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Daily Current Affairs 8th April 2025 Daily GK Update
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National News
Over 13,000 sq km of Forest Land Under Encroachment Across India: Govt Report Reveals
- Over 13,000 square kilometres of forest area — more than the total geographical area of Delhi, Sikkim and Goa combined — is under encroachment in 25 states and Union territories that have so far submitted data to the Union environment ministry. Ten states are yet to submit data on forest encroachment.
- Last year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognisance of a PTI report that cited government data showing 7,50,648 hectares (7,506.48 square kilometres) of forest area — more than five times the size of Delhi — was under encroachment.
- The NGT had directed the ministry in April last year to compile the details of encroachment of forest areas in all states and Union Territories in a prescribed format.
- In a report submitted to the NGT, the ministry said that as of March 2024, a total of 13,05,668.1 hectares (or 13,056 square kilometres) of forest area was under encroachment in 25 states and Union territories that had provided data.
- These states and Union territories are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur.
- States and Union territories that are still to submit the data and details on forest encroachment are Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, West Bengal, Nagaland, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- According to the ministry report, Madhya Pradesh had the highest forest encroachment, with 5,460.9 square kilometres affected, as of March 2024. Assam has 3,620.9 square kilometres of forest area under encroachment.
- A total of 863.08 square kilometres of forest land in Karnataka is under encroachment, followed by 575.54 square kilometres in Maharashtra, 534.9 square kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh, 405.07 square kilometres in Odisha, 264.97 square kilometres in Uttar Pradesh, 247.72 square kilometres in Mizoram, 200.40 square kilometres in Jharkhand and 168.91 square kilometres in Chhattisgarh.
CM Himanta launches Assam’s biggest women entrepreneurship support scheme
- The Assam Government has launched its biggest women entrepreneurship support scheme, offering `10,000 as seed capital to boost self-employment opportunities for women.
- The scheme, called ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan,’ was launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Behali, Biswanath district, and will be rolled out across the state in phases.
- Through the new scheme, the government will provide `10,000 as seed capital in the first year, `25,000 (`12,500 as loan and equal amount as government support) in the second year on productive usage of seed capital, and `50,000 in the third stage.
President Droupadi Murmu signs Waqf (Amendment) bill 2025 into law
- President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during its budget session. The President also gave her assent to the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which was also passed by Parliament.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 opposing it.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, focuses on improving the management of waqf properties, empowering stakeholders relevant to the management of waqf properties, improving the efficiency of the survey, registration, and case disposal process, and developing waqf properties. While the core purpose remains the management of waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 was also repealed.
- The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.
- The bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act, enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improve the registration process, and increase the role of technology in managing waqf records.
PM Modi inaugurates India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge in Tamil Nadu
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu. This landmark project is India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, showcasing the nation’s growing engineering and infrastructural capabilities.
- The 2.07-kilometre-long bridge, spanning the Palk Strait, stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and visionary infrastructure development.
- A demonstration showcased the bridge’s functionality, with visuals capturing key moments. An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) boat successfully navigated under the structure, highlighting its vertical clearance and maritime accessibility. Following the boat’s passage, a train crossed the bridge, demonstrating its structural integrity and operational readiness.
- The story of the bridge dates back to 1914, when British engineers constructed the original Pamban Bridge—a cantilever structure with a Scherzer rolling lift span—connecting Rameswaram Island to mainland India. The new bridge, sanctioned in 2019, is three metres taller than the original, enhancing sea connectivity and accommodating maritime traffic more efficiently.
- Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, at a cost of over Rs 700 crore the New Pamban Bridge has been designed to meet higher standards for speed, load-bearing capacity, and maritime clearance. It enhances connectivity while showcasing India’s capabilities in safety, durability, and innovation.
- As India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge joins the ranks of other iconic international structures known for their engineering achievements—such as the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Tower Bridge in London, and the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden.
International News
Bangladesh assumes Chairmanship of BIMSTEC for next two years
- Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of the regional grouping – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) – for the next two years.
- Upon receiving the Chairmanship from the Prime Minister of Thailand, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus made a statement of acceptance, underscoring an inclusive and action-oriented Bimstec.
- Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. The Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Banking and Financial
RBI to issue ₹10, ₹500 notes in new series bearing Gov. Malhotra’s signature
- The Reserve Bank of India will issue ₹10 and ₹500 denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
- The design of these notes is similar in all respects to ₹10 and ₹500 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
- All banknotes in the denominatio nof ₹10 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender. All banknotes in the denomination of ₹500 in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will also continue to be legal tender.
Axis Bank Becomes First to Launch B2B Collections via Bharat Connect
- Axis Bank has partnered with a Fortune 500 company to launch India’s first B2B collections solution using NBBL’s Bharat Connect (formerly BBPS), marking a major milestone in digital payment innovation.
- The solution enables seamless invoice payments across sectors like FMCG, Pharma, Automotives, and Healthcare, integrating multiple ordering apps and simplifying collections for distributors and retailers.
- Developed using Axis Bank’s advanced Corporate API stack, the platform offers a scalable, customizable, and agile system, supported by NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) to streamline supply chain finance operations.
