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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India cancels licence of Jalandhar-based Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank & Aurangabad-based Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank

• ​The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revoked the banking license of Jalandhar-based Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., effective April 25, 2025, citing multiple regulatory and financial shortcomings and RBI cancelled the licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit based in Aurangabad,

Cancellation of Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank:

• Inadequate Capital and Earnings: The bank lacked sufficient capital and had poor earning prospects, failing to comply with key provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, including Sections 11(1) and 22(3)(d) read with Section 56. ​
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: The bank failed to meet requirements under Sections 22(3)(a) to 22(3)(e) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. ​
• Risk to Depositors: The RBI stated that the bank's continuance was prejudicial to the interests of its depositors, as it would be unable to pay its present depositors in full. ​
• Deposit Insurance: Under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961, each depositor is entitled to receive up to ₹5 lakh of their deposits. ​Previous Regulatory Actions

Cancellation of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank:

• Failure to Maintain Regulatory Norms: The bank failed to maintain the minimum capital requirements and lacked any viable earning prospects for future operations.
• Risk to Depositors: The bank was unable to fully repay its existing depositors, endangering public trust, and RBI determined that the bank’s continuance would harm depositor safety and financial stability.
• Banking Regulation Act Compliance: The licence was revoked under the powers granted by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, as the bank did not comply with regulatory standards.
• Cessation of Banking Operations: The bank ceased all banking operations from the close of business on April 22, 2025, and can no longer accept deposits, repay deposits, or provide loans.
• Liquidation Proceedings: The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, was directed to wind up the bank and appoint a liquidator for managing the liquidation process.
• Deposit Insurance Protection: Depositors are protected under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) insurance scheme, entitling each depositor to receive up to ₹5 lakh on their deposits.

Recent News:

• In April 2025, the Reserve Bank of India revised its guidelines to permit minors aged 10 years and above to independently manage their savings and term deposit accounts, fostering early financial engagement.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Amazon Ramps Up Investment in Payments Arm Amid Intensifying UPI Competition

• Amazon has invested Rs 350 crore into its payments arm, Amazon Pay India, signalling a continued effort to expand its presence in the highly competitive Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
• Regulatory filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) reveal that Amazon Pay has issued 5 crore equity shares to its parent entities, Amazon Corporate Holdings Pvt Ltd and Amazon.com Inc, through a rights issue.
• This is Amazon’s third capital infusion into the Indian payments entity in less than a year.
• The company had earlier injected Rs 600 crore in June 2024 and Rs 300 crore in November 2024, pointing to a deliberate push to consolidate its position in India’s digital payments

About UPI Market:

• According to the latest data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), PhonePe and Google Pay continue to dominate the space, jointly controlling nearly 85 per cent of the market.
• Amazon Pay holds just about 6 per cent, underlining the challenges faced by newer entrants in breaking user habits and platform loyalty.
• Flipkart-backed Super.money is also expanding its fintech offerings and is reportedly looking to raise capital, adding further competition in the sector.

About Amazon Pay:

• In February 2024, Amazon Pay secured a payment aggregator (PA) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a regulatory move that enables it to handle merchant transactions more effectively.
• This follows its earlier approval for a prepaid payment instrument (PPI), strengthening its compliance foundation for offering broader financial services.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Film and Television Institute of India, Pune Declared ‘Institution Deemed to be University’

• In a major development for Indian higher education and arts, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune has been officially notified as an "Institution Deemed to be University" by the Union Ministry of Education.
• This move grants FTII greater academic autonomy, curriculum flexibility, and research innovation opportunities in cinema and television studies.

Historical Background of FTII

• Established: 1960 by the Government of India.
• Original Name: Film Institute of India.
• Location: Pune, set up on the premises of the legendary Prabhat Studios.
• Contribution:
  • Produced renowned alumni like Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Rajkummar Rao, and Jaideep Ahlawat.
  • Built a formidable reputation in filmmaking and television production training.

What is a 'Deemed to be University'?

