Daily Current Affairs April 17
Table of Contents
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April 17 | Daily Current Affairs 2025
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 17
1. When is World Hemophilia Day observed annually?
A) April 10
B) April 15
C) April 17
D) April 21
E) April 12
Answer: C) April 17
Event and Location:
- Event: World Hemophilia Day 2025.
- Date: April 17, 2025.
- Location: Observed globally.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Established By: World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH).
- Purpose:
- Raise global awareness about hemophilia and inherited bleeding disorders.
- Promote education, diagnosis, and treatment access.
- Encourage global solidarity among patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates.
- 2025 Theme: “Equity in Access: Empowering All Bleeding Disorder Communities.”
- Focus: Ensuring equal access to care and treatment for individuals living with bleeding disorders worldwide.
- Honours: Commemorates the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, founder of the WFH.
Important Terms Explained:
- Hemophilia:
- A rare inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly due to the absence or low levels of certain clotting factors.
- World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH):
- An international non-profit organization founded by Frank Schnabel in 1963 to improve and sustain care for people with inherited bleeding disorders.
- Equity in Access:
- The principle that everyone, regardless of geography or background, should receive fair and equal access to healthcare and support services.
- Frank Schnabel:
- Founder of the WFH and a global advocate for people living with hemophilia. World Hemophilia Day is observed on his birth anniversary.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | World Hemophilia Day 2025 |
Date | April 17, 2025 |
Established By | World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) |
Purpose | Raise awareness about hemophilia and bleeding disorders |
2025 Theme | Equity in Access: Empowering All Bleeding Disorder Communities |
Global Significance | Highlights need for inclusive care, treatment, and diagnosis |
Honours | Birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel |
Awareness Actions | Wear red, share messages, donate, educate, support campaigns |
Global Patient Estimate | Over 400,000 people living with hemophilia worldwide |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs April 17
2. What is the key requirement before NPCI can launch the UPI ID save feature?
A) SEBI approval
B) RBI clearance
C) Cabinet nod
D) NITI Aayog review
E) Parliament approval
Answer: B) RBI clearance
Event and Location:
- Event: NPCI Planning to Let Users Save UPI IDs on Merchant Websites.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Implementing Body: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Proposed Feature: Allow customers to save their preferred UPI ID on merchant websites.
- Purpose: Simplify and speed up the checkout process by bypassing UPI app selection and login steps.
- Current Checkout Flow: Customers select a UPI app and enter the UPI ID or select from linked accounts each time they make a transaction.
- Proposed Checkout Flow: Customers can save and reuse their UPI ID directly on merchant platforms, similar to saved card options.
- Process Requirement: The proposal will need clearance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before being implemented.
- Payment Gateway Comparison: Similar to tokenisation of credit cards used in current payment gateways.
- Merchant Coverage: E-commerce platforms, travel sites, insurance portals, bill payment apps may adopt the feature.
- Tokenisation: Consumers will not have to input UPI data repeatedly, improving checkout time and user experience.
Important Terms Explained:
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India):
- An umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India under the RBI and IBA framework.
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
- An instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI that enables peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions.
- Tokenisation:
- A process that replaces sensitive data (like UPI IDs or card numbers) with a unique code or token, enhancing transaction security.
- Consent Management:
- Under the new model, users will have to give explicit permission to merchants for storing UPI IDs, just like saved cards.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | NPCI planning to enable saving of UPI IDs on merchant websites |
Proposed By | National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) |
Feature Objective | Simplify and speed up UPI-based checkouts |
Feature Status | Under internal discussion; not formally launched |
Requirement | Needs clearance from RBI before rollout |
Functionality | Save and reuse preferred UPI IDs on e-commerce sites |
Similar To | Tokenisation of debit/credit cards in payment gateways |
Target Platforms | E-commerce, travel portals, insurance, education, bill payments |
Privacy Safeguard | Requires user consent to save UPI IDs |
Concerns Raised | Favors big players like PhonePe and Google Pay, risks market concentration |
Stakeholder Feedback | Small UPI players fear losing out; larger ones dominate 80% of UPI volumes |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs April 17
3. What was India’s export value in March 2025?
A) $35.42 bn
B) $41.97 bn
C) $43.60 bn
D) $47.22 bn
E) $39.75 bn
Answer: B) $41.97 bn
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s Exports Rise Marginally by 0.7% in March 2025.
- Date: March 2025.
- Location: India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- March 2025 Exports: Rose by 0.7% year-on-year, totaling $41.97 billion.
- March 2025 Imports: Increased sharply by 11.3% to $63.51 billion.
- March 2025 Trade Deficit: Widened to $21.54 billion due to stronger import growth.
- Annual Export Value (FY 2024–25): $437.42 billion, showing only 0.08% growth.
- Annual Import Value (FY 2024–25): $720.24 billion, a 6.62% increase year-on-year.
- Overall Export Performance (Goods + Services): Grew by 5.5% to $820.93 billion.
- Annual Trade Deficit: Remained elevated due to strong import demand.
