Current Affairs Today 2025: Daily Current Affairs News

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April 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Sports – Daily Current Affairs April 16

1. Which of the following statements is true regarding Saurabh Chaudhary’s performance at the ISSF World Cup 2025?
A) He won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol event.
B) He finished 5th in the 10m air pistol final.
C) He made his international debut at the event.
D) He won a bronze medal after returning from a two-year break.
E) He defeated Christian Reitz in the gold medal match.
Answer: D) He won a bronze medal after returning from a two-year break

Event and Location:

  • Event: Saurabh Chaudhary won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025.
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: Lima, Peru

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Athlete Comeback: The event highlighted Saurabh Chaudhary’s return to international competition after over two years.
  • Performance Display: The tournament showcased Saurabh’s consistency and skill under high-pressure final rounds.
  • International Competition: The ISSF World Cup served as a platform for global shooters to test Olympic-level skills.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ISSF World Cup: An international shooting competition organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation, featuring Olympic-level disciplines.
  • 10m Air Pistol: A precision shooting event where athletes fire 60 shots at a 10-meter distance using an air pistol.
  • Final Elimination Stage: In ISSF finals, competitors are progressively eliminated based on cumulative scores.
  • Comeback: Saurabh returned to the Indian team after more than two years without an individual World Cup medal.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event ISSF World Cup 2025 – 10m Air Pistol (Men)
Location Lima, Peru
Date April 2025
Medal Won Bronze
Athlete Saurabh Chaudhary (India)
Comeback After more than 2 years outside the national spotlight
Final Score 219.1
Other Indian Finalist Varun Tomar (finished 4th)
Gold Medalist Kai Hu (China)
Silver Medalist Felipe Wu (Brazil)
Notable Competitors Yu Xie (China), Christian Reitz (Germany), Felipe Wu (Brazil)

 

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs April 16

2. Which of the following airports ranked 9th in the list of the world’s busiest airports in 2025?
A) Haneda Airport, Tokyo
B) London Heathrow, UK
C) New Delhi, India
D) Istanbul Airport, Turkey
E) Shanghai Pudong, China
Answer: C) New Delhi, India

Event and Location:

  • Event: Release of the list of Top-10 Busiest Airports in the World 2025.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: Global (with ranking focus on international airports including New Delhi, India)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Air Traffic Analysis: The ranking showcases passenger traffic trends and airport capacity performance globally.
  • Connectivity Insights: It highlights airports that serve as critical international hubs for transit and tourism.
  • Recognition of Aviation Hubs: Airports with high operational efficiency and connectivity gain recognition on a global scale.
  • Passenger Mobility Trends: Offers insights into how global travel is recovering or expanding post-pandemic and during economic shifts.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Passenger Traffic: The total number of people who arrive, depart, or transit through an airport in a year.
  • Suborbital vs. Busiest Airports: Suborbital travel (e.g., Blue Origin flights) is for short space journeys, unlike commercial airport rankings which are based on Earth-bound passenger movement.
  • Airport Hub: A central airport that flights are routed through, often used by major airlines for connecting flights across continents.
  • International Gateway: An airport that connects multiple global regions through international flights and airline partnerships.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Top-10 Busiest Airports in the World 2025
Location Global
Date April 16, 2025
Busiest Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL), USA – 108.07 million
2nd Busiest Dubai International (DXB), UAE – 92.33 million
3rd Busiest Dallas Fort Worth, USA – 87.81 million
India’s Position 9th place – New Delhi (77.82 million passengers)
Other Top Airports Haneda (Tokyo), Heathrow (London), Istanbul, Chicago O’Hare
Data Published By Compiled globally by aviation and transport analytics networks

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs April 16

3. Which of the following regulatory actions was taken by SEBI against Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL)?
A) GEL was allowed to continue operations with minor penalties
B) GEL and its promoters were barred from the securities market
C) SEBI provided funding to support GEL’s restructuring
D) GEL was asked to merge with another engineering firm
E) No action was taken by SEBI
Answer: B) GEL and its promoters were barred from the securities market

Event and Location:

  • Event: SEBI took enforcement action against Gensol Engineering Ltd for corporate governance failures.
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Investor Protection: SEBI’s primary aim was to safeguard the interests of investors affected by fraud.
  • Market Integrity: The action was aimed at maintaining transparency and trust in the securities market.
  • Accountability Enforcement: SEBI sought to hold promoters accountable for misuse of funds and misrepresentation.
  • Regulatory Compliance: SEBI acted to ensure compliance with PFUTP and disclosure norms.

