Current Affairs

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  • Awards & Honours – National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes – Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes – New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

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UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024: Shakti Dubey Secures Top Rank

On April 22, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination 2024. This prestigious exam, known for its rigorous selection process, determines candidates for key administrative positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services.

Highlights of the Results:

  • Top Ranker: Shakti Dubey secured the first position.
  • Diversity in Selection: Among the successful candidates, 11 women made it to the top 25.
  • Muslim Representation: A total of 26 Muslim candidates featured among the toppers.
  • Complete List: The full list of successful candidates is available online.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in India, requiring years of preparation and dedication. The announcement of results marks a significant milestone for aspirants who have worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams of serving the nation.

PM Modi Begins Two-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, aiming to strengthen the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. In his departure statement, he highlighted the importance of India-Saudi Arabia ties, which now encompass defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people connections.

PM Modi emphasized his intent to engage with the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and attend the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, building on Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2023 visit to India.

He is set to arrive in Jeddah, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the commercial hub in over 40 years. The visit includes a factory tour and interaction with Indian workers.

India’s investments in Saudi Arabia reached around USD 3 billion by August 2023, spanning key sectors like IT, telecom, pharmaceuticals, construction, and consultancy, underlining the countries’ deepening economic cooperation.

India Imposes 12% Safeguard Duty on Steel Imports

The Indian government has imposed a 12% safeguard duty on imports of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products to protect the domestic steel industry from rising import pressure.

Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy welcomed the move, calling it a timely and necessary step to support domestic manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises. The duty aims to ensure fair competition, restore market stability, and boost confidence in the Indian steel sector. The government reaffirmed its commitment to making the industry resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.

Pope Francis Passes Away

Pope Francis passed away on April 20, 2025, marking the end of a historic and transformative papacy. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.

He led the Church with a focus on humility, compassion, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, and was widely respected for his stance on climate change, poverty, and global peace. His papacy left a lasting legacy of inclusiveness and humanity.

The world mourns the loss of a global spiritual leader, and tributes continue to pour in for the man who reshaped the role of the modern papacy.

World Earth Day 2025

World Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, encouraging global awareness and action to protect the environment. It highlights urgent issues like climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss, urging individuals and communities to take meaningful steps—like planting trees, saving water, reducing plastic, and supporting sustainable policies.

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET,” emphasizing the need to unite globally around renewable energy and work toward tripling clean electricity by 2030.

17th Civil Services Day – April 21, 2025

The 17th Civil Services Day is celebrated on April 21, 2025, to honor the dedication and service of India’s civil servants. The day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s speech on April 21, 1947, where he called civil servants the “steel frame of India”.

This year’s celebration is held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing civil servants. Highlights include the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, recognizing impactful initiatives across the country.

Indian Air Force Joins Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE

A contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE to participate in Exercise Desert Flag-10. The multinational air combat exercise is hosted by the UAE Air Force and includes participation from the air forces of Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, UAE, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with India.

The exercise commenced on April 21, 2025, and will continue until May 8, 2025. Its primary objective is to conduct complex fighter engagements and promote the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices among some of the world’s most advanced air forces.

US Vice President J D Vance Begins First Official Visit to India

Vice President of the United States, J D Vance, arrived in New Delhi on April 21, 2025, for a four-day official visit. He is accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior U.S. officials. This is his first visit to India, and he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss strengthening India-U.S. ties.

The delegation will also visit Jaipur and Agra, in addition to holding engagements in Delhi. The visit will focus on reviewing progress in bilateral relations, particularly the outcomes of the India-U.S. Joint Statement from February 13, 2025. Both sides will also exchange views on regional and global issues.

India and the U.S. share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, based on shared democratic values, mutual interests, and strong people-to-people connections. Regular high-level dialogue remains key to this growing relationship.

Churchill Brothers Clinch I-League 2024-25 Title

Churchill Brothers FC Goa clinched the I-League 2024-25 title on April 19, 2025, following a ruling by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee. The club had provisionally finished at the top of the league table with 40 points after the final round of matches on April 6, 2025. However, the championship was delayed due to a dispute involving second-placed Inter Kashi, whose appeal regarding points from a controversial match on January 13, 2025, was dismissed.