• Definition:
  • Institutions demonstrating high educational standards were awarded this status by the Central Government on UGC’s recommendation.
• Benefits:
  • Award academic degrees
  • Start new courses (main/off-campus centres) with approvals.
  • Boost research, innovation, and international collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria for Deemed University Status

• NAAC 'A' Grade: Minimum CGPA of 3.01 for three consecutive cycles; OR
• NBA Accreditation: Two-thirds of eligible programmes accredited for three cycles; OR
• Top NIRF Rankings:
  • Top 50 in any category or
  • Top 100 overall for three consecutive years.
• FTII Qualification:
  • Consistent academic performance, global alumni success, and significant cinematic impact made FTII a prime candidate.

India’s First-in-Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia: A Biotechnology Milestone

• India has launched its first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, led by the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem) in collaboration with CMC Vellore.
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh heralded this as a landmark in India’s scientific journey, underscoring biotechnology as a core pillar of the nation’s future economic growth and healthcare innovation.

Key Highlights

• First-in-human trial for Haemophilia now underway in India.
• Conducted by BRIC-inStem (Bengaluru) and CMC Vellore.
• The minister called it a defining moment in India’s medical research.
• Jitendra Singh inspected BRIC-inStem facilities.
• Reviewed ongoing clinical trials and research pipelines.
• The minister emphasized biotech’s role beyond science—integral to economic strategy and public health.
• Urged seamless integration of biotech into national development
• 16-fold expansion over the last decade—valued at $165.7 billion in 2024.
• Targeting $300 billion by 2030.
• Grew from 50 to 10,000+ biotech startups in ten years.
• Notable BRIC innovations:
  • Germicidal anti-viral mask (COVID-19 era)
  • Kisan Kavach—protects farmers from neurotoxic pesticides
• Establishment of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).
• Unified 14 autonomous biotech research bodies under one umbrella.

India Records 145.5 MMT Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways in FY 2024–25

• India’s inland water transport (IWT) sector achieved a landmark 145.5 million tonnes (MMT) of cargo movement in FY 2024–25, up from 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14.
• This growth reflects sustained infrastructure development, policy reforms, and technological innovations, alongside the expansion of National Waterways (NWs) from 5 to 111.

Key Highlights and Developments

• Record Cargo Traffic
  • 145.5 MMT in FY 2024–25 (vs. 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14)
  • 20.86% CAGR over the last decade
  • 9.34% YoY growth from FY 2023–24
  • Top 5 Commodities: Coal, Iron Ore, Iron Ore Fines, Sand, Fly Ash (68% of total)
• Expansion of National Waterways
  • NWs increased from 5 (2014) to 111 under the NW Act, 2016
  • Operational Length: Grew from 2,716 km to 4,894 km
  • 29 National Waterways currently operational
• Infrastructure Development
  • Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs) and Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs)
  • Floating and community jetties, advanced fairway maintenance
  • Examples: MMTs at Varanasi, Haldia, Pandu, Jogighopa; terminals at Dhubri, Bogibeel
• Digital and Green Technologies
  • Operational Tools: LADIS, RIS, PANI, MIRS for efficiency
  • Green Vessels: Hybrid electric catamarans, hydrogen-fuelled boats
• Passenger Movement
  • 1.61 crore passengers in FY 2023–24
• Policy Measures to Boost IWT
  • JalVahat Scheme (Dec 2024; ₹95.42 crore outlay): 35% reimbursement on cargo shift costs; scheduled services on NW-1, NW-2, NW-16
  • Tonnage Tax Extension (from Feb 2025): Tax based on vessel tonnage
  • Regulatory Framework (2025): Private jetties/terminals notifications
  • Port Integration: MMTs/IMTs under Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
  • Digitisation: Centralised vessel and crew registration portal
  • Cargo Aggregation Hubs: Freight Village at Varanasi; Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj
  • Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route: Successful trials on Routes 5 & 6
  • PSU Engagement: 140+ PSUs (Petroleum, Coal, Fertiliser, Steel ministries) shifting cargo to IWT

Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Private Limited Wins Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Startup India and Stride Ventures, has declared Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Pvt Ltd (trading as Plastics for Change) the winner of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025.
• This challenge recognizes and empowers high-impact Indian startups across sectors such as sustainability, fintech, and e-mobility.