IDFC FIRST Bank Authorized for Central Government Pension Disbursement
- IDFC FIRST Bank has been authorized by the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), Government of India, to disburse pensions to Central Government pensioners, including All India Service Officers, former Members of Parliament, and retired Judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court.
- Pensioners can receive their pensions directly into their IDFC FIRST Bank Savings Account, which offers benefits such as zero fees on various banking services, higher interest rates with monthly credits, and exclusive senior citizen advantages.
- The bank allows pension accounts to be opened jointly with a spouse, ensuring continuity of the family pension in the same account upon the primary pensioner’s demise.
- To initiate pension disbursement through IDFC FIRST Bank, pensioners need to share their bank account details with their employer, who will coordinate with the respective Pay & Accounts Office and CPAO for processing.
SBI Withdraws Amrit Kalash FD Scheme from April 1, 2025
- SBI has discontinued its limited-period Amrit Kalash Fixed Deposit scheme, which offered a 400-day deposit with interest rates of 7.10% for regular investors and 7.60% for senior citizens.
- The scheme was withdrawn effective April 1, 2025, as per an official update on the SBI website; it had been offering attractive returns since April 12, 2023.
- Investors seeking similar benefits can now opt for SBI’s Amrit Vrishti FD scheme, which offers slightly better rates and additional perks, especially for senior and super senior citizens.
KVG Bank launches e-Bank Guarantee service
- Regional rural bank (RRB) Karnataka Vikas Gramin Bank (KVGB) has launched its e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) services in collaboration with the government’s information utility provider National E-Governance Services Limited (NESL) in Dharwad.
- Launching the services in Dharwad, bank Chairman Shrikant M. Bhandiwad said that KVG Bank is the first among the 43 regional rural banks in India to introduce the facility.
- The e-BG service leverages e-signatures and e-stamps, significantly simplifying the bank guarantee process. With this facility, guarantees can now be issued within minutes. Beneficiaries can view the e-Bank Guarantee on the NESL portal immediately after issuance, eliminating the need for additional confirmation.
Citi and SBI Announce $295 Million Social Loan Facility
- Citi and State Bank of India (SBI) have jointly announced a $295 million social loan facility aimed at financing microfinance institutions and non-banking financial companies that provide loans to women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers.
- The loan facility is specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment within these groups.
- This initiative underscores the commitment of both Citi and SBI to foster social development and support underserved communities by enhancing access to financial resources.
Appointment
Thomas Cook India taps Kartik Aaryan as brand ambassador for forex business
- Thomas Cook India Limited has appointed Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as brand ambassador for its foreign exchange business.
- The strategic move aims to target India’s millennial and Gen Z travellers, who the company identifies as powerful drivers in the country’s outbound travel growth.
- The partnership begins with a campaign promoting Thomas Cook’s recently launched Borderless Travel Card, a multi-currency prepaid card designed for international travellers.
Recent Brand Ambassador
- Salman Khan – 10X Zarda King rice
- Salman Khan – GRM Overseas Wheat Flour
- Vidya Balan – Federal Bank
- Shubman Gill – Tyre brand MRFs
- Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh – American clothing brand, Levi’s
- PV Sindhu – PUMA India
- Mo Farah – Tata Mumbai Marathon
Awards
President Droupadi Murmu Honoured with Key to City of Lisbon
- President Droupadi Murmu attended the ceremony to deliver the city key of honour. The ceremony is being organized by the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Manuel, to present the key of the city in her honour. The Key to the City of Lisbon is the highest honour accorded by the city of Lisbon.
- She is visiting Portugal at the invitation of President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The visit is taking place after a gap of 27 years. The last State Visit took place in 1998 when President K R Narayanan visited Portugal.
Defence
All Women’s Tri Service Samudra Pradakshina flagged off from Mumbai
- The first tri-service all-women global circumnavigation expedition “Samudra Pradakshina” on board the IASV (Indian Army Sailing Vessel) Triveni was flagged off from Mumbai.
- The expedition was flagged off by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai.
- The 12 crew members of IASV Triveni have been drawn from the Indian Armed Forces- Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. All the crew members were given rigorous training at the Army Adventure Nodal Centre for Blue Water Sailing in Marve, Mumbai.
- The expedition will sail to Seychelles and come back to Mumbai, covering the 4,000 nautical mile journey in 55 days. The expedition is part of the armed forces to promote women’s empowerment or Nari Shakti.
- Last year, the Indian Navy succesfully launched its all women second Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition to circumnavigate the globe on board the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini or INSV Tarini. It was manned by two women officers of the India Navy.
Important day
6 April – International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
- The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed every year on 6 April, celebrating the transformative power of sport in fostering positive change, bridging divides, and transcending boundaries.
- Theme 2025 – Levelling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion
- In August 2013, the UN General Assembly decided to proclaim 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and it has been celebrated each year since 2014.
7 April – International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda
- The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda is observed every year on 7 April.
- This day marks the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in recent history, when in 1994, over 800,000 Tutsi, along with moderate Hutu and others who opposed the genocide, were systematically killed in just 100 days.
- Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, the day serves as a solemn occasion to honor the victims, support the survivors, and reflect on the lessons learned.
- This annual observance encourages people globally to stand up against hate speech, discrimination, and violence, and to promote values of peace, human rights, and dignity for all.
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