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Current Affairs 29 April 2025
1. India dominates Asian Yogasana Sport Championship with record 83 gold
India achieved a historic milestone at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport
Championship, securing a record-breaking 83 gold medals. The championship, held at the KD Jadhav Arena within the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, witnessed participation from over 21 countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. India's dominance was evident as it topped the medal tally, followed by Japan with 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes, while Mongolia, Oman, and Nepal rounded out the top five. The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, and Shri Ajay Chaudhary, Additional Commissioner of Police, Delhi, along with senior officials from the Asian and World Yogasana federations.
Championship, securing a record-breaking 83 gold medals. The championship, held at the KD Jadhav Arena within the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, witnessed participation from over 21 countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. India's dominance was evident as it topped the medal tally, followed by Japan with 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes, while Mongolia, Oman, and Nepal rounded out the top five. The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, and Shri Ajay Chaudhary, Additional Commissioner of Police, Delhi, along with senior officials from the Asian and World Yogasana federations.Foot notes:
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Record-Breaking Performance: India secured a record 83 gold medals, showcasing its remarkable athletic prowess in the sport.
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Tournament Details: The championship was held in New Delhi, India, at the KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, and featured participants from over 21 countries, including Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
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Medal Tally: India topped the medal tally with 83 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal, followed by Japan with 3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
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Growing Popularity of Yogasana: The event highlighted yogasana's growing international popularity and positioned it as a serious competitive discipline on the global stage.
2. Kamla Persad-Bissessar's Comeback as PM of Trinidad and Tobago
Kamla Persad-Bissessar has made a remarkable political comeback,
reclaiming the position of Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago after a decisive victory in the 2025 general elections. Her party, the United National Congress (UNC), in alliance with the Coalition of Interests, secured 26 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives, defeating the ruling People's National Movement (PNM), which won 13 seats. This election was prompted by the dissolution of Parliament by Prime Minister Stuart Young, who had recently succeeded Keith Rowley, amid public discontent over his unelected appointment. At 73, Persad-Bissessar, the nation's first female prime minister who previously served from 2010 to 2015, has pledged to address the country's escalating crime and economic challenges.
reclaiming the position of Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago after a decisive victory in the 2025 general elections. Her party, the United National Congress (UNC), in alliance with the Coalition of Interests, secured 26 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives, defeating the ruling People's National Movement (PNM), which won 13 seats. This election was prompted by the dissolution of Parliament by Prime Minister Stuart Young, who had recently succeeded Keith Rowley, amid public discontent over his unelected appointment. At 73, Persad-Bissessar, the nation's first female prime minister who previously served from 2010 to 2015, has pledged to address the country's escalating crime and economic challenges.Foot notes:
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Election Victory: Kamla Persad-Bissessar's United National Congress (UNC) secured a decisive victory in the snap elections, winning 26 out of 41 seats in the House of Representatives.
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Comeback After a Gap: Persad-Bissessar, 73, previously served as Prime Minister from 2010-2015 and has now made a remarkable comeback, marking a significant shift in the country's politics.
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Key Challenges: Persad-Bissessar has pledged to address pressing issues such as crime and economic instability, promising reforms in salaries and pension protections for public workers and the elderly.
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Economic Revival Plans: Her administration plans to revive Petrotrin, Trinidad and Tobago's defunct state-owned oil company, which was shuttered in 2018 due to governance concerns.
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International Congratulations: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Persad-Bissessar on her election victory, looking forward to working with her to strengthen the partnership between the two nations for shared prosperity and well-being.
3. Amazon Launches First Kuiper Satellites to Rival Starlink
Amazon has officially entered the satellite internet arena with the
successful launch of its first 27 Project Kuiper satellites on April 28, 2025. These satellites were deployed aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking the commencement of Amazon's ambitious $10 billion initiative to establish a 3,236-satellite constellation aimed at providing global broadband coverage. This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, which currently leads the market with over 8,000 operational satellites.
successful launch of its first 27 Project Kuiper satellites on April 28, 2025. These satellites were deployed aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking the commencement of Amazon's ambitious $10 billion initiative to establish a 3,236-satellite constellation aimed at providing global broadband coverage. This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, which currently leads the market with over 8,000 operational satellites. Foot notes:
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Competition with Starlink: Project Kuiper aims to rival SpaceX's Starlink network, which currently dominates the satellite internet market with over 8,000 satellites in orbit and millions of customers. Amazon's entry into the market could potentially disrupt the status quo and offer more options for consumers.
