Current Affairs

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker

nion Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today launched the issuance of sports certificates via DigiLocker at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

Prior to the launch, he inaugurated the National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) at the same venue.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to athlete welfare, stating that all sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric. Citing examples of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024, Draft National Sports Policy 2024, and the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, the Minister said these reflect the Government’s resolve to ensure transparency, fairness and good governance in the Indian sports ecosystem.



Axis Max Life Launches Bandhan 2.0 - an innovative Augmented-Reality Based Employee Onboarding Platform

Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd., formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Axis Max Life"/ "Company"), has launched Bandhan 2.0, an AI-enabled augmented reality platform. Integrating advanced technology with immersive brand storytelling, the platform features interactive gamification, virtual environments, and opportunities for direct engagement with the leadership during the orientation of the new hires.

Gautam Rao, Senior Vice President and Head - HR Centre of Excellence, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, "Bandhan 2.0 represents a bold step forward in reimagining how we engage talent from the very start. We believe onboarding should do more than sharing information, it should inspire, connect, and empower the new hires from the inception of their professional journey at Axis Max Life. With the launch of this augmented-reality enabled platform, we are creating a unified, immersive, and technology-led experience that mirrors the future of work. It's not just about orientation, it's about cultivating belonging, confidence, and purpose from day one."



AIIMS Raipur Successfully Performs First Swap Kidney Transplant

AIIMS Raipur has successfully performed its first Swap Kidney Transplant, also known as a Kidney Paired Transplant. Union Health Ministry said, with this achievement, AIIMS Raipur became the first among the newer AIIMS institutions and the first government hospital in Chhattisgarh to carry out this complex and life-saving procedure. The Ministry said, this significant milestone underscores the institute’s commitment to advancing healthcare and providing innovative treatment solutions for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease. It is estimated that Swap Kidney Transplant lead to a 15 per cent increase in the number of transplants. Recognizing its potential, the National Organisation and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has recommended for the implementation of Swap donor transplantation to all the states and Union Territories, which could increase the number of donors.



Minister Piyush Goyal Launches the Bharat Project to Create 1 Million Entrepreneurs Across India

In a landmark step towards building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Minister Piyush Goyal today launched The Bharat Project, a bold national initiative by YourStory, aimed at empowering 1 million entrepreneurs from Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India. The Bharat Project brings together the government, ecosystem enablers, creators, and communities to unlock grassroots potential and make access to entrepreneurial tools, education, and funding easier for everyone.

Built on five key pillars, the Bharat Project will aid entrepreneurs through – Co-Pilot for Entrepreneurs–an AI-powered mobile-first platform that offers startup guidance, learning resources, mentorship access, and success stories in both Hindi and English, Education & Upskilling, which will drive state-level and district-level activations and WhatsApp-based learning to help young people learn how to start and grow their businesses, Bharat Ideathon, – a nationwide challenge that will find great business ideas from over 1,000 districts and help top founders with mentorship and visibility, BharatSparks – a launchpad where selected entrepreneurs from smaller towns will get a chance to pitch to investors, win grants, and build long-term support and Shuru-kar – a 7-part web documentary series that will showcase real startup stories from across regions, featuring innovators, investors, and policymakers.



Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital, Hyderabad Successfully Treats Rare Primary Peritoneal Ewing's Sarcoma with Advanced HIPEC Surgery

Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital, Hyderabad is a premier cancer care centre in Telangana, announced a remarkable medical achievement: the successful treatment of a rare case of Primary Peritoneal Ewing's Sarcoma using an advanced procedure involving Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) followed by Hypothermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

This rare and complex case involved 24-year-old Mr. Kumar, who had previously undergone two lines of chemotherapy at other institute came to the Cancer Center of Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital, he was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Ewing's Sarcoma, an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy that typically does not occur in the peritoneum. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment required a high level of expertise and precision, provided by a multidisciplinary oncology team led by Dr. Harish Dara, Senior Consultant - Surgical Oncology.