- Import Surge Sectors: Mainly in energy, electronics, and industrial raw materials.
- Export Pressure Reasons: Moderation in global demand and high base of March 2024.
- Services Sector Contribution: Played a key role in sustaining total export growth.
- Policy Need: Export diversification and import substitution are needed to manage trade balance risks.
- Economic Impact: Widening trade deficit may impact the current account deficit and forex reserves.
Important Terms Explained:
- Trade Deficit:
- Occurs when a country’s imports exceed its exports in a given period, leading to negative net exports.
- Current Account Deficit (CAD):
- A situation where a country’s total imports of goods, services, and transfers exceed its total export earnings.
- High Base Effect:
- A statistical term where current growth appears low because the previous year had unusually high values.
- Export Diversification:
- A strategy to expand the variety of products and markets to reduce dependency on limited sectors or regions.
- Import Substitution:
- Policies aimed at producing goods domestically that are otherwise imported, to boost self-reliance.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | India’s Exports Rise Marginally by 0.7% in March 2025 |
Date | March 2025 |
Location | India |
Exports (March 2025) | $41.97 billion (0.7% growth YoY) |
Imports (March 2025) | $63.51 billion (11.3% increase YoY) |
Trade Deficit (March) | $21.54 billion |
Exports (FY 2024–25) | $437.42 billion (0.08% rise) |
Imports (FY 2024–25) | $720.24 billion (6.62% rise) |
Overall Exports | $820.93 billion (Goods + Services, 5.5% increase) |
Trade Deficit (Annual) | High due to import surge |
Key Import Areas | Energy, electronics, industrial inputs |
Export Drivers | Services sector resilience |
Challenges | Global demand slowdown, high base effect |
Economic Impact | Pressure on current account and forex reserves |
4. What was India’s trade surplus with the US in FY25?
A) $35.4 bn
B) $38.6 bn
C) $41.2 bn
D) $43.7 bn
E) $39.5 bn
Answer: C) $41.2 bn
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s Trade Dynamics in FY25: Surplus with US Widens, Deficit with China Deepens.
- Date: Fiscal Year 2024–25.
- Location: India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Trade with United States: Exports rose to $86.5 billion, a growth of 11.59% from the previous fiscal year.
- Imports from United States: Increased to $45.3 billion, up by 7.44%.
- Trade Surplus with US: Widened to $41.2 billion from $35.4 billion in FY24.
- Trade with China: Exports fell to $14.25 billion, down 14.49% from $16.66 billion in FY24.
- Imports from China: Increased to $113.45 billion, up 11.52% from $101.7 billion.
- Trade Deficit with China: Deepened to $99.2 billion from $85.1 billion in FY24.
- Top Import Drivers from China: Electronics, electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and industrial inputs.
- PLI Scheme Impact: Boosted demand for components sourced from China.
- Top Export Destinations: US, UAE, Netherlands, United Kingdom.
- Top Import Sources: China, Russia, UAE, United States.
Important Terms Explained:
- Trade Surplus:
- Occurs when a country’s export value exceeds its import value with a specific trading partner.
- Trade Deficit:
- Occurs when a country’s import value exceeds its export value with a specific partner.
- PLI Scheme (Production-Linked Incentive):
- A government initiative offering incentives to domestic manufacturers to boost production and reduce import dependence.
- Export Growth Rate:
- Percentage increase in the value of exports compared to the previous year.
- Import Drivers:
- Key product categories contributing significantly to overall import volumes from a country.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | India’s Trade Surplus with US Widens, Deficit with China Deepens |
Date | FY 2024–25 |
US Exports (from India) | $86.5 billion (↑ 11.59%) |
US Imports (to India) | $45.3 billion (↑ 7.44%) |
US Trade Surplus | $41.2 billion (↑ from $35.4 billion) |
China Exports (from India) | $14.25 billion (↓ 14.49%) |
China Imports (to India) | $113.45 billion (↑ 11.52%) |
China Trade Deficit | $99.2 billion (↑ from $85.1 billion) |
Key China Imports | Electronics, EV batteries, solar cells, industrial inputs |
PLI Scheme Effect | Increased reliance on Chinese components |
Top Export Destination | United States |
Top Import Source | China |
5. What is Fitch’s revised GDP growth forecast for India in FY26?
A) 6.0%
B) 6.3%
C) 6.4%
D) 6.6%
E) 6.2%
Answer: C) 6.4%
Event and Location:
- Event: Fitch Lowers India Growth Forecast for FY26 to 6.4%.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: New Delhi, India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Agency Involved: Fitch Ratings.
- Revised FY26 Forecast: India’s GDP growth forecast lowered from 6.5% to 6.4%.
- FY25 Revision: Forecast also revised downward from 6.3% to 6.2%.
- Reason for Revision: Escalation in global trade tensions and weaker global demand due to US tariff hikes.
