IMPORTANT DAYS
National Maritime Day 2025 celebrated on April 5.
• National Maritime Day is celebrated annually on 5th April to raise awareness about maritime trade and its role in the global economy.
• The day has been observed since 1964, marking the historical significance of maritime trade.
• On 5th April 1919, the first Indian ship, SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to the UK, operated by Scindia Steam Navigation Company.
• The Varuna Award is presented on this day to honor individuals with significant contributions to the Indian maritime sector.
• World Maritime Day is observed on the last Thursday of September each year to highlight the importance of international shipping.
APPOINTMENTS
Poonam Gupta Appointed as RBI's New Deputy Governor
• Poonam Gupta becomes the first woman to be appointed as RBI Deputy Governor in 14 years.
• Took office on April 1, 2025, for a three-year term, filling the vacancy left by Michael Patra.
• Gupta is the Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and serves on the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
• She is also the Convener of the Advisory Council to the 16th Finance Commission.
• Gupta is only the fourth woman to hold the Deputy Governor position in RBI's 90-year history, following KJ Udeshi, Shyamala Gopinath, and Usha Thorat.
• No woman has ever served as the RBI Governor, but Gupta will be the first female to lead RBI’s monetary policy and Economic & Policy Research departments.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: Key Highlights
• Sex Ratio at Birth: Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, India's sex ratio at birth has risen from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
• The BBBP scheme was launched on 22nd January 2015 by the Government of India.
• Aims to prevent gender-based selection, ensure the safety and survival of girl children, and promote their education.
• The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government and is implemented across all districts in India.
• Focuses on changing societal attitudes towards girls by engaging and empowering stakeholders.
• School Enrolment: The gross enrolment ratio for girls at the secondary level is targeted to rise from 75% in 2014-15 to 78% by 2023-24.
• State-wise Sex Ratio (Census 2011):
o Kerala: Highest sex ratio among states with 1,084 females per 1,000 males.
o Haryana: Lowest sex ratio among states with 879 females per 1,000 males.
• Union Territories' Sex Ratio:
o Puducherry: Highest sex ratio with 1,037 females per 1,000 males.
o Daman and Diu: Lowest sex ratio with 618 females per 1,000 males.
DEFENCE
Successful Flight Tests of Army’s MRSAM by DRDO and Indian Army
• The Indian Army and DRDO successfully conducted four flight tests of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM).
• The tests were carried out from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha.
• The primary goal of the tests was to assess the missile's performance at various altitudes (long, short, high, and low).
• These trials confirmed the missile's ability to intercept targets at critical ranges.
• Army personnel from the Eastern and Southern Commands carried out the tests, with guidance from DRDO scientists.
• The MRSAM system is a joint development by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, featuring advanced components such as a multi-function radar, command post, and mobile launcher systems.
RANKING AND REPORTS
India's Progress in AI and Frontier Technologies (2023-2025)
• Private AI Investments (2023): India ranked 10th globally with $1.4 billion in AI investments.
• UNCTAD 2025 Report: India improved to 36th position in the "Readiness for Frontier Technologies" index (from 48th in 2022).
• The US led global private AI investments in 2023, contributing $67 billion (70% of the total).
• China secured the 2nd spot with $7.8 billion in AI investments.
• India, along with China, Germany, the UK, and the US, is recognized for its scientific capabilities in AI development.
