Daily Current Affairs April 18th 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank of India took 79 enforcement actions against banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies in FY25: FACE

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) undertook 79 enforcement actions against banks and NBFCs in FY25, as per a report by FACE, an RBI-recognised self-regulatory organisation.
• Out of these, 48 actions were against NBFCs, 30 against banks, and 1 against a credit bureau.
• A total of ₹33 crore in monetary penalties was imposed.
• While only 38% of the cases involved banks, they accounted for 82% of the total penalty amount.
• NBFCs constituted 60% of the cases but only 18% of the penalty amount.
• The analysis highlighted non-compliance issues in areas like KYC norms, Fair Practices Code, corporate governance, digital lending guidelines, reporting standards, interest rate practices, and outsourcing conduct.
• J&K Bank faced the highest penalty of ₹3.31 crore for violations related to BSBDA accounts, beneficial ownership identification, and working capital loans against government subsidies.
• UCO Bank was fined ₹2 crore and Axis Bank ₹1.9 crore for violations of regulatory norms.
• The report excluded actions against Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks.

Recent News:

• On April 9, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India approved a significant update to the UPI framework by allowing the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to raise transaction limits for person-to-merchant (P2M) payments.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Zaggle Gets National Payments Corporation of India Nod To Offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Services

• Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited has received TPAP (Third-Party Application Provider) approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• The approval enables Zaggle to integrate UPI-based payment solutions directly into its platform.
• This move allows Zaggle to offer seamless UPI payments to its user base.
• Over three million users within Zaggle’s digital ecosystem will benefit from this payment facility.
• The development strengthens Zaggle’s position in the spend management and digital payments
• The approval supports Zaggle’s vision of offering end-to-end fintech solutions across businesses and consumers.

About TRAP:

• TPAP stands for Third Party Application Provider.
• It refers to entities that provide applications or platforms enabling customers and merchants to initiate and receive UPI payments.
• TPAPs enhance the UPI experience by offering features like bill payments, mobile recharges, and a user-friendly interface.

About NPCI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Dilip Asbe
• Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

Revolut Gets Reserve Bank of India Clearance to Introduce Digital Wallets and Unified Payments Interface in India

• UK fintech giant Revolut has received full approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) such as digital wallets and prepaid cards integrated with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• The approval, granted in April 2025, allows Revolut to function as a domestic payment provider, offering both local and cross-border financial services within India’s rapidly growing digital economy.
• This development comes less than a year after Revolut secured in-principle approval from the RBI in April 2024.

Key Highlights:

• The license enables Revolut to compete with major players like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm.
• With the new mobile wallet, Revolut users will be able to conduct UPI-based transactions, facilitating instant fund transfers across banks, merchants, and peer networks.
• In addition to the PPI license, Revolut India already holds a Category-II Authorised Dealer (AD II) license, allowing it to offer multi-currency forex cards and cross-border remittances.
• The integration of UPI enhances Revolut’s capacity to deliver real-time payments, bill settlements, and merchant transactions through its app.
• Globally, Revolut boasts over 50 million customers across 38 countries and achieved a $45 billion valuation in 2024.
• Its foray into India is a crucial part of its strategy to double its user base to 100 million, aiming to capture a share of the projected $2.1 trillion digital payments market by 2030.
• The company will focus on India’s top 10–15% consumers, particularly tech-savvy and frequent travelers seeking efficient domestic and international payment solutions.
• The RBI’s approval signals confidence in Revolut’s compliance and capacity to innovate within India’s regulatory framework.
• Features like low-cost international remittances and real-time expense tracking position Revolut as a bridge between global financial tools and India’s domestic payments ecosystem.
• As Revolut rolls out its PPI products in India, industry analysts anticipate its potential to disrupt the local fintech landscape by combining global experience with hyper-localized services.
• This move supports India’s goal of expanding digital financial inclusion and advances the nation’s shift toward a cashless economy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Ayush Conducts Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme under Mission Karmayogi

• The Ministry of Ayush organized a special session of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi.
• This initiative, aligned with Mission Karmayogi, was conducted in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) to enhance the service orientation, professional capacity, and efficiency of ministry personnel in public service.

