Current Affairs for April 2025

National News & Governance:

• Parliamentary Actions: Parliament passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on March 26, 2025, introducing reforms like allowing up to four nominees for bank accounts. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, also received Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, after debates in Parliament. This Act aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in managing Waqf properties, improve administration, and ensure uniformity and accountability, while also repealing the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The Bill includes provisions for a centralized portal for property management, restoring pre-2013 rules for dedication by practicing Muslims, and special provisions for women's inheritance before dedication. The government highlighted enhanced transparency and accountability, while critics raised concerns about constitutional rights.
• Renamed Places: Several places in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts were renamed, often honoring historical figures. Examples include Miyanwala to Ramji Wala, Pirwala to Kesari Nagar, and Chandpur Khurd to Prithviraj Nagar.
• Infrastructure & Development: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, on April 6, 2025 (Ram Navami). This bridge, over 2.07 km long and costing over ₹700 crore, connects Rameswaram Island with Mandapam. It is seen as a symbol of modern engineering and national pride. PM Modi also flagged off a new Coast Guard ship and a train, and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹8,300 crore during the visit. He also had an aerial view of Ram Setu, calling it a "divine coincidence" with the Surya Tilak ceremony in Ayodhya. PM Modi also laid foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth ₹33,700 crore in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, focusing on housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and tribal welfare.
• Judicial & Legal Developments: The Supreme Court issued a landmark judgment regarding the Governor's power to reserve State Bills for the President's consideration. The court interpreted Article 201, stating the President must act within 3 months when a Bill is reserved. Withholding assent must be justified legally, not politically. States can approach courts if there is prolonged inaction. The SC also noted that the President ought to consult the SC if a Bill is reserved citing unconstitutionality under Article 143. On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court also directed the Central Government to notify the new Law Commission within three months. The 23rd Law Commission was notified on September 1, 2024, for a term until August 31, 2027.
• State-Specific News:
  • Andhra Pradesh approved a draft ordinance for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) to ensure equitable distribution of benefits. Amaravati is planned to become the world's first city powered entirely by renewable energy.
  • Gujarat Police launched the GP-DRASTI program using drones for surveillance and crime response. Gujarat is also exploring adopting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
  • Haryana announced a 20% reservation for Agniveers in Haryana Police jobs, making it the first state to offer such a guarantee.
  • Maharashtra will implement a new curriculum framework from 2025-26, making Hindi mandatory as a third language for Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi-medium schools. The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board declared DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve.
  • Odisha officially declared Similipal as the 107th National Park of India and second in Odisha on April 24, 2025.
  • Tamil Nadu formed a high-level committee on April 15, 2025, to review Centre-State relations and propose measures to enhance State autonomy.
  • Tripura hosted the 'Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025' celebrating the Garia Puja.
  • Uttarakhand launched the Bhagirath mobile app as part of the Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan 2025 to report endangered water sources. Uttarakhand also became the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
  • West Bengal is set to inaugurate the Jagannath Dham Temple in Digha on April 30, 2025.

Economy & Finance:

• RBI Actions: The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the Policy Repo Rate by 25 bps to 6.00% effective immediately in its April 2025 meeting. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate was reduced to 5.75% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate to 6.25%. The MPC held its 54th meeting from April 7 to 9, 2025. The RBI Governor also announced six additional measures, including enabling securitisation of stressed assets and revising UPI transaction limits. RBI projects India's GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26. CPI inflation projection for FY26 is 4.0%. The RBI celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2025. It was announced that 98.21% of ₹2000 banknotes have been returned to the banking system. RBI will transition 500 financially weak Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) from SAF to the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework starting April 1, 2025. RBI issued new guidelines for Government of India-guaranteed Security Receipts (SRs) by ARCs. The RBI will retain the existing Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) investment limits for FY 2025-26. RBI launched its official WhatsApp channel for financial literacy as part of the ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ campaign. RBI cancelled the license of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad.
• Banking: Parliament passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Axis Bank launched India’s first 24/7 US dollar payment service for commercial clients from GIFT City. Bandhan Bank launched the Elite Plus Savings Account for HNIs. ICICI Bank introduced the Platinum Savings Account with cashback and rewards. State Bank of India (SBI) reintroduced its ‘Amrit Vrishti’ FD Scheme targeting senior and super-senior citizens with attractive rates. SBI also introduced 'Grahak Mitras' at select branches to assist customers with digital banking. Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched 34 new products and services on its 131st Foundation Day. Equitas Small Finance Bank appointed Balaji Nuthalapadi as Executive Director – Technology and Operations.
• SEBI: SEBI revised the cut-off timings for redemption in overnight and liquid mutual fund schemes, effective June 1, 2025.
• Economic Indicators: India’s GST collections surged 9.9% YoY in March 2025, reaching Rs 1.96 lakh crore. Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) eased to 2.05% in March 2025.
• Trade: India’s exports grew marginally by 0.7% to $41.97 billion in March 2025, while imports surged by 11.3% to $63.51 billion, widening the trade deficit to $21.54 billion. For FY 2024–25, overall exports (goods + services) grew by 5.5% to $820.93 billion. India's trade surplus with the United States rose by 11.59% to $86.5 billion in exports, while the trade deficit with China deepened to $99.2 billion. India’s pharmaceutical exports hit a historic high of $30.47 billion in FY25.
• Tariffs: The Income Tax Department mandated a 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on the sale of luxury goods priced above ₹10 lakh, effective April 22, 2025. India imposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on specific steel imports from China, South Korea, and Japan, effective April 21, 2025. US President Donald Trump announced a 26% tariff on India as part of protectionist tariffs impacting 70 nations. This led Morgan Stanley and IMF to lower India's FY26 GDP growth forecast.
• Business: Renault Group will acquire the remaining 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL). Adani Group secured a $136 million term loan facility from DBS Bank India to fund Renew Exim's acquisition of ITD Cementation. Milkfed Punjab launched a new mascot ‘Veera’ for its dairy brand Verka. Campbell Wilson is stepping down as Chairman of Air India Express as part of Tata Group airline restructuring.