- Impact Factors:
- US tariff increases on Chinese goods up to 100%
- Broader geopolitical uncertainties
- Weaker external demand and exports
- Monetary policy lags and fiscal constraints
- Global GDP Trends:
- Global GDP growth forecast: 2.4% in 2025, down from 2.9% in 2024
- World Bank, ADB, and Nomura also issued downward revisions
Important Terms Explained:
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product):
- A measure of a country’s economic output in a specific time period, representing the total market value of goods and services.
- Fitch Ratings:
- A major global credit rating agency that provides sovereign credit forecasts and economic outlooks for countries and institutions.
- Tariff:
- A tax imposed on imports or exports between sovereign states, often used in trade wars or to protect domestic industries.
- Retail Inflation:
- A measure of price changes in a basket of consumer goods and services over time; a key indicator of cost of living.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Fitch lowers India’s GDP forecast for FY26 |
FY26 GDP Forecast (New) | 6.4% |
FY25 GDP Forecast (Revised) | 6.2% |
Reason for Downgrade | Escalating global trade tensions and weak export outlook |
Tariff Impact | US imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, affecting global trade |
US GDP Forecast | 1.2% for 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024 |
India’s Retail Inflation | Projected to fall to 4.5% in FY26 from 5.4% in FY25 |
Other Institutions Forecasts | ADB: 6.7% (FY26), Nomura: 6.0%, Moody’s: 6.5% |
6. How much equity capital is IDFC First Bank planning to raise via CCPS?
A) ₹5,000 cr
B) ₹6,250 cr
C) ₹7,500 cr
D) ₹9,000 cr
E) ₹10,500 cr
Answer: C) ₹7,500 cr
Event and Location:
- Event: IDFC First to Raise ₹7,500 Cr in Equity Capital.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: Mumbai, India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Bank Involved: IDFC First Bank (Private Sector).
- Capital Raising Method: Issuance of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS).
- Total Amount to be Raised: ₹7,500 crore.
- Share Issue Price: ₹60 per CCPS.
- Purpose:
- To improve capital adequacy.
- Reduce the need for future capital raises.
- Strengthen operational performance and expansion capacity.
- Recipients of CCPS:
- ₹4,876 crore to Currant Sea Investments BV, an affiliate of Warburg Pincus.
- ₹2,624 crore to Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
- Post-Issue Shareholding:
- Warburg Pincus will hold 9.48%.
- ADIA will hold 5.10% in IDFC First Bank.
Important Terms Explained:
- CCPS (Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares):
- A type of preference share that must be converted into equity shares after a fixed period, used for raising capital without immediate dilution.
- Capital Adequacy:
- A measure of a bank’s capital, ensuring that it can absorb a reasonable amount of loss and comply with statutory capital requirements.
- Warburg Pincus:
- A global private equity firm investing in growth-oriented companies, involved in this investment through Currant Sea Investments BV.
- ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority):
- A sovereign wealth fund owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, investing globally through subsidiaries like Platinum Invictus.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | IDFC First Bank to raise ₹7,500 crore via CCPS |
Date | April 2025 |
Capital Raise Type | Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) |
Amount Raised | ₹7,500 crore |
Issue Price | ₹60 per share |
Warburg Pincus Investment | ₹4,876 crore via Currant Sea Investments BV |
ADIA Investment | ₹2,624 crore via Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC |
Shareholding Post Issue | Warburg Pincus: 9.48%, ADIA: 5.10% |
Objective | Improve capital adequacy, reduce frequent fund-raising |
Customer Deposits | Grew to ₹2.42 lakh crore (up 25.2% YoY as of March 31, 2025) |
Loans and Advances | Increased to ₹2.41 lakh crore (20.3% YoY growth) |
Profit Performance | 45% YoY profit growth reported in 9M FY25 |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 17
7. Who is the chairperson of Tamil Nadu’s newly formed high-level committee on State autonomy?
A) Naganathan
B) K. A. V. Shetty
C) Kurian Joseph
D) MK Stalin
E) S. R. Balasubramaniam
Answer: C) Kurian Joseph
Event and Location:
- Event: Tamil Nadu Forms High-Level Committee To Strengthen State Autonomy.
- Date: April 15, 2025.
- Location: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Announced By: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- Committee Purpose: To evaluate Centre-State relations and suggest reforms to enhance State autonomy.
- Committee Nature: High-level review panel.
- Report Timeline: Interim report by January 2026; final report within two years.
- Mandate Areas: Review Constitution, laws, and policies affecting Centre-State relations.
- Key Reform Goals: Recommend restoration of subjects to State List, improve administrative capacity, and suggest autonomy reforms that maintain national integrity.
- Historical Reviews Considered: Rajamannar Committee (1971), Sarkaria Commission (1983), and Punchhi Commission (2004).
Important Terms Explained:
- Rajamannar Committee: Formed in 1969 by DMK Government under M. Karunanidhi to study Centre-State relations; its recommendations were adopted by Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1974.
- Sarkaria Commission: Established in 1983 to examine Centre-State relations and suggest reforms for better federal balance.
- Punchhi Commission: Constituted in 2004, it reviewed the working of existing arrangements between the Union and States.
- NEET Issue: The imposition of NEET was cited as central overreach affecting state education autonomy and inclusivity.
- Delimitation Concern: Proposed post-2026 delimitation may reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation for its successful population control measures.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Formation of High-Level Committee on State Autonomy |
Date | April 15, 2025 |
Location | Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly |
Announced By | CM M.K. Stalin |
Chairperson | Justice Kurian Joseph (Retired SC Judge) |
Other Members | K. Ashok Vardhan Shetty, M. Naganathan |
Interim Report Deadline | January 2026 |
Final Report Timeline | Within two years |
Committee Focus | Review Centre-State relations, suggest autonomy reforms |
Historical Committees | Rajamannar (1969), Sarkaria (1983), Punchhi (2004) |
Issues Raised | NEET, GST, Delimitation, Fiscal devolution, National Education Policy (NEP) |
Financial Concern | TN gets only 29 paise per ₹1 contributed to Union |
8. Who won the 2025 presidential election in Gabon?
A) Ali Bongo
B) Alain Bilie
C) Mahamat Déby
D) Brice Nguema
E) Jean Ping
Answer: D) Brice Nguema
Event and Location:
- Event: Military Leader Wins Presidential Election in Gabon.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: Gabon.
Mandates and Objectives:
- President Elected: General Brice Oligui Nguema.
- Vote Share: Secured over 90% of votes as per provisional results.
- Main Opponent: Former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze.
- Background: Nguema took power in a 2023 coup that ended the Bongo family’s 40+ year rule.
- Promise After Coup: Initially pledged to step down but later ran for office under a new electoral code.
- Previous Role: Head of the Republican Guard and aide to both Omar Bongo and Ali Bongo.
- Election Environment: Largely peaceful with no major disruptions reported by election monitors.
Important Terms Explained:
- Military Coup (2023):
- General Nguema overthrew President Ali Bongo, ending a decades-long political dynasty that ruled Gabon since 1967.
- Electoral Code Change:
- New rules permitted military officials to contest elections, enabling Nguema’s candidacy in 2025.
- Republican Guard:
- An elite military unit responsible for presidential security in Gabon, previously led by Nguema.
- Return of Military Rule in Africa:
- Gabon joins a list of West and Central African nations, like Chad, where military leaders have seized power and transitioned to political roles through elections.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Military Leader Wins Presidential Election in Gabon |
Date | April 2025 |
Winner | General Brice Oligui Nguema |
Vote Share | Over 90% (provisional results) |
Main Opponent | Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze |
Election Nature | Peaceful; no major disruptions reported |
Background | Military coup in 2023; deposed Ali Bongo |
Previous Role | Head of Republican Guard; aide to both Omar and Ali Bongo |
Trend | Reflects rising political power of military leadership in African nations |
Economic Dependency | Oil sector contributes 38% of GDP |
Youth Unemployment | Over 40% |
Governance Challenge | Widespread corruption and inequality despite oil wealth |
9. Who was elected Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance in April 2025?
A) Saif Bin Zayed
B) Dana Al Marzouqi
C) Hamdan Al Nahyan
D) Ahmed Al Raisi
E) Mona Al Marri
Answer: B) Dana Al Marzouqi
Event and Location:
- Event: UAE Assumes Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance.
- Date: April 11, 2025.
- Location: INTERPOL Headquarters, Lyon, France.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Appointed Chairperson: Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi.
- Position: Director General, International Affairs Bureau, UAE Ministry of Interior.
- Vote Share: Elected with 67% support from INTERPOL’s member countries.
- Committee Name: INTERPOL Committee on Governance.
- Established: Late 2024 by INTERPOL’s 92nd General Assembly.
- Tenure: Two-year term.
- Mandate of Committee:
- Review and improve INTERPOL’s internal processes and legislative framework.
- Advise the General Assembly on constitutional amendments and rule interpretations.
- Ensure governance transparency and inclusivity.
- UAE’s Responsibilities as Chair:
- Lead committee operations and strategic decisions.
- Represent the committee before INTERPOL’s Executive Committee and General Assembly.
- Coordinate global cooperation among INTERPOL member nations.
Important Terms Explained:
- INTERPOL:
- The International Criminal Police Organization that facilitates cross-border police cooperation and crime control among 195 member countries.
- Committee on Governance:
- A permanent INTERPOL body that provides strategic recommendations and oversight over internal reforms, rules, and constitution interpretations.
- Soft Power:
- A form of global influence that stems from diplomacy, cultural leadership, and international cooperation rather than military force.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | UAE Elected as Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance |
Date | April 11, 2025 |
Location | INTERPOL Headquarters, Lyon, France |
Chairperson | Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi |
Country Elected | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
Vote Share | 67% support from INTERPOL member states |
Committee Name | INTERPOL Committee on Governance |
Committee Established | Late 2024 during 92nd General Assembly |
Chair Term | Two years |
Committee Role | Review rules, advise on constitution, improve governance |
UAE’s Strategic Role | Lead governance efforts, represent committee, coordinate with member states |
Significance | Strengthens UAE’s global leadership in law enforcement governance |
Defence – Daily Current Affairs April 17
10. Which edition of the Meghayan Symposium was held by the Indian Navy in April 2025?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
E) Fifth
Answer: C) Third
Event and Location:
- Event: Meghayan-25 – Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium.
