Daily Current Affairs April 18

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April 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 18

1. Which day is observed on April 18 every year to promote awareness of cultural and natural heritage preservation?
A) International Museum Day
B) World Environment Day
C) World Heritage Day
D) World Tourism Day
E) International Monuments Day
Answer: C) World Heritage Day

Event and Location:

  • Event: World Heritage Day 2025 (International Day for Monuments and Sites)
  • Date: April 18, 2025
  • Location: Observed globally

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Heritage Preservation: To raise global awareness about the value of protecting both cultural and natural heritage sites.
  • Community Involvement: To promote local participation in conservation and sustainable tourism.
  • Education and Preparedness: To highlight disaster and conflict preparedness in preserving heritage.
  • Sustainable Travel: To promote responsible tourism rooted in historical and ecological awareness.

Important Terms Explained:

  • World Heritage Day: Also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, observed annually on April 18 to focus on heritage conservation.
  • ICOMOS: International Council on Monuments and Sites, proposed the observance in 1982 and leads global initiatives in heritage conservation.
  • UNESCO: Recognized World Heritage Day in 1983; manages the World Heritage List and promotes heritage as a tool for peace and education.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: A cultural or natural site recognized for its universal value to humanity; listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event World Heritage Day 2025 (International Day for Monuments and Sites)
Location Global
Date April 18, 2025
Organized By International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
Recognized By UNESCO (1983)
Theme (2025) “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions”
India’s World Heritage Sites 43 Total (35 Cultural, 7 Natural, 1 Mixed)
India’s Global Rank 6th in total number of World Heritage Sites
Recent Additions Santiniketan (West Bengal), Hoysalas (Karnataka), Moidams (Assam)
First Indian Sites (1983) Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs April 18

2. According to Airports Council International (ACI), which country is set to become the world’s fastest-growing major aviation market by 2026?
A) China
B) Vietnam
C) India
D) Saudi Arabia
E) Philippines
Answer: C) India

Event and Location:

  • Event: India Set to Become Fastest-Growing Major Aviation Market by 2026
  • Date: April 2025 (Projection by ACI)
  • Location: India (based on global aviation growth rankings)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Growth Leadership: To position India as the fastest-growing large aviation market by passenger growth rate by 2026.
  • Infrastructure Expansion: To improve aviation infrastructure and connectivity across the country.
  • Policy Support: To strengthen the aviation sector through schemes like UDAN and Gati Shakti.
  • Global Ranking Stability: To maintain India’s position as the third-largest aviation market while leading in growth rate.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Airports Council International (ACI): A global organization representing airport authorities worldwide, providing data and forecasts on aviation trends.
  • CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate): A metric to measure average annual growth over a period, indicating sustained market expansion.
  • UDAN Scheme: Stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik — a government initiative to make air travel affordable and widespread across India.
  • Gati Shakti: A national master plan for multi-modal infrastructure to boost logistics and connectivity, including aviation.
  • Per Capita Air Travel: A metric indicating the average number of air trips taken per person annually in a country.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event India Set to Become Fastest-Growing Major Aviation Market by 2026
Location India
Date April 2025 (ACI projection)
India’s Growth Rate (2026) 10.5% (vs. China’s 8.9%)
India’s CAGR (2023–2027) 9.5% (higher than China’s 8.8%)
India’s Growth Rate (2027) 10.3% (vs. China’s 7.2%)
India’s Long-Term CAGR 5.5% (vs. China’s 3.8%)
India’s Rank by 2053 3rd largest aviation market globally
Per Capita Trips (2023) India: 0.1, China: 0.5, USA: 2.1
Projected Trips (2043) India expected to reach 0.4 trips per capita
Growth Drivers Infrastructure, middle-class expansion, policy reforms, low air travel penetration

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs April 18

3. Which scheme is undergoing its first-ever third-party evaluation since its launch in 1995, as per a parliamentary recommendation?
A) Atal Pension Yojana
B) National Pension Scheme
C) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan
D) Employees’ Pension Scheme
E) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
Answer: D) Employees’ Pension Scheme

