30 April: Ayushmaan Bharat Diwas
The purpose of Ayushmaan Bharat Diwas is to promote the goals of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This program demonstrates the accomplishment of Indian government goals that are in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune and Indian Express:
1. Who is the Indian astronaut set to travel to the ISS on May 29, 2025, with Axiom Space?
A) Rakesh Sharma
B) Shubanshu Shukla
C) Sunita Williams
D) Kalpana Chawla
Answer: B) Shubanshu Shukla
Explanation:
Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla will join Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission to the ISS, launching from Florida.
This marks India’s second human spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission.
The mission also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
Related Info:
Axiom Space is a private U.S. company conducting commercial missions to the ISS.
Rakesh Sharma remains the first and only Indian citizen to travel to space until now.
2. What was the Supreme Court's stance on using Pegasus spyware against terrorists?
A) Declared it unconstitutional
B) Referred it to Parliament
C) Supported its use for national security
D) Ordered a ban on Pegasus
Answer: C) Supported its use for national security
Explanation:
The Supreme Court said there's no issue using spyware like Pegasus against terrorists.
Findings concerning national security won't be made public.
However, individual privacy must still be respected.
Related Info:
The Pegasus spyware controversy erupted in 2021 involving journalists and politicians.
It is developed by Israel's NSO Group.
3. Who was appointed the 52nd Chief Justice of India to take oath on May 14, 2025?
A) Justice N Kotiswar Singh
B) Justice Sanjiv Khanna
C) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
D) Justice Ranjan Gogoi
Answer: C) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
Explanation:
Justice Gavai was appointed to replace CJI Sanjiv Khanna and will assume office on May 14.
He has delivered several key verdicts as a part of Constitution benches.
He hails from Maharashtra and has a long judicial career since 1985.
Related Info:
He is the third Dalit judge to become CJI in India's history.
His appointment follows the standard seniority convention.
4. Which two languages will be integrated into the BHASHINI platform by the Meghalaya Government?
A) Mizo and Naga
B) Garo and Khasi
C) Bodo and Santhali
D) Manipuri and Ao
Answer: B) Garo and Khasi
Explanation:
Meghalaya signed an MoU with Digital India Bhashini to integrate Garo and Khasi languages.
The aim is to digitally empower indigenous languages through BHASHINI.
This inclusion adds to the effort to make 22 languages digitally accessible.
Related Info:
BHASHINI is part of the National Language Translation Mission.
Garo and Khasi are scheduled languages spoken in Meghalaya.
5. For what contribution was David R Syiemlieh awarded the Padma Shri?
A) Environmental activism
B) Literature and education
C) Medicine and health
D) Sports development
Answer: B) Literature and education
Explanation:
David R Syiemlieh received the Padma Shri for his scholarly work on the history and culture of Meghalaya.
He authored books on British administration and U Tirot Sing's legacy.
He earned his PhD from NEHU in 1985.
Related Info:
He was also a former Chairman of the UPSC.
Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
6. Where was the recent astronomy and astrophysics workshop conducted in Assam?
A) Gauhati University
B) JB University and Bahona College
C) Dibrugarh University
D) Tezpur University
Answer: B) JB University and Bahona College
Explanation:
A three-day astronomy workshop was hosted by Bahona College and JB University in Jorhat.
It was supported by IUCAA Pune and ICARD Tezpur University.
Topics included solar activity, quantum mechanics, and astronomical data analysis.
Related Info:
IUCAA is India’s leading astrophysics research center based in Pune.
Over 50 participants from major universities attended.
7. Dr. Apurba Chakraborty was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to which field?
A) Agriculture
B) Space science
C) Wildlife health and management
D) Education
Answer: C) Wildlife health and management
Explanation:
Dr. Chakraborty was honored for his lifelong work in wildlife health at a conference in Jabalpur.
He formerly headed research at Assam Agricultural University.
His work included conservation and veterinary contributions.
Related Info:
The award was presented by the Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians.
It was part of the 15th International Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference.
8. What was the primary focus of the recent meeting held at DHSK College?
A) Launching new academic programs
B) Promoting scientific research
C) Preserving the Assamese language
D) Discussing political reforms
Answer: C) Preserving the Assamese language
Explanation:
The event emphasized safeguarding Assamese language and literature.
Speakers discussed translation efforts and cultural awareness.
It also highlighted collaboration with the Asom Sahitya Sabha.
Related Info:
DHSK College has a long legacy in Assamese education.
The Sabha promotes regional literature across Assam.
9. What new dual degree programme did Tezpur University introduce?
A) BA-B.Ed
B) BTech-MBA
C) BSc-MSc
D) BA-MA in Linguistics
Answer: B) BTech-MBA
Explanation: Tezpur University introduced eight new academic programmes for 2025–26 to boost interdisciplinary learning and innovation. These include a Dual Degree BTech-MBA and programmes in Sociology, Translation Studies, Solar Energy, and more. The university aims to stay ahead in academic relevance and announced a partial fee waiver for BPL students.
Related Info:
Tezpur University is a Central University in Assam.
It ranks among India’s top 100 universities.
10. What is the main goal of the Ganit Setu initiative?
A) Promote sports
B) Enhance math education in rural schools
C) Train teachers in English
D) Develop science labs
Answer: B) Enhance math education in rural schools
Explanation:
Ganit Setu aims to improve math learning in government schools.
It targets gaps in foundational numeracy skills.
The initiative uses visual learning tools and teacher training.
Related Info:
Rotary supports this under its Global Grant.
The program runs in Assam and Himachal Pradesh.
11. The India-Netherlands corridor is focused on which key area?
A) Coal mining
B) Green hydrogen exports and digital trade
C) Tourism promotion
D) Cultural exchange
Answer: B) Green hydrogen exports and digital trade
Explanation:
India and the Netherlands are collaborating on a green trade corridor.
It includes hydrogen supply and port digitalization.
The project supports sustainable energy transport to Europe.
Related Info:
Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Rotterdam Port are key players.
Hydrogen is a clean energy alternative for the future.
12. Who won the Canadian federal election?
A) Pierre Poilievre
B) Justin Trudeau
C) Mark Carney
D) Donald Trump
Answer: C) Mark Carney
Explanation:
Mark Carney's Liberal Party secured a majority win.
He defeated Pierre Poilievre amid controversial US remarks.
This marks Carney’s first major political leadership role.
Related Info:
Carney served as governor of both UK and Canadian central banks.
He is known for economic expertise and climate finance work.
13. Why did IIT-KGP install barcodes in hostels?
A) For tracking attendance
B) To scan library books
C) To provide anonymous mental health support
D) For security surveillance
Answer: C) To provide anonymous mental health support
Explanation:
The barcodes offer discreet access to counseling services.
It follows concerns after a student suicide.
Students can scan to get mental health resources privately.
Related Info:
Mental health is an increasing concern at top Indian institutes.
IITs are exploring technology-based wellness initiatives.
14. What is KIIT’s rank in the 2025 Asia University Rankings?
A) 50th
B) 100th
C) 184th
D) 200th
Answer: C) 184th
Explanation:
KIIT rose to 184th place in Asia per Times Higher Ed.
It ranks 8th among Indian private universities.
The university excels in research, outreach, and industry tie-ups.
Related Info:
KIIT is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
It offers over 100 academic programs across disciplines.
Daily Current Affairs 30 April 2025 | Based on The Assam Tribune & Indian Express | Download PDF