This victory marks a historic achievement for Churchill Brothers, as they earned promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time. The ruling brought closure to one of the most dramatic seasons in Indian domestic football.

India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, completed 50 years

India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, completed 50 years. Launched on 19th April 1975, it was named after ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata.

Built by ISRO and launched from Kapustin Yar with USSR’s assistance, the satellite aimed to study Solar Physics, Aeronomy, and X-ray Astronomy. Aryabhata had a 26-sided polyhedron design, measured 1.4 metres in diameter, and weighed 360 kilograms. 24 of its faces were covered with solar panels.

After five days in orbit, a power failure halted all experiments, but valuable data and experience were still gained. It continued to transmit for a few more days.

Aryabhata marked India’s entry into space exploration, making India the 11th country to send a satellite into orbit, and laid the groundwork for future space missions.

Book ‘Sanskriti Ka Panchva Adhyay’ a compilation of PM Modi’s speeches, launched in New Delhi

A book titled Sanskriti Ka Panchva Adhyay, a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches, was launched in New Delhi on 18 April 2025.

The book was released by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, head of the Juna Akhara, and the event was presided over by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh.

Key highlights:

  • The book reflects PM Modi’s commitment to preserving India’s culture, traditions, and spiritual values.
  • Harivansh praised the Prime Minister’s role in safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.
  • Swami Avdheshanand Giri noted that since 2014, there has been innovation and a cultural transformation across India.
  • He emphasized that cultural topics are now discussed with more depth and pride in the country.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS on Axiom’s Ax-4 Mission

India is set to make history as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025 as part of the Axiom Space mission, Ax-4.

Minister of State for Space and Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced this after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, highlighting it as a major milestone in India’s space journey.

Himanshu Jakhar wins Gold in U-18 Asian Athletics Championships in Javelin Throw Saudi Arabia

Himanshu Jakhar made history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian U18 Athletics Championships in the men’s javelin throw held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. His throw of 67.57 meters, although below his personal best of 74.56 meters, secured the top spot on the podium.

With this, India ended the championship with 11 medals: 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze

Other key performances:

  • Devak Bhusan won silver in men’s high jump with a leap of 2.03 meters, behind Kuwait’s Mohammad Alduaij (2.05 meters).
  • Aarti won bronze in women’s 200m (22.41 seconds) and had earlier claimed bronze in the 100m.
  • The men’s medley relay team (Chiranth P, Sayed Sabeer, Saket Minj, Kadir Khan) secured silver, finishing in 1:52.15, behind China.
  • The women’s medley relay team did not finish due to a baton drop.

Gita and Natyashastra included in UNESCO’s Memory of World Register

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, a noted Hindu scripture, and the Natyashastra, an Indian treatise on performing arts, have been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register on April 17, 2025. This recognition highlights their exceptional universal value and profound impact on human civilization.

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, is a cornerstone of India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions. Comprising 700 verses, it addresses profound questions about duty, selflessness, and devotion, synthesizing elements from Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Carvaka traditions. Its teachings have inspired countless individuals and scholars worldwide.

The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharat Muni, is a foundational treatise on Indian performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, and music. It has shaped classical art traditions for centuries and remains a guiding text for artists and scholars. Its insights into aesthetics and performance continue to influence the global artistic community.

With this addition, India now has 14 entries in the prestigious Memory of the World Register.  

CRPF Celebrates 86th Raising Day in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh

The 86th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was celebrated on April 17, 2025, in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of the CRPF. This day marks the establishment of the CRPF, originally formed as the Crown Representative Police on July 27, 1939, and renamed as the CRPF on December 28, 1949, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief guest at the event, highlighted the CRPF’s pivotal role in maintaining internal security, combating terrorism, and eradicating Naxalism. He announced that Naxalism, which has been confined to just four districts, will be completely eliminated by March 31, 2026, with the CRPF, especially its elite CoBRA battalion, leading the mission.

The celebrations included a ceremonial parade, mock drills, and skill displays by CRPF personnel, showcasing their preparedness and dedication. Tributes were paid to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s unity and integrity.

