IMPORTANT DAYS

World Autism Awareness Day 2025 observed on 2 April

• World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2 to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• The 2025 theme for World Autism Awareness Day is "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

• World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism worldwide.

• The first observance of World Autism Awareness Day took place on April 2, 2008.

• The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions.

• In India, the India Autism Centre reports that 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with autism.

• Boys are more commonly affected by autism than girls.

SUMMIT NAD CONFERENCE

PM Modi to Attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok

• PM Modi will visit Thailand from April 3-4 for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

• The Summit will be held on April 4, with the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.”

• On April 3, PM Modi will meet Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra for a bilateral discussion.

• The talks will focus on enhancing India-Thailand bilateral cooperation and future partnerships.

• Thailand has significantly increased its investments in India, especially in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, and renewable energy.

• In 2021, Thailand made a historic $453.29 million investment in India's renewable energy sector.

• Bilateral trade between India and Thailand reached $16.04 billion in 2023.

• The 6th BIMSTEC Summit follows previous summits in Bangkok, New Delhi, Nay Pyi Taw, Kathmandu, and Colombo.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Ministry of Heavy Industries Achieves 1 Million EV Sales in FY 2024-25

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries has hit 1 million electric vehicle (EV) sales in the 2024-25 financial year.

• This milestone aligns with PM Modi’s vision of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

• Electric two-wheeler sales surged to 1,149,334 units, reflecting a 21% increase over the previous year.

• Electric three-wheeler sales grew by 57%, with 159,235 units sold in FY 2024-25.

• The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme was introduced in September 2024.

• The PM E-DRIVE scheme has a budget of Rs. 10,900 crore for two years, extending until March 31, 2026.

• The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 has merged with the PM E-DRIVE scheme to boost EV adoption.

• The PM E-DRIVE initiative resulted in over 10 million electric two-wheelers and 120,000 three-wheelers being registered in FY 2024-25.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Constitutional Court of South Korea to Rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol's Impeachment

• The Constitutional Court of South Korea will deliver its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on April 4.

• Yoon was impeached by South Korea’s National Assembly on December 14, 2024, over allegations of declaring martial law without justification.

• Yoon argues that the martial law declaration was not intended to impose military rule but was a response to opposition abuse of power.

• The ruling will be broadcast live, and at least six justices must agree to remove Yoon from office.

• If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.

• Yoon is also facing criminal charges, accused of leading an insurrection with his martial law declaration.

• The martial law declaration caused a constitutional crisis, leading to the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

• Han Duck-soo resumed his role as acting president on March 24, 2025, after his reinstatement.

MISCELLANEOUS

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) Completes 3 Years

• On April 2, 2025, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) marks three years since its signing in 2022.

• The agreement has significantly strengthened economic ties between India and Australia, benefiting businesses and creating jobs in both countries.

• Bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 24 billion in the 2023-24 period.

• India’s exports to Australia saw a 14% growth compared to the previous year.

• From April 2024 to February 2025, exports to Australia grew by 4.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

• The ECTA has boosted sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture.

• Exports of items such as Calcined Petroleum Coke, High-Capacity Diesel Generating Sets, and Air Liquefaction Machinery indicate expanding trade opportunities.

• India and Australia upgraded their relationship from ‘Strategic Partnership’ to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in 2020, with key milestones like the 1st India-Australia Annual Summit in March 2023.