National News

Stand-Up India Scheme

• The Stand-Up India Scheme has completed 7 years, and during this period, loans amounting to over ₹61,000 crore have been sanctioned. The scheme was launched on April 5, 2016.
• Its primary objective is to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women entrepreneurs to help them start their own businesses.

Major Achievements under the Stand-Up India Scheme :

‘Protection of Interest in Aircraft Goods Bill, 2025’

• Parliament approved the ‘Protection of Interest in Aircraft Goods Bill, 2025’.
• The bill, introduced by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, was passed first in the Rajya Sabha and then in the Lok Sabha.

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Approval of Four Major Multi-Tracking Projects

• The Union Cabinet has approved four major multi-tracking projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of Indian Railways.
• These projects will incur a cost of ₹18,658 crore and are targeted to be completed by the financial year 2030–31.

Main projects:

Budget Session of Parliament Concludes

• The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on 31st January 2025, officially concluded on 4th April 2025.

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Vibrant Villages Programme-II Approved

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) as a fully funded Central Sector Scheme aimed at the development of villages located along India’s international land borders.

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Updated Report on NTMHP

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released an updated report on the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), highlighting significant progress in the expansion of mental health services across India.

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Enumeration of Waterfalls for the First Time

• The Central Government has formally launched the second national census of reservoirs, which will, for the first time, also include the enumeration of waterfalls.
• Earlier, during the first census of water bodies in the year 2018-19, a total of 24,24,540 water bodies were identified, out of which 97.1% were located in rural areas, and 2.9% in urban areas.

Key reports of the first census:

State Special

Launch of AB-PMJAY: Delhi

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was officially launched in Delhi on 5th April 2025.
• Under the scheme, 91 hospitals have been empanelled, including 46 private hospitals, 34 Delhi government hospitals, and 11 central government hospitals.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):

International News

Earthquake in Papua New Guinea

• A strong earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on the morning of 5 April 2025, with a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale.
• According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located about 194 kilometers southeast of the city of Kimbe. The depth of the earthquake was approximately 10 kilometers.

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6th BIMSTEC Summit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive 21-point action plan at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, aimed at enhancing cooperation among the member countries.
• The plan focuses on economic development, digital transformation, disaster management, energy security, cultural exchange, and youth development, aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies.

BIMSTEC:

Gifts to Thai Prime Minister and His Wife

• During his visit to Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented exquisite gifts to the Thai Prime Minister and his wife, showcasing the grandeur of Indian handicrafts.
• He gifted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra a Dokra brass boat themed around a peacock, originating from the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh — a fine example of traditional Indian metal craftsmanship.

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Defense News

MRSAM Missile Test

• The Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the test of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM).
• The test was carried out on April 3 and 4 at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

Economy and Banking

India's Foreign Exchange Reserves

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $6.596 billion, reaching $665.396 billion in the week ending March 28, 2025.
• This marks the fourth consecutive week of growth in forex reserves, reaching a five-month high.

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Person In News

Babu Jagjivan Ram

• The 117th birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram is being celebrated across the country today, April 5, 2025.
• Babu Jagjivan Ram, respectfully known as "Babuji", was a hero of India's freedom struggle and a symbol of social justice.

Biography:

Important Days

National Maritime Day

• National Maritime Day is observed every year on 5th April to honor the maritime history and achievements of the shipping industry in India.
• This day commemorates the historic voyage of India's first indigenous ship, SS Loyalty, which successfully sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919.

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