International Affairs:

• Awards & Recognition: PM Narendra Modi was conferred Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour, the Mithra Vibhushana, on April 5, 2025, for contributions to strengthening historic ties. This award was first introduced in 2008. Modi expressed that the award is an honour for the 1.4 billion Indians. He has received state honours from over 15 countries.
• Bilateral Relations:
  • India and Sri Lanka signed a landmark defence cooperation pact, the first of its kind, during PM Modi's visit to Colombo. This pact includes joint military exercises, training, and high-level exchanges, reinforcing interconnected security. Ten major agreements were signed, focusing on defence, energy, digital cooperation, and health. Key projects include the Sampur Power Project, the multi-product energy pipeline to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub (with UAE), and grid interconnectivity. An MoU was signed for India to share digital governance solutions. MoUs were also signed for healthcare cooperation. India announced a support package worth 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees for development of eastern provinces.
  • India and UAE strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with discussions in New Delhi on April 8, 2025. They agreed to deepen defence and Coast Guard cooperation, signing an MoU for formal collaboration. Discussions covered joint training, co-production, co-development, and defence manufacturing collaborations. They also welcomed the India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum.
  • India and China exchanged messages on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, emphasizing a strategic partnership.
  • India and Italy strengthened their Strategic Partnership, advancing cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, and connectivity, notably through the IMEEC and Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29. Italy appointed a special envoy for IMEEC.
  • India and Slovakia signed their first-ever defence MoU during President Murmu's visit in April 2025.
• Terrorism & Diplomatic Fallout: Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, India implemented a 5-point action plan targeting Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, expulsion of Pakistani military advisors, and reduction in diplomatic staff. In a diplomatic fallout, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, closed the Wagah border, banned Indian airlines, and halted trade, citing alleged Indian involvement in terrorism. Tensions escalated sharply, with Pakistan warning that any diversion of Indus water would be an "Act of War".
• Global Events: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume between June and August 2025 after five years, allowing 750 pilgrims via Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La Pass. This symbolizes improving India-China ties and boosts tourism. India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following an earthquake. Japan plans to revise its Financial Instruments and Exchange Act by 2026 to classify crypto assets as financial products. Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary visa ban on individuals from 14 countries, including India, during the Hajj pilgrimage. Kazakhstan discovered its largest-ever reserve of rare earth metals. Gabon held a crucial presidential election on April 12, 2025, marking a step in its transition to civilian rule. The World Health Organization (WHO) finalized a Pandemic Treaty proposal. General Brice Oligui Nguema won Gabon’s 2025 presidential election with over 90% of the vote. The UAE was elected as Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance. India signed an agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to host its headquarters and secretariat. New York City Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed April 14, 2025, as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day. Klaus Schwab resigned as Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Operation ATALANTA is a key maritime security initiative in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea, with a proposed joint exercise with the Indian Navy in May 2025. UNESCO added 16 new Global Geoparks.

Appointments & Resignations:

• Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was confirmed as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate.
• T. Rabi Sankar was re-appointed as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a one-year term starting May 3, 2025. Poonam Gupta was also appointed as a new Deputy Governor of RBI.
• Sivasubramanian Ramann was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey was appointed Vice-President at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
• Judge B R Gavai was named as the next CJI of India, succeeding Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Awards:

• Archaeologist MyNaa Swamy received the prestigious Ugadi Award from the Andhra Pradesh government.
• The Dalai Lama was awarded the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability.
• Nikhil Singhal received the Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award.
• Akarsh Shroff was awarded the National Youth Award.
• Sudarsan Pattnaik won the inaugural Fred Darrington Award for Excellence in Art and Culture for his sand sculpture.
• Writer and activist P. Sivakami received the Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman for her contributions to Dalit literature.
• Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy was honored with the ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ award.
• The PoshanTracker Application received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 under the Innovation (Centre) category.
• Kumar Mangalam Birla will receive the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024.

