Important News - 2025-04-08

08 April 2025

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Heritage (1)

Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha to Open for Public Tours Next Month

The Karnataka government has approved a plan to transform Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru’s iconic landmark, into a tourist destination by next month. The Tourism Department will conduct guided tours for the public, allowing visitors to explore the historical monument’s interiors and learn about its significance. The tours will be structured into hourly slots between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with each group limited to 30 people for security and quality purposes. Visitors will need to present government-issued ID proofs like Aadhaar or Voter ID for entry. The initiative draws inspiration from similar tours at Rastrapathi Bhavan in Delhi and other foreign governing centers. On April 6, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a permanent lighting system at Vidhana Soudha, which will be operational during weekends and special occasions. While ticket prices and entry details are still being finalized, the move has sparked debates about the introduction of an entry fee for a public governing center.

Politics (12)

P. Chidambaram Faints at Sabarmati Ashram, Hospitalized

Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram fainted at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on April 8, 2025, during a prayer meeting attended by Congress leaders. He was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention. Sources attributed the incident to extreme heat following a hectic day. His son, Karti Chidambaram, later confirmed on social media platform X that his father was fine and under medical observation. Earlier in the day, Mr. Chidambaram had participated in the extended Congress Working Committee meeting at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial.

BJP MLA Raja Singh and Two Others Booked for Violations During Rama Navami Procession in Hyderabad

The Mangalhat Police in Hyderabad registered a case against BJP MLA T. Raja Singh and two others, including former BJP minister Anand Singh and MP candidate Bhagavanth Rao, for violating official orders during the Rama Navami Shobha Yatra procession on April 6, 2024. The individuals were accused of using high-volume sound systems without obtaining the necessary permissions and reportedly used inappropriate language against on-duty police officers. The incident occurred during the annual religious procession in the city, and further investigations are currently underway.

Audit Exposes Misuse of Funds by Former Kannur University VC

An audit report for the year 2022-23 revealed that former Kannur University Vice-Chancellor (V-C) Gopinath Raveendran misused university funds to file a legal case challenging the cancellation of his appointment. The audit flagged procedural violations, stating that ₹4 lakh was allocated without proper authorization for a case filed in the Kerala High Court against the cancellation of his appointment. This followed a Supreme Court ruling on October 21, 2022, which quashed his appointment on the grounds that only one name was recommended for the VC post, instead of a panel as mandated. The university Syndicate’s decision to allocate funds for personal legal cases was criticized as irregular. Dr. Raveendran later refunded the ₹4 lakh in December 2024, acknowledging the financial irregularity. However, the Kannur University UDF Senators Forum claimed the total legal expenses in the case amounted to ₹68 lakh (₹30 lakh from the university and ₹38 lakh from the Kerala government), and demanded full reimbursement. The matter was highlighted during the annual Senate meeting, with Senators Forum convener Dr. Shino P. Jose warning of legal action if the full amount is not reimbursed.

Congress CWC Adopts Resolution to Follow Sardar Patel’s Principles, Criticizes BJP’s Communal Politics

On April 8, 2025, the Extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a resolution titled ‘Flag-bearer of freedom movement- Our Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’, committing to follow the principles of Sardar Patel. The resolution criticized the BJP’s alleged attempts to appropriate Patel’s legacy and accused the BJP-RSS combine of spreading communal division. Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized Patel’s role in banning the RSS post-Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and drew parallels between the colonial British policies and the current BJP government’s actions against farmers, including the controversial Anti-Agriculture Laws and the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. The resolution also sought to debunk myths of conflict between Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru, quoting Patel’s letter affirming their unbreakable bond. The CWC pledged to combat forces of animosity and division while highlighting the need to address pressing national issues beyond communal polarization.

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Reorganization Remains Pending After Six Months

The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) has been in a state of reorganization for the past six months, with the central leadership yet to finalize a plan to balance the party's cadre between the government and the organization. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) dissolved the State unit, including district and block units, six months ago, but Pratibha Singh, wife of the late former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, was asked to continue as the State unit chief. Rajni Patil, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and party in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, stated that the reconstitution of the State unit is a priority and expects the process to be completed within the next fortnight. The new body is expected to be smaller in size compared to the previous one, with fewer office bearers. The previous State unit, revamped in 2022, had four working presidents and a large number of office bearers. The AICC president, Mallikarjun Kharge, dissolved the entire State unit in November last year following the party's poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it failed to win any of the four Parliamentary seats. However, the party's success in the Assembly byelections, winning four out of six seats, provided a significant boost. A two-member panel was set up in July 2024 to analyze the factors behind the Lok Sabha election debacle in Himachal Pradesh.