Event and Location:

  • Event: Hike In Minimum Pension under EPS, Complete Evaluation by 2025
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Policy Review: To conduct the first-ever third-party evaluation of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) since its inception in 1995.
  • Pension Reforms: To revise the existing minimum pension of ₹1,000 due to the rising cost of living.
  • Timeline Enforcement: To complete the evaluation by December 2025, ensuring timely and effective reforms.
  • Organized Sector Welfare: To ensure the scheme remains relevant and beneficial to India’s formal workforce.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS): A retirement pension scheme launched in November 1995 for organized sector workers, providing lifelong pension benefits post-retirement.
  • EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation): A statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment that manages provident fund and pension schemes for salaried employees.
  • Minimum Pension: The baseline pension amount under EPS, currently fixed at ₹1,000 per month, subject to revision.
  • Third-Party Evaluation: An independent assessment by an external agency, ensuring unbiased review and recommendations for scheme improvement.
  • Request for Proposal (RFP): A standard government process to invite bids from agencies for project execution, such as this evaluation.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Hike In Minimum Pension under EPS, Complete Evaluation by 2025
Location India
Date April 2025
Scheme Name Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)
Launched In November 1995
Administered By Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
Evaluation Status First-ever third-party evaluation underway
Evaluation Deadline End of 2025
Current Minimum Pension ₹1,000
Committee Recommendation Urgent revision of minimum pension
Committee Head BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs April 18

4. As per the UNCTAD forecast, what is India’s projected economic growth rate for the year 2025?
A) 5.8%
B) 6.1%
C) 6.5%
D) 7.0%
E) 6.9%
Answer: C) 6.5%

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s Economy to Grow by 6.5% in 2025 As Per UNCTAD Forecast
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: India (based on global economic forecasts)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Sustained Growth Projection: India is expected to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy in 2025.
  • Policy Support: Growth is driven by high public spending and proactive monetary policy by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Global Economic Leadership: India is emerging as a stable performer amidst a fragile global economic environment.
  • Recommendations from UNCTAD: Countries must focus on infrastructure, digitalization, and green investment to withstand economic headwinds.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development): A UN body that provides analysis and policy advice on trade, investment, and development issues affecting global economies.
  • Monetary Policy: Central bank actions, such as interest rate changes and liquidity management, to regulate economic growth and inflation.
  • GDP Growth Rate: The rate at which a country’s Gross Domestic Product increases or decreases over a period, reflecting economic performance.
  • Recessionary Trajectory: A condition where the global or national economy is approaching or experiencing economic slowdown and contraction.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event India’s Economy to Grow by 6.5% in 2025 As Per UNCTAD Forecast
Location India
Date April 2025
India’s Growth Forecast (2025) 6.5% (fastest among major economies)
China’s Growth Forecast (2025) 4.4%
US and EU Growth (2025) 1% each
Japan’s Growth (2025) 0.5%
Growth Drivers (India) Government expenditure, infrastructure spending, RBI’s supportive policies
UNCTAD Policy Suggestion Continue fiscal support, boost infrastructure, digital and green transitions

 

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 18

5. Who was recently appointed as the Deputy CFO of IndusInd Bank effective from April 18, 2025?
A) Ravi Kumar
B) Santosh Kumar
C) Deepak Sharma
D) Arun Khurana
E) Rakesh Mehta
Answer: B) Santosh Kumar