Important Terms Explained:

  • PFUTP Regulations: These are rules under SEBI that prohibit fraudulent and unfair trade practices in the securities market.
  • Fund Diversion: It refers to the misallocation of company funds to personal or unrelated party uses.
  • Forensic Audit: A detailed investigation into financial records to detect fraud and trace fund misuse was mandated by SEBI.
  • Internal Controls: Weak internal control systems in GEL allowed unauthorized and fraudulent transactions.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event SEBI action against Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL)
Location India
Date April 2025
Regulatory Body SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
Promoters Involved Anmol Singh Jaggi, Puneet Singh Jaggi
Key Allegations Fund diversion, share price manipulation, forged disclosures
Regulatory Actions Barred from securities market, barred from directorship, stock split halted
Violations PFUTP Regulations, forged letters, misleading disclosures
Governance Lapses Weak internal controls, fund misuse, misuse of borrowed funds
SEBI Directive Forensic audit of accounts and related party transactions

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs April 16

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for March 2025?
A) The WPI inflation rate for March 2025 was recorded at 3.07%
B) The WPI data was released by the Reserve Bank of India
C) The inflation rate for manufactured products was the highest among all groups
D) The WPI base year is 2004–05
E) The WPI food index increased compared to February 2025
Answer: C) The inflation rate for manufactured products was the highest among all groups

Event and Location:

  • Event: Release of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for March 2025.
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Inflation Tracking: WPI helps track changes in wholesale price levels across different commodity groups.
  • Policy Framework: The index supports government and RBI in formulating inflation-related policy decisions.
  • Economic Monitoring: It provides insight into price trends in key sectors such as fuel, manufacturing, and food.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Wholesale Price Index (WPI): An economic indicator that measures the average change in prices of goods at the wholesale level.
  • DPIIT: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is responsible for publishing WPI data under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Base Year (2011–12): The year used as a benchmark for comparing price changes in the WPI series.
  • Year-on-Year Inflation (Y-o-Y): Measures the change in price index compared to the same month in the previous year.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Release of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) – March 2025
Location India
Date April 15, 2025
Released by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Published by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi
Base Year 2011–12
Overall WPI Inflation 2.05% (YoY)
All Commodities Index 154.5
Primary Articles Index 184.6
Fuel & Power Index 152.4
Manufactured Products Index 144.4
WPI Food Index 188.8
Highest Inflation Group Manufactured Products – 3.07%

5. Which of the following is the revised FY26 GDP growth forecast for India as per Morgan Stanley?
A) 6.7%
B) 6.5%
C) 6.3%
D) 6.1%
E) 5.9%
Answer: D) 6.1%

Event and Location:

  • Event: Morgan Stanley revised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast and Sensex target.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: India (Global outlook influenced by U.S. tariff policy)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Market Outlook Revision: Morgan Stanley adjusted its projections in response to international trade tensions.
  • Policy Impact Analysis: The downgrade was triggered by U.S. tariffs introduced under President Trump’s administration.
  • Economic Risk Reflection: The forecast accounts for reduced investor confidence and global demand concerns.
  • Sector Strategy Update: Morgan Stanley revised its sectoral stance based on potential tariff impacts.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Sensex: Benchmark index of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) representing 30 major companies listed on the exchange.
  • FY26: Refers to the financial year 2025–2026, running from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
  • Tariff: A tax imposed by a government on imported goods to protect domestic industries or as a trade policy tool.
  • Liberation Day (April 2, 2025): Name given by U.S. President Trump for announcing new protectionist tariffs on 70 countries.
  • bps (Basis Points): A unit of measure used in finance to describe the percentage change in rates or forecasts (1 bps = 0.01%).