Star Health Insurance Partners with Sunrisers Hyderabad as the Official Health Insurance Partner in T20

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. (Star Health Insurance), India's leading private health insurance provider, has partnered with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as their official health insurance partner for the ongoing T20 League 2025. Star Health Insurance is advancing its efforts to promote health and wellness through cricket and what better platform to partner with in the sports space. This partnership marks a meaningful step forward.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr.Anand Roy, MD & CEO, Star Health Insurance, said, "We are delighted to associate with Sunrisers Hyderabad in this T20 league, as this partnership perfectly reflects our three core values: customer centricity, trust and transparency. This league, which is in its 18th season, is not just a celebration of cricket, but also a platform that brings together millions of people across the country, echoing our commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. Just as the players and teams earn the trust of their fans through dedication and integrity, we strive to build lasting trust with our customers through reliable service and transparent processes. This collaboration is a testament to our shared belief in these values, both on the pitch and in everyday life, and we look forward to supporting the team and the tournament while championing what matters most to our customers."



Payal Kapadia conferred with French honour for her contribution to cinema

There is no stopping writer-director Payal Kapadia, whose debut feature film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival last May. Nearly a year after this much acclaimed movie started its journey with its Cannes premiere, Kapadia was conferred with the insignia of Officier des Arts et des Lettres on Wednesday evening in Mumbai.

In special event organised at the official residence of Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, and Mrs Ekaterina Burdina, Kapadia was presented with the insignia in recognition for her contribution to cinema. “It is important to honour Payal Kapadia at this stage of her career. Also to honour the ties between France and India — two great filmmaking countries. We look forward to seeing what you create in future,” said Séré-Charlet.



Meghalaya's Pradip Kurbah wins best director, best film at Moscow International Film Festival

Shillong, National awardee and self-taught filmmaker Pradip Kurbah has bagged two major honours at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival, with his film ‘Ha Lyngkha Bneng’ winning Best Film and Kurbah himself being awarded Best Director, officials said on Friday.

The awards were presented by the Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema , which annually recognises outstanding feature films from the Asia-Pacific region, they said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated Kurbah on the remarkable achievement.

Reacting to the win, Kurbah shared his excitement in an Instagram post: "I’m overwhelmed, humbled, and filled with gratitude. Ha Lyngkha Bneng has just won Best Film and Best Director at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival."



Indian Navy inducts 10th ACTCM Barge LSAM 24

In a significant step towards enhancing its operational logistics capabilities, the Indian Navy inducted the 10th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134), during a formal ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on April 22. The event was graced by Commodore AKK Reddy, AGM (Production and Repairs), Naval Dockyard (Mumbai), as the Chief Guest.

The ACTCM Barges are critical logistical assets designed to facilitate the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and other essential articles to and from naval platforms, both alongside jetties and in outer harbours. The induction of these barges is set to significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s operational efficiency and readiness.



International Conference “Shaping the Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities” (SEFCO-2025) inaugurated at CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun

CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun is organising an International Conference “Shaping the Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities” (SEFCO-2025) from April 23 to 25, 2025. SEFCO conference is annually organized by students and young scientists at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun which is a platform to facilitate discussions on innovative solutions, explore collaborative opportunities in energy & chemical sector.

1st edition of “SEFCO” Conference was organized in 2017. The present 7th edition is an international conference with a theme of “Catalysing a Sustainable Future with Affordable Energy and Chemicals."

The inauguration ceremony of SEFCO held on 23 April 2025 was graced by Chief Guest Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee and Guest of Honour Sh Alok Sharma, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Dr. Manoj Srivastava, Secretary, SEFCO 2025 in his opening remarks gave an overview of genesis and relevance of SEFCO and its journey since inception. Dr. Harender Singh Bisht, Director, CSIR-IIP and Chief Patron of the conference, after paying homage to his holiness Pope Francis, welcomed distinguished guests and delegates and highlighted work done at CSIR-IIP and shared his vision on the way forward.