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Santosh Kumar as Deputy CFO of IndusInd Bank
  • Date: April 18, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Leadership Gap Filling: To ensure continuity in financial oversight after the exit of Arun Khurana from the acting CFO role.
  • Financial Oversight: To strengthen the finance and accounts functions amid ongoing financial irregularities and scrutiny.
  • Strategic Transition: To provide interim leadership while the bank searches for a permanent CFO.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Deputy CFO: A senior executive responsible for assisting the CFO in managing financial strategies, compliance, and reporting.
  • Derivative Transactions: Financial contracts whose value is derived from underlying assets like currencies; incorrect accounting of these can result in significant losses or regulatory issues.
  • Microfinance Sector: A segment of banking focused on providing small loans to low-income individuals; it carries higher default risk.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Appointment of Santosh Kumar as Deputy CFO of IndusInd Bank
Location India
Date April 18, 2025
New Appointee Santosh Kumar
Outgoing CFO (acting) Arun Khurana (Deputy CEO)
Bank Status 5th-largest private sector bank in India
Pending Full-time CFO appointment is still awaited
Financial Impact Derivative accounting gaps estimated at ₹1,979 crore by PwC
Share Price Movement Fell 15% since March 10, 2025 due to financial concerns
Sectoral Issue Elevated bad loans in microfinance impacting profitability

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs April 18

6. Which organization, in collaboration with Sterlite Technologies Ltd., successfully tested India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over Multi-Core Fibre?
A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) C-DOT
D) CDAC
E) BEL
Answer: C) C-DOT

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s First Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over Multi-Core Fibre
  • Date: April 18, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Quantum Secure Communication: To enable secure data transmission using quantum encryption over long distances.
  • Efficient Fibre Utilization: To transmit quantum and classical data simultaneously using different cores in a single fibre.
  • Cost Optimization: To reduce infrastructure cost by using Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) and avoiding separate fibre lines.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: To leverage strengths of C-DOT (public R&D) and STL (private tech firm) for indigenous tech development.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): A method of secure communication that uses quantum mechanics to create encryption keys which are nearly impossible to intercept or decode.
  • Multi-Core Fibre (MCF): An advanced optical fibre that contains multiple cores in a single cable to allow simultaneous data and quantum signal transmission.
  • Space Division Multiplexing: A technique that increases data transmission capacity by using separate spatial channels (like fibre cores).
  • Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC): A certifying authority under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that approves telecom technologies and equipment.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event India’s First Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over Multi-Core Fibre (MCF)
Location India
Date April 18, 2025
Organizations Involved Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Sterlite Technologies Ltd.
Fibre Type 4-core Multi-Core Fibre
Distance Achieved Over 100 km
Core Utilization 1 core for QKD, 3 cores for high-speed classical data
Technology Approval Approved by Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
Significance Enables secure quantum and classical data transmission over the same fibre

7. Which exoplanet showed possible signs of life, as observed by the James Webb Space Telescope in 2025?
A) Proxima b
B) K2-18b
C) Kepler-452b
D) TOI 700 d
E) TRAPPIST-1e
Answer: B) K2-18b

Event and Location:

  • Event: James Webb Telescope Founds Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Search for Extraterrestrial Life: To explore exoplanets for biosignatures and understand habitability beyond Earth.
  • Atmospheric Analysis: To use spectroscopy for detecting life-associated molecules in distant planetary atmospheres.
  • Scientific Verification: To approach life detection with rigorous data confirmation through advanced space-based observatories.

Important Terms Explained:

  • K2-18b: A super-Earth exoplanet located 124 light-years away, orbiting a red dwarf star in the constellation Leo; about 2.6 times the size of Earth.
  • Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS): A gas released by marine phytoplankton and some bacteria on Earth, considered a potential biosignature.
  • Dimethyl Disulphide (DMDS): Another Earth-based organic compound linked with microbial life, enhancing the biosignature profile.
  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): NASA’s most advanced space telescope, launched in 2021, capable of detecting atmospheric chemicals on exoplanets using infrared spectroscopy.
  • Three Sigma Confidence Level: A statistical certainty of 99.7%; significant but below the threshold (five sigma) required for formal scientific confirmation.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event James Webb Telescope Founds Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b
Location 124 light-years away, Leo constellation
Date April 2025
Planet Name K2-18b
Size 2.6 times Earth
Star Type Orbits a red dwarf star
Molecules Detected DMS (Dimethyl Sulphide), DMDS (Dimethyl Disulphide)
Detection Tool James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Detection Certainty Three sigma (99.7%) — not yet confirmed
Research Origin Cambridge University scientists
Published In The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Possible Biological Source Marine phytoplankton and bacteria (on Earth)