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Morgan Stanley revises India’s FY26 GDP forecast and Sensex target
Location India
Date April 16, 2025
New Sensex Target 82,000 (previously 93,000)
US Tariff Announcement Date April 2, 2025 (“Liberation Day”)
US Tariff on India 26% additional tariff
Morgan Stanley GDP Estimate 6.1% for FY26 (down by 40 bps from 6.5%)
RBI GDP Estimate 6.5% (revised from 6.7% on April 9, 2025)
Other Forecasts UBS: 6.0%, Goldman Sachs: 6.1%, Citi: 40 bps impact, QuantEco: -30 bps
Sectoral Overweight Financials, Consumer cyclicals, Industrials
Sectoral Underweight Energy, Materials, Utilities, Healthcare

6. Which of the following is the projected banking credit growth for India in FY26 as per CRISIL?
A) 10–11%
B) 11–11.5%
C) 12–13%
D) 13–14%
E) 14–15%
Answer: C) 12–13%

Event and Location:

  • Event: CRISIL projected 12–13% growth in India’s banking credit for FY26.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Boost in Credit Expansion: The projection aims to highlight expected improvements in borrowing activity supported by policy and market conditions.
  • Regulatory Reforms Support: RBI’s rollback of risk weight norms and LCR deferment is expected to boost credit growth.
  • Stimulating Consumption: Tax cuts are expected to drive demand, resulting in increased need for personal and business credit.
  • Support for NBFCs: Special measures are directed toward restoring credit flow to NBFCs and reviving their lending capabilities.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bank Credit Growth: The increase in total loans and advances provided by banks over a financial year.
  • Risk Weights: A regulatory measure determining how much capital banks must hold for different types of loans. A rollback in risk weight makes lending less capital-intensive.
  • LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio): A regulation requiring banks to maintain high-quality liquid assets to survive a 30-day stress scenario. Its deferment frees funds for lending.
  • NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies): Financial institutions that provide banking services without holding a banking license. They rely heavily on bank funding.
  • Corporate Credit: Loans extended to businesses and industries; it forms a major part of bank lending.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event CRISIL projection of banking credit growth for FY26
Location India
Date April 16, 2025
Projected Credit Growth FY26 12–13%
Credit Growth FY25 11–11.5%
Corporate Credit Growth FY26 9–10%
Corporate Credit Share 41% of total bank loans
NBFC Lending Outlook Double-digit growth, lower than 21% growth in FY23–24
Key Regulatory Measures Rollback of risk weights, LCR deferment
Tax Cuts Impact Expected to boost consumption and loan demand
Softer Interest Rates Expected to encourage borrowing across sectors
Deposit Growth FY25 10.3%

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 16

7. Which of the following positions was recently given to Olympic medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu?
A) Chairperson of the Indian Olympic Association
B) Director of the Sports Authority of India
C) Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes Commission
D) President of the International Weightlifting Federation
E) Member of the Asian Weightlifting Council
Answer: C) Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes Commission

Event and Location:

  • Event: Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was appointed Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes Commission.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Athlete Representation: The Commission serves as a bridge between athletes and the Indian Weightlifting Federation for policy and decision-making.
  • Support and Advocacy: It addresses the needs, grievances, and welfare of Indian weightlifters within the federation’s structure.
  • Athlete-Focused Governance: It promotes a system where athletes have a formal voice in governance.
  • Women Empowerment in Sports: Chanu’s leadership symbolizes growing gender inclusion and leadership in sports administration.

Important Terms Explained:

  • IWLF (Indian Weightlifting Federation): The governing body for the sport of weightlifting in India, overseeing competitions, development, and athlete welfare.
  • Athletes Commission: A committee within sports federations aimed at representing athletes’ interests in administrative decisions.
  • Olympic Medallist: An athlete who has secured a podium finish at the Olympic Games; Chanu won a silver at Tokyo 2020.
  • Commonwealth Games: A multi-sport international event held every four years involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Mirabai Chanu appointed as Chairperson of IWLF Athletes Commission
Location India
Date April 16, 2025
Governing Body Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF)
Role of Commission Advocate for weightlifters’ welfare and representation
Olympic Medal Silver – Tokyo 2020 (49 kg)
Commonwealth Gold Medals 2018 (Gold Coast), 2022 (Birmingham)
Paris 2024 Performance Competed but did not medal
Significance Promotes athlete-led governance and gender leadership in Indian sports