Selection Process

• Applications Received: Over 120 startups
• Geographic Spread: From 22 states
• Challenge Duration: 30 days
• Evaluation Criteria: Innovation potential, social/environmental impact, scalability, and business model

Winner Profile: Plastics for Change

• Founded: 2015
• Business Model:
  • Builds a Fair Trade-verified recycled plastics supply chain
  • Focuses on ethical sourcing and aggregation of plastic waste
• Products: High-quality rPET, rHDPE, and rPP materials
• Social Impact:
  • Integrates informal waste collectors into the formal economy
  • Collection Capacity: Over 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually
• Future Goals: Deepen presence in India’s plastics recycling sector

Support from Stride Ventures

• Fund Profile:
  • India’s largest venture debt fund, with $1 billion committed to 170+ startups
  • Expanded footprint in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and London
• Strategic MOU with DPIIT: Provides funding, market access, mentorship, and global scaling support
• Grand Challenge Prize:
  • Up to ₹10 crore investment (subject to due diligence)
  • Ecosystem support, including** mentorship** and network access

RECENT NEWS

• In March 2025, The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Mercedes-Benz India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance manufacturing, road safety, and sustainability in India.
• India’s DPIIT and South Korea’s KOTI signed an MoU on February 10, 2025, to enhance logistics and infrastructure collaboration. The partnership focuses on knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and master planning under PM GatiShakti.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Similipal Declared as India's 107th National Park

• Similipal in Odisha has been officially accorded national park status by the Odisha government.
• It becomes the 107th national park in India and the second national park in Odisha after Bhitarkanika.
• Notification Date: April 24, 2025.
• It marks a significant step in Odisha’s conservation efforts and the "Viksit Odisha" (Developed Odisha) vision.

Area and Location

• Total Area: 845.70 sq km.
• Divisions: Spread across Similipal South and Similipal North
• Ranges Covered:
  • Pithabata North
  • Pithabata South
  • Nawana
  • Jenabil
  • Upper Barahkamuda
  • Bhanjabasa
  • Barehipani
  • Chahala
  • Nawana North
  • Talabandha

Significance in Conservation

• Largest National Park in Odisha.
• Initial Proposal: Proposed for national park status in 1980.
• Biodiversity Highlights:
  • 55 species of mammals
  • 361 species of birds
  • 62 species of reptiles
  • 21 species of amphibians
• Also recognized as one of India’s major tiger reserves.

Historical Context

• 1973: Similipal notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
• 2007: Declared as a Critical Tiger Habitat.
• The 2025 national park notification crowns decades of conservation efforts by the Odisha government, forest authorities, and local communities.

RECENT NEWS

• In April 2025, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) announced an investment of ₹61,077 crore to establish a world-class petrochemical complex in Paradip, Odisha.
• In February 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme in Jankia, Khordha district. The initiative aims to enhance rural infrastructure development across Odisha. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Hubballi Airport Wins Platinum Honour for Green Initiatives

• Hubballi Airport (Karnataka) received the Platinum Recognition under the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
• Recognized for excellence in Sustainable Energy Practices among airports handling less than six million passengers annually.

Award Details

• Award Name: Platinum Recognition (Highest Honour)
• Category: Sustainable Energy at Airports
• Passenger Category: Airports with < 6 million passengers annually.
• Award Ceremony:
  • Event: ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Award Received By: Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical), AAI

Major Sustainability Initiative: Solar Power Plant

• Commissioned By: Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Plant Details:
  • Capacity: 8 MW
  • Commissioned: December 2022
  • Special Feature:
    • India’s first solar plant designed to supply clean energy to multiple airports:
      • Hubballi Airport
      • Belagavi Airport
      • Mysuru Airport
    • Will also support future terminals in Karnataka.
  • Annual Generation: Over 11 million units of clean electricity.
  • Carbon Emission Reduction: Estimated at around 215,000 tonnes over its operational lifetime.