Programme Overview

• Organizing Ministry: Ministry of Ayush
• Programme Name: Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme
• Under Mission: Mission Karmayogi
• Collaboration: Capacity Building Commission (CBC)

Phase-wise Programme Details

First Phase

• Inaugurated by: Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
• Key Focus:
  • Developing a responsive and efficient workforce
  • Encouraging practical application of training in daily official duties

Second Phase

• Led by: Dr. Subodh Kumar (Programme Director)
• Facilitator: Ms. Shipra Singh
• Learning Methods:
  • Interactive and activity-based training
  • Group discussions, team exercises, problem-solving activities

NITI Aayog Report: Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential in India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector

• NITI Aayog released a report titled “Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector”, aiming to position India as a global leader in manufacturing and exports in this domain.
• The report highlights key insights, challenges, and strategies for achieving this target.

Global Market Outlook and India’s Position

• Current Global Market Size: ~$100 billion
• Projected Global Market (by 2035): ~$190 billion
• India’s Current Share:
  • Hand Tools: $600 million (1.8%)
  • Power Tools: $470 million (0.7%)
• China’s Share:
  • Hand Tools: $13 billion (50%)
  • Power Tools: $22 billion (40%)

India’s Export & Job Potential

• Target Export Value (by 2035): Over $25 billion
• Expected Market Share:
  • Hand Tools: 25%
  • Power Tools: 10%
• Potential Jobs Created: 35 lakh (primarily in manufacturing/export sectors)

Major Challenges

• Cost Disadvantage vs. China: 14–17% higher
  • High raw material costs (steel, plastic, motors)
  • Lower labour productivity due to wage and overtime norms
  • Higher logistics/transport costs from interior regions
• Financial Overheads:
  • High interest rates
  • Infrastructure limitations

Strategic Interventions Proposed

1. Development of Industrial Clusters

• Establish world-class hand tool manufacturing clusters

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

• Encourage industry-government collaboration for infrastructure and scale

3. Policy & Regulatory Reforms

• Ease Quality Control Order (QCO) regulations
• Reduce import duties on raw materials
• Streamline Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme
• Reform labour and building regulations to boost efficiency

4. Cost Support Mechanism (if reforms delayed)

• Bridge cost gap temporarily through government support
• Estimated Requirement: ₹8,000 crore
• Return on Investment: 2–3 times in tax revenue over 5 years

RECENT NEWS

• In February 2025, NITI Aayog has launched a policy report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’. Released by Vice Chairman Suman Bery, along with key officials from NITI Aayog and the Department of Higher Education (DHE), the report is a first-of-its-kind policy document focused on State Public Universities (SPUs).

Banaras Shehnai Receives GI Tag – A Cultural Milestone

• The Banaras Shehnai, an iconic traditional wind instrument from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying a major recognition of India’s intangible cultural heritage.

Key Facts

• Instrument: Shehnai (wind instrument)
  GI Tag For: Banaras Shehnai
  Geographical Origin: Varanasi (Banaras/Kashi), Uttar Pradesh
  Conferred By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  Received By: Ramesh Kumar (4th-generation shehnai-maker)

Cultural and Musical Significance

• Traditionally played during weddings, religious ceremonies, and temple rituals
• Integral to the spiritual soundscape of ghats and classical performances in Kashi
• Symbol of devotion, purity, and cultural identity

Legacy of Ustad Bismillah Khan

• Hailed as the global ambassador of the Banaras Shehnai
• Native of Varanasi, celebrated for elevating the shehnai to the concert stage
• Credited with bringing classical music prominence to this folk instrument

Artisan Craftsmanship Details

• Wood Used: Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) and Sagwan (Teak)
• Reed Source: Dumraon, Bihar (also the birthplace of Ustad Bismillah Khan)
• Manufacturing Time: 2–3 days per shehnai
• Crafting Method: Based on precise mathematical tone calculations
• Philosophy: Each shehnai is treated as a sacred creation, not just a commercial product

Importance of GI Tag

• Protects the authenticity and intellectual property of traditional shehnai makers
• Provides economic and moral support to local artisans
• Helps preserve and promote India’s musical and spiritual heritage

RECENT NEWS

• In April 2025,The Government of India has officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional textile products from Meghalaya — Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom.
• In April 2025, West Bengal achieved a significant milestone in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven new products, including the iconic Nolen Gurer Sandesh and Baruipur guavas.
• In April 2025, In a significant development for farmers in Telangana, the Chapata Chilli, also known as Tomato Chilli, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• In April 2025, The Kumbakonam betel leaf of Thanjavur and the Thovalai flower garland of Kanyakumari were granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by the Government of India.
• In April 2025, The Saudagari block print, a traditional craft practiced by artisans in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, was officially recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

172nd Anniversary of India’s First Train Journey Commemorated by Railways Minister

• Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw marked the 172nd anniversary of India’s first train journey in a social media post on 16 April, recalling the departure of the inaugural train from Bori Bunder to Thane in Maharashtra on 16 April 1853.
• He noted that the day is observed as a public holiday to celebrate the birth of Indian Railways and highlighted the enduring legacy of this national institution.