Left Parties Condemn Fuel Price Hike, Demand Rollback and PM Ujjwala Scheme Benefits

On April 8, 2025, the Left parties, including the CPI(M) and CPI, strongly criticized the central government for increasing the prices of LPG cylinders and imposing a special excise duty on petrol and diesel. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau stated that these measures would severely impact the already inflation-burdened lives of the people. They accused the government of violating federal principles by retaining the benefits of falling international oil and gas prices instead of passing them on to the public. The CPI General Secretary, D. Raja, condemned the consistent rise in LPG prices under the BJP regime, even during periods of historically low global crude oil prices. He demanded the reinstatement of a ₹250 per cylinder consumer-oriented subsidy for general consumers and the provision of at least six free cylinders annually for Below Poverty Line families enrolled in the PM Ujjwala Scheme. Raja emphasized that access to clean cooking fuel is a basic necessity and a right, not a luxury.

Chandrababu Naidu Focuses on AI-Driven Grievance Redressal in Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized the need for swift and efficient grievance redressal in Andhra Pradesh. During a special review meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday, he instructed officials to ensure that public complaints are addressed within a stipulated time frame. Mr. Naidu highlighted the use of modern technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to streamline the process and prevent fraudulent complaints. He mandated the collection of Aadhaar numbers and Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers for grievance registration to enhance accountability. Additionally, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of providing detailed explanations to complainants when their grievances cannot be resolved. He also cautioned against individuals who misuse the system by repeatedly filing complaints on the same issue and directed that such cases be thoroughly investigated. Mr. Naidu further emphasized the collection of feedback from complainants after resolution and instructed District Collectors to personally follow up on grievances received directly from the public. Officials informed the Chief Minister that nearly 90% of grievances originate from three departments: Revenue, Police, and Municipal. In the Revenue Department, land-related issues, such as discrepancies in land area during re-surveys, corrections in pattadar passbooks, and changes in landowner names, are prevalent. The Police Department receives complaints related to property disputes, cybercrime, marital issues, land conflicts, and financial frauds. The Municipal Department deals with issues like encroachment of government properties, unauthorized constructions, violations of building regulations, and property tax disputes.

CPI(M) Leader M.A. Baby Highlights Role of Identity Politics in Sangh Parivar's Rise

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby stated that identity politics is fueling the rise of Sangh Parivar in India. Speaking at a meet-the-press event organized by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, Baby highlighted that the shift from broad-based politics has enabled the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to expand its influence among groups traditionally aligned with the CPI(M). He emphasized the need for CPI(M) units to counter the growing trend of caste and religious identity politics. Baby noted that sections of society previously averse to associating with the Sangh Parivar now openly identify with Hindu majoritarian forces, particularly under the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-led government at the Centre. He also pointed out the adverse effects of identity politics on pressing livelihood issues such as unemployment, inflation, and income inequality. Despite these challenges, Baby highlighted positive developments, including the CPI(M)'s success in securing three Assembly seats in Rajasthan and Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami's victory in the Kulgam Assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. He also acknowledged the role of progressive organizations like the SNDP Yogam and Nair Service Society in countering extreme right-wing forces. However, Baby expressed concern over the BDJS, an alliance partner of the BJP in Kerala, and criticized the Congress for failing to unite the INDIA bloc to prevent the BJP from gaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which could have enabled constitutional amendments aligned with the Sangh Parivar's agenda.

