection: Begins with a personal account of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, which the author witnessed at the age of three.
- Political Insight: The narrative expands into a deep exploration of India’s political history post-1947, blending personal stories with significant events.
- Unique Perspective: Offers an insider view on India’s political and social evolution, making it an essential read for students and competitive exam aspirants.
About Gopalkrishna Gandhi:
- Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari (India’s last Governor-General).
- Served as the Governor of West Bengal (WB) from 14 December 2004 to 14 December 2009.
These books provide significant insights into the contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan and India’s post-independence political journey, making them valuable additions to Indian literary and historical works.
Important days
World Tuna Day Observed on 2nd May
The United Nations (UN) observes World Tuna Day globally on 2nd May every year to highlight the ecological and economic importance of tuna, promote sustainable fishing practices, and address the threats posed by overfishing to marine biodiversity.
Background:
- On 7th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially designating 2nd May as World Tuna Day.
- The proposal was spearheaded by Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries play a crucial role in livelihoods and GDP.
- The first World Tuna Day was celebrated on 2nd May 2017.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- Director General (DG): QU Dongyu (China)
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Founded: 1945
This day serves as an important reminder of the need for sustainable tuna fishing to protect marine ecosystems and secure the future of tuna fisheries worldwide.