Key Points

• Date of Commemoration: 16 April 2025 (172nd anniversary of the first train journey)
• First Train Journey:
  • Route: Bori Bunder (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Mumbai to Thane
  • Date: 16 April 1853
  • Distance Covered: 34 kilometres
  • Journey Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Train Composition:
  • Coaches: 14
  • Passengers: 400 (invited guests)
  • Engines: Three—Sindh, Sultan, and Saheb

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis Inaugurates Amravati Airport, Announces Southeast Asia’s Largest Pilot Training Institute

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) will be established in Amravati city of Vidarbha, which will train 180 pilots each year using a fleet of 34 training planes.
• It is set to become the biggest pilot training institute in Southeast Asia.
• He made this announcement while addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the Amravati airport.
• On the same occasion, he flagged off a flight between Amravati and Mumbai under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
• The event was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
• Fadnavis emphasized that the FTO will have the capacity to train 30,000 pilots and will contribute significantly to economic activity and job creation in the Vidarbha region.
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Naidu highlighted that the number of airports, flights, and air routes in India has nearly doubled in the past 10 years under the NDA government.
• Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol added that prior to 2014, India had only 74 airports, whereas 86 new airports have been built in the last 10 years.

Recent News:

• As of April 2025, in a culturally significant step, the Maharashtra government has decided to rename the historic town of Khultabad to its earlier name, Ratnapur.

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Tamil Nadu Forms Committee to Review Centre- State Relation

• Tamil Nadu has formed a high-level committee on Centre-State relations headed by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph.
• The move follows a Supreme Court victory for the DMK government, allowing the state to notify ten laws using the principle of deemed assent.
• The committee aims to review the distribution of powers between the Union and the states in the context of a growing market economy.
• Tamil Nadu believes it faces ideological discrimination in fiscal transfers despite having a strong record in economic and social development.
• The decision marks a political setback for the NDA government, especially after Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s position was weakened by the Supreme Court ruling.
• The issue resonates in Kerala as well, where bills have similarly been delayed by the governor through referrals to the President.
• Tamil Nadu has a legacy of asserting state autonomy, including the V. Rajamannar Committee (1969) and a 1974 assembly resolution under M. Karunanidhi.
• The committee is expected to produce a report that could encourage opposition-led states to push for more political and fiscal autonomy.
• The Union government has faced criticism for using a muscular approach in federal relations, including pushing the National Education Policy 2020 and deploying governors to assert Article 200.
• Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka raise concerns about receiving a fair share of the taxes they generate.
• The interim report of the committee is expected in 2026, potentially influencing state elections and reviving debates on federalism dormant since the Sarkaria and Punchhi commissions.

Recent News:

• As of April 2025, Tamil Nadu has achieved the highest real economic growth rate in India for the year 2024-25.
• The state grew at a rate of 9.69%, which is the best in the country and also the highest for Tamil Nadu in the past 10 years.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Justice B.R. Gavai recommended as next Chief Justice of India

• The name of Justice Bhushan B.R Gavai has been proposed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), with the Supreme Court forwarding the recommendation to the Law Ministry.
• The proposal came from the incumbent Chief Justice, Sanjiv Khanna, who is due to retire on May 13.
• As per convention, the sitting CJI recommends the senior-most judge in line as their successor.
• Earlier, the Law Ministry had formally requested Justice Khanna to name his successor, triggering the process of appointment.