8. Which of the following statements is true about Ecuador’s 2025 presidential election?
A) Luisa Gonzalez won the election with over 55% of the vote.
B) Daniel Noboa lost his re-election bid in the second round.
C) Daniel Noboa was re-elected with a 12-point lead over Luisa Gonzalez.
D) The voter turnout was the lowest in Ecuador’s history.
E) Ecuador banned foreign involvement in its anti-narcotic operations.
Answer: C) Daniel Noboa was re-elected with a 12-point lead over Luisa Gonzalez

Event and Location:

  • Event: Daniel Noboa re-elected as President of Ecuador in the 2025 presidential run-off election.
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: Ecuador

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Democratic Continuity: Noboa’s re-election ensures political stability and gives him a full four-year mandate.
  • Security Restoration: His campaign focused on combating rising cartel-related violence through militarized enforcement.
  • Economic Revival: He has pledged to address Ecuador’s growing poverty and attract foreign investment.
  • Public Confidence: The election result reflects voter trust in Noboa’s leadership, particularly in handling security issues.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Run-off Election: A second round of voting held when no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round.
  • Mano Dura Policy: A strict, law-and-order governance approach aimed at controlling crime through tough enforcement.
  • Electoral Fraud Allegation: Claims made by Luisa Gonzalez post-election, calling for a recount despite the margin.
  • Drug Cartel Violence: Refers to violence caused by criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, especially relevant due to Ecuador’s location near cocaine-producing nations.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Daniel Noboa re-elected in Ecuador’s 2025 presidential run-off
Location Ecuador
Date April 2025
Re-elected President Daniel Noboa
Opponent Luisa Gonzalez
Vote Share (Noboa) 55.8%
Vote Share (Gonzalez) 44.2%
Term Type Full 4-year term (after interim term from 2023 snap elections)
Main Issues Drug violence, poverty, foreign investment
Security Measures Military deployment, anti-cartel raids, U.S. assistance
Economic Condition 28% poverty rate; investment and tourism decline due to violence
Allegations Gonzalez alleged electoral fraud and demanded a recount

9. Who has been recommended to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India after Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s retirement in May 2025?
A) Justice DY Chandrachud
B) Justice Hima Kohli
C) Justice B R Gavai
D) Justice S Ravindra Bhat
E) Justice M M Sundresh
Answer: C) Justice B R Gavai

Event and Location:

  • Event: Justice B R Gavai recommended as the next Chief Justice of India.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Judicial Succession: Ensures continuity and stability in the leadership of the Supreme Court of India.
  • Constitutional Role: As the next CJI, Justice Gavai is expected to uphold constitutional values and legal integrity.
  • Reinforcing Rule of Law: His elevation reflects trust in his impartiality and experience in key constitutional matters.
  • Administrative Leadership: As CJI, he will oversee judiciary administration, appointments, and judicial reforms.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Chief Justice of India (CJI): The head of the judiciary system and the Supreme Court of India, responsible for court administration and presiding over constitutional benches.
  • Supreme Court: The highest judicial forum and final court of appeal in India, established under Article 124 of the Constitution.
  • Demonetization Verdict: A ruling that upheld the Government of India’s 2016 decision to ban ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes.
  • Creamy Layer Principle: A legal concept that excludes the advanced sections of socially backward classes from reservation benefits.
  • Article 370: Provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir; revoked in 2019 by the Indian government and upheld by the Supreme Court.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Recommendation of Justice B R Gavai as the next Chief Justice of India
Location India
Date April 16, 2025
Recommended by CJI Sanjiv Khanna
To Succeed Justice Sanjiv Khanna (Retiring May 13, 2025)
Rank Among CJIs 52nd Chief Justice of India
Current Position Judge, Supreme Court of India
Date of Elevation to SC May 24, 2019
Legal Specialization Constitutional and administrative law
Landmark Judgments Demonetization (2023), Article 370 (2019), SC/ST sub-categorization (2024), bulldozer demolitions (2024)
Anticipated Focus as CJI Strengthening rule of law, constitutional integrity, judicial reforms

Awards – Daily Current Affairs April 16

10. Which of the following projects won the Gold Award in the Green Highways category at NHEA 2023?
A) Ateli Mandi–Narnaul section of NH-11, Haryana
B) Madurai to Kanyakumari, NH-7, Tamil Nadu
C) Kandi to Ramsanpalle, NH-161, Telangana
D) Hakanjuri to Khonsa, NH-315A, Arunachal Pradesh
E) Maharashtra-Karnataka border to Sangareddy, NH-65
Answer: C) Kandi to Ramsanpalle, NH-161, Telangana

Event and Location:

  • Event: 6th National Highways Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2023 were held to honour excellence in India’s highway sector.
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Recognition of Excellence: The awards celebrate quality performance and innovation in highway construction and maintenance.
  • Promotion of Healthy Competition: NHEA fosters healthy competition among developers and contractors in the highways sector.
  • Encouragement for Innovation: Through events like the पथ चिंतन Hackathon, the awards promote tech-driven solutions in infrastructure.
  • Vision Alignment: The event supports the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by encouraging infrastructure excellence.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NHEA (National Highways Excellence Awards): An annual award initiated by MoRTH in 2018 to acknowledge exemplary performance in highway projects.
  • PPP (Public-Private Partnership): A collaborative model between government and private companies for infrastructure projects.
  • EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction): A contract-based model where a single entity is responsible for all aspects of project delivery.
  • Operation & Maintenance (Flexible Pavement): Refers to maintaining road surfaces that are constructed using flexible materials like bitumen.
  • ULCCS (Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society): A Kerala-based cooperative recognized for its commitment to quality, transparency, and social responsibility.
  • पथ चिंतन Hackathon: A platform encouraging innovative and technological ideas to improve India’s highway infrastructure.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event 6th National Highways Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2023
Location Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Date April 15, 2025
Organized By Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Key Dignitaries Nitin Gadkari, Harsh Malhotra, V.K. Saraswat, V. Umashankar, Santosh Yadav
PPP (Silver Award) H.G. Infra Engineering Ltd – NH-11 Ateli Mandi to Narnaul, Haryana
EPC (Silver Award) Bhartia Infra Projects – NH-315A Hakanjuri to Khonsa, Arunachal Pradesh
O&M Flexible Pavement (Gold) Nanguneri Kanyakumari Tollway Pvt Ltd – NH-7 Madurai to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Green Highways (Gold) Ashoka Buildcon Ltd – NH-161 Kandi to Ramsanpalle, Telangana
Green Highways (Silver) Deccan Tollways Ltd – NH-65 MH-KA border to Sangareddy
Best Engineer Awardees Navratan (NHAI), Devender Kumar (NHIDCL), Subhash Chandra (MoRTH, Itanagar)
Special Recognition ULCCS – for transparency, quality, and social responsibility
Innovation Recognition Winners of “पथ चिंतन Hackathon” felicitated for tech-based highway solutions
Institutionalized Year 2018
Award Objective Recognize, reward, and promote excellence and innovation in highway development

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs April 16

11. Which of the following statements is true about Blue Origin’s spaceflight in April 2025?
A) It was the first all-female orbital mission in history.
B) The mission used SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
C) The flight was suborbital and crossed the Kármán line.
D) All crew members were professional astronauts.
E) It failed to land the booster successfully.
Answer: C) The flight was suborbital and crossed the Kármán line

Event and Location:

  • Event: Blue Origin completed the first all-female suborbital spaceflight using the New Shepard rocket.
  • Date: April 14, 2025
  • Location: Van Horn, Texas