ED Detains Shivamogga DCC Chairman in ₹62 Crore Fake Gold Loan Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple locations in Shivamogga and Bengaluru on Tuesday, investigating a decade-old case involving a fraudulent loan disbursal of over ₹62 crore against fake gold jewellery at the Shivamogga District Central Cooperative Bank. The ED detained the bank’s current Chairman, R.M. Manjunath Gowda, who was also the Chairman during the alleged scam in 2014. Gowda, a prominent Congress leader and Chairman of the Malnad Area Development Board, was taken into custody from a guest house in Bengaluru and is being interrogated. The scam came to light in 2014 when the bank’s general manager reported financial irregularities to the Shivamogga police. Alongside Gowda, the ED also raided premises linked to Shivakumar, Gowda’s driver, and bank employees Shobha and N.G. Nagabhushan. Gowda had previously been arrested by the Karnataka CID in 2014 and was released on bail.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara Regrets Remarks on Bengaluru Sexual Assault Case

Home Minister G. Parameshwara has expressed regret for his controversial remarks regarding a sexual assault case in Bengaluru. The incident occurred in BTM Layout, where a woman was molested by an unidentified man. While addressing the media, Parameshwara had stated that such incidents are common in a large city like Bengaluru, which drew widespread criticism, particularly from the opposition BJP. On Tuesday, he clarified that his statement was misinterpreted and emphasized his commitment to women’s safety. He also mentioned that he had instructed the city police to strengthen the beat system. Meanwhile, the Suddaguntepalya Police have identified a suspect in the case, but the victim has declined to pursue legal action. The police are now gathering technical evidence to confirm the suspect’s involvement before proceeding with an arrest.

Escalating Verbal Conflict Between HD Kumaraswamy and N Cheluvarayaswamy

The verbal conflict between Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and Karnataka's Minister for Agriculture, N. Cheluvarayaswamy, escalated on Tuesday. The dispute began when Kumaraswamy referred to Cheluvarayaswamy as a 'joker,' prompting the latter to challenge Kumaraswamy to take a vow before the presiding deity of Dharmasthala regarding his role in Kumaraswamy's ascension as Chief Minister. Cheluvarayaswamy also dared Kumaraswamy to a public debate on their political histories. Kumaraswamy accepted the challenge for the vow but declined the debate, asserting that his position as Chief Minister was due to the support of MLAs, not Cheluvarayaswamy. The exchange included personal allegations, with Kumaraswamy denying any 'addictions' and emphasizing his dedication to public service through initiatives like Janata Darshans and Village stays.

All-Kerala Mayors’ Council Advocates for Metropolitan Planning Committee to Tackle Urban Development Challenges

The All-Kerala Mayors’ Council convened in Thrissur on Tuesday to address the pressing challenges of urban development in the state. The council emphasized the urgent need for a Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) to guide modern urban development initiatives, proposing its initial establishment in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, key metropolitan hubs. The Mayors highlighted that the absence of such a body hinders the creation of sustainable and forward-looking urban infrastructure. Additionally, they demanded the recognition of all bills submitted on March 24 as part of the current year’s Budget, allocation of essential posts to Kollam and Kannur Corporations, and the freedom for corporations to recruit critical roles like Finance Manager, Town Planner, Legal Advisor, IT Manager, Mechanical Engineer, and Electrical Engineer on a one-year basis. The council also urged the implementation of recommendations from the Kerala Urban Commission, including the removal of DPC approval requirements for projects funded through corporation funds, and advocated for corporations to secure loans from banks without placing financial liability on the government. The Mayors, including M. Anilkumar (President and Mayor of Kochi), M.K. Varghese (Thrissur), Honey Benjamin (Kollam), Beena Philip (Kozhikode), and Muslih Madathil (Kannur), stressed the need for robust urban policies to shape the future of Kerala’s cities. During the meeting, the Mayors also visited Thrissur Corporation’s ambitious projects, including the Skyway project and the Peechi Floating Pump.

Miscellaneous (2)

Renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Chandy of HOSMAT Hospital Passes Away at 74

Dr. Thomas Chandy, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and the Chairman and Managing Director of HOSMAT Hospital in Bengaluru, passed away at the age of 74 on April 7, 2024, following a prolonged battle with Interstitial Lung Disease. He breathed his last at Manipal Hospital on HAL Road, where he had undergone a lung transplant and received treatment for over two months. Dr. Chandy, a graduate of St. John’s Medical College (1973), pursued advanced training in orthopaedics at St. John’s and St. Martha’s Hospital in Bengaluru before furthering his studies in the United States. Returning to Bengaluru, he established HOSMAT Hospital in 1993, which became a leading healthcare institution. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Chandy was a passionate musician and collector of musical instruments, amassing over 350 instruments from around the world. He was also the leader and vocalist of the jazz band Jazz & Rock Revival, which celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Brahma Kumaris’ Spiritual Leader Dadi Ratan Mohini Passes Away at 100

