IMPORTANT DAYS

World Earth Day 2025 observed on April 22

• World Earth Day is observed annually on April 22, uniting people globally to raise awareness about environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

• The theme for Earth Day 2025 is "Our Power, Our Planet," focusing on how collective action can drive positive environmental change.

• Earth Day serves as a reminder to actively contribute to the ongoing environmental crisis and to highlight the efforts being made worldwide toward sustainability.

• First celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day has evolved into a global event dedicated to environmental protection.

• Grammy-nominated singer and environmental activist Antonique Smith will serve as the official Earth Day Ambassador for 2025, using her platform to amplify climate action.

• This global observance, also on April 22, honours the planet and calls for greater responsibility in caring for the Earth’s resources.

SPORTS

ISSF World Cup 2025.

• Rudrankksh Patil and Arya Borse clinched silver in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Buenos Aires, narrowly losing to China in the final.

• Arjun Babuta earned silver in the men’s 10m Air Rifle event in Lima, finishing just 0.1 points behind China’s Lihao Sheng in a close finish.

• Earlier in the competition, Suruchi Inder Singh shone brightly by clinching two gold medals—one in the women’s 10m Air Pistol with a score of 243.6, and another in the mixed team pistol event alongside Saurabh Chaudhary.

• Manu Bhaker delivered a strong performance as well, earning silver in the women’s 10m Air Pistol, narrowly behind Suruchi, with a score of 242.3.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

India-Saudi Arabia Strengthen Strategic Ties During PM Modi’s Visit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Saudi Arabia from April 22–23, marking his third official trip after 2016 and 2019, with a focus on regional security and strategic collaboration.

• The visit reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's strategic significance for India, particularly in areas like humanitarian cooperation, crisis response, and expatriate welfare.

• Six MoUs were signed between the two nations on April 22, covering space, energy, health, culture, science, and advanced technology, broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation.

• PM Modi praised Saudi Arabia’s successful bids for hosting the World Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, calling it a source of great pride.

• The foundation of strong bilateral ties was laid with the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019, which has driven enhanced engagement across multiple sectors.

• India and Saudi Arabia share long-standing economic and socio-cultural relations, with diplomatic ties tracing back to 1947.

• The Riyadh Declaration of 2010 significantly elevated the partnership, officially marking it as a Strategic Partnership.

• As of FY 2023–24, Saudi Arabia ranks as India’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $42.98 billion, making up 4.53% of India’s total trade.

STATE NEWS

Amaravati Set to Become World’s First Fully Renewable Energy-Powered City

• Amaravati, the future capital of Andhra Pradesh, is on track to become the first city in the world to run entirely on renewable energy.

• The city’s energy infrastructure will be built to generate 2,700 megawatts using a mix of solar, wind, and hydropower sources.

• This pioneering initiative is aligned with India’s broader clean energy goals and its commitment to climate action.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the eco-city later this month, marking a major milestone.

• Amaravati aims to eliminate the use of fossil fuels completely by 2050, creating a sustainable urban environment.

• In the initial phase, the city plans to derive at least 30% of its power from solar and wind energy, reducing carbon emissions significantly.

• The project sets a global benchmark for sustainable urban planning, positioning Amaravati as a role model for future smart cities.

• With its focus on green infrastructure and renewable sources, Amaravati represents a bold step toward a carbon-neutral urban future.