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Satellite Constellation: Amazon plans to deploy a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low-Earth orbit, spread across 98 different paths around Earth at three specific heights: 590 km, 610 km, and 630 km. Each satellite will fly at an altitude of about 280 miles (450 kilometers), providing faster and more responsive internet connections.
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Customer Service and Pricing: Amazon expects to begin delivering service to customers later this year, with coverage expanding towards the equator as more satellites are launched. However, pricing details have not been announced yet, although Amazon has emphasized affordability as a key principle of Project Kuiper.
4. Kokborok Language Demanded to be Included in 8th Schedule
The Kokborok language, spoken by indigenous communities in
Tripura, is at the center of a movement advocating for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad, a prominent tribal literary organization, has formally petitioned Chief Minister Manik Saha, emphasizing the language's rich cultural heritage and its role in preserving tribal identity. Despite being one of Tripura's official languages and taught from primary to university levels, Kokborok lacks constitutional recognition, which supporters argue is essential for its preservation and national promotion .
Tripura, is at the center of a movement advocating for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad, a prominent tribal literary organization, has formally petitioned Chief Minister Manik Saha, emphasizing the language's rich cultural heritage and its role in preserving tribal identity. Despite being one of Tripura's official languages and taught from primary to university levels, Kokborok lacks constitutional recognition, which supporters argue is essential for its preservation and national promotion . Foot notes:
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Demand for Inclusion: Tripura's Education Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, has strongly advocated for including Kokborok in the 8th Schedule, emphasizing that it will ensure the language's proper development.
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Current Status: Kokborok is already one of the official languages of Tripura and is spoken by 19 tribes, including Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia, Uchoi, and Koloi.
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Development Initiatives: The state government has introduced Kokborok language education from primary to university levels, with around 10,000 students currently studying in Kokborok. Tripura University has also introduced a Ph.D. course in Kokborok, with four students pursuing their Ph.D. in the language.
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Government's Objective: The state administration is working to add Kokborok to the Constitution's 8th Schedule, which recognizes 22 different languages. This move aims to promote the language's development and preservation.
5. Pankaj Advani Won In CCI Billiards Classic
Pankaj Advani, India’s ace cueist, clinched the title at the prestigious
CCI Billiards Classic tournament. He showcased remarkable skill and consistency throughout the competition, reaffirming his dominance in the sport. Advani outplayed his opponents with tactical brilliance and precision, earning applause from fans and fellow players alike. The win adds another feather to his already illustrious career, which includes multiple world titles. His victory at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) event is seen as a significant achievement in the domestic billiards circuit. With this triumph, Advani continues to inspire young players and elevate the profile of cue sports in India.
CCI Billiards Classic tournament. He showcased remarkable skill and consistency throughout the competition, reaffirming his dominance in the sport. Advani outplayed his opponents with tactical brilliance and precision, earning applause from fans and fellow players alike. The win adds another feather to his already illustrious career, which includes multiple world titles. His victory at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) event is seen as a significant achievement in the domestic billiards circuit. With this triumph, Advani continues to inspire young players and elevate the profile of cue sports in India.Foot notes:
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Tournament Victory: Pankaj Advani retained his title at the All India CCI Billiards Classic 2024, showcasing his dominance in the sport.
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Final Match Performance: Advani won the final match against David Causier of England with a score of 1836-743, constructing two massive breaks of 801 and 460.
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Breakdown of the Final: At the end of the first two-hour session, Advani had a slender lead of 593-570, which he then extended to win the match comfortably.
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Prize Money: Advani was awarded a cash prize of Rs 250,000 for winning the tournament and an additional Rs 25,000 for achieving the highest break of 801 in the final.
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Consistency and Dominance: This victory marked Advani's fourth successive triumph at the CCI Billiards Classic, solidifying his position as India's most decorated green baize player with 27 World titles.
6. President Honored 71 Individulas With Padma Awards
On April 28, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the
prestigious Padma Awards to 71 distinguished individuals during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The awards were distributed across three categories: four Padma Vibhushan, ten Padma Bhushan, and fifty-seven Padma Shri, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields such as art, public affairs, science, sports, and social work. Notable recipients included violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam and gastroenterologist Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, both honored with the Padma Vibhushan for their outstanding achievements in music and medicine, respectively.
prestigious Padma Awards to 71 distinguished individuals during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The awards were distributed across three categories: four Padma Vibhushan, ten Padma Bhushan, and fifty-seven Padma Shri, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields such as art, public affairs, science, sports, and social work. Notable recipients included violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam and gastroenterologist Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, both honored with the Padma Vibhushan for their outstanding achievements in music and medicine, respectively. Foot notes:
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Padma Awards Ceremony: President Murmu conferred the prestigious Padma Awards on 71 distinguished individuals during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan's Durbar Hall in New Delhi.
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Award Categories: The awardees included four Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri recipients, recognizing outstanding contributions across arts, medicine, sports, public affairs, and social work.
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Notable Recipients: Renowned violinist L. Subramaniam received the Padma Vibhushan, while notable Padma Bhushan recipients included actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and former Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh.
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Diverse Achievers: The awardees comprised individuals from various fields, including art, sports, science, and public service.
7. India's Sudirman Cup 2025 campaign ended with a 1-4 defeat against Denmark
India's Sudirman Cup 2025 campaign commenced with a 1–4 defeat
against Denmark in their opening Group D match in Xiamen, China. The tie began with the mixed doubles match, where India's Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost to Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund 13–21, 14–21. In the men's singles, HS Prannoy was defeated by Anders Antonsen with scores of 15–21, 16–21. The men's doubles pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, suffered a heavy loss to Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen, 7–21, 4–21. PV Sindhu, in the women's singles, narrowly lost to Line Kjaersfeldt in straight games, 20–22, 21–23. India's sole victory came in the women's doubles, where Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra defeated Natasja Anthonisen and Alexandra Bøje 21–13, 21–18 .
against Denmark in their opening Group D match in Xiamen, China. The tie began with the mixed doubles match, where India's Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost to Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund 13–21, 14–21. In the men's singles, HS Prannoy was defeated by Anders Antonsen with scores of 15–21, 16–21. The men's doubles pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, suffered a heavy loss to Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen, 7–21, 4–21. PV Sindhu, in the women's singles, narrowly lost to Line Kjaersfeldt in straight games, 20–22, 21–23. India's sole victory came in the women's doubles, where Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra defeated Natasja Anthonisen and Alexandra Bøje 21–13, 21–18 .Foot notes:
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India's Only Win: Tanisha Crasto and Priya Konjengbam picked up India's only win in the tie, defeating Denmark's Natasja P Anthonisen and Alexandra Boje 21-13, 21-18 in the women's doubles.
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PV Sindhu's Narrow Loss: PV Sindhu put up a tough fight in her singles match but lost to Line Kjaersfeldt 22-20, 23-21 despite having five game points. Sindhu's experience was evident, but Kjaersfeldt's skill ultimately paid off.
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Strong Danish Performance: Denmark dominated the match, winning four out of five matches. Their top players, including world No. 3 Anders Antonsen and world No. 1 pair Kim Astrup-Anders Rasmussen, proved too strong for India's lineup.