Defence – Daily Current Affairs April 18

8. What is India’s targeted defence production output by the year 2029, as announced during Defence Conclave 2025?
A) ₹1.60 lakh crore
B) ₹2 lakh crore
C) ₹2.50 lakh crore
D) ₹3 lakh crore
E) ₹3.50 lakh crore
Answer: D) ₹3 lakh crore

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s Defence Production Target by 2029 To Achieve ₹3 Lakh Crore
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: Defence Conclave 2025 – Force of the Future

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Self-Reliance Mission: To achieve defence self-sufficiency under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
  • Reduce Import Dependency: To minimise reliance on foreign defence imports and foster a domestic ecosystem.
  • Export Expansion: To increase India’s share in the global defence export market through indigenous development.
  • Industrial Reforms: To modernise legacy systems, such as corporatising Ordnance Factories into profitable entities.
  • Defence Modernisation: To develop capabilities in emerging warfare domains like cyber, space, and narrative warfare.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Atmanirbhar Bharat: A national initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance in various sectors, including defence, by encouraging domestic production and innovation.
  • Corporatisation of Ordnance Factories: Conversion of India’s 200+ year-old Ordnance Factories into independent, profit-driven entities to improve efficiency and output.
  • Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Government-owned companies involved in defence production and R&D; key players in India’s self-reliance efforts.
  • Make in India: A flagship initiative launched to boost manufacturing in India, including the defence sector, and encourage investment and innovation.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event India’s Defence Production Target by 2029 To Achieve ₹3 Lakh Crore
Location Defence Conclave 2025 – Force of the Future
Date April 2025
Current Defence Production ₹1.60 lakh crore (2025)
Target Defence Production ₹3 lakh crore (2029)
Defence Export Target (2025) ₹30,000 crore
Defence Export Target (2029) ₹50,000 crore
Domestic Budget Allocation 75% of procurement budget reserved for Indian companies
Indigenised Items (Forces) 509
Indigenised Items (DPSUs) 5,012
Key Policy Frameworks Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 18

9. Which country recently imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements (REEs) in April 2025?
A) United States
B) Russia
C) China
D) Australia
E) Japan
Answer: C) China

Event and Location:

  • Event: China’s Restriction on Rare Earth Exports
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: China

Mandates and Objectives:

  • National Security Justification: To protect national interests and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations.
  • Strategic Control: To maintain leverage in global trade, especially amid tensions with the US and allied economies.
  • Supply Chain Influence: To signal dominance in critical technology supply chains by limiting access to rare earths.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs): A group of 17 metallic elements, including the lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, with essential magnetic and optical properties.
  • Restricted REEs: China has restricted exports of Samarium (Sm), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y).
  • Applications of REEs: Used in defense (radar, missiles), green energy (EVs, turbines), and electronics (smartphones, laptops).
  • Strategic Minerals: Declared as such by China in the 1990s to ensure state control and regulation over their exploitation and trade.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event China’s Restriction on Rare Earth Exports
Location China
Date April 2025
Restricted Elements Samarium (Sm), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc), Yttrium (Y)
Reason for Restriction National security, international obligations, non-proliferation
China’s Global Share Supplies 85–95% of global REE demand
Global Impact Price surge, supply chain disruption, increased diversification efforts
Majorly Affected Regions USA, EU, Japan, and other countries reliant on Chinese REEs
Past Similar Actions 2010 Japan export ban, 2022 USA threat during trade war

10. Which country will host the headquarters of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as per the April 2025 agreement?
A) United States
B) South Africa
C) India
D) Brazil
E) Australia
Answer: C) India

Event and Location:

  • Event: Agreement Signed As India to Host International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Headquarters
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Big Cat Conservation: To ensure the survival and protection of seven major big cat species through international collaboration.
  • Global Cooperation: To facilitate research, habitat preservation, policy support, and funding for big cat conservation across member countries.
  • Permanent Hosting Role: India to provide administrative, financial, and operational support as permanent host of the IBCA HQ.
  • Treaty-Based Operation: To establish IBCA as a legitimate intergovernmental alliance with ratified international support.