Dadi Ratan Mohini, the spiritual leader and chief administrator of Brahma Kumaris, passed away on April 8, 2025, at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on March 25, 2025. Dadi Ratan Mohini had been unwell for the past week and was transferred from Abu Road, Rajasthan, to Ahmedabad when her condition worsened. Her body was kept at the Brahma Kumaris’ headquarters, Shantivan, in Abu Road, for public homage. Born on March 25, 1925, in Hyderabad Sindh (now in Pakistan), she migrated to India after Partition and became a prominent figure in the Brahma Kumaris, the world’s largest spiritual organization. She served as its chief administrator since 2021 and was the second leader of the organization to reach the age of 100, following Dadi Janki, who passed away in 2020 at 104. Dadi Ratan Mohini represented Brahma Kumaris at the World Peace Conference in Japan in 1954 and undertook extensive spiritual pilgrimages, including a 31,000-km journey in 2006. Her demise was mourned by leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.

Economy (3)

U.S. Tariff on Indian Seafood Exports Sparks Uncertainty; Farmers Seek Relief

The U.S. government has announced a 26% tariff on all Indian seafood exports, effective from April 9, 2024. This decision, made by President Donald Trump, has created uncertainty for Indian seafood exporters, particularly those in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) expressed concerns about the lack of clarity on resuming shipments to the U.S., which were halted after the tariff was levied on April 2. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 17,81,603 metric tonnes (MT) of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore during 2023-24, with the U.S. being a major importer of frozen shrimp (2,97,571 MT). Other significant importers include China, the European Union, South East Asia, and Japan. The SEAI is unable to provide price lists to aqua farmers due to fluctuating international market prices. Meanwhile, India is exploring new export opportunities in South Korea, Russia, and Singapore. Aqua farmers and SEAI leaders have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and seek relief from the U.S. tariff, while expressing gratitude to the State and Central governments for engaging in talks with the U.S. authorities.

AAI Inspects Potential Sites for Bengaluru’s Second Greenfield International Airport

On Tuesday, a team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) inspected two of the three potential sites for Bengaluru’s proposed second greenfield international airport, located on Kanakapura Road. The third site, situated on Nelamangala-Kunigal Road, is scheduled for inspection on Wednesday. Following the site visits, the AAI team held a meeting with Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil, where a live presentation underscored the necessity of a second airport due to increasing industrial demand and civilian air traffic benefits. Minister Patil stressed the government’s commitment to transparency in site selection, ensuring the final decision aligns with Bengaluru’s specific requirements and the AAI’s recommendations. The AAI team included Vikram Singam (General Manager), K. Srinivas Rao (Joint General Manager), Manuj Bharadwaj (Assistant General Manager), Sachidanand (Senior Manager), and managers Santosh Kumar Bharathi and Amaan Chhipa.

Kerala Signs Agreement with Centre for ₹817.80 Crore VGF Share for Vizhinjam Port

The Kerala government is set to sign an agreement with the Union government on Wednesday to secure the Centre’s share of ₹817.80 crore from the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) for the Vizhinjam International Port project. This follows a Cabinet decision in March 2024 to accept the Central share of VGF for the seaport. Two agreements will be signed at a ceremony at Mascot Hotel: a tripartite agreement involving the Centre, a bank consortium, and Adani Vizhinjam Private Port Limited (AVPPL), the port developer; and a premium sharing agreement ensuring the Centre receives 20% of the port’s revenue. The first phase of the port project will conclude with the completion of VGF procedures. Under a recent supplementary agreement, the Kerala government will start receiving its share of port revenue from 2034, earlier than the initially projected 15-year wait. Additionally, all phases of the port will now be completed by December 2028, ahead of the earlier 2045 deadline, with AVPPL bearing the ₹10,000 crore cost for the second, third, and fourth phases. The port’s minimum installed capacity will reach 3 million TEU annually by 2028.

