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Current Affairs 25 April 2025
1. Manika and Sreeja Shine in ITTF World Cup 2025
Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula delivered
outstanding performances in the ITTF World Cup 2025. Representing India, both players showcased remarkable skill and determination on the international stage. Manika impressed the audience with her aggressive play and strategic shots. Sreeja also stood out with her quick reflexes and consistent rallies. Their combined success brought pride to Indian table tennis and inspired many young athletes. The duo's performance marks a significant milestone in India's growing presence in global table tennis events.
outstanding performances in the ITTF World Cup 2025. Representing India, both players showcased remarkable skill and determination on the international stage. Manika impressed the audience with her aggressive play and strategic shots. Sreeja also stood out with her quick reflexes and consistent rallies. Their combined success brought pride to Indian table tennis and inspired many young athletes. The duo's performance marks a significant milestone in India's growing presence in global table tennis events.Foot notes:
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Group Stage Challenges: Both Indian paddlers faced tough opponents in the group stage. Manika was grouped with Bruna Takahashi of Brazil (World No. 23) and Maylis Giret, while Sreeja faced Bernadette Szocs of Romania (World No. 13).
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Manika's Loss to Bruna: Manika Batra lost to Bruna Takahashi 1-4 in their final group stage match, ending her campaign in the group stage. The scores were 11-13, 8-11, 4-11, 12-10.
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Sreeja's Opponent: Sreeja Akula lost to Bernadette Szocs of Romania in her final group stage match, although the exact score isn't specified. Both Indian paddlers failed to advance to the knockout stage.
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Favorable Draw: Despite the early exit, the draw for the 2025 ITTF World Cup was considered more favorable for both Manika and Sreeja compared to the previous year's daunting Chinese matchups.
2. Kerala State Electricity Board signed an agreement with IIT Bombay Institute for V2G
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has
signed a significant agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to collaborate on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. This partnership aims to explore innovative solutions for integrating electric vehicles with the power grid. V2G technology allows electric vehicles to return stored energy back to the grid during peak demand. The collaboration is expected to enhance grid stability and promote sustainable energy practices in Kerala. IIT Bombay will provide technical expertise and research support for the project. This initiative marks a major step towards a smarter and greener energy future for the state.
signed a significant agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to collaborate on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. This partnership aims to explore innovative solutions for integrating electric vehicles with the power grid. V2G technology allows electric vehicles to return stored energy back to the grid during peak demand. The collaboration is expected to enhance grid stability and promote sustainable energy practices in Kerala. IIT Bombay will provide technical expertise and research support for the project. This initiative marks a major step towards a smarter and greener energy future for the state.Foot notes:
- Pilot Project: KSEB is partnering with IIT Bombay to conduct a pilot project testing V2G technology, which allows electric vehicle batteries to draw and return power to the grid.
- Feasibility Study and Deployment: The project involves a feasibility study, pilot deployment, and grid service integration, aiming to create a scalable model for Kerala's energy sector.
- Renewable Energy Integration: The V2G technology supports Kerala's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability by encouraging electric vehicles for energy storage.
- Financial Incentives: The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) suggests financial incentives, such as premium tariffs, to encourage vehicle owners to participate in V2G programs.
- Grid Service Integration: The project will explore integrating V2G technology with Kerala's power system, particularly with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources like solar power.
3. Ridhira Group appoints Oneel Verma as Chief Revenue Officer
Ridhira Group has appointed Oneel Verma as its
new Chief Revenue Officer. Verma brings with him extensive experience in driving revenue growth across diverse industries. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing the company's revenue strategies and expanding its market reach. The appointment is part of Ridhira Group's efforts to strengthen its leadership team amid plans for aggressive growth. Verma expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the company’s vision and long-term goals. His leadership is expected to play a key role in boosting profitability and overall business performance.
new Chief Revenue Officer. Verma brings with him extensive experience in driving revenue growth across diverse industries. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing the company's revenue strategies and expanding its market reach. The appointment is part of Ridhira Group's efforts to strengthen its leadership team amid plans for aggressive growth. Verma expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the company’s vision and long-term goals. His leadership is expected to play a key role in boosting profitability and overall business performance.Foot notes:
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Role and Responsibilities: As CRO, Oneel will oversee Ridhira's revenue strategies, focusing on maximizing growth opportunities, enhancing customer engagement, and expanding the company's footprint domestically and globally.