Important Terms Explained:

  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): A global intergovernmental body focused on the conservation of seven big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
  • Project Tiger: A conservation initiative launched in 1973 in India aimed at protecting and increasing the tiger population.
  • Treaty-Based Organisation: An intergovernmental body formalized through legal ratification by member nations for operational governance.
  • Corpus Fund: A designated financial support by the Indian government amounting to ₹150 crore for 2023–2029 to establish and run the IBCA HQ.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Agreement Signed As India to Host International Big Cat Alliance HQ
Location India
Date April 2025
Organisation International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Launched By PM Narendra Modi (April 2023)
Objective Global conservation of seven big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma
Legal Status Treaty-based intergovernmental organisation since 2024
Initial Treaty Members India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, Nicaragua
Indian Support ₹150 crore corpus (2023–2029) for HQ infrastructure and operations
Signed By (India) P Kumaran, Secretary (East), MEA
Signed By (IBCA) S P Yadav, Director General, IBCA

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 18

11. Which Indian city implemented the world’s first Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for particulate matter, achieving a 30% pollution reduction?
A) Ahmedabad
B) Mumbai
C) Surat
D) Lucknow
E) Jaipur
Answer: C) Surat

Event and Location:

  • Event: Cap-and-Trade Scheme in Surat Achieves 30% Pollution Cut
  • Date: April 2025 (Study Published)
  • Location: Surat, Gujarat

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Pollution Reduction: To decrease particulate matter (PM) emissions through a cap-and-trade system.
  • Market Efficiency: To introduce market-based environmental regulation in place of command-and-control measures.
  • Low-Capacity Area Implementation: To test the effectiveness of ETS in low-state-capacity environments like India.
  • Economic Viability: To reduce abatement costs while improving compliance and environmental outcomes.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS): A market-based approach where industries trade permits for the right to emit pollutants under a total emissions cap.
  • Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are harmful to human health and the environment.
  • Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS): Real-time monitoring system used to track pollution emissions from industrial plants.
  • Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT): A scientific method where participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group to measure effectiveness.
  • Cap-and-Trade: A policy that sets a limit (cap) on total emissions and allows entities to buy or sell emission allowances to stay within the limit.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Cap-and-Trade Scheme in Surat Achieves 30% Pollution Cut
Location Surat, Gujarat
Date April 2025 (study published)
Programme Name Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
Pollutant Type Particulate Matter (PM)
Launch Year 2019 (Pilot phase)
Implemented By Gujarat Pollution Control Board + University of Chicago (EPIC)
Emission Cap 280 tonnes/month → revised to 170 tonnes/month
Monitoring System Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS)
Permit Allocation 80% free, 20% auctioned weekly
Trial Type Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)
Participants 162 ETS plants, 155 control group plants
Emission Reduction 20–30% for ETS plants
Compliance Rate 99% for ETS group vs. 66% for control group
Abatement Cost Saving 11% lower for ETS group
Cost-Benefit Ratio At least 25 times greater benefit than cost

12. Who inaugurated India’s first Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory in April 2025?
A) Anurag Thakur
B) Rajnath Singh
C) Mansukh Mandaviya
D) S. Jaishankar
E) Sujata Chaturvedi
Answer: C) Mansukh Mandaviya

Event and Location:

  • Event: Inauguration of Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU)
  • Date: April 17, 2025
  • Location: National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Track Biological Data: To manage and monitor Athlete Biological Passports (ABP) for identifying physiological changes due to doping.
  • Promote Clean Sports: To detect unethical practices and promote fair play through scientific methods.
  • Align with Global Standards: To bring India’s anti-doping measures in line with WADA norms.
  • Support Global South: To aid neighboring countries with training, tools, and expertise in anti-doping measures.
  • Educate Stakeholders: To raise awareness through schools, colleges, and federations on anti-doping practices.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU): A specialized unit that handles biological monitoring data (blood, hormones) under the ABP program to detect doping trends.
  • Athlete Biological Passport (ABP): An electronic document that records biological markers of an athlete over time to indirectly detect doping without identifying banned substances directly.
  • WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency): The global regulatory body setting anti-doping standards and protocols across countries.
  • National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL): India’s official anti-doping laboratory, recognized by WADA for conducting and processing dope tests.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Inauguration of Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU)
Location National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi
Date April 17, 2025
Inaugurated By Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Purpose Manage and track Athlete Biological Passports
Monitoring Method Tracks blood, hormonal, and other biological markers
In Line With WADA guidelines
Global Ranking 17th APMU globally, 1st in India
Significance Promotes ethical sports and aids Global South with knowledge-sharing
Long-Term Vision Build regional collaboration and enhance anti-doping education

13. Which two Indian works were recently added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in April 2025?
A) Arthashastra and Vedas
B) Ramayana and Rigveda
C) Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra
D) Manusmriti and Upanishads
E) Charaka Samhita and Mahabharata
Answer: C) Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra

Event and Location:

  • Event: Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra Added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
  • Date: April 17, 2025
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Preserve Intellectual Heritage: To safeguard globally significant documentary heritage through digital access and physical conservation.
  • Acknowledge Cultural Legacy: To recognize India’s foundational contributions to philosophy, spirituality, theatre, and arts.
  • Promote Global Access: To ensure universal access and protection of fragile manuscripts and historical documents.
  • Cultural Diplomacy: To strengthen India’s civilisational influence through global recognition of its ancient texts.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register: An international initiative launched in 1992 to preserve documentary heritage of global significance and promote universal access.
  • Bhagavad Gita: A sacred philosophical text, part of the Mahabharata (Bhishma Parva), offering spiritual guidance and moral insight; translated into around 80 languages.
  • Natyashastra: An ancient Indian treatise on drama, dance, music, and aesthetics, written by Bharat Muni, foundational for classical Indian performing arts.
  • Rasa Theory: Aesthetic theory from the Natyashastra explaining emotional expressions in drama and performance.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Bhagavad Gita & Natyashastra Added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
Location India
Date April 17, 2025
New Indian Entries Bhagavad Gita manuscripts, Natyashastra by Bharat Muni
Total Indian Entries 14
Bhagavad Gita Significance Spiritual guide on dharma and philosophy; translated into ~80 languages
Natyashastra Significance Foundational text on drama, dance, music, and stage arts
Global Entries (2025) 74 new entries; total entries now 570
Key Global Themes Scientific heritage, women’s history, slavery, diplomacy
UNESCO’s Purpose Safeguard human memory and promote global documentary preservation

14. Where is the 2-day conclave titled ‘Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India’ being held in April 2025?
A) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
B) Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
C) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
D) Guwahati, Assam
E) Gangtok, Sikkim
Answer: B) Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

Event and Location:

  • Event: 2-day Conclave on Buddhism – Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India
  • Date: April 21–22, 2025
  • Location: Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Promote Buddhist Heritage: To showcase the role of Buddhism in shaping Northeast India’s cultural and spiritual identity.
  • Highlight Theravāda Buddhism: To focus on the contributions of the Tai Khamti community and other Buddhist practices.
  • Cultural Exchange: To promote international dialogue between scholars, students, and monks from Buddhist nations.
  • Peace and Spiritual Dialogue: To promote Vipassana meditation and world peace through Buddhist philosophy.