About Gavai:

• Justice Gavai, if appointed, will become the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
• He is likely to take the oath of the top judicial chair on May 14.
• However, Justice Gavai will serve as the CJI only for six months, as he is due to retire in November 2025.
• Justice Gavai was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019.
• Born on November 24, 1960, in Amravati, Maharashtra, he is the son of the late RS Gavai, a noted social activist and former Governor of Bihar and Kerala.
• Justice Gavai began his judicial career as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on November 14, 2003, and became a Permanent Judge on November 12, 2005.
• He served for over 15 years, presiding over benches at Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji.
• Notably, he will be the second Scheduled Caste judge to be appointed as Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of Justice KG Balakrishnan in 2010.

Justice Arun Palli sworn in as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court

• The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Rajiv Shakdher Palli’s elevation as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh just days before Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan retired on April 9, 2025.
• Justice Sanjeev Kumar had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since then.
• At the time, Justice Palli was serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• On April 12, 2025, the Central Government officially notified his appointment.
• The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, former Delhi HC judge Justice Rekha Palli, and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among others.

About Palli:

• Justice Palli was born on September 18, 1964.
• His father, Prem Kishan Palli, was a Senior Advocate and served as a judge at the Himachal Pradesh High Court until his retirement in 1998.
• He graduated in commerce and completed his law degree from Panjab University in 1988.
• He began his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• In 2004, he was appointed Additional Advocate General for Punjab, a position he held until March 2007.
• He was later designated as a Senior Advocate in the same year.
• He was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 28, 2013.
• He also served as Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority from May 31, 2023, and was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on October 31, 2023, for a two-year tenure.

Military Leader Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema Wins Presidential Election in Gabon

• Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president, has been elected president with a landslide victory in the country’s first election since the 2023 coup.
• He secured 90.35% of the votes, defeating seven candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who received just 3%.
• This marks the end of a 50-year political dynasty led by the Bongo family, which Oligui Nguema overthrew in the 2023 military coup.
• Bilie-By-Nze accused Oligui of using state resources for his campaign, a claim the government denies.
• Oligui, a former head of the Republican Guard, aims to consolidate power with a new seven-year term.

About Gabon :

• Capital : Libreville
• Currency : Central African CFA franc

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI begins in Pune

• The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise – DUSTLIK-VI commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.
• The exercise will continue till April 28 and aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the armed forces of the two nations.
• The Indian contingent, consisting of 60 personnel, is represented by a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with units from the Indian Air Force.
• The Uzbekistan side is represented by personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

Key Highlights:

• DUSTLIK is an annual military training initiative, held alternately in India and Uzbekistan.
• The previous edition was held in the Termez District of Uzbekistan in April 2024.
• The 2025 edition focuses on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario.
• The exercise includes simulation of counter-terrorism missions, territory capture, establishment of a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level, population control measures, raids, search-and-destroy operations, and coordinated use of air assets.
• The drill also features the deployment of drones, counter-UAS systems, logistics support from the Air Force, heliborne operations, and special forces missions.

Indian Navy Hosts 3rd Edition of ‘Meghayan 25’ to Mark World Meteorological Day

• The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium – Meghayan 25 – was held on 14 April 2025 at Nausena Bhawan, Delhi.
• The event commemorated the formation of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and celebrated WMO Day 2025 (23rd March).
• The symposium was inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

Key Highlights:

• Participating organisations included the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology (IITM), INCOIS, NIOT, Indian Air Force, ISRO’s Space Applications Center (SAC), National Maritime Foundation (NMF), and IIT Madras.
• Meghayan 25 was aligned with this year’s WMO Day theme: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”.
• The technical program was split into two sessions moderated by subject matter experts.
• Session I focused on Marine Meteorology and Oceanology and was moderated by RAdm G Rambabu, Principal of the Indian Naval Academy.
• Session II covered Statistical Approaches in Weather Forecasting and was moderated by Cmde SMU Athar, Cmde (NE).
• Each session featured informative presentations followed by engaging Q&A discussions with audience participation.
• A panel discussion on “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together: Enhancing Maritime Security and Coordination” was held, moderated by VAdm Pradeep Chauhan (Retd), Director General of NMF.
• The final session was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff.
• The event was also attended by VAdm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and VAdm Lochan Singh Pathania, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India.
• Dr Nilesh Desai, Director of SAC Ahmedabad, was the Guest of Honour.
• Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG IMD and Honorary Vice President of the WMO, delivered the keynote address.
• The MOSDAC-IN web services—a collaboration between DNOM and SAC—was officially launched by Dr Nilesh Desai.
• MOSDAC-IN provides customised satellite-derived weather products for Indian Naval Met offices with individual login access.
• The professional journal Sagarmanthan was revived after nearly a decade, and its 10th edition was released during the event.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

India’s Export and Import Performance – FY 2024-25

• India’s total exports of goods and services registered a 5.5% growth, reaching a record $820.93 billion during the April-March 2024-25 period.
• This compares to $778.13 billion in the previous fiscal year, despite uncertainties in the global market.

