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Current Affairs 26 & 27 April 2025
1. Animesh Kujur takes 200m gold in record time
Animesh Kujur clinched the gold medal in the men's 200m event,
setting a new national record. He clocked an impressive time, surpassing the previous record and showcasing his exceptional speed and determination. The race was part of a national athletics competition where several top athletes participated. Animesh's performance drew widespread praise from coaches and sports enthusiasts alike. His achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian sprinting history.
setting a new national record. He clocked an impressive time, surpassing the previous record and showcasing his exceptional speed and determination. The race was part of a national athletics competition where several top athletes participated. Animesh's performance drew widespread praise from coaches and sports enthusiasts alike. His achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian sprinting history.Foot notes:
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Record-Breaking Time: Animesh Kujur shattered the 200m national record with a blistering time of 20.40 seconds, eclipsing Amlan Borgohain's record of 20.52 seconds.
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Gold Medal Win: Kujur won the gold medal in the men's 200m event at the Federation Cup 2025, held in Kochi.
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Previous Attempts: This achievement comes after Kujur had come close to breaking the record multiple times last season, clocking 20.62 seconds and 20.65 seconds on different occasions.
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Qualification: Although Kujur missed the World Championships qualification mark of 20.16 seconds, his record-breaking time has stormed past the Asian Athletics Championships qualifying mark of 20.53 seconds.
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Future Goals: Kujur now aims to break the 20-second barrier and become India's fastest sprinter, with a long-term goal to emulate Usain Bolt's achievements.
2. Odisha's Similipal Officially Declared as India's 107th National Park
On April 24, 2025, the Odisha government officially declared
Similipal in Mayurbhanj district as India's 107th National Park, covering an area of 845.70 square kilometers. This designation recognizes Similipal's rich biodiversity, including 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, and 62 species of reptiles. The park is notable for being home to the world's only population of wild melanistic tigers and shelters 25% of Odisha's elephant population . The declaration was made under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, after decades of efforts and fulfilling necessary criteria, including relocation of villages from core areas . Similipal's new status as a National Park is expected to enhance conservation efforts and attract both domestic and international tourists.
Similipal in Mayurbhanj district as India's 107th National Park, covering an area of 845.70 square kilometers. This designation recognizes Similipal's rich biodiversity, including 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, and 62 species of reptiles. The park is notable for being home to the world's only population of wild melanistic tigers and shelters 25% of Odisha's elephant population . The declaration was made under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, after decades of efforts and fulfilling necessary criteria, including relocation of villages from core areas . Similipal's new status as a National Park is expected to enhance conservation efforts and attract both domestic and international tourists.Foot notes:
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National Park Status: Similipal has been officially declared as India's 107th National Park and Odisha's second, after Bhitarkanika National Park, covering an area of 845.70 sq km.
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Conservation Efforts: This declaration strengthens Odisha's conservation legacy, uplifts tribal aspirations, and reaffirms the state's commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation.
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Biodiversity Hotspot: Similipal is home to rich biodiversity, including 40 wild tigers, 25% of Odisha's elephant population, 104 orchid species, and over 360 species of birds, making it a significant ecological landscape.
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UNESCO Recognition: Similipal is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009, and this national park status will boost conservation efforts, protecting its unique ecosystem and wildlife.
3. Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Indian to Reach 12,000 Runs in T20s
Rohit Sharma has become the second Indian cricketer to surpass
12,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving this milestone during an IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He reached the landmark with a commanding 70-run innings off 46 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes, contributing to Mumbai Indians' seven-wicket victory . This accomplishment places him among an elite group of eight players worldwide who have crossed the 12,000-run mark in T20s, including Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle . Rohit achieved this feat in his 456th T20 appearance, becoming the fifth-fastest player to reach this milestone in terms of innings played .