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia Receives Prestigious French Honour

• Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been awarded the ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Government.
• This award recognizes her exceptional contributions to the field of cinema.

Award Ceremony Details

• Venue: French Consulate Residence, Mumbai.
• Event: Formal ceremony attended by distinguished guests celebrating Kapadia’s growing global stature.

Significance of the Honour

• Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ is one of the highest cultural honours awarded by France.
• Other notable Indian recipients include:
  • Amitabh Bachchan
  • Shah Rukh Khan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Lata Mangeshkar

Kapadia’s Career Milestones

• 2017: Breakthrough with ‘Afternoon Clouds’ at the Cannes Film Festival.
• 2021: ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’ won the Golden Eye Award at Cannes.
• 2024:
  • ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
  • Historic moment: First Indian director in 30 years to win a top award in Cannes’ main competition.

Global Recognition

• ‘All We Imagine As Light’:
  • Nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
  • Shortlisted as France’s official entry for the Oscars (International Feature Film category).
  • Co-produced in France, praised for cultural fusion and distinct storytelling.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Comptroller and Auditor General of India Partners with Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode to Enhance Performance Audits

• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) to improve the quality and impact of performance audits.
• This partnership is aimed at enhancing stakeholder engagement and integrating best practices into CAG's audit methodologies.

Key Highlights

• The MoU aims to strengthen CAG's performance audit capabilities, with a focus on improving stakeholder interactions and the overall effectiveness of audits.
• This collaboration is part of CAG’s broader strategy to engage with institutes of national importance. The initiative follows previous partnerships with prestigious institutions such as:
  • IIM Ahmedabad
  • IIM Mumbai
  • IIT Madras
  • National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
• According to CAG K Sanjay Murthy, this partnership is a step towards integrating academic excellence into the CAG's audit methodologies, ensuring improved performance audits across various sectors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Rajiv Anand To Retire as Axis Bank Deputy Managing Director In August 2025

• Rajiv Anand, Deputy Managing Director of Axis Bank, will retire on 3 August 2025, completing his third term on the Bank’s Board.
• He played a key role in transforming Corporate Banking and in the early development of its retail banking franchise.
• Anand is credited with building a strong leadership pipeline within the bank.
• Though retiring from his executive role, he will continue with the Axis Group as Nonexecutive Chairperson of Axis Max Life Insurance Limited.
• The retirement announcement came alongside the bank’s strong March quarter performance.

Axis Bank elevates Sameer Shetty, Bipin Saraf, R Vempati as group executives

• ​Axis Bank has announced the elevation of three senior leaders to Group Executive roles, effective April 1, 2025.
  • Sameer Shetty: Appointed as Group Executive of the Digital Business and Transformation vertical.​​
  • Bipin Saraf: Appointed as Group Executive of the Bharat Banking​
  • Rajkamal Vempati: Appointed as Group Executive of the Human Resources segment.​​
• These leadership changes coincide with the upcoming retirement of Rajiv Anand, Deputy Managing Director, who will step down on August 3, 2025, upon completing his third term on the bank's board. Post-retirement, Anand will continue his association with the Axis Group as the Nonexecutive Chairperson of Axis Max Life Insurance Limited.