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Industry Experience: Oneel Verma brings over three decades of cross-industry experience, having held leadership roles in FMCG, telecom, retail, and hospitality sectors. His background includes experience at Sterling Holiday Resorts, Mahindra Holidays, Cordelia Cruises, and Reliance Communications.
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Leadership Expectations: Ridhira Group's Founder and Managing Director, Ritesh Mastipuram, expects Oneel to drive strategic growth and accelerate the company's journey in wellness-focused real estate.
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Company Focus: The appointment reinforces Ridhira Group's focus on scaling its presence in wellness-led real estate, both in India and internationally, with Oneel leading revenue growth, business development, and market expansion initiatives.
4. Nitin Belurkar Leads with Perfect Score at Maharashtra International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament
Goa’s International Master (IM) Nitin Belurkar has
taken the sole lead at the 3rd Maharashtra International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament in Pune. After five rounds, he maintained a perfect score of 5/5, notably defeating Grandmaster Sandipan Chanda in the fifth round. Belurkar's strategic play and consistent performance have positioned him at the top of the leaderboard. However, in the sixth round, his winning streak ended with a draw against Madhya Pradesh's Ayush Sharma, bringing his total to 5.5 points. Despite this, he remains the sole leader, with several competitors closely trailing.
taken the sole lead at the 3rd Maharashtra International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament in Pune. After five rounds, he maintained a perfect score of 5/5, notably defeating Grandmaster Sandipan Chanda in the fifth round. Belurkar's strategic play and consistent performance have positioned him at the top of the leaderboard. However, in the sixth round, his winning streak ended with a draw against Madhya Pradesh's Ayush Sharma, bringing his total to 5.5 points. Despite this, he remains the sole leader, with several competitors closely trailing.Foot notes:
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Sole Leader: By the end of the sixth round, Belurkar emerged as the sole leader with 5.5 points, settling for a draw against Ayush Sharma of Madhya Pradesh after 32 moves.
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Loss to Petrosyan: However, Belurkar's winning streak came to an end in the seventh round when he lost to Armenian player Manuel Petrosyan, marking a significant moment in the tournament.
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Current Standings: After Belurkar's loss, several players, including Levan Pantsulaia and J Deepan Chakkravarthy, maintained joint leads, reshuffling the rankings and highlighting fierce competition.
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Tournament Progress: The tournament has seen intense competition, with notable wins and draws shuffling the leaderboard, and other players like Farrukh Amonatov, Mihail Nikitenko, and Boris Savchenko also making strong moves.
5. Stacie Sire Appointed as Vice President and MD of Boeing (BIETC)
Boeing has appointed Stacie Sire as the Vice
President and Managing Director of the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC), as well as Chief Engineer for Boeing India. Sire, a 27-year Boeing veteran, succeeds Ahmed Elsherbini, who now leads Boeing Global Engineering. Based in Bengaluru, she will oversee BIETC’s strategy and operations, focusing on enhancing team capabilities and supporting business growth in India. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles in major aircraft programs such as the 787, 767, and 777, and overseeing engineering for fabrication across 20 global manufacturing units. Sire expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Boeing’s growth in India, emphasizing a commitment to safety, quality, engineering excellence, and collaboration.
President and Managing Director of the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC), as well as Chief Engineer for Boeing India. Sire, a 27-year Boeing veteran, succeeds Ahmed Elsherbini, who now leads Boeing Global Engineering. Based in Bengaluru, she will oversee BIETC’s strategy and operations, focusing on enhancing team capabilities and supporting business growth in India. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles in major aircraft programs such as the 787, 767, and 777, and overseeing engineering for fabrication across 20 global manufacturing units. Sire expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Boeing’s growth in India, emphasizing a commitment to safety, quality, engineering excellence, and collaboration.Foot notes:
- Appointment Details: Stacie Sire has been appointed as Vice President and Managing Director of BIETC and Chief Engineer for Boeing India, succeeding Ahmed Elsherbini, who led the position from April 2021 to January 2025.