12,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving this milestone during an IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He reached the landmark with a commanding 70-run innings off 46 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes, contributing to Mumbai Indians' seven-wicket victory . This accomplishment places him among an elite group of eight players worldwide who have crossed the 12,000-run mark in T20s, including Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle . Rohit achieved this feat in his 456th T20 appearance, becoming the fifth-fastest player to reach this milestone in terms of innings played .Foot notes:
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Milestone Achievement: Rohit Sharma has become the second Indian batsman to score 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, joining Virat Kohli in this elite group.
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Record-Breaking Match: He achieved this feat during the IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
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Ranking Among Global Cricketers: Rohit Sharma is now the eighth batter overall to surpass 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, behind cricket legends like Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, and Virat Kohli.
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Consistency in IPL: A significant portion of his 12,000+ runs has come from the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has played for Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians, providing perfect starts in powerplay overs.
4. Anant Ambani appointed as Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, has been
appointed as Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) for a five-year term starting May 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval . Previously serving as a non-executive director, Anant has been actively involved in RIL's energy and sustainability initiatives, aligning with the company's goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 . He also holds positions on the boards of several Reliance subsidiaries, including Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail Ventures, Reliance New Energy, and Reliance New Solar Energy . Anant's appointment marks a significant step in the Ambani family's succession planning, with his siblings Akash and Isha Ambani already holding key roles in Reliance's telecom and retail divisions, respectively .
appointed as Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) for a five-year term starting May 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval . Previously serving as a non-executive director, Anant has been actively involved in RIL's energy and sustainability initiatives, aligning with the company's goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 . He also holds positions on the boards of several Reliance subsidiaries, including Jio Platforms, Reliance Retail Ventures, Reliance New Energy, and Reliance New Solar Energy . Anant's appointment marks a significant step in the Ambani family's succession planning, with his siblings Akash and Isha Ambani already holding key roles in Reliance's telecom and retail divisions, respectively .Foot notes:
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Role and Responsibilities : As a whole-time director, Anant will assume executive responsibilities within RIL's leadership team, focusing on the company's energy and sustainability initiatives, aiming to make Reliance a net-zero carbon company by 2035.
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Leadership Experience : Anant has been on the boards of several RIL subsidiaries, including Jio Platforms Ltd, Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, Reliance New Energy Ltd, and Reliance New Solar Energy Ltd, showcasing his growing leadership role within the Reliance group.
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Family Succession Plan : Anant's appointment is part of the Ambani family's succession planning, with his siblings Akash Ambani and Isha Ambani Piramal already holding key roles in Reliance Jio Infocomm and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, respectively.
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Educational Background : Anant Ambani holds a Bachelor's degree from Brown University in the United States, bringing international academic exposure to his executive responsibilities at RIL.
5. Amit Kumar appointed as Private Secretary to the Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram
Amit Kumar, a 2010-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre,
has been appointed as the Private Secretary to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram. The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is at the Director level for a tenure of five years or until further orders . This move follows Minister Oram's request for the replacement of his previous Private Secretary, Dr. Parag Harshad Gavali, citing personal reasons and issues related to unauthorized absence from duty . In January 2025, Oram had written to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking Gavali's replacement and later requested disciplinary action against him under the All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
has been appointed as the Private Secretary to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram. The appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is at the Director level for a tenure of five years or until further orders . This move follows Minister Oram's request for the replacement of his previous Private Secretary, Dr. Parag Harshad Gavali, citing personal reasons and issues related to unauthorized absence from duty . In January 2025, Oram had written to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking Gavali's replacement and later requested disciplinary action against him under the All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. Foot notes:
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Appointment Details: Amit Kumar, a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, has been appointed as Private Secretary to Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram.
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Tenure: The appointment is for a period of five years from the date of taking over charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
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Role and Responsibilities: As Private Secretary, Amit Kumar will serve at the Director level, handling key responsibilities and supporting the Minister in policy decisions.
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Appointment Committee Approval: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Amit Kumar's appointment, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
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Effective Date: Although the exact date of taking charge isn't specified, the DoPT order was issued on February 25, 2025, marking the beginning of the formal process.
