Current Affairs - English

Recent Awards 🏆Srimanta Sankardeva Award – Dr. Sonal Mansingh (for Cultural Contributions in Assam) 🏆Dostoevsky Star Award – Javed Akhtar (for his influence on ‘cultural dialogue’) 🏆Global Leadership Award by USISPF – Kumar Mangalam Birla 🏆American Music Award (AMA) at the 51st AMA held in Los Angeles – Raja Kumari 🏆International Booker Prize 2025 – Kannada author Banu Mushtaq (for short collection – Heart Lamp) 🏆Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge Medal Winners 👉Gold: Eliise Randmaa (Estonia) 👉Silver: Aurélie Joachim (Martinique) 👉Bronze: Emma Morrison (Canada)

Inhale confidence, exhale exam stress. Happy International Day of Yoga to all the amazing learners.

*_Waqf Amendment Bill gets President Murmu’s Assent_* *Why in News?* President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which were recently passed by Parliament. *Bills Passed:* * The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, received assent from President Droupadi Murmu on April 5, 2025. *Parliament Approval:* * The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was approved after intense debate in Parliament. Rajya Sabha voted 128 in favor and 95 against it, while Lok Sabha approved it with 288 in favor and 232 against. *Opposition Reaction:* * Opposition parties have raised objections, labeling the Bill "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional." *Legal Challenges:* * Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claiming it violates constitutional provisions and discriminates against Muslims.

_*6th BIMSTEC Summit*_ *Why in News?* * Prime Minister Modi visits Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC summit, marking the first physical meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since 2018. * The summit’s theme is “Prosperous, resilient, and open BIMSTEC (PRO BIMSTEC).” *BIMSTEC Formation:* * Initially formed as BIST-EC in 1997, it became BIMSTEC in 2004 after the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan. * Members- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. * It covers countries in the Bay of Bengal region, linking South and Southeast Asia. * The region has a combined GDP of US$3.6 trillion and a population of 1.8 billion people. *India’s Neighbourhood First Policy:* * BIMSTEC aligns with India’s policy of strengthening regional ties through connectivity and mutual cooperation. * India’s engagement is based on respect, dialogue, peace, and prosperity.

_*India Ranks 36 in Network Readiness Index*_ *Why in News* India has improved its global ranking to 36th out of 170 countries in the 2025 Technology and Innovation Report, showcasing progress in readiness for frontier technologies. *Global Ranking* : India ranked 36th in 2024, up from 48th in 2022. *Index Factors* : The ranking evaluates ICT, skills, R&D, industrial capacity, and finance. *India’s Performance* : * *ICT* : 99th * *Skills* : 113th * *R&D* : 3rd * *Industrial Capacity* : 10th * *Finance* : 70th

Shaheed Diwas *Why in News:* • Shaheed Diwas is observed on March 23 to honor Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed in 1931 by the British. • This day commemorates their sacrifice, patriotism, and revolutionary spirit, inspiring generations. *Key Points:* • Also called Martyrs' Day, it remembers freedom fighters who died for India's independence. • Bhagat Singh, at just 23 years old, became a symbol of resistance and nationalism. • The execution was done in the Lahore Central Jail. • Their last words were "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long Live the Revolution). Historical Significance: • They were hanged for assassinating J.P. Saunders, avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death. • The HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association), of which they were members, aimed to overthrow British rule.

_*India's GDP to grow $5.7 trillion by 2028: Morgan Stanley*_ *Why in News* Morgan Stanley projects India's GDP will grow to $5.7 trillion by 2028, positioning it as the third-largest economy, surpassing Germany and Japan. *Projections:* * India will become the fourth-largest economy by 2026, overtaking Japan. * By 2028, India's GDP will reach $5.7 trillion, surpassing Germany. * India's global GDP share is expected to rise from 3.5% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2029. *Historical Position:* * 1990: 12th largest economy * 2023: 5th largest economy *GDP Growth Scenarios for 2035:* * Bearish: $6.6 trillion * Base: $8.8 trillion * Bullish: $10.3 trillion