- Date: April 14, 2025.
- Location: Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Organised by: Indian Navy.
- Occasion: To celebrate World Meteorological Day 2025.
- WMO Day Theme: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”.
- Purpose: Promote collaboration and awareness in Marine Meteorology and Oceanology.
- Virtual Inauguration: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.
- Event President: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff.
- Panel Theme: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together: Enhancing Maritime Security and Coordination”.
- Panel Objective: Discuss strategies for integrated maritime safety and disaster preparedness.
- Felicitation: Cmde PI Oommen (Retd), pioneer of Navy’s Meteorological Specialisation.
Important Terms Explained:
- Meghayan-25:
- The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, promoting marine weather collaboration.
- WMO Day:
- An annual observance on March 23 by the World Meteorological Organization to highlight the importance of meteorology.
- MOSDAC-IN:
- A satellite-data-based web portal launched jointly by DNOM and SAC, providing customized weather data with individual logins for Naval Meteorological Offices.
- Sagarmanthan Journal:
- A technical publication on naval meteorology and oceanology, revived with its 10th edition after a decade-long gap.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Meghayan-25 |
Date | April 14, 2025 |
Location | Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi |
Organised By | Indian Navy |
Occasion | World Meteorological Day 2025 |
WMO Day Theme | “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together” |
Inauguration By | Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff |
Presided By | Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff |
Guest of Honour | Dr. Nilesh Desai, Director, SAC Ahmedabad |
Keynote Speaker | Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD & Vice President, WMO |
Technical Session I | Marine Meteorology – Moderator: RAdm G Rambabu |
Technical Session II | Statistical Forecasting – Moderator: Cmde SMU Athar |
Panel Discussion | Enhancing Maritime Security – Moderator: VAdm Pradeep Chauhan (Retd) |
Key Launch | MOSDAC-IN Web Services |
Journal Revival | 10th Edition of Sagarmanthan Journal |
Special Felicitation | Cmde PI Oommen (Retd), Pioneer of Navy’s Meteorological Specialisation |
11. Who conferred the MacGregor Memorial Medal for 2023 and 2024?
A) COAS
B) PM Modi
C) CDS Chauhan
D) Rajnath Singh
E) President
Answer: C) CDS Chauhan
Event and Location:
- Event: 5 Military Personnel Honored with Prestigious MacGregor Memorial Medal.
- Date: For the years 2023 and 2024.
- Location: United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Medal Instituted On: July 3, 1888.
- Named After: Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, founder of USI (established in 1870).
- Original Purpose: To recognize exceptional military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys.
- Scope After 1986: Expanded to include military expeditions and adventure activities.
- Eligibility: Open to all ranks from the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles (serving or retired).
- Total Awards So Far: 127 medals awarded, with 103 conferred before Independence.
- Awarding Authority: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan.
Important Terms Explained:
- MacGregor Memorial Medal:
- One of India’s oldest military honors awarded for excellence in reconnaissance, exploration, and adventure. Instituted in 1888, it recognizes exceptional field achievements across all ranks in the Armed Forces.
- United Service Institution of India (USI):
- India’s oldest think tank on defence and security issues, founded in 1870 by Sir Charles MacGregor. Hosts military education and recognition programmes.
- Reconnaissance:
- A military term for scouting or exploring an area to gather strategic or tactical information.
- High-altitude Mountaineering:
- A challenging form of exploration recognized under this award, particularly for expeditions to peaks like Mt. Kangchenjunga.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | 5 Military Personnel Honored with MacGregor Memorial Medal |
Years Covered | 2023 and 2024 |
Location | United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi |
Conferred By | General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff |
Established In | 1888 |
Named After | Maj. Gen. Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor |
Eligible Personnel | All ranks of Armed Forces, TA, RR, Assam Rifles (serving/retired) |
2023 Awardees | Wing Commander D. Panda (IAF), Rahul Kumar Pandey (Indian Navy) |
2024 Awardees | Ram Ratan Jat (Navy), Jhumar Ram Poonia (IAF), Col. Ranvir Singh Jamwal |
Special Mention | Col. Jamwal – On expedition to Mt. Kangchenjunga |
Book Released | Bravest of the Brave by Lt. Gen. Satish Dua (Retd.) |
Book Subject | Life of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal |
12. Where was the 6th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK held in April 2025?
A) Tashkent
B) Lucknow
C) Aundh
D) Jaipur
E) Termez
Answer: C) Aundh
Event and Location:
- Event: India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI.
- Date: April 16–28, 2025.
- Location: Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Participating Nations: India and Uzbekistan.
- Frequency: Annual; held alternately in both countries.