6. Akashvani wins six prizes at India Audio Summit and Awards 2025
Akashvani, India's national public broadcaster, achieved
remarkable success at the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025 by securing six prestigious awards across various categories. The accolades included 'Best Audio Series of the Year' and 'Best Radio Drama', underscoring Akashvani's excellence in audio storytelling and production. This recognition highlights Akashvani's commitment to delivering high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences nationwide. The awards ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions to the audio industry, with Akashvani standing out for its innovative programming and impactful narratives. These honors reaffirm Akashvani's pivotal role in shaping India's audio broadcasting landscape and its dedication to cultural enrichment.
remarkable success at the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025 by securing six prestigious awards across various categories. The accolades included 'Best Audio Series of the Year' and 'Best Radio Drama', underscoring Akashvani's excellence in audio storytelling and production. This recognition highlights Akashvani's commitment to delivering high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences nationwide. The awards ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions to the audio industry, with Akashvani standing out for its innovative programming and impactful narratives. These honors reaffirm Akashvani's pivotal role in shaping India's audio broadcasting landscape and its dedication to cultural enrichment.Foot notes:
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Total Awards Won: Akashvani won a total of six awards in various categories at the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025, recognizing excellence in radio and audio content production.
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Series of the Year: The program "Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey with Smriti Irani" was named Series of the Year on radio, featuring stories of women's determination and grit.
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Best Produced Audio Streaming Programme: Akashvani's News Services Division won the Best Produced Audio Streaming Programme in the Health and Fitness category for its popular weekly phone-in show "Public Speak".
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Other Winning Shows: Other award-winning programs include "Chhayageet" (Best Late Night Show), "Ujale Unki Yadon Ke" (Best Celebrity Show on Air), and "Safarcast" (Best Travel Show).
7. Pradip Kurbah Wins Best Director and Best Film at Moscow Festival
Pradip Kurbah, a self-taught filmmaker from Meghalaya, achieved
international acclaim by winning Best Director and Best Film at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival for his Khasi-language film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field). The film, which explores themes of community resilience and migration in a remote village, also received the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film, marking a historic moment for Indian regional cinema. Kurbah dedicated the awards to the people of Meghalaya and his film crew, expressing gratitude for their support and collaboration. This recognition highlights the global appeal of stories rooted in local cultures and the growing prominence of Northeast Indian cinema on the world stage. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated Kurbah, noting the state's support of 30 lakh for the film's production.
international acclaim by winning Best Director and Best Film at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival for his Khasi-language film Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field). The film, which explores themes of community resilience and migration in a remote village, also received the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film, marking a historic moment for Indian regional cinema. Kurbah dedicated the awards to the people of Meghalaya and his film crew, expressing gratitude for their support and collaboration. This recognition highlights the global appeal of stories rooted in local cultures and the growing prominence of Northeast Indian cinema on the world stage. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated Kurbah, noting the state's support of 30 lakh for the film's production.Foot notes:
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Double Win: Pradip Kurbah's film "Ha Lyngkha Bneng" won Best Film, and he was awarded Best Director at the 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
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International Recognition: The awards were presented by the Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), recognizing outstanding feature films from the Asia-Pacific region.
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National Award Winner: Kurbah is a National Award winner (2014) and a self-taught filmmaker who promotes local talent and showcases Meghalaya's picturesque landscape.
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Government Support: The Meghalaya government supported Kurbah's film with 30 lakh funding, and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated him, saying the win promotes local culture and showcases the state's abilities.
8. Payal Kapadia Receives Prestigious French Honour
Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been honored with
France's prestigious civilian award, the Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), in recognition of her outstanding contributions to cinema and the cultural ties between France and India. The award was presented by Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, the Consul General of France in Mumbai, during a ceremony held at the French residence in Mumbai. Kapadia's debut fiction feature, All We Imagine as Light, an Indo-French co-production, garnered international acclaim by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, marking the first Indian film in three decades to receive a major award in Cannes' main competition.
