Malayalam Film Legend Shaji N Karun Passes Away at 73
Celebrated Malayalam filmmaker and cinematographer Shaji N Karun passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 73 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, after a battle with cancer. Known for his visually poetic storytelling and profound contributions to Indian parallel cinema, Karun rose to international acclaim with his debut film Piravi, which earned a special mention at Cannes. He also directed Swaham and Vanaprastham, both featured at global festivals. Recipient of the Padma Shri and France’s Order of Arts and Letters, Karun’s legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers across India and beyond.
RBI Orders Banks to Improve ₹100 and ₹200 Note Availability in ATMs
To improve the availability of smaller denominations, the Reserve Bank of India has instructed all banks and white-label ATM operators to ensure regular dispensing of ₹100 and ₹200 notes. As per the new directive, by September 30, 2025, at least 75% of all ATMs must dispense either of these denominations from at least one cassette. This requirement will rise to 90% by March 31, 2026. The move aims to meet public demand for lower denomination currency, promoting ease in day-to-day transactions and enhancing the efficiency of currency distribution across India.
India Emerges as Fourth-Largest Global Military Spender in 2024-25
In the fiscal year 2024-25, India secured its position as the world’s fourth-largest military spender, allocating approximately $84 billion to defense—a 4.2% increase from the previous year. This expenditure represents about 2.4% of India’s GDP, reflecting the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces amid regional security challenges. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) attributes this rise to heightened tensions along India’s borders and a strategic push for self-reliance in defense production. Globally, military spending reached a record $2.72 trillion, with the United States, China, and Russia leading the expenditure rankings.
Manush Shah and Diya Chitale Secure Historic Mixed Doubles Title at WTT Contender Tunis 2025
Indian table tennis duo Manush Shah and Diya Chitale achieved a landmark victory by clinching the mixed doubles title at the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, held from April 22 to 27 in Tunis, Tunisia. In a thrilling final, they overcame Japan’s Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto with a 3–2 win, avenging their previous loss to the same pair at the WTT Star Contender Doha earlier this year. This triumph marks them as only the second Indian pair to win a mixed doubles title at a WTT Contender event, following Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran’s 2021 victory.
RBI Penalizes IOB and Mahindra Finance for Regulatory Breaches
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties on Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd (MMFSL) for failing to comply with regulatory norms. IOB was fined ₹63.6 lakh for improperly securing collateral on loans meant to be collateral-free, including agricultural and MSME loans. MMFSL received a ₹71.3 lakh penalty for multiple violations such as inadequate disclosure of charges, failure to provide loan documents to borrowers, and not giving defaulters a final repayment chance before auctioning vehicles. The RBI’s move highlights its firm stance on financial discipline.
India Dominates 2nd Asian Yogasana Championship with Unmatched Medal Haul
India showcased its supremacy in yogic sports by clinching a record 83 gold medals at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship held at KD Jadhav Arena, New Delhi. The host nation topped the medal tally with an additional 3 silver and 1 bronze, outperforming 21 participating countries including Japan, Mongolia, and Oman. Japan followed distantly with 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes. The championship highlighted India’s leadership in promoting yogasana as a competitive discipline, culminating in a vibrant closing ceremony that celebrated traditional Indian culture and international sporting unity.