8. Shilpa Dyavaiah inducted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in CBI
India's Sudirman Cup 2025 campaign commenced with a 1–4 defeat
against Denmark in their opening Group D match in Xiamen, China. The tie began with the mixed doubles match, where India's Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost to Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund 13–21, 14–21. In the men's singles, HS Prannoy was defeated by Anders Antonsen with scores of 15–21, 16–21. The men's doubles pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, suffered a heavy loss to Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen, 7–21, 4–21. PV Sindhu, in the women's singles, narrowly lost to Line Kjaersfeldt in straight games, 20–22, 21–23. India's sole victory came in the women's doubles, where Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra defeated Natasja Anthonisen and Alexandra Bøje 21–13, 21–18
against Denmark in their opening Group D match in Xiamen, China. The tie began with the mixed doubles match, where India's Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost to Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund 13–21, 14–21. In the men's singles, HS Prannoy was defeated by Anders Antonsen with scores of 15–21, 16–21. The men's doubles pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, suffered a heavy loss to Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen, 7–21, 4–21. PV Sindhu, in the women's singles, narrowly lost to Line Kjaersfeldt in straight games, 20–22, 21–23. India's sole victory came in the women's doubles, where Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra defeated Natasja Anthonisen and Alexandra Bøje 21–13, 21–18Foot notes:
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Background and Experience: Dyavaiah has a commendable career in law enforcement, serving as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Kasaragod and Kannur, and later as Commandant of the Kerala Women Police Battalion. She was also the first woman SP of Kasaragod.
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Notable Achievements: She effectively handled critical investigations, including the Kood andathi cyanide murder case, and led law enforcement operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as the District Police Chief of Kottayam.
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Appointment Order: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an order on March 28, 2025, for her induction as SP in CBI, recognizing her investigative acumen and experience in handling law-and-order challenges.
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Professional Background: Before joining the IPS, Dyavaiah worked as a Business Analyst with Tata Consultancy Services, bringing strong analytical skills to her policing career.
9. International Dance Day observed on 29 April
International Dance Day is celebrated annually on April 29 to honor
the art of dance and its universal appeal. Established in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in partnership with UNESCO, the date commemorates the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), a French dancer and ballet master regarded as the creator of modern ballet . The day aims to raise awareness about the value of dance as an art form, a means of cultural expression, and an educational tool. It encourages participation and education in dance through events and festivals held worldwide, promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity .
the art of dance and its universal appeal. Established in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in partnership with UNESCO, the date commemorates the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), a French dancer and ballet master regarded as the creator of modern ballet . The day aims to raise awareness about the value of dance as an art form, a means of cultural expression, and an educational tool. It encourages participation and education in dance through events and festivals held worldwide, promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity .Foot notes:
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Date and Purpose: International Dance Day is celebrated annually on April 29 to promote dance and encourage people to appreciate its beauty and significance.
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Founder and Significance: The International Dance Council (CID) of UNESCO established International Dance Day in 1982 to recognize dance as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.
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Global Celebrations: The day is marked with dance performances, workshops, and events worldwide, showcasing diverse dance styles and traditions.
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Theme: Each year, International Dance Day may have a specific theme, highlighting different aspects of dance, such as its role in culture, education, or community building.
10. Veteran filmmaker Shaji N Karun passed away
Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N. Karun passed away on April
28, 2025, at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He died at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, leaving behind his wife Anasuya Devaki Warrier and sons Anil and Appu .
28, 2025, at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He died at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, leaving behind his wife Anasuya Devaki Warrier and sons Anil and Appu .Shaji N. Karun was renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in Malayalam filmmaking. His debut film, Piravi (1988), garnered international acclaim, winning the Caméra d'Or – Mention d'honneur at the Cannes Film Festival. He was the inaugural chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and the executive chairman of the International Film Festival of Kerala from 1998 to 2001 .
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Awards and Recognition: Shaji N Karun is a renowned Indian filmmaker and cinematographer who has won several awards, including the Best Director award at the 2014 Kerala State Film Awards.
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Notable Works: He is known for his work on films like "Piravi", which won the Caméra d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
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Contribution to Indian Cinema: Shaji N Karun has made significant contributions to Malayalam cinema, exploring themes of social justice, human relationships, and cultural heritage.
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Career Span: With a career spanning several decades, he has worked on various film projects, showcasing his versatility as a director and cinematographer.
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