Reliance Industries board approves appointment of Anant Ambani as executive director

• The board of directors of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has approved the appointment of Anant M Ambani as Executive Director for five years, effective May 1, 2025.
• Anant Ambani will serve as a whole-time director, designated as Executive Director.
• He is currently a Non-Executive Director of the company.
• Earlier, in August 2023, the board had appointed Anant, Isha, and Akash Ambani as Non-Executive Directors, which was approved by shareholders in October 2023.
• Anant Ambani graduated from Brown University.
• He is the first among the Ambani siblings to be appointed as an Executive Director at RIL.
• In August 2022, Anant was appointed leader of RIL's energy vertical.
• He has served on the boards of Jio Platforms Ltd (since March 2020) and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (since May 2022).
• He has also served on the boards of Reliance New Energy Ltd and Reliance New Solar Energy Ltd (since June 2021).
• Additionally, Anant has been a board member of the Reliance Foundation since September 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NASA to Launch First Space-Based Quantum Gravity Sensor to Map Earth’s Hidden Shifts

• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing the first space-based quantum gravity gradiometer, called the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf).
• The goal is to use ultra-cold rubidium atoms to detect gravitational anomalies with up to ten times higher sensitivity than classical gravity sensors.

Key Highlights:

• The mission will test atom interferometry-based sensing technology from orbit.
• QGGPf will work by cooling rubidium atoms near absolute zero, allowing them to behave as matter waves.
• It measures the difference in gravitational acceleration between two atom clouds — a quantity known as the gravity gradient.
• These measurements help detect variations in mass distribution beneath Earth's surface.
• Ultra-cold atom sensors offer improved accuracy and stability compared to traditional mechanical systems, with less drift and thermal noise.
• The compact sensor will occupy about 25 cubic meters and weigh around 125 kilograms.
• It is scheduled for launch by the end of the decade.
• The mission's main goal is to validate quantum gravity sensing technology in space, setting the stage for future operational missions.
• NASA is collaborating with private companies and academic partners.
• AOSense and Infleqtion are advancing the atom interferometry-based sensor head, while Vector Atomic is working with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center to develop the necessary laser systems for the project.
• The mission’s applications are wide-ranging. By tracking gravitational shifts caused by tectonic motion, groundwater depletion, or melting glaciers, QGGPf will help improve environmental policy, manage natural resources, and enhance climate models.
• It could one day replace or complement traditional missions like GRACE and GRACE-FO for gravity field mapping.
• While the launch is planned for later this decade, QGGPf’s primary role is as a technology pathfinder.
• If successful, it could usher in a new era of compact, highly precise quantum instruments for Earth observation and planetary science.

Recent News:

• The long-awaited NISAR satellite mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, is now tentatively scheduled for launch in June 2025. 

About NASA:

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA

Indian Space Research Organisation & Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Join Hands to Strengthen Space Medicine Research for Gaganyaan

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research in space medicine for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
• The agreement, signed in New Delhi, outlines cooperation in key areas such as astronaut health monitoring, radiation medicine, telemedicine applications, human physiological research, and the development of biomedical support systems necessary for space missions.

Development of Infrastructure for Space Research

• SCTIMST Director Dr. Sanjay Behari outlined plans to establish clean room facilities and zero-gravity laboratories to facilitate research and device development.
• The institute aims to focus on technologies that not only cater to space missions but also have applications in terrestrial healthcare systems.
• The MoU was signed by Sanjay Behari and Shri M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary at ISRO, in the presence of senior officials from ISRO and SCTIMST, including directors from ISRO’s VSSC, LPSC, and Human Space Flight Centre, among others.
• This partnership aims to build a sustainable research ecosystem for India’s human spaceflight ambitions while also contributing to broader scientific and healthcare advancements.

Recent News:

• In April 2025, Eminent space scientist and former chairman of ISRO, Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, passed away

About ISRO:

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairman: V. Narayanan

Defence Research and Development Organisation Achieves Major Milestone in Scramjet Engine Development with Successful 1,000-Second Ground Test

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development by successfully conducting Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
• The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of DRDO, at the newly built Scramjet Connect Test Facility.
  • This ground test follows an earlier test reported for 120 seconds in January.
  • With this success, the system is soon to be ready for full-scale flight-worthy combustor testing.
• The Hypersonic Cruise Missile:
  • Travels at more than five times the speed of sound for long durations.
  • Is powered by an air-breathing engine.
  • Supersonic combustion in air-breathing propulsion systems plays a critical role for long-duration cruise conditions.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. 

