1. Centre Scraps Star-Rating System for Environmental Bodies

The Central government has withdrawn the star-rating system for State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) following a legal challenge by the Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Association. Originally introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on January 17, 2022, the system aimed to evaluate SEIAAs based on their efficiency in granting environmental clearances, with ratings from 0 to 7. It was part of a broader initiative to enhance ease of doing business by incentivizing timely approvals.

However, critics argued that this approach could compromise environmental safeguards. The fishermen’s association contended that the emphasis on speed could weaken scrutiny, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) noted that the ministry had effectively abandoned the system, leading to the withdrawal of the relevant Office Memorandum.

2. PM Modi Inaugurates New Pamban Rail Bridge in Rameswaram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Rail Bridge in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on April 6, 2025. This modernized structure replaces the historic cantilever bridge commissioned in 1914, which served as the sole rail link between Rameswaram Island and the mainland.

The upgraded bridge features India’s first vertical lift span, allowing vessels up to 22 meters high to pass beneath. Supporting double-line electrification, it enables faster and more efficient train operations. The modernization project began in 2019 and was completed by March 2025. The bridge holds religious, strategic, and historical importance, playing a vital role in regional connectivity and humanitarian efforts during past crises.

3. Cambodia Expands Ream Naval Base with Chinese Support

On April 5, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the expanded Ream Naval Base, developed with substantial Chinese funding and expertise. Located along Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coast near Sihanoukville, the base’s development has raised international concerns over a possible Chinese military presence.

Though Cambodian officials assert the base serves national defense interests, satellite imagery revealing Chinese warships has fueled speculation about its strategic use. Situated near the Malacca Strait, the base is geopolitically significant and may represent China’s broader ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, prompting scrutiny from global powers, including India and the United States.

4. Genomic Study of Flowerpot Snake Offers DNA Repair Insights

A recent study of the flowerpot snake’s genome reveals its unique ability to repair DNA and prevent harmful mutations. This species, also known as the Brahminy Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus), possesses 40 chromosomes across three subgenomes and reproduces asexually—traits rarely seen in vertebrates.

The findings may enhance our understanding of genetic repair mechanisms and human chromosomal disorders like Down Syndrome. The snake, which is blind, non-venomous, and burrows underground, is widely found in tropical regions and often discovered in potted plants, hence its name.

5. Delhi Adopts Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme

The Delhi government has signed an MoU with the National Health Authority to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), becoming the 35th State/UT to adopt the scheme. West Bengal remains the only holdout.

Launched in 2018, PM-JAY provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually for over 1,900 procedures across 27 specialties. It aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and cover over 55 crore beneficiaries. The scheme is overseen by the National Health Authority and has significantly expanded access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.

6. Dwarkadhish Temple Visit by Indian-Origin Pakistanis
A group of 300 Indian-origin individuals residing in Sindh, Pakistan, recently visited the Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, to offer prayers.

About the Dwarkadhish Temple:
Situated in Dwarka, Gujarat, the Dwarkadhish Temple—also called Jagat Mandir—is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, revered here as the “King of Dwarka.”

• It is one of the four pilgrimage destinations in the Char Dham circuit, alongside Badrinath, Rameshwaram, and Puri.

• Archaeological evidence suggests that the original structure was built around 200 BCE and is believed to have been established by Vajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson, at the site of Krishna’s former residence (Hari-griha).

• The current structure was significantly expanded in the 16th century.

• The temple features a five-story design supported by 72 limestone and sandstone pillars and showcases intricate carvings in the Chalukya architectural style.

• It follows the Pushtimarg tradition of Vallabhacharya, a 15th-century saint who promoted the Shuddhadvaita (pure non-dualism) philosophy. The temple is managed by his descendants, known as Vallabha Kul.

• The temple shares a close connection with the Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan, the principal center of the Pushtimarg sect.

• It is recognized as the 98th of the 108 Divya Desams—sacred Vishnu temples glorified by Tamil Alwar saints like Nammalwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Thirumalisai Alwar, and Periyalwar.

• It is also mentioned by other spiritual figures such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, and Narsinh Mehta.

7. UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025
India secured the 10th spot globally in terms of private sector investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) during 2023, as per the 2025 edition of the Technology and Innovation Report.

About the Report:
Published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), this report analyzes key issues in science, technology, and innovation, especially those relevant to developing nations, with a focus on policy recommendations.

2025 Edition Theme:
Titled "Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development", the report aims to help policymakers navigate the evolving AI landscape and develop inclusive strategies that benefit all.

Key Highlights:

• A small group of 100 companies—mostly based in the US and China—account for 40% of global private R&D investments, indicating heavy market concentration.

• 118 countries, mostly from the Global South, remain excluded from global AI policy-making forums.

• Up to 40% of jobs worldwide may be impacted by AI, according to the report.

• UNCTAD recommends strengthening infrastructure, data availability, and skill development to help developing countries close the gap.

• India and China were the only developing nations with significant private AI investments in 2023.

• The US topped the list with $67 billion in investments, followed by China ($7.8 billion) and India ($1.4 billion, 10th place).

• India also improved its global ranking on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index, moving from 48th in 2022 to 36th in 2024 (out of 170 countries).

8. Saryu River and Ram Navami Pilgrimage
Thousands of devotees continue to take holy dips in the Saryu River as they visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for the Ram Navami festival.

About the Saryu River:

• The Saryu (or Sarju) River flows through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

• It originates from Sarmul in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, descending through the Kumaon Himalayas and towns like Kapkot and Bageshwar.

• It eventually joins the Sharada (Kali) River at Pancheshwar on the India-Nepal border, and the Sharada later merges with the Ghaghara River.

• The section of the Ghaghara that flows through Ayodhya is traditionally referred to as the Saryu.

• Spanning approximately 350–400 km, the river holds religious importance as it flows beside Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, and is frequently mentioned in the Vedas and Ramayana.

9. Fire at Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
A major fire broke out in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, reportedly triggered by sparks from stone-crushing operations.

About the Reserve:

• Located near Kota in southeastern Rajasthan, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve was established in 2013.

• It includes the Mukundra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and parts of the Chambal Sanctuary, forming its core area.

• The terrain is defined by two parallel ridged hills of the Vindhyan range, stretching roughly 80 km in length and 2–5 km in width.

• Once a royal hunting ground, the area is now protected under Project Tiger.

• The reserve is nourished by four rivers: Chambal, Kali, Ahu, and Ramzan.

• It features dry deciduous forests, with common tree species like Kala Dhok (Anogeissus pendula), Khair, Ber, Kakan, and Raunj.

• Notable wildlife includes leopards, sloth bears, nilgai, chinkara, spotted deer, jackals, jungle cats, and langurs.

10. Antimony Discovery in Balochistan, Pakistan
Pakistan has discovered a large reserve of antimony in Balochistan, a region long affected by conflict.

About Antimony:

• Antimony (chemical symbol: Sb, atomic number: 51) is a metalloid known for its poor electrical and thermal conductivity.

• Commercial forms include ingots, broken pieces, granular powder, and cast cakes.

• It occurs naturally in volcanic and deep-seated mineral veins; the primary ore is stibnite.

• It’s often extracted as a byproduct from lead-zinc-silver mining operations.

Key Producers:

• China dominates global antimony production, contributing around 88% of total output. Other notable producers include Bolivia, Russia, and Tajikistan.

Applications:

• Electronics: Used in semiconductors like infrared detectors and diodes.

• Alloys: Combined with lead to enhance hardness and strength (e.g., in batteries and bullets).

• Flame Retardants: Used in making fire-resistant materials.

• Other uses: In paints, enamels, ceramics, and cable sheathing.