- Previous Edition: April 2024 in Termez District, Uzbekistan.
- Indian Contingent: 60 personnel, mainly from JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force.
- Uzbekistan Contingent: Personnel from Uzbekistan Army.
- Exercise Theme: Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario.
- Training Scenario: Simulated terrorist attack involving territorial seizure.
- Main Objectives:
- Enhance interoperability in sub-conventional warfare.
- Establish and operate a Joint Operations Centre (JOC).
- Execute raids, search-and-destroy missions, and control population movements.
- Conduct Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) and Small Team Insertion & Extraction (STIE).
- Apply counter-terrorist and air mobility operations in hostile zones.
- Integrate air power support via helicopters and drones.
- Neutralize drone threats through Counter-UAS technology.
- Strengthen joint coordination in logistics and battlefield support.
Important Terms Explained:
- DUSTLIK:
- A bilateral joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan focusing on counter-terrorism and sub-conventional warfare operations, alternately hosted by each country.
- Sub-Conventional Warfare:
- Military operations conducted below the threshold of conventional war, often involving counter-terrorist and urban warfare scenarios.
- SHBO (Special Heliborne Operations):
- Insertion or extraction of special teams using helicopters for fast mobility in high-risk zones.
- STIE (Small Team Insertion & Extraction):
- A tactical maneuver to infiltrate and withdraw small, specialized units in difficult terrain or hostile environments.
- Counter-UAS Measures:
- Technological systems and strategies used to detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | 6th India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise – DUSTLIK-VI |
Date | April 16–28, 2025 |
Location | Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra |
Participating Countries | India and Uzbekistan |
Indian Units | 60 personnel – JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force |
Uzbekistan Units | Personnel from the Uzbekistan Army |
Previous Edition | April 2024 – Termez District, Uzbekistan |
Theme | Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in Semi-Urban Scenario |
Operations Trained | Counter-terrorism, SHBO, STIE, raids, air operations, drone warfare |
Key Tech Used | Drones, helicopters, Counter-UAS systems |
Core Objective | Enhance interoperability, joint operations, and defence ties |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 17
13. Where will the WHO Pandemic Treaty proposal be presented?
A) G20 Summit
B) COP29
C) WHA 78
D) UNGA
E) G7 Meeting
Answer: C) WHA 78
Event and Location:
- Event: WHO Pandemic Treaty Proposal Finalised.
- Date: To be presented on May 19, 2025.
- Location: 78th World Health Assembly.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Drafting Body: Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), established in December 2021.
- Purpose: To create a legally binding international instrument under the WHO Constitution.
- Objective: Strengthen global capacity for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR).
- Negotiation Timeline: 13 formal negotiation rounds held, 9 of which were extended.
- Additional Discussions: Included informal and intersessional meetings.
- Review Platform: Final text to be reviewed at the 78th World Health Assembly on May 19, 2025.
- WHO DG Statement: Dr. Tedros called it a “generational accord” and emphasized multilateralism and shared global health responsibility.
Important Terms Explained:
- Pandemic Treaty:
- A proposed international legal agreement under WHO to promote coordinated response to future pandemics, while respecting national laws.
- Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB):
- A special WHO body established to draft and negotiate the Pandemic Treaty since December 2021.
- One Health Approach:
- An integrated approach linking human, animal, and environmental health to prevent disease emergence and spread.
- PABS – Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System:
- A global mechanism proposed for equitable sharing of pathogens and benefits derived from them, such as vaccines and diagnostics.
- Sovereignty Clause:
- Ensures that the treaty will not allow WHO to impose travel bans, lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or override national laws.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | WHO Pandemic Treaty Proposal Finalised |
Date | To be presented on May 19, 2025 |
Location | 78th World Health Assembly |
Drafted By | Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) |
Purpose | Strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) |
Major Provisions | PABS System, One Health, global R&D, skilled workforce, supply chains |
Technology Sharing | Promotes transfer of tech, skills, and knowledge |
Financial Mechanism | Supports coordinated funding strategy for emergencies |
Sovereignty Clause | WHO will not dictate national policies or enforce mandates |
Key Statement | Dr. Tedros called the treaty a “generational accord” |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 17
14. Which body collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush for the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme?
A) NITI Aayog
B) WHO
C) CBC
D) DRDO
E) CSIR
Answer: C) CBC
Event and Location:
- Event: Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme.
- Date: April 16, 2025.
- Location: Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Organising Ministry: Ministry of Ayush.
- Under Mission: Mission Karmayogi.
- Collaborating Body: Capacity Building Commission (CBC).
- Objective: To enhance service orientation, professional capacity, and public service efficiency among ministry personnel.
- Workforce Goal: Aimed to create a more responsive and efficient workforce.
- Application in Duties: Encouraged practical application of training in daily official duties.
- Training Format: Included interactive and activity-based learning sessions.
- Activities Used: Group discussions, team exercises, and problem-solving sessions.
- Learning Themes: Focus on self-awareness, motivation, leadership, and public service contribution.