Important Terms Explained:

  • International Buddhist Confederation (IBC): A global Buddhist umbrella body, working to preserve Buddhist heritage and encourage interfaith harmony.
  • Theravāda Buddhism: The oldest surviving Buddhist school, prominent in Southeast Asia and followed by the Tai Khamtis in Namsai.
  • Vipassana Meditation: A traditional Buddhist meditation practice focusing on insight and self-awareness.
  • Golden Pagoda: A prominent Theravāda Buddhist site in Namsai, known for its cultural and spiritual significance.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India
Location Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
Date April 21–22, 2025
Organized By International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Ministry of Culture
Chief Guests CM Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Bhutan’s Consul General
Participants Scholars and students from Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, South Asia, SE Asia
Day 1 Focus Panel discussions on Buddhist history, art, and cultural impact
Day 2 Focus Vipassana meditation, World Peace prayers at the Golden Pagoda
Main Theme Cultural continuity and revival of Theravāda Buddhism in Northeast India
Tribe Highlighted Tai Khamtis – primary proponents of Theravāda Buddhism in Namsai

15. Which state electricity board is collaborating with IIT Bombay on a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pilot project?
A) Tamil Nadu State Electricity Board
B) Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company
C) Gujarat State Electricity Corporation
D) Kerala State Electricity Board
E) Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company
Answer: D) Kerala State Electricity Board

Event and Location:

  • Event: Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Collaboration with IIT-Bombay
  • Date: April 2025
  • Location: Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Grid Stability Support: To enhance energy grid stability using electric vehicle (EV) batteries as mobile storage systems.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: To store surplus solar energy and release it during peak hours using V2G technology.
  • Clean Energy Promotion: To accelerate the use of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.
  • Pilot-Based Strategy: To assess the feasibility and scalability of V2G deployment in Kerala’s energy ecosystem.

Important Terms Explained:

  • V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) Technology: A system where EVs not only consume power but also send stored energy back to the grid, acting as decentralized power storage.
  • Bi-directional Charging: Charging systems that allow two-way energy flow—charging the EV battery and returning stored energy to the grid.
  • Feasibility Study: An initial assessment to determine the practicality and impact of integrating V2G into the state’s energy system.
  • Premium Tariff: A higher rate of payment offered to EV owners for supplying electricity back to the grid during peak times.

Tabular Summary:

Aspect Details
Event KSEB’s V2G Technology Collaboration with IIT Bombay
Location Kerala
Date April 2025
Technology Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – bidirectional energy transfer from EVs to grid
Partners Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), IIT Bombay
Pilot Scope Feasibility study → Pilot implementation → Grid integration
Objective Enhance grid stability, store excess solar power, reduce emissions
Incentives Premium tariffs for EV owners returning power to the grid
Infrastructure Requirement Smart bi-directional charging stations
Challenges Public awareness, infrastructure gaps, and need for government backing


Over All Review

Important Days

  • World Heritage Day is observed globally every year on April 18.

Ranking 

  • India is projected to be the fastest-growing major aviation market by 2026.

Banking and Finance 

  • EPS is undergoing its first-ever third-party evaluation since its launch in 1995.

Business And Economy

  • India is projected to grow at 6.5 percent in 2025 as per UNCTAD.

Appointments

  • Santosh Kumar has been appointed Deputy CFO of IndusInd Bank.

Science and Technology

  • India achieved a technological milestone by successfully testing QKD over Multi-Core Fibre.
  • Cambridge scientists found possible signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b.

Defence

  • India has targeted ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by the year 2029.

International Affairs

  • China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements in April 2025.
  • India signed an agreement to host the International Big Cat Alliance headquarters.

National Affairs

  • Surat implemented India’s first pollution trading scheme for particulate matter in 2019.
  • India inaugurated its first Athlete Passport Management Unit on April 17, 2025.
  • Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
  • A two-day conclave on Buddhism is being held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • KSEB is collaborating with IIT Bombay on a V2G pilot project in Kerala.

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