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Responsibilities: Sire will oversee strategy, operations, and capability development at BIETC, advancing the center's goals and priorities in India and enhancing team capabilities to support business growth.
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Experience and Expertise: With 27 years of proven leadership at Boeing, Sire brings invaluable experience to this role.
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Previous Roles: Sire began her Boeing career as a structural engineer and progressed through various leadership roles, including positions in stress analysis, airframe systems, propulsion, and integration engineering.
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Location and Focus: Based in Bengaluru, Sire will focus on driving Boeing's growth and innovation in India, reinforcing the company's commitment to strengthening its engineering presence in the country
6. Dreame Technology onboards Kriti Sanon as first brand ambassador in India
Dreame Technology, a leading smart home
appliance brand, has appointed Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador. This strategic partnership aims to bolster Dreame's presence in the Indian market by promoting its range of intelligent home cleaning and personal care solutions. Sanon will represent products including robotic vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, as well as grooming items like airstylers and high-speed hair dryers. Manu Sharma, Managing Director of Dreame India, highlighted that Sanon's tech-savvy and modern lifestyle aligns with the brand's vision of smart living. Expressing her enthusiasm, Sanon stated that Dreame's innovative products resonate with her philosophy of blending innovation with convenience.
appliance brand, has appointed Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador. This strategic partnership aims to bolster Dreame's presence in the Indian market by promoting its range of intelligent home cleaning and personal care solutions. Sanon will represent products including robotic vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, as well as grooming items like airstylers and high-speed hair dryers. Manu Sharma, Managing Director of Dreame India, highlighted that Sanon's tech-savvy and modern lifestyle aligns with the brand's vision of smart living. Expressing her enthusiasm, Sanon stated that Dreame's innovative products resonate with her philosophy of blending innovation with convenience.Foot notes:
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Brand Ambassador: Dreame Technology has appointed Kriti Sanon as its first-ever brand ambassador in India, marking a significant partnership.
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Kriti Sanon's Role: As ambassador, Kriti Sanon will promote Dreame's smart cleaning solutions, including robot vacuum cleaners and wet and dry vacuum cleaners.
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Brand Fit: Kriti Sanon's enthusiasm for technology and innovation aligns with Dreame's mission to make life easier through smart home products.
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Marketing Campaigns: Kriti Sanon will feature in Dreame's upcoming marketing campaigns, highlighting the brand's products and values.
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Market Expansion: This partnership supports Dreame's expansion in India, where the brand aims to establish itself as a leader in the smart home cleaning segment.
7. MapmyIndia Co-Founder Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder and Chairman of
MapmyIndia, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Geospatial World Forum held in Madrid, Spain. This recognition celebrates his pioneering role in establishing India’s digital mapping industry and advancing indigenous geospatial capabilities. Under his leadership, MapmyIndia transformed from a startup into a national geospatial powerhouse, influencing policy reforms and technological innovation in the sector. In his acceptance speech, Verma credited his wife and co-founder, Rashmi Verma, and their son, Rohan Verma, for their collaborative efforts in building the company. He dedicated the award to all contributors to MapmyIndia's journey and to the spirit of Indian innovation.
MapmyIndia, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Geospatial World Forum held in Madrid, Spain. This recognition celebrates his pioneering role in establishing India’s digital mapping industry and advancing indigenous geospatial capabilities. Under his leadership, MapmyIndia transformed from a startup into a national geospatial powerhouse, influencing policy reforms and technological innovation in the sector. In his acceptance speech, Verma credited his wife and co-founder, Rashmi Verma, and their son, Rohan Verma, for their collaborative efforts in building the company. He dedicated the award to all contributors to MapmyIndia's journey and to the spirit of Indian innovation.Foot notes:
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Award Details: Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder and Chairman & Managing Director of MapmyIndia, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Geospatial World Forum in Madrid, Spain.
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Contribution: Verma's pioneering efforts laid the foundation of India's digital mapping industry, and his leadership and advocacy have driven critical policy reforms and technological innovation.
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Recognition: The award citation highlights Verma's instrumental role in establishing indigenous digital mapping capabilities in India and taking Geo-tech to the global stage.