Elections (1)

Bihar Cabinet Approves 27,370 Government Jobs Ahead of Assembly Elections

In preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, the State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved the recruitment of 27,370 government jobs across various departments on April 8, 2025. The Health Department will see the highest number of recruitments, with over 20,000 posts, including the creation of a 'Public Health Cadre' and a 'Hospital Management Cadre'. Additionally, 3,306 'Assistant Urdu Translator' posts have been approved under the Bihar Rajya Urdu Anuwadak Samvarg Niyamawali, 2016, to be deployed across districts, sub-divisions, blocks, and circles. The Department of Agriculture will create 2,590 clerical cadre posts, while the Department of Prohibition, Excise and Registration will establish new 'Excise Chemical Laboratories' in six districts, creating 48 new posts. The General Administration Department will add 35 data entry operator posts for the Bihar Staff Selection Commission, and 36 gazetted and non-gazetted posts for a 50-bed integrated Ayush hospital in Patna. The Education Department’s proposal to micro-monitor schools from primary to higher secondary levels and the creation of the 'Bihar Education Administrative Cadre Rules, 2025' were also approved. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has promised employment if elected, with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav highlighting his previous record of providing five lakh jobs during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. Additionally, the monthly salaries and allowances of State Ministers and Deputy Ministers have been increased, with travel allowances raised to ₹25 per kilometre from ₹15 per kilometre.

Festivals (1)

Hyderabad Police Enhance Security for Hanuman Vijaya Yatra on April 12

The Hyderabad Police Commissionerate has intensified security measures for the upcoming Hanuman Vijaya Yatra, scheduled for April 12. During a high-level review meeting, Police Commissioner C.V. Anand emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, deployment of special forces in sensitive areas, and monitoring of social media content to ensure a peaceful procession. The route, stretching from Sri Ram Mandir in Gowliguda, Bible House to Tadbun Hanuman Temple, will be inspected for logistical and safety concerns. Special forces will be stationed near religious sites, and organizers have been instructed to avoid using DJ systems, fireworks, or colored powders. Provocative banners and unauthorized drone usage are strictly prohibited. Public cooperation has been sought to prevent misinformation on social media, and dedicated teams will be deployed to deter petty crimes along the procession route.

Schemes (2)

Andhra Pradesh Launches P4 Scheme to Eradicate Poverty as Part of Vision 2047

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the P4 (Public Private People Partnership - Margadarsi Bangaru Kutumbam) scheme as part of its Vision 2047 initiative to eradicate poverty in the state. Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy announced this at the ‘Chintan Shivir’ national conference in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on November 7, 2023. The scheme aims to encourage the top 10% of wealthy individuals to support the bottom 20% economically and socially. Additionally, the state has introduced the Eagle System to combat drugs and marijuana through specialized police stations and de-addiction centers. Andhra Pradesh is also allocating significant funds for social security pensions, providing ₹4,000 monthly to the elderly and ₹6,000-15,000 to the disabled. The state supplements the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by offering ₹75,000 to STs and ₹50,000 to SCs for house construction. The government is also working on sanitation, repairing welfare hostels, and promoting self-employment through the SC Corporation.

UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar App with Facial Recognition in Testing Phase

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new Aadhaar app in its testing phase, featuring facial recognition authentication. Announced by Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Aadhaar Samvaad event in Delhi, the app offers a revamped design and enhanced security features. Users can now securely share their Aadhaar data with hotels and other entities without needing physical copies. The app, currently available only to a select group of users, including event participants, aims to provide greater control over personal information. Feedback from users and ecosystem partners will guide its broader release. The facial recognition feature, initially introduced through the AadhaarFaceRD app, has already been used for over 15 crore authentications, complementing the daily eight crore authentications via fingerprints or one-time passcodes.

Ranks & Reports (1)

Dharwad District Climbs to 17th Rank in Karnataka's II PU Exam Results

Dharwad district has significantly improved its performance in the II PU (Pre-University) examination for the academic year 2024-25, rising to the 17th rank in the state from its previous 23rd position. This achievement is attributed to the concerted efforts of the district administration and the Department of PU Education. The district secured seven state-level ranks across various streams: five in Science, two in Arts, and notable performances in Commerce. In the Science stream, the passing percentage reached 84.29%, with 10,595 out of 12,570 students passing. In the Arts stream, the passing percentage increased from 53% last year to 55.21% this year, with 3,337 out of 6,044 students succeeding. The Commerce stream saw a passing percentage of 65.44%, with 4,482 out of 6,849 students passing. Overall, 18,414 out of 25,463 students passed the examination, resulting in a district-wide passing percentage of 72.32%. Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. highlighted these achievements during a press conference in Dharwad, where she also felicitated rank-holding students. Notable rank holders include Sumith Kishorkumar Rashinkar, who secured the sixth rank in Science, and Bhuvi C. Shah, who topped the Commerce stream in the district.

