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Daily Current Affairs April 25th 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & ECONOMY

Pay new income Tax Collected At Source (TCS) of 1% on these luxury goods above Rs 10 lakh; Central Board of Direct Taxes issues notification

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified 1% Tax Collected At Source (TCS) on luxury goods purchases over Rs.10 lakh effective from April 22, 2025.
  • The Board has notified Income Tax (Eleventh Amendment) Rules, 2025 to further amend Income Tax Rules, 1962.
  • Any seller receiving over Rs.10 lakh for the following goods must collect 1% TCS from the buyer at the time of payment.
  • The notifications issued on April 22, 2025, state that the new rules take effect from the date of publication.
  • Hence, from April 22, 2025, the tax will be collected from the mentioned luxury goods.

List of goods: 

  1. Any wrist watch
  2. Any art piece such as antiques painting, sculpture
  3. Any collectibles such as coin, stamp
  4. Any yacht, rowing boat, canoe, helicopter
  5. Any pair of sunglasses
  6. Any bag such as handbag, purse
  7. Any pair of shoes
  8. Any sportswear and equipment such as golf kit, ski-wear
  9. Any home theatre system
  10. Any horse for horse racing in race clubs and horse for polo

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

India’s Maritime Leap: Mumbai International Cruise Terminal & Vadhavan Port Investments

  • Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) began operations, inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
  • Alongside, infrastructure pacts worth over ₹5,700 crore were signed for Vadhavan Port, underscoring India’s drive under the Sagarmala Programme to become a global maritime hub.

Key Highlights

  • MICT Inauguration & Operations
    • Commencement Date: April 21, 2025, Mumbai
    • Inaugurated by: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal
  • Terminal Capacity & Specifications
    • Annual Passenger Capacity: 1 million (≈10,000/day)
    • Concurrent Ships: Up to five cruise vessels
    • Draft & Length: 11 m draft, supports ships up to 300 m in length
  • MICT Investment
    • Total Cost: ₹556 crore
    • Objective: Boost cruise tourism and modernize port infrastructure
  • Vadhavan Port Development Agreements
    • Total Investment: ₹5,700 crore+
    • Projects:
      • Container, bulk & liquid cargo terminals: ₹4,200 crore
      • Dedicated bulk & liquid terminal: ₹1,000 crore
    • Strategic Alignment
      • Part of the Sagarmala Programme
      • Enhances India’s role in global cruise tourism and maritime trade connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Bihar Visit: Inaugurating Over ₹13,480 Crore Development Projects and Ensuring Security

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhubani and Darbhanga in Bihar, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple projects worth over ₹13,480 crore.
  • He also presided over the National Panchayati Raj Day celebrations in Madhubani, presenting National Panchayat Awards to outstanding local bodies.

Major Infrastructure Projects

  • LPG Bottling Plant
    • Location: Hathua, Gopalganj district
    • Value: ₹340 crore
    • Features: On-site rail unloading facility to streamline bulk LPG supply
  • Power Sector under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme
    • Foundation Stones: Projects worth ₹1,170 crore
    • Inaugurations: Projects worth ₹5,030 crore
    • Aim: Strengthen electricity distribution and reliability

Rail Connectivity Enhancements

  • Flagged-Off Trains:
    • Amrit Bharat Express (Saharsa–Mumbai)
    • Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Jaynagar–Patna)
    • Passenger Services: Pipra–Saharsa and Saharsa–Samastipur
  • New Lines and Bridges:
    • Inaugurated Supaul–Pipra and Hasanpur–Bithan rail lines
    • Commissioned two 2-lane rail overbridges at Chapra and Bagaha
    • Dedicated the Khagaria–Alauli rail line
  • Indigenous Train Sets: Second Namo Bharat Rapid Rail rake deployed on Jaynagar–Patna, fully AC with 18 coaches and 2,000+ seating capacity, no reservations required

Social Welfare Initiatives

  • Community Investment Fund (DAY-NRLM)
    • Benefits Distributed: ~₹930 crore to 2 lakh Self-Help Groups in Bihar
  • PMAY-Gramin (Rural Housing)
    • Sanction Letters: To 15 lakh new beneficiaries nationwide
    • Instalments Released: To 10 lakh existing beneficiaries
    • Griha Pravesh: Keys handed over for 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U houses in Bihar

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India takes 5 big actions against Pakistan over Pahalgam attack: ‘Indus Waters Treaty suspended, Attari border shut’

  • The Central government announced punitive actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border, and reducing the overall strength of the high commissions.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) following the attack, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
  • The Prime Minister, who returned to India after cutting short his state visit to Saudi Arabia, discussed the cross-border linkages of the attack in the briefing to the CCS.

CCS recommended five actions against Pakistan:

  1. Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be put in abeyance immediately until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism.
  2. The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed. Pakistani nationals who crossed over with valid endorsements must return before 01 May 2025.
  3. Pakistani nationals will be barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Existing SVES visas for Pakistanis are canceled, and those in India under SVES must leave within 48 hours.
  4. Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi will be declared Persona Non Grata, and they will have a week to leave India. India will also withdraw its Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad.
  5. The overall strength of the high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55, with the reduction to take effect by 01 May 2025.