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Gender Representation: The mission promoted diversity and inclusion in space travel by featuring an all-female crew.
  • Commercial Space Advancement: It demonstrated the success and reusability of Blue Origin’s private space technology.
  • Public Engagement: The flight merged science and media, increasing public interest in space through celebrity involvement.
  • Scientific Awareness: It aimed to inspire interest in space science, technology, and women’s empowerment globally.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Suborbital Flight: A spaceflight where the spacecraft reaches space but does not complete an orbit around Earth.
  • Kármán Line: The internationally recognized boundary of space located 100 km (62 miles) above Earth’s surface.
  • Reusable Rocket: A rocket designed for multiple launches, which reduces the cost and increases accessibility of space travel.
  • New Shepard: Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket system designed to carry humans and payloads beyond the Kármán line.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Blue Origin completes historic all-female spaceflight
Location Van Horn, West Texas
Date April 14, 2025
Rocket Used New Shepard (Blue Origin)
Flight Type Suborbital
Flight Duration Around 10 minutes
Edge of Space Crossed Kármán line (100 km / 62 miles)
Crew Members Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn
Special Moments Singing, daisy symbolism, floating in microgravity, Bahamian flag patch
Technical Outcome Booster landed vertically; capsule landed via parachutes
Historical Significance First all-female spaceflight since 1963
Public Attention Celebrities and astronauts attended; launch widely streamed and viewed

Defence – Daily Current Affairs April 16

12. Which of the following best describes the main theme of the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’?
A) Enhancing India’s naval power through joint drills
B) Promoting literature in Indian defence schools
C) Securing India’s rise through defence reforms
D) Celebrating armed forces veterans through literary awards
E) Discussing nuclear disarmament among Asian powers
Answer: C) Securing India’s rise through defence reforms

Event and Location:

  • Event: Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ organized to deliberate on India’s defence reforms and strategic vision.
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Location: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Strategic Defence Focus: The event aimed to align India’s national security vision with technological and policy reforms.
  • Technology Integration: It highlighted the role of emerging technologies like AI, drones, and quantum tech in modern warfare.
  • Promoting Self-Reliance: Reinforced the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous defence manufacturing.
  • Reforming Procurement: Aimed to bring efficiency and transparency in defence acquisition and procurement processes.
  • Enhancing Multi-Domain Readiness: Addressed cross-domain capabilities to ensure preparedness across land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Government of India’s mission to promote self-reliance in production, including the defence sector.
  • Defence Procurement Policy: Framework for acquisition of defence equipment with emphasis on transparency, innovation, and public-private collaboration.
  • Multi-Domain Operations: Coordinated use of multiple military domains like land, sea, air, cyber, and space in combat and strategic planning.
  • Quantum Computing: A disruptive technology with future military applications, including secure communications and advanced simulations.
  • Year of Reforms – 2025: Declared by the Defence Minister to emphasize fast-paced, tech-driven changes across the Indian Armed Forces.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’
Location Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
Date April 15, 2025
Organized by CENJOWS under HQ IDS, Ministry of Defence, with Pentagon Press
Theme ‘Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms’
Key Focus Areas Defence Tech, Future Warfare, AI, Cyber Tech, Manufacturing, Procurement
Key Technologies Discussed AI, Cybersecurity, Drones, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Space Tech
Self-Reliance Vision Emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made-in-India defence systems
Procurement Reforms Transparency, modernisation, PPP model in defence acquisition
Year of Reforms 2025 declared as Year of Reforms by Raksha Mantri
Operational Emphasis Multi-domain and cross-domain capability integration across defence forces

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 16

13. Which of the following is a direct consequence of China halting Boeing aircraft purchases?
A) Increase in Boeing aircraft orders from the United States
B) Decline in Airbus shares due to trade restrictions
C) Suspension of Boeing aircraft delivery and parts procurement by Chinese airlines
D) Removal of all aviation-related tariffs by the US
E) China’s complete ban on all foreign aircraft
Answer: C) Suspension of Boeing aircraft delivery and parts procurement by Chinese airlines

Event and Location:

  • Event: China halted Boeing aircraft orders amid rising tensions in the US-China trade war.
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Location: Beijing, China

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Trade Retaliation: China’s move was a direct retaliation against the 145% tariff imposed by the US on Chinese goods.
  • Domestic Industry Boost: The halt aims to support China’s domestic aviation sector, particularly COMAC.
  • Supply Chain Realignment: China seeks to reduce dependency on US aviation equipment and strengthen self-reliance.
  • Market Shift Strategy: The government aims to redirect demand towards Airbus and domestic manufacturers like COMAC.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Trade War: An economic conflict between countries involving tit-for-tat imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions.
  • Boeing: A major American aerospace company that manufactures commercial and defense aircraft.
  • COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China): China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, known for the C919 model, competing with Boeing and Airbus.
  • Airbus: A European aerospace corporation headquartered in France, known for manufacturing commercial airliners and benefiting from Boeing’s market loss.
  • Tariff: A government-imposed duty on imported goods, aimed at protecting domestic industries or retaliating in trade disputes.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event China halts Boeing aircraft purchases amid US-China trade conflict
Location Beijing, China
Date April 15, 2025
Trigger US imposed 145% tariff on Chinese goods
Chinese Action Suspension of Boeing aircraft and parts orders
Affected Airlines Air China (45), China Eastern (53), China Southern (81) – Total: 179
Market Impact Boeing shares declined; Airbus shares rose
Beneficiaries Airbus (France), COMAC (China)
Long-term Outcome Boost to China’s domestic aviation manufacturing, shift in aviation dynamics
US Confirmation President Trump confirmed cancellation of Boeing deals by China

14. Which of the following best describes the focus of the WHO & IDF event held in Bangkok in April 2025?
A) Development of a new diabetes vaccine
B) Launch of a TB eradication campaign without addressing diabetes
C) Introduction of a global air pollution monitoring network
D) Promotion of integrated care for tuberculosis and diabetes
E) Sole focus on technological innovation in diabetes care
Answer: D) Promotion of integrated care for tuberculosis and diabetes

Event and Location:

  • Event: WHO and IDF hosted a hybrid event on integrated strategies for addressing tuberculosis and diabetes.
  • Date: April 8, 2025
  • Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Integrated Healthcare Promotion: The event emphasized people-centered care that addresses TB and diabetes through primary health systems.
  • Global Health Strategy Alignment: It supported WHO’s End TB Strategy and Global Diabetes Compact, aligning with SDG 3.
  • Bidirectional Screening Advocacy: Encouraged early diagnosis and joint management of TB and diabetes through co-screening.
  • Country-Specific Learning: Shared experiences from high-burden countries to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration.

Important Terms Explained:

  • TB–Diabetes Co-morbidity: Around 15% of global TB patients also suffer from diabetes, which complicates treatment and increases mortality risk.
  • WHO Guidance: A new framework was introduced to support countries in implementing joint care pathways for TB and diabetes.
  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC): A health goal that ensures all individuals have access to needed services without financial hardship.
  • Primary Health Care: Community-based, accessible healthcare services that serve as the first point of contact and help manage chronic and infectious diseases.
  • SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goal): A United Nations goal aimed at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Bridging gaps: Integrated strategies to address TB and diabetes
Location Bangkok, Thailand
Date April 8, 2025
Organized by WHO and International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
Format Hybrid (online + offline)
TB Burden (2023) 10.8 million cases, 1.25 million deaths
Diabetes Burden (2024) 828 million adults affected, 630 million rise since 1990
TB–Diabetes Co-morbidity ~15% of TB patients globally also have diabetes
Key Focus Integrated, people-centered care, WHO guidance on TB–diabetes management
Strategic Outcomes Advance UHC, support SDGs, strengthen primary health care, End TB & diabetes

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 16

15. Which of the following is the main aim of the MoU signed between the Ministry of Labour & Employment and Swiggy?
A) To regulate the gig economy with new labour laws
B) To create flexible and logistics job opportunities via the NCS portal
C) To train Swiggy employees in traditional industrial roles
D) To reduce unemployment by offering central government jobs
E) To promote exports through Swiggy’s logistic network
Answer: B) To create flexible and logistics job opportunities via the NCS portal

Event and Location:

  • Event: The Ministry of Labour & Employment signed an MoU with Swiggy to boost employment in the gig and logistics sectors.
  • Date: April 15, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Employment Generation: The partnership targets the creation of over 12 lakh job opportunities in the next 2–3 years.
  • Platform Integration: Swiggy’s job listings will be integrated into the NCS portal to offer real-time job visibility.
  • Youth and Women Empowerment: The MoU promotes inclusive hiring, focusing on women, youth, and those seeking flexible work.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: The initiative strengthens collaboration between government and private platforms for job facilitation.
  • Digital and Local Access: The integration ensures hyperlocal job access, supporting skilling and counselling services via NCS.

Important Terms Explained:

  • National Career Service (NCS): A government platform under the Ministry of Labour & Employment that provides employment, skilling, and counselling services to job seekers and employers.
  • Gig Economy: A labor market characterised by short-term, freelance, or flexible jobs often facilitated by digital platforms.
  • API Integration: A technical system that allows Swiggy to automatically post and update job listings on the NCS portal in real time.
  • Inclusive Hiring: A hiring process that emphasizes equal opportunity for underrepresented groups, including women and youth.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event MoU between Ministry of Labour & Employment and Swiggy
Location India
Date April 15, 2025
MoU Signed By Ministry of Labour & Employment and Swiggy
Main Objective Enhance gig and logistics employment through NCS portal
Job Creation Target 12 lakh job opportunities in the next 2–3 years
Platform Involved National Career Service (NCS)
Key Features Inclusive hiring, real-time job posting, flexible work access
Integration Type API-based job posting and application tracking
Expected Benefits Digital empowerment, worker welfare support, enhanced job visibility
Swiggy’s Role Post gig and delivery jobs on NCS and support employment expansion

16. What is the export target set by NITI Aayog for India’s hand and power tools sector over the next decade?
A) $10 billion
B) $15 billion
C) $20 billion
D) $25 billion
E) $30 billion
Answer: D) $25 billion

Event and Location:

  • Event: NITI Aayog launched the report ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’.
  • Date: April 16, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Export Expansion: The report aims to scale India’s exports in hand and power tools from under $1.1 billion to $25 billion.
  • Job Creation: It targets the creation of 35 lakh jobs through manufacturing and export growth.
  • Competitiveness Boost: Seeks to make India globally competitive by addressing structural and cost inefficiencies.
  • Economic Growth Driver: The sector is identified as a strategic contributor to India’s goal of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NITI Aayog: National Institution for Transforming India – a policy think tank of the Government of India focused on economic development strategies.
  • Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A cooperative arrangement between government and private sector for funding and operating projects.
  • Quality Control Order (QCO): A mandatory certification to ensure product standards and quality compliance in India.
  • Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme: A policy that allows duty-free import of capital goods to boost export production.
  • Bridge Cost Support: Temporary financial assistance proposed to offset cost disadvantages until long-term reforms are implemented.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Launch of NITI Aayog’s report on unlocking $25+ billion export potential
Location India
Date April 16, 2025
Global Market Size (Current) $100 billion
Projected Global Market (2035) $190 billion
India’s Current Export $600 million (hand tools), $470 million (power tools)
Target Export Potential $25 billion by 2035
Jobs Expected 35 lakh new jobs
Cost Disadvantage 14–17% compared to China
Key Interventions World-class clusters, cost reform, labour law ease, PPP model
Estimated Bridge Support ₹8,000 crore if reforms are delayed


Over All Review

Sports 

  • Saurabh Chaudhary won bronze in the 10m air pistol at ISSF World Cup 2025.

Ranking 

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International was the busiest airport in the world in 2025.

Banking and Finance 

  • SEBI took enforcement action against Gensol Engineering Ltd over corporate governance failures.

Business And Economy

  • The WPI inflation for March 2025 stood at 2.05 percent year-on-year.
  • Morgan Stanley revised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast down to 6.1 percent.
  • CRISIL projected India’s banking credit to grow by 12–13 percent in FY26.

Appointments

  • Mirabai Chanu was appointed Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes Commission on April 16, 2025.
  • Daniel Noboa was re-elected as Ecuador’s president in the 2025 run-off with 55.8 percent votes.
  • Justice B R Gavai has been recommended to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

Awards 

  • The 6th National Highways Excellence Awards 2023 were held on April 15, 2025, in New Delhi.

Science and Technology

  • Blue Origin completed a historic all-female spaceflight on April 14, 2025.

Defence

  • The Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ was held in New Delhi on April 15, 2025.

International Affairs

  • China halted all Boeing aircraft purchases and deliveries in response to US tariffs.
  • WHO and IDF jointly hosted a hybrid event in Bangkok on TB and diabetes care integration.

National Affairs

  • The Ministry of Labour & Employment signed an MoU with Swiggy to boost gig job creation.
  • NITI Aayog launched a report aiming to boost tool exports to $25 billion over 10 years.

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