Appointments (1)

P. Raja Babu Appointed as Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission

P. Raja Babu, who previously served as the Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation and Commissioner of the Andhra Pradesh Weaker Sections Housing Programme, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). The appointment was officially announced in an order issued by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand on Tuesday. As part of this new role, Mr. Babu’s services have been transferred from the Housing Department to the APPSC. This move underscores significant administrative changes within the state government.

Defence (1)

India and UAE Strengthen Defence Cooperation with Focus on Industry Collaboration

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to strengthen their defence ties during a high-level meeting on April 8, 2025. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the UAE, in New Delhi. Both leaders emphasized the importance of close cooperation between their defence industries as a key component of bilateral relations. They also discussed formalizing Coast Guard cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The UAE Crown Prince, who is also a patron of the arts, highlighted the strong UAE-India ties built on trust, shared history, and a vision for future prosperity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the role of Dubai in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expressed optimism for enhanced collaboration in defence, co-production, co-development projects, innovation, and technology.

📜 One-Line Summary of Today's News

Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha will soon offer guided public tours as part of a Tourism Department initiative to showcase the historical monument.
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram fainted at Sabarmati Ashram on April 8, 2025, due to heat and was hospitalized, with his son confirming his stable condition.
Dr. Thomas Chandy, a prominent orthopaedic surgeon and founder of HOSMAT Hospital, Bengaluru, passed away at 74 after a prolonged illness.
A 26% U.S. tariff on Indian seafood exports, effective from April 9, 2024, has disrupted trade, prompting exporters to seek relief and explore new markets.
Dadi Ratan Mohini, the centenarian chief administrator of Brahma Kumaris, passed away on April 8, 2025, in Ahmedabad, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual leadership and global contributions.
BJP MLA Raja Singh and two others were booked for violating orders during the Rama Navami procession in Hyderabad on April 6, 2024.
The Bihar State Cabinet approved 27,370 government jobs across various departments on April 8, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections.
An audit report revealed former Kannur University VC Gopinath Raveendran misused ₹4 lakh of university funds for a personal legal case, leading to his refund and demands for full reimbursement of ₹68 lakh in total expenses.
The Congress Working Committee adopted a resolution on April 8, 2025, committing to Sardar Patel’s ideals and criticizing the BJP for communal politics and anti-farmer policies.
Hyderabad Police have ramped up security measures, including surveillance and special forces deployment, to ensure a peaceful Hanuman Vijaya Yatra on April 12.
The Airports Authority of India inspected sites for Bengaluru’s second greenfield international airport, with the final decision to be based on AAI’s recommendations and the city’s requirements.
The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee's reorganization, initiated six months ago, remains incomplete as the central leadership works to finalize a plan for cadre placement between the government and the organization.
Left parties criticized the central government for fuel price hikes and demanded a rollback, reinstatement of subsidies, and enhanced benefits under the PM Ujjwala Scheme.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasizes the use of AI and strict timelines for efficient grievance redressal, targeting issues in Revenue, Police, and Municipal departments.
The Andhra Pradesh government introduced the P4 scheme under Vision 2047 to eradicate poverty, focusing on economic and social upliftment through public-private partnerships.
CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby attributes the growth of Sangh Parivar to identity politics, urging party units to counter caste and religious divisions while addressing livelihood issues.
The ED detained Shivamogga DCC Chairman R.M. Manjunath Gowda in connection with a ₹62 crore fake gold loan scam dating back to 2014.
Dharwad district improved its II PU exam performance, securing the 17th rank in Karnataka with a 72.32% passing rate and seven state-level ranks across Science, Arts, and Commerce streams.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara expressed regret for his controversial comments on a sexual assault case in Bengaluru, emphasizing his commitment to women’s safety.
The UIDAI has introduced a new Aadhaar app with facial recognition authentication, currently in testing phase, to enhance data security and user control.
P. Raja Babu has been appointed as the Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), transitioning from his previous roles in the Housing Department.
The war of words between Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy intensified over personal allegations and political history.
The All-Kerala Mayors’ Council called for the establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Committee to address urban development challenges and strengthen administrative capabilities in Kerala.
India and the UAE agreed to deepen defence ties, focusing on industry collaboration, Coast Guard cooperation, and co-development projects during a high-level meeting on April 8, 2025.
Kerala signs an agreement with the Centre for ₹817.80 crore VGF share, advancing Vizhinjam Port’s completion to 2028 and revenue sharing to 2034.