The CRPF, with over 246 battalions, continues to play a vital role in ensuring peace and security across the country, from counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir to maintaining order in the Northeast.

AIIMS New Delhi Ranked Among World’s Top Hospitals in 2024

AIIMS, New Delhi, has been ranked the 97th best hospital in the world in the World’s Best Hospitals 2024 list by Newsweek and Statista. This recognition reflects AIIMS’s excellence in healthcare, research, and affordable treatment.

The ranking evaluated over 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries, based on patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, hygiene standards, and expert recommendations.

Other Indian hospitals on the list include:

  • PGIMER, Chandigarh at 228th rank
  • A private hospital in Gurgaon at 146th rank

These rankings underscore India’s growing global presence in healthcare.

World Heritage Day : April 18

World Heritage Day, celebrated every April 18, honors the cultural and natural treasures recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It aims to raise awareness about preserving landmarks, traditions, and ecosystems of global significance.

Each year, the theme changes to spotlight different aspects of heritage conservation. Across the world, people mark the day with heritage walks, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, promoting the value of protecting our shared history.

India, with iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur City, and the Sundarbans, actively engages in the celebrations, showcasing its diverse heritage.

Heritage goes beyond monuments—it includes languages, customs, and traditions that shape our identity. The day encourages everyone to reflect on their role in preserving cultural diversity.

India’s First Onboard ATM Installed on Panchvati Express

Indian Railways has introduced the first-ever onboard ATM on the Panchvati Express running between Manmad and CSMT, Mumbai, as part of a pilot project. The ATM, installed in an air-conditioned chair car coach, was created by converting a mini pantry space with secure fittings and safety measures.

The initiative, led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to enhance passenger convenience and explore new sources of non-fare revenue. If successful, similar ATMs may be introduced on other long-distance and high-traffic trains.

India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-6 Begins in Pune

The 6th edition of India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-6 began on 16 April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra. The Indian contingent, represented by a JAT Regiment battalion and the Indian Air Force, is participating alongside personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

This annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and Uzbekistan, aims to strengthen defence cooperation and share best practices in Joint Sub-Conventional Operations. The exercise will continue until 28 April 2025.

Justice B.R. Gavai to Become the 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice B.R. Gavai recommended as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) by current CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retires on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai, the second-most senior Supreme Court judge, will be sworn in as the 52nd CJI on May 14, 2025.

Born in Amravati, Maharashtra, on November 24, 1960, Justice Gavai began his legal career in 1985 and joined the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He played key roles in landmark cases, including those on Article 370 abrogation, electoral bonds, and demonetisation.

He will be the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. His tenure will end on November 23, 2025. Known for his work in constitutional, administrative, and environmental law, Justice Gavai’s appointment reflects deep judicial experience and dedication to justice.

Record High Cargo Traffic on National Waterways in FY 2024-25

India’s National Waterways achieved a record cargo traffic of 145.5 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2024-25. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted a compound annual growth rate of 20.86% in cargo traffic during the last fiscal year. Additionally, traffic movement in FY 2025 showed a 9.34% year-on-year growth compared to FY 2024. Five major commodities—coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash—accounted for over 68% of the total cargo transported on National Waterways.

List of Important Waterways in India:

  1. National Waterway 1 (NW-1): Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System (1620 km) – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
  2. National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra River (891 km) – Assam.
  3. National Waterway 3 (NW-3): West Coast Canal (205 km) – Kerala.
  4. National Waterway 4 (NW-4): Kakinada Canal and Godavari-Krishna River System (1095 km) – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
  5. National Waterway 5 (NW-5): Brahmani-Mahanadi Delta Rivers (623 km) – Odisha, West Bengal.

India’s Haj Quota Rises to 1.75 Lakh in 2025, Over 1.22 Lakh Pilgrims Under Main Quota

India’s Haj quota has increased from 1.36 lakh in 2014 to 1.75 lakh in 2025, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. In a post on 15 April 2025, the Ministry stated that it is coordinating arrangements for over 1.22 lakh pilgrims this year through the Haj Committee of India under the main quota.

All preparations, including flights, transport, Mina camps, accommodation, and services, have been completed following Saudi Arabian guidelines. The remaining quota has been allocated to private tour operators, and in accordance with new Saudi regulations, over 800 operators have been merged into 26 Combined Haj Group Operators and assigned quotas in advance.

IMD Predicts Above Normal Monsoon for 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) 2025 will bring above normal rainfall across most parts of India. However, below normal rainfall is expected in some areas of the North-East, North-West, and South Peninsular India.

IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that El Niño-neutral conditions are likely to prevail during the season. He also noted that northern hemisphere and Eurasian snow cover from January to March 2025 was below normal. Additionally, Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, warned that heatwave conditions in May and June 2025 are expected to occur twice as frequently as last year.

Magnus Carlsen Wins Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 in Paris

World number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 in Paris by defeating American GM Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-0.5, earning $200,000. Nakamura secured second place with $140,000. Fabiano Caruana beat Vincent Keymer for third place, winning $100,000 and a spot in the Las Vegas Grand Slam.

Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi claimed fifth place with a 1.5-0.5 win over France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, earning $50,000. Arjun will next compete at the Grenke Freestyle Open starting April 17.

QNu Labs Launches World’s First Unique Platform, Q-Shield, to Protect Critical Infrastructure

QNu Labs, a startup selected under the National Quantum Mission by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has launched the world’s first platform, Q-Shield, on World Quantum Day. This innovative platform allows enterprises to protect critical infrastructure and manage cryptography seamlessly across various environments, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid.

The platform offers multiple services such as Qosmos for key generation, QConnect for secured connectivity, and QVerse for secured collaboration. The launch marks another milestone in India’s journey toward global leadership in quantum technology. Incubated at IIT Madras Research Park in 2016, QNu Labs is now revolutionizing cybersecurity with quantum-safe solutions, positioning India as a key player in quantum cryptography.

Daniel Noboa Re-elected as Ecuador’s President for second four-year term

Daniel Noboa, the incumbent President of Ecuador, has won a second four-year term by securing 55.85% of the vote against his left-wing opponent, Luisa González. The 37-year-old right-wing leader described his re-election as historic and pledged to continue his administration’s war on drugs.

Ecuador faces one of the highest homicide rates in South America. While President Noboa has achieved some reduction in crime, his military presence on the streets and the construction of high-security prisons have also led to a rise in violence, highlighting the complex challenges of his anti-drug campaign.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025 to Be Hosted in Bihar: Dates, Mascot & Key Highlights

Bihar will host the 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from 4th to 15th May across cities like Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. The mascot “Gajsimha”, symbolizing the strength of an elephant and the courage of a lion, was unveiled along with the logo by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The mascot is inspired by the Pala dynasty’s heritage from Nalanda and Bodhgaya, while the logo reflects Bihar’s rich culture and the enthusiasm of youth, using vibrant orange.

Over 8,500 athletes and 10,000 delegates are expected to participate, making it the second-largest sporting event in India after the National Games. The games will feature 27 sports disciplines, including traditional events like Malkhamb, along with volleyball, football, basketball, boxing, kabaddi, and 18 events in Athletics and Sepak Takraw.

Katy Perry Among First All-Women Tourist Crew to Fly to Space with Blue Origin

On 14 April 2025, six women, including singer Katy Perry, successfully completed a short space tourism flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 spacecraft. The rocket launched from western Texas around 7 PM IST, reaching over 100 kilometers above Earth, past the Karman line—the boundary of space. The fully automated flight lasted about 10 minutes, with the crew capsule safely parachuting back to the Texas desert.

This was the first all-women tourist spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. The crew included Gayle King, Kerianne Flynn, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Lauren Sánchez. New Shepard, developed by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, is a reusable sub-orbital vehicle named after astronaut Alan Shepard.

India Demonstrates Laser Weapon System, Joins Elite Global Powers

For the first time, India has successfully demonstrated a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system, capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries—the US, China, and Russia—that have demonstrated such Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) capabilities.

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), under DRDO, conducted the field demonstration of the land-based, vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Weapon DEW MK-II(A) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The system successfully disabled surveillance sensors and caused structural damage to fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat called it just the beginning, highlighting ongoing projects in high-energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulses, and other futuristic Star Wars-like defense technologies.

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