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Shared Credit: Verma dedicated the award to his co-founder wife Rashmi Verma and their son Rohan Verma, Director at MapmyIndia, acknowledging their contributions to the company's success.
8. Kumar Mangalam Birla conferred with Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla
Group and Padma Bhushan awardee, was honored with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award on April 24, 2025, in Mumbai. The award was presented by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, recognizing Birla's significant contributions to India's growth and development. Instituted in 2022 in memory of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, the award is organized by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan, a charitable trust managed by the Mangeshkar family. In his acceptance speech, Birla expressed pride in receiving an honor associated with Lata Ji, emphasizing its special significance coming from the Mangeshkar family.
Group and Padma Bhushan awardee, was honored with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award on April 24, 2025, in Mumbai. The award was presented by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, recognizing Birla's significant contributions to India's growth and development. Instituted in 2022 in memory of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, the award is organized by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan, a charitable trust managed by the Mangeshkar family. In his acceptance speech, Birla expressed pride in receiving an honor associated with Lata Ji, emphasizing its special significance coming from the Mangeshkar family.Foot notes:
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Award Details: Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, received the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award on April 24, 2024, in Mumbai.
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Recognition: The award recognizes Birla's visionary leadership and pivotal role in shaping India's growth story, as a Padma Bhushan awardee.
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Presenter: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat presented the award to Birla at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium in Vile Parle East, Mumbai.
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Other Awardees: The ceremony also honored other notable individuals, including Shraddha Kapoor, Sunil Shetty, and Sachin Pilgaonkar, for their contributions to Indian cinema and music.
9. World Malaria Day is observed on 25th April 2025
World Malaria Day 2025 was observed globally on
April 25 under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This theme underscores the urgent need to revitalize efforts at all levels—from global policy to grassroots action—to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, there were approximately 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide, with 95% of cases occurring in the WHO African Region. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained investment, innovation, and community engagement in combating this preventable and treatable disease. It also highlights the necessity for renewed dedication and teamwork to speed up the eradication of malaria.
April 25 under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This theme underscores the urgent need to revitalize efforts at all levels—from global policy to grassroots action—to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. According to the World Health Organization, in 2023, there were approximately 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide, with 95% of cases occurring in the WHO African Region. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained investment, innovation, and community engagement in combating this preventable and treatable disease. It also highlights the necessity for renewed dedication and teamwork to speed up the eradication of malaria.Foot notes:
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Date and Theme: World Malaria Day is observed on April 25, 2025, with the theme "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite", emphasizing renewed dedication, innovation, and teamwork to eradicate malaria.
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Global Impact: In 2023, there were 597,000 malaria deaths and 263 million new cases worldwide, with 95% of cases in the WHO African Region.
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Objectives: The day aims to raise awareness about malaria prevention and control measures, promote scientific research and innovation, and foster global partnerships to enhance resource mobilization.
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Importance: World Malaria Day highlights the need for continued investment and sustained commitment to combat malaria, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals like Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).
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Prevention Measures: Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, mosquito nets, eliminating stagnant water, and spraying insecticides to reduce mosquito bites.
10. Former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan passed away
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, former Chairman
of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away on April 25, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 84. An esteemed astrophysicist, he led ISRO from 1994 to 2003, a period marked by significant advancements including the operationalization of the PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles and the initiation of India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1 . Beyond his contributions to space science, Dr. Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India's education landscape as the chief architect of the National Education Policy 2020 . His illustrious career earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan .
of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away on April 25, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 84. An esteemed astrophysicist, he led ISRO from 1994 to 2003, a period marked by significant advancements including the operationalization of the PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles and the initiation of India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1 . Beyond his contributions to space science, Dr. Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India's education landscape as the chief architect of the National Education Policy 2020 . His illustrious career earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan .Foot notes:
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Legacy in Space Research: As a pioneering ISRO chairman (1994-2003), Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India's space program and was instrumental in its success.
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Contribution to Education: He was the chairman of the drafting committee for the National Education Policy (NEP) and served as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, leaving a lasting impact on India's education landscape.
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Tributes: Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, paid their respects, acknowledging his visionary leadership and selfless contributions to the nation.
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