Key Highlights

• Total Exports (FY 2024-25): $820.93 billion (5.5% growth YoY)
• Total Imports (FY 2024-25): $915.19 billion
• Merchandise Exports: $437.4 billion
  • Non-petroleum Exports: $374.08 billion (6% growth YoY)
• Merchandise Imports: $720.24 billion
• Trade Deficit: $283 billion (Merchandise trade deficit)

March 2025 Data

• Trade Deficit (March 2025): $21.54 billion
• Merchandise Exports: $41.97 billion (0.7% increase from March 2024)
• Merchandise Imports: $63.51 billion (11.3% increase from March 2024)

India’s Organic Exports Surge 35% to USD 665.96 Million in FY2425

• India’s exports of organic products rose by 35 percent, reaching USD 665.96 million (≈ ₹5,710 crore) in April 2024–March 2025, up from USD 494.80 million (≈ ₹4,240 crore) in the previous year.
• The export volume also climbed 41 percent, to 0.37 million tonnes from 0.26 million tonnes.

1. Overall Growth
   • Value: USD 665.96 million (+35%)
   • Volume: 0.37 million tonnes (+41%)
2. TopPerforming Product Categories
   • Organic Cereals (Rice & Millets): USD 161.67 million (vs USD 86.66 million)
   • Organic Processed Food: USD 154.01 million (vs USD 129.61 million)
   • Medicinal Plant Products: USD 88.57 million (vs USD 72.42 million)
   • Organic Tea: USD 45.13 million (vs USD 34.11 million)
   • Organic Spices: USD 45.42 million (vs USD 35.93 million)
   • Organic Oilseeds: USD 36.20 million (vs USD 25.64 million)
3. Quality and Market Access Challenges
   • Credibility Concerns: Questions over certifying agencies
   • Additional Testing at importing destinations
   • US NonRecognition of NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production)
4. Policy and Regulatory Measures
   • Eighth Edition of NPOP launched January 2025 by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
     • New regulations for clarity, transparency, and alignment with global benchmarks
   • InterMinistry Collaboration (Cooperation, Agriculture, Commerce) to support organic farmers and FPOs through:
     • Skill development and training
     • Export facilitation services
     • Marketing and packaging assistance

5. Digital Initiatives to Strengthen the Sector
   • Revamped NPOP Portal: Enhances visibility and process efficiency for stakeholders
   • APEDA’s TraceNet 2.0: Integrated with NPOP for seamless operations and improved regulatory oversight

India’s Trade Deficit with China Reaches $99.2 Billion in FY 2024-25

• India posted a $99.2 billion trade deficit with China in the fiscal year ending March 2025, driven by a sharp rise in imports of electronics and consumer durables, according to Commerce Ministry.
• Overall Trade Deficit
  • Deficit: $99.2 billion in FY 202425
  • Twoway Trade: $127.7 billion (China is India’s 2nd largest trading partner after the US)
• Surge in Imports
  • Total Imports from China: $113.5 billion (12 months through March)
  • March 2025 Imports: $9.7 billion (25% YoY increase)
    • Major Categories: Electronics, electric batteries, solar cells
  • Decline in Exports
    • Total Exports to China: $14.3 billion (down from previous year)
    • March 2025 Exports: $1.5 billion (14.5% YoY decline)
  • Driving Factors
    • Structural Dependency: Heavy reliance on Chinese components for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods
    • Global Trade Shifts: US tariff pause for India vs. increased levies on Chinese goods may divert Chinese exports to other markets

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

India Ranks 2nd Globally in Direct-to-Consumer Sector Funding – 2024

• According to a Tracxn report, India secured the second position globally in terms of funding raised by the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) sector in 2024.