- Learning Tools: Incorporated case studies from Ayurveda, Yoga, and traditional medicine to maintain contextual relevance.
- Impact: Strengthened officials’ understanding of their roles and improved citizen-centric service delivery.
Important Terms Explained:
- Mission Karmayogi:
- A national civil services capacity-building programme launched by the Government of India to improve functional and behavioral competencies of public officials through targeted training.
- Capacity Building Commission (CBC):
- An institution under Mission Karmayogi responsible for monitoring, guiding, and evaluating training programmes and capacity-building initiatives across government departments.
- Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme:
- A department-level training programme designed to develop public service skills, leadership, and motivation within the Ministry of Ayush using experiential learning and traditional systems as case studies.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme |
Date | April 16, 2025 |
Location | Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi |
Organised By | Ministry of Ayush |
Under Framework | Mission Karmayogi |
Collaborating Body | Capacity Building Commission (CBC) |
First Phase Led By | Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush |
Second Phase Led By | Dr. Subodh Kumar, Programme Director |
Facilitator | Ms. Shipra Singh |
Methodology | Activity-based learning, group work, case studies |
Key Themes | Self-awareness, motivation, leadership, public service contribution |
Case Study Focus | Ayurveda, Yoga, traditional medicine |
Significance | Improved role clarity and citizen-centric service delivery |
15. Which new category has been introduced by CPCB for essential environmental services?
A) Red
B) Green
C) Blue
D) Orange
E) White
Answer: C) Blue
Event and Location:
- Event: CPCB Revises Classification of Industries and Introduces New Category.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Implementing Body: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- New Classification Introduced: Blue Category.
- Purpose: To reward and regulate industries involved in essential environmental services (EES).
- Industry Types in Blue Category: Waste-to-energy plants, compressed biogas plants using agro-residue or municipal solid waste, biomining operations, and landfill management utilities.
- Objective of Classification: Promote sustainable industries that support environmental management and pollution control.
- Consent Validity Incentive: Blue Category industries receive an extended consent validity of seven years, which is two years more than other categories.
- Rationale for Incentive: These industries offer essential services in waste management, energy generation, and environmental restoration.
Important Terms Explained:
- Blue Category:
- A newly introduced industrial classification under CPCB for industries that provide essential environmental services with relatively low environmental impact, such as waste-to-energy and biomining.
- Pollution Index (PI):
- A metric used by CPCB to classify industries based on pollution potential:
- Red: PI > 80 (high pollution potential)
- Orange: PI between 55 and 80 (moderate)
- Green: PI ≤ 25 (low)
- Blue: New category for essential service industries irrespective of PI, based on environmental value.
- A metric used by CPCB to classify industries based on pollution potential:
- Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants:
- Biogas plants using sources like municipal solid waste, agro-residue, or energy crops are eligible for Blue Category; plants using industrial or hazardous process waste remain under Red Category.
- Consent Validity:
- The duration for which an industry’s environmental clearance or consent to operate is valid. Extended to seven years for Blue Category.
- Environmental Clearance (EC):
- Approval needed by certain categories of industries to start operations.
- Industries with EC no longer require Consent to Establish (CTE), simplifying compliance.
- White Category industries remain exempt from both CTE and Consent to Operate (CTO).
- Approval needed by certain categories of industries to start operations.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | CPCB Revises Classification of Industries |
Date | April 2025 |
Implementing Body | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) |
New Category Introduced | Blue Category |
Purpose of Blue Category | Promote essential environmental service industries |
Industries Included | Waste-to-energy, biomining, CBG plants using agro-residue or MSW |
Consent Validity | Seven years (additional two years incentive) |
Pollution Index System | Red: PI > 80, Orange: 55 ≤ PI < 80, Green: PI ≤ 25, Blue: EES-specific |
CBG Classification Change | Agro/MSW-based CBG in Blue; Industrial-waste-based CBG in Red |
Waste-to-Energy Reclassed | Moved to Blue despite high PI (97.6) due to environmental contribution |
Other Key Reform | EC holders no longer require Consent to Establish (CTE) |
16. What is the full form of GP-DRASTI as introduced by Gujarat Police?
A) Drone Recon Air Security Technology Initiative
B) Drone Response and Surveillance Task Integration
C) Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions
D) Gujarat Police Drone Surveillance Tech Innovation
E) Drone Rapid Action Surveillance and Tactical Initiative
Answer: C) Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions
Event and Location:
- Event: Gujarat Police’s GP-DRASTI Drone Program: Enhancing Public Safety.
- Date: April 2025.
- Location: Gujarat, India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Program Name: GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions).
- Implementing Authority: Gujarat Police.
- Purpose: Strengthen police responsiveness in urban areas facing gang violence and street crimes.
- Primary Goals:
- Reduce response time to crimes like rioting, stabbings, and street violence.
- Enable real-time surveillance and evidence collection.
- Prevent mob violence, show of weapons, and unlawful assemblies through proactive monitoring.
- Operational Cities: Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara.
- Area of Focus: 33 police stations identified as crime hotspots under the SHASTRA program.
- Control Integration: Drones dispatched simultaneously with police ground teams for coordinated response.
- Surveillance Advantage: Live video feeds to police stations for quick tactical decision-making.
Important Terms Explained:
- GP-DRASTI:
- An advanced policing initiative by Gujarat Police using drones for real-time surveillance, crowd monitoring, and crime response in urban hotspots.
- SHASTRA Program:
- An earlier 2025 initiative to identify high-crime zones and improve tactical law enforcement strategies using data analytics.
- Real-Time Video Streaming:
- Live camera feed transmitted from drones to control rooms, enabling dynamic resource allocation.
- Target Following:
- Drone capability to lock onto and follow moving or fixed targets, aiding in criminal tracking and evidence documentation.
- Aerial ID System:
- Facial recognition and high-zoom optics in drones to identify individuals in large gatherings or during criminal activity.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Launch of GP-DRASTI Drone Program by Gujarat Police |
Date | April 2025 |
Location | Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara |
Program Name | GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) |
Coverage Area | 33 police stations across 4 major cities |
Primary Objectives | Rapid crime response, evidence gathering, surveillance |
Drone Flight Specs | Ceiling: 120 meters, Range: 4 km, Flight Time: 45 minutes |
Camera Features | HD quality, 1 km zoom, night vision |
Target Tracking | Lock-on capability, useful for suspect tracking and raid monitoring |
Operational Base | Drones deployed from centralized drone base stations |
Training | Initial batch of 16 staff trained, to be expanded |
Facial Recognition | Aerial ID system to detect and track individuals in crowds |
17. When did the Supreme Court issue its guidelines on child trafficking?
A) April 10, 2025
B) April 12, 2025
C) April 15, 2025
D) April 18, 2025
E) April 14, 2025
Answer: C) April 15, 2025
Event and Location:
- Event: SC Issued Guidelines to Child Trafficking.
- Date: April 15, 2025.
- Location: Supreme Court of India.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Bench Composition: Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.
- Primary Concern: Rising incidents of child trafficking through organized, tech-driven networks.
- Directive to Parents: Be extremely vigilant; even minor negligence can lead to abduction or trafficking.
- Nature of Crimes: Children trafficked for sexual exploitation, child labour, begging, petty crime, illegal adoptions, and child marriage.
- Technology Misuse: Traffickers use digital tools to share images, track victims, and transfer money.
- Hospital Responsibility: Hospitals must ensure newborn safety; failure may result in license suspension and legal action.
- Adoption Fraud: Long waiting periods are misused by illegal adoption rackets to sell trafficked children.
- Juvenile Justice Act Loophole: Gangs exploit juvenile protections to use children in criminal activities with reduced consequences.
- Action Against Accused:
- Bail of 13 accused cancelled (previously granted by Allahabad HC).
- Police ordered to trace absconding accused within 2 months.
- Trial must be completed within 6 months.
- Victim Protection Measures:
- Appointment of 3 Special Public Prosecutors.
- Implementation of witness protection for victim families.
- Directive to High Courts: Ensure completion of all pending child trafficking trials within 6 months.
- Non-Compliance Warning: Officials failing to act may face contempt of court proceedings.
- Rebuke to State: Uttar Pradesh government criticized for showing lack of urgency in filing an appeal.
Important Terms Explained:
- Child Trafficking:
- Illegal recruitment, transfer, or sale of children for purposes such as exploitation, forced labour, or illegal adoption.
- Juvenile Justice Act Loophole:
- Legal protections meant for minors are being misused by trafficking networks to involve children in crimes while escaping strict penalties.
- Witness Protection Scheme:
- A legal safeguard to protect victims and witnesses from threats or harm during legal proceedings.
- Special Public Prosecutor:
- A legal expert appointed for handling sensitive or high-profile cases like child trafficking for impartial and expert prosecution.
Tabular Summary:
Key Element | Details |
Event | Supreme Court Issues Guidelines on Child Trafficking |
Date | April 15, 2025 |
SC Bench | Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan |
Crimes Highlighted | Sexual exploitation, labour, begging, child marriage, illegal adoptions |
Tech Use by Traffickers | Sharing photos, locations, and money digitally |
Hospital Accountability | Risk of licence suspension if newborns go missing |
Juvenile Act Loophole | Exploited by gangs to involve children in crimes |
Illegal Adoption Cause | Long wait periods prompt child sale networks |
Legal Action Taken | Bail of 13 accused cancelled |
Trial Completion Order | Within 6 months |
Police Directive | Trace absconding accused within 2 months |
Victim Support | 3 Special Prosecutors appointed, witness protection ordered |
State Reprimanded | Uttar Pradesh criticized for lack of urgency in appeal |
High Court Order | All child trafficking trials to be completed in 6 months |
Non-Compliance Penalty | Officials may face contempt proceedings for disobedience |
Over All Review
Important Days
|
Banking and Finance
|
Business And Economy
|
Appointments
|
Defence
|
International Affairs
|
National Affairs
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