About DRDO:

• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
• Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Veteran historian MGS Narayanan died at 92

• M.G.S. Narayanan, prominent historian and former chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), passed away at the age of 92 in Kozhikode.
• Born on August 20, 1932, in Ponnani, Kerala, he was an authority on Kerala’s ancient history, especially the Chera dynasty.
• His seminal work Perumals of Kerala is a landmark in Kerala’s historiography.
• MGS unearthed and interpreted stone and copper plate inscriptions, enriching Kerala’s documented past.
• He completed his graduation in economics and post-graduation in history from the University of Madras, securing first rank.
• He began teaching in 1954 and eventually retired in 1992 as head of the history department, University of Calicut.
• He earned his PhD in 1973 from the University of Kerala.
• Held key roles including Chairman of ICHR and Director General, Centre for Heritage Studies.
• Was associated with scholarly bodies like the South Indian History Congress, Epigraphical Society of India, and Numismatic Society of South India.
• Authored around 200 books and articles, including 112 research papers published globally.
• Notable books include:
• Kozhikodinte Katha
• Kalaripayattu Nighandu
• Kavitha Communism Vargheeyata – M.G.S. Thoughts
• 10 False Stories in Kerala History
• Chirithri Viyavaharam – Kerala and Bharatavum
• His autobiography Jalakangal was published in 2018 by Current Books.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025: April 28

• Every year April 28th is celebrated as World Day for Safety and Health at Work all over the world.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work Day is observed to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
• The main aim is to raise awareness to ensure health and safety in the workplace.

History

• In 2003 the International Labour Organization began to observe the stress of the prevention of accidents and disease at work. Moreover capitalizes on the traditional strengths and social dialogue.
• This celebration is an integral part of the global strategy on occupational safety and the work of the International Labour Organization.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work to create awareness for the workers and make sure the work is safe and healthy.
• There is a need to raise the political profile of occupational health and safety.
• The International Commemoration Day of Dead and Injured Workers Worldwide is observed on April 28th by the Trade Union movement.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 27 & 28

• In a major development for Indian higher education and arts, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune has been officially notified as an "Institution Deemed to be University" by the Union Ministry of Education.
• India has launched its first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, led by the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem) in collaboration with CMC Vellore
• India’s inland water transport (IWT) sector achieved a landmark 145.5 million tonnes (MMT) of cargo movement in FY 2024–25, up from 18.1 MMT in FY 2013–14
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Startup India and Stride Ventures, has declared Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Pvt Ltd (trading as Plastics for Change) the winner of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025.
• Similipal in Odisha has been officially accorded national park status by the Odisha government
• Hubballi Airport (Karnataka) received the Platinum Recognition under the Green Airports Recognition 2025 by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East
• Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been awarded the ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Government.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) to improve the quality and impact of performance audits.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revoked the banking license of Jalandhar-based Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., effective April 25, 2025, citing multiple regulatory and financial shortcomings and RBI cancelled the licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit based in Aurangabad,
• Amazon has invested Rs 350 crore into its payments arm, Amazon Pay India, signalling a continued effort to expand its presence in the highly competitive Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
• Rajiv Anand, Deputy Managing Director of Axis Bank, will retire on 3 August 2025 after completing his third term, and effective April 1, 2025, Axis Bank has elevated Sameer Shetty as Group Executive of Digital Business and Transformation, Bipin Saraf as Group Executive of Bharat Banking, and Rajkamal Vempati as Group Executive of Human Resources.
• The board of directors of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has approved the appointment of Anant M Ambani as Executive Director for five years, effective May 1, 2025.
• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing the first space-based quantum gravity gradiometer, called the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf).
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research in space medicine for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development by successfully conducting Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
• M.G.S. Narayanan, prominent historian and former chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), passed away at the age of 92 in Kozhikode.
• Every year April 28th is celebrated as World Day for Safety and Health at Work all over the world