France's prestigious civilian award, the Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), in recognition of her outstanding contributions to cinema and the cultural ties between France and India. The award was presented by Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, the Consul General of France in Mumbai, during a ceremony held at the French residence in Mumbai. Kapadia's debut fiction feature, All We Imagine as Light, an Indo-French co-production, garnered international acclaim by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, marking the first Indian film in three decades to receive a major award in Cannes' main competition.Foot notes:
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Award Details: Payal Kapadia was conferred with the Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) award by the French government for her outstanding contributions to cinema and cultural ties between France and India.
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Historic Achievement: Kapadia's film "All We Imagine As Light" won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making her the first Indian director in 30 years to win an award in the festival's main competition.
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Global Recognition: "All We Imagine As Light" was also nominated for a Golden Globe and shortlisted as France's official entry for the Oscars' international category, showcasing Kapadia's growing international stature.
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Previous Accolades: Kapadia has previously won the Golden Eye award for her debut feature documentary "A Night of Knowing Nothing" and gained international recognition for her short film "Afternoon Clouds" at Cannes.
9. World Intellectual Property Day is observed on April 26
World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated every year on April 26
to raise awareness about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. Each year, the day focuses on a specific theme, highlighting the importance of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting technological and artistic advancements. It also recognizes the contributions of inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs to the growth of economies and societies. Educational campaigns, exhibitions, and discussions are organized worldwide to mark the occasion.
to raise awareness about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. Each year, the day focuses on a specific theme, highlighting the importance of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting technological and artistic advancements. It also recognizes the contributions of inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs to the growth of economies and societies. Educational campaigns, exhibitions, and discussions are organized worldwide to mark the occasion. Foot notes:
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Establishment: World Intellectual Property Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, with April 26 chosen to commemorate the date the WIPO Convention entered into force in 1970.
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Annual Themes: Each year, WIPO selects a theme for World Intellectual Property Day, such as "Intellectual Property and Music: Feel the Beat of IP" for 2025, to highlight specific aspects of intellectual property.
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Global Celebrations: The day is celebrated worldwide with events like conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and webinars, organized by IP offices, law firms, and private companies to promote understanding of intellectual property rights.
10. Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan passed away
Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan, renowned as
M.G.S. Narayanan, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 92 at his residence in Malaparamba, Kozhikode. A distinguished historian, educator, and researcher, Narayanan was instrumental in reshaping the academic understanding of Kerala's ancient history. He authored over 200 books and articles, with his seminal work Perumals of Kerala being a cornerstone in the historiography of the state. Narayanan served as the chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research and held key positions in various scholarly bodies. His fearless approach to history often led to controversy, but his contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian historical scholarship.
M.G.S. Narayanan, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the age of 92 at his residence in Malaparamba, Kozhikode. A distinguished historian, educator, and researcher, Narayanan was instrumental in reshaping the academic understanding of Kerala's ancient history. He authored over 200 books and articles, with his seminal work Perumals of Kerala being a cornerstone in the historiography of the state. Narayanan served as the chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research and held key positions in various scholarly bodies. His fearless approach to history often led to controversy, but his contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian historical scholarship. Foot notes:
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Academic Contributions: Narayanan significantly contributed to Kerala's historical and cultural studies through decades of scholarly work. His research focused on Kerala's ancient history, temple inscriptions, Brahmin settlements, and social transformations in South India.
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Notable Works: He authored over 200 books and articles, including 112 research papers published in prestigious national and international journals. Some notable works include "Perumals of Kerala", "Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala", and "Foundations of South Indian Society and Culture".
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Institutional Affiliations: Narayanan was associated with several academic organizations, including the South Indian History Congress, Epigraphical Society of India, and Place Name Society of India. He also served as the chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee for Kerala State Archives.
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