Summits, Events & Conferences:

• The 9th Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025 is being held in New Delhi from April 10-12 with the theme "Sambhavna" (Possibilities).
• WHO and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) co-hosted a hybrid side event at the IDF World Diabetes Congress.
• India participated in the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting in Brasilia, calling for stronger climate cooperation.
• India has been appointed to the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR).
• Brazil proposed the creation of a Global Climate Action Council under the UNFCCC.
• A conclave titled ‘Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India’ will be held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.
• The Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) 2025 is being held in New Delhi.
• The RBI hosted a conference for large NBFCs in Chennai.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.
• GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco served as a platform for discussions on fostering inclusive growth in the digital economy.

Other Notable Events:

• India has set ambitious goals for defence production, targeting ₹1.60 lakh crore in 2025 and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. Defence exports are targeted to increase to ₹30,000 crore in 2025 and ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
• India is set to allow 49% foreign investment in its nuclear power sector.
• India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has saved ₹3.48 lakh crore from 2009 to 2024.
• IIM-Ahmedabad is set to open its first overseas campus in Dubai in September 2025.
• Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated India’s first Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi.
• The Supreme Court issued a landmark judgment allowing girls born before 2005 equal inheritance rights.
• The Ministry of Ayush organized a special session of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme.
• A study highlighted the success of Surat’s cap-and-trade programme for particulate matter (PM) emissions.
• A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour urged the Ministry to complete the first-ever third-party evaluation of the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) by end of 2025.
• Rules for the use of radar equipment to measure vehicle speed were notified, requiring verification and calibration from July 1, 2025.
• MoRTH and NHAI clarified that no satellite-based tolling will be launched from May 1, 2025, but a pilot of a Barrier-Less Tolling System using ANPR and FASTag is being introduced.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on May 2, 2025.
• The Union Cabinet approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• India has approved a ₹63,000 crore ($7+ billion) deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets under a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement.
• A new batch of cheetahs will be introduced to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) in Madhya Pradesh.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Saudi Arabia on April 22–23, 2025.
• US Vice President JD Vance began his first official visit to India on April 21, 2025.
• India’s largest cruise terminal, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), was inaugurated on April 21, 2025.
• The Saudagari block print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Banaras Shehnai also received a GI tag.
• Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) will be commemorated with a bronze statue of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at Leicester Square, London.

 Important Days and their themes:

• April 1: Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) commemorates Odisha’s formation as India’s first linguistic state in 1936.
• April 2: World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed under the theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
• April 4: International Mine Awareness Day has the 2025 theme "Safe Futures Start Here".
• April 5: Samata Diwas marks the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, a freedom fighter and social reformer known for fighting untouchability, casteism, and promoting equality.
• April 5: National Maritime Day honors India’s maritime heritage and the shipping industry's role in trade, economy, and security.
• April 6: Swaminarayan Jayanti celebrates the birth of Shri Swaminarayan.
• April 7: World Health Day 2025 marks the anniversary of the WHO's founding and focuses on the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, launching a year-long global campaign on maternal and newborn health.
• April 6th: International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) highlights sport's potential for social change. The 2025 theme is "Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion," focusing on using sport to address challenges like gender, racial equality, and marginalized groups.
• April 7th: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda commemorates the systematic murder of over 1 million Tutsi and others.
• April 10: Mahavir Jayanti marks the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, highlighting key Jain principles like Ahimsa (non-violence).
• April 10th: World Homeopathy Day honors the birth of Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, and promotes awareness of homeopathy's contributions to holistic healthcare.
• April 13: Siachen Day commemorates Operation Meghdoot in 1984, when the Indian Army secured the Siachen Glacier.
• April 14: Ambedkar Jayanti commemorates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution and a social reformer who championed equality and social justice.
• April 14: World Chagas Disease Day 2025 highlights the global impact of Chagas disease, a parasitic illness, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare and collective responsibility.
• April 15: Himachal Day marks the creation of Himachal Pradesh as a province in 1948.
• April 15: World Art Day celebrates the universal language of art and honors Leonardo da Vinci's birth anniversary. The 2025 theme is “Art for Unity and Healing,” emphasizing art’s role in fostering social harmony and mental health.
• April 18: World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, promotes the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The 2025 theme is “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts,” highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience.
• April 19: World Liver Day raises awareness about liver health and disease prevention. The 2025 theme is "Food is Medicine," emphasizing the role of nutrition.
• April 21: National Civil Service Day 2025 honors the commitment and excellence of civil servants.
• April 21st: World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) raises awareness about creativity and innovation's critical role in human development.
• April 22: Earth Day 2025 carries the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlighting the collective responsibility to drive environmental change.
• April 23: World Book and Copyright Day 2025 celebrates literature, authors, and intellectual property protection. The 2025 theme is "The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)".
• April 24: National Panchayati Raj Day honors grassroots democracy, marking the enforcement of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993.
• April 25: World Malaria Day raises awareness about malaria. The theme for 2025 is “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calling for renewed efforts in prevention, treatment, and innovation.
• April 25: International Delegate’s Day celebrates the pivotal role of delegates in fostering global cooperation, peace, and diplomacy.
• April 24–30: World Immunization Week 2025, led by WHO, promotes the theme "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible," stressing universal access to vaccines.