Key Highlights

• Report Released By: Tracxn
  Global Rank: 2nd (after the United States)
• Total D2C Funding in India (2024): $757 million
• Number of D2C Startups in India: 11,000+
  Funded D2C Startups: Around 800

Funding Trends

• Early-stage Funding (2024): $355 million (25% increase from 2023)
• Seed-stage Funding (2024): $141 million (18% increase from 2023)

Top Funded Segments (2024)

1. D2C Organic Beauty Brands – $105 million (79% increase YoY)
2. Online Jewellery Brands
3. D2C Beauty Brands

Largest Funding Round

• Company: BlueStone
• Amount: $71 million (Series D)
• Valuation: $964 million

Top Cities in D2C Funding

• Bengaluru: $253 million
• Gurugram: $164 million
• Mumbai: $99.8 million

Note: Bengaluru and Gurugram together contributed over 50% of total D2C funding.

Government Support Initiatives

To strengthen the D2C ecosystem, the Government of India has launched several schemes:

• Digital India
• Startup India
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
• Export Promotion Mission
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
• Green Credit Programme

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Sourav Kothari Clinches 2025 IBSF World Billiards Championship

• India’s Sourav Kothari displayed vintage billiards and stellar composure to win the 2025 IBSF World Billiards Championship in Carlow, Ireland, defeating compatriot Pankaj Advani 725–480 in an all-Indian final.
• This marks Kothari’s second world title in the timed format, emphasizing both precision and endurance.

Event Overview

• Tournament: 2025 IBSF World Billiards Championship
• Format: Timed format (session-based play requiring both scoring power and strategy)
• Location: Carlow, Ireland
• Finalists: Sourav Kothari vs. Pankaj Advani

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Heritage Day 2025: April 18

• Every year April 18th is celebrated as World Heritage Day or International Day for monuments and sites.
• The International Council on Monuments and Sites encourages cultural heritage and a range of the world’s monuments and heritage sites on this day.

History

• The International Council on Monuments and Sites 1982 suggested that April 18 should be celebrated as World Heritage Day.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in its 22nd general conference in 1983 approved the date.
• Since then, the International Council on Monuments and Sites has suggested a theme for the celebrations.
• This day is not just about the listed sites but all cultural heritage landscapes of global state and local significance.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 18

• The Ministry of Ayush organized a special session of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi.
• NITI Aayog released a report titled “Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector”, aiming to position India as a global leader in manufacturing and exports in this domain
• The Banaras Shehnai, an iconic traditional wind instrument from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying a major recognition of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
• Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw marked the 172nd anniversary of India’s first train journey in a social media post on 16 April, recalling the departure of the inaugural train from Bori Bunder to Thane in Maharashtra on 16 April 1853
• India’s total exports of goods and services registered a 5.5% growth, reaching a record $820.93 billion during the April-March 2024-25 period.
• India’s exports of organic products rose by 35 percent, reaching USD 665.96 million (≈ ₹5,710 crore) in April 2024–March 2025, up from USD 494.80 million (≈ ₹4,240 crore) in the previous year.
• India posted a $99.2 billion trade deficit with China in the fiscal year ending March 2025, driven by a sharp rise in imports of electronics and consumer durables, according to Commerce Ministry.
• According to a Tracxn report, India secured the second position globally in terms of funding raised by the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) sector in 2024.
• India’s Sourav Kothari displayed vintage billiards and stellar composure to win the 2025 IBSF World Billiards Championship in Carlow, Ireland, defeating compatriot Pankaj Advani 725–480 in an all-Indian final.
• Every year April 18th is celebrated as World Heritage Day or International Day for monuments and sites.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) undertook 79 enforcement actions against banks and NBFCs in FY25, as per a report by FACE, an RBI-recognised self-regulatory organisation.
• Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd has received TPAP (Third-Party Application Provider) approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• UK fintech giant Revolut has received full approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) such as digital wallets and prepaid cards integrated with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) will be established in Amravati city of Vidarbha, which will train 180 pilots each year using a fleet of 34 training planes.
• Tamil Nadu has formed a high-level committee on Centre-State relations headed by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph.
• The name of Justice Bhushan R Gavai has been proposed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), with the Supreme Court forwarding the recommendation to the Law Ministry.
• The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Rajiv Shakdher Palli’s elevation as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh just days before Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan retired on April 9, 2025.
• Gen.Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president, has been elected president with a landslide victory in the country’s first election since the 2023 coup.
• The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise – DUSTLIK-VI commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.
• The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium – Meghayan 25 – was held on 14 April 2025 at Nausena Bhawan, Delhi.

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