*_Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Appointed CEO of ANRF_* *Why in News* Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), succeeding Professor Abhay Karandikar. *Appointment & Role:* * Dr. Shivkumar takes charge as CEO of ANRF, overseeing the promotion of research and development (R&D) initiatives across India. * ANRF aims to foster a culture of innovation in India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories. *About Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman:* * Former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Microsoft’s Energy Industry, Asia. * Holds prestigious accolades, including Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Madras & Ohio State University. * Fellow of IEEE and Indian National Academy of Engineering. *About ANRF:* * ANRF is an apex body for strategic scientific research in India, established under the National Education Policy (NEP).

🏆 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 📍 Host Country: ➤ Pakistan (India's matches were played in UAE - Dubai) 📅 Event Date: ➤ 19 February - 9 March 2025 🏏 Tournament Details: ➤ Participants: 8 Teams ➤ Total Matches: 15 ➤ Administrator: International Cricket Council (ICC) ➤ Debut Team: Afghanistan 📜 Tournament History: ➤ First Edition: 1998 (Bangladesh, as Wills International Cup) ➤ Latest Edition: 2025 (Pakistan) ➤ Most Successful Team: India (🏆 3 Titles) 🏆 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Winner: ➤ 🏆 Champion: India ➭ Captain: Rohit Sharma ➤ 🥈 Runner-Up: New Zealand ➭ Captain: Mitchell Santner 🌟 Individual Performances: ➤ 🔥 Player of the Final Match: Rohit Sharma (India) ➤ 🏅 Player of the Series: Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) ➤ 🎯 Most Wickets: Matt Henry (10 Wickets) ➤ 🏏 Most Runs: Rachin Ravindra (263 Runs) 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏☞ @Current_Affairs_CG 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏☞ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va4wRj1KbYMS76tEQx1u

🏆 Oscar Awards 2025 – Key Highlights & Winners 🎬 Event Overview ➤ Official Name: Academy Award of Merit ➤ Common Name: Oscar Award 2025 ➤ Edition: 97th Academy Awards ➤ Date: March 3, 2025 (IST) ➤ Venue: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles ➤ Host: Conan O’Brien (his debut as host) 🏅 Top Winners ➤ 🏆 Best Picture: *Anora* ➤ 🎭 Best Actor: Adrien Brody (*The Brutalist*) ➤ 🎭 Best Actress: Mikey Madison (*Anora*) ➤ 🎬 Best Director: Sean Baker (*Anora*) ➤ 🌍 Best International Feature Film: *I’m Still Here* ➤ 🎨 Best Animated Feature Film: *Flow* 🎥 Major Highlights ➤ *Emilia Pérez* led with 13 nominations but didn’t win Best Picture. ➤ *Anora* was the biggest winner, taking home 5 Oscars, including Best Picture. ➤ *Adrien Brody* won Best Actor, marking a significant achievement for *The Brutalist*. ➤ *Conan O’Brien* brought his signature humor to the event in his first time hosting.

*_Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)_* *Why in News?* * Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), marking the first appointment under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Act, 2023. *Appointment under New Act:* * This is the first appointment following the 2023 Act, which replaces the 1991 Act, enhancing autonomy for the Election Commission of India (ECI). *Election Commission of India (ECI):* * A constitutional body under Articles 324-329 (Part XV). * National Voters' Day is celebrated on January 25 since 2011 to mark the ECI's foundation. * The ECI comprises one CEC and two Election Commissioners (ECs) since 1993. *2023 Act Provisions:* * CEC and ECs will receive salaries and benefits equivalent to Supreme Court judges. * The Act grants immunity from civil/criminal proceedings for actions performed in their official capacity. * Fixed tenure for CEC and ECs.

𝗖. 𝗛. 𝗔. 𝗠. 𝗣. 𝗜. 𝗢. 𝗡. 𝗦! 🏆 #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 are the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 Champions 👏 👏