🎯 MCQs with Explanations

On which date did India and the UAE agree to deepen their defence ties?
April 8, 2024
April 8, 2025
April 8, 2026
April 8, 2027
Explanation: The meeting between India and the UAE to strengthen defence ties took place on April 8, 2025.
Who expressed regret over remarks on a sexual assault case in Bengaluru?
Narendra Modi
G. Parameshwara
Rahul Gandhi
Amit Shah
Explanation: G. Parameshwara is the Home Minister who expressed regret for his comments on the sexual assault case.
Who is the President of the All-Kerala Mayors’ Council and Mayor of Kochi?
M.K. Varghese
Honey Benjamin
M. Anilkumar
Beena Philip
Explanation: M. Anilkumar is the President of the All-Kerala Mayors’ Council and the Mayor of Kochi.
Which initiative did H.D. Kumaraswamy mention to highlight his dedication to public service?
Janata Darshan
Gram Panchayat Meetings
Kisan Yojana
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Explanation: H.D. Kumaraswamy mentioned Janata Darshan and Village stays as examples of his public service.
Which political parties criticized the central government for the recent fuel price hike?
BJP and Congress
CPI(M) and CPI
Trinamool and AAP
Shiv Sena and NCP
Explanation: The CPI(M) and CPI were the parties that criticized the government for the fuel price hike.
Who is the Infrastructure Development Minister involved in the discussion regarding Bengaluru’s second airport?
Nitin Gadkari
M.B. Patil
Piyush Goyal
Hardeep Singh Puri
Explanation: M.B. Patil is the Infrastructure Development Minister who held discussions with the AAI team.
Which country was the largest importer of Indian frozen shrimp in 2023-24?
China
European Union
U.S.
Japan
Explanation: The U.S. imported 2,97,571 metric tonnes of frozen shrimp from India in 2023-24.
On which date did the Congress Working Committee adopt the resolution titled ‘Flag-bearer of freedom movement- Our Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’?
April 8, 2024
April 8, 2025
April 8, 2026
April 8, 2023
Explanation: The resolution was adopted on April 8, 2025.
Who announced the launch of the new Aadhaar app?
Narendra Modi
Ashwini Vaishnaw
Rajnath Singh
Amit Shah
Explanation: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, announced the launch at the Aadhaar Samvaad event.
Who was the Congress Party President during the adoption of the CWC resolution on Sardar Patel?
Rahul Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi
Mallikarjun Kharge
Manmohan Singh
Explanation: Mallikarjun Kharge was the Congress Party President at the time.
What is the primary new feature of the Aadhaar app?
Fingerprint scanning
Facial recognition
Voice authentication
Iris scanning
Explanation: The new Aadhaar app introduces facial recognition for secure data sharing.
Which organization is responsible for inspecting the sites for Bengaluru’s second airport?
Indian Railways
Airports Authority of India
Ministry of Civil Aviation
National Highways Authority of India
Explanation: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted the inspection of the sites for Bengaluru’s second airport.
Which technology did Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasize for improving grievance redressal?
Blockchain
Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things
Quantum Computing
Explanation: Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline the grievance redressal process.
Which city was the focus of the sexual assault case mentioned in the article?
Mumbai
Delhi
Bengaluru
Chennai
Explanation: The sexual assault case occurred in BTM Layout, Bengaluru.
Which organization organized the meet-the-press event where M.A. Baby spoke?
BJP
RSS
Kerala Union of Working Journalists
Congress
Explanation: The meet-the-press event was organized by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists.

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