About Pakistan:

  • Capital: Islamabad
  • Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
  • President: Asif Ali Zardari
  • Prime Minister: Shehbaz Sharif

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Tripura Inaugurates Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025 to Celebrate Indigenous Heritage

  • Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025, a two-day cultural festival at Swami Vivekananda Maidan, Agartala.
  • Organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs with support from local bodies, the festival honours the Garia Puja tradition of the Tripuri and Reang communities and showcases the state’s rich cultural legacy.

Key Highlights

  • Inauguration
    • Officially launched by CM Manik Saha, who likened Garia Puja to Durga Puja in its importance to tribal communities.
  • Cultural & Religious Significance
    • Garia Puja: A ritual dedicated to Mahadev (Lord Shiva), believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness.
    • Central to the traditions of Kokborok-speaking indigenous groups.
  • Distinguished Guests
    • CM Manik Saha (Chief Guest)
    • Bikash Debbarma, Tribal Welfare Minister
    • Shuklacharan Noatia, Minister of Cooperation
    • Deepak Majumder, Mayor of Agartala
    • Biswajit Shil, Acting Chairman, West Tripura Zilla Parishad

Recent news

  • In a landmark development on January 28, 2025, Tripura became the first northeastern state to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Every year on January 21, the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura celebrate their Statehood Day, marking the historic moment they attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act of 1971.

Maharashtra Launches ‘Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative’ to Empower Women and Promote Green Mobility

  • The Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, launched the Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative—a transformative scheme to empower women economically and socially while promoting eco- friendly transport.
  • After a successful pilot in Pune, the program is being expanded across 8 districts in the state.

Key Features of the Scheme

  • Scheme Name: Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative
  • Launched by: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
  • Coverage: 10,000 e-rickshaws to be distributed
  • Target Group: Women aged 20–50, especially widows, divorcees, and those from low-income backgrounds
  • Initial Pilot: Pune; now expanding statewide

Financial Support & Affordability

  • Central Government Subsidy: ₹25,000
  • State Government Subsidy: ₹75,000
  • Beneficiary Contribution:
    • 10% down payment
    • 70% bank loan at low interest rates
  • Objective: Minimize upfront cost and enable affordability

RECENT NEWS

  • In April 2025, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan conferred the 3rd edition of the ‘Yashraj Bharti Samman’ awards to three notable grassroots-level organizations for their exemplary contributions in the fields of healthcare, education for sustainable development, and governance.
  • In a significant move aimed at reviving pre-Mughal heritage and identity, the Maharashtra government has announced the renaming of the historic town Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur.

Quantum Computing Village in Amaravati: India’s Next-Gen Tech Hub

  • India is establishing its first Quantum Computing Village in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, driven by a high-level meeting under the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS).
  • Key technology leaders—IBM, TCS, and L&T—have united to define the roadmap for a world-class quantum research and innovation ecosystem.

Key Highlights

  • Meeting Venue: Andhra Pradesh Secretariat (RTGS-chaired)
  • Participating Organizations:
    • IBM
    • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
    • Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
  • Objective: Finalise the design, infrastructure, and collaboration model for the Quantum Computing Village

Infrastructure & Technical Details

  • Iconic Facility
    • Designed by: L&T
    • Conceptualised by: IBM
    • Feature: On-site data centre to support IBM Quantum System Two
  • IBM Quantum System Two
    • Among the world’s most advanced quantum computers
    • Infrastructure requirements presented by Patryk Gumann (IBM Quantum, U.S.)

Collaboration Model

  • Joint Planning: IBM & TCS to finalise detailed infrastructure specifications
  • Scalability: Pre-planned options for future expansion

RECENT NEWS

  • In April 2025, In a major step towards equitable distribution of reservation benefits among Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved a draft ordinance to implement sub-categorisation of SCs in the state.
  • In March 2025, The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi

Uttar Pradesh Leads India’s EV Revolution with Record Registrations in FY25

  • India registered 11,67,720 electric vehicles between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a significant shift towards clean mobility.
  • Uttar Pradesh emerged as the top state with 2,75,833 EVs, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.

Key Highlights

  • Top Five States by EV Registrations (FY25)
    1. Uttar Pradesh: 2,75,833
    2. Maharashtra: 1,00,801
    3. Karnataka: 88,060
    4. Tamil Nadu: 76,359
    5. Assam: 59,358
  • Monthly Sales Surge
    1. January 2025: 1,69,931 EVs sold (+19.4% MoM; +17.1% YoY)
  • Global EV Market Growth
    1. 2023 Valuation: US $255.54 billion
    2. 2033 Projection: US $2,108.80 billion (CAGR 23.42%) — IBEF
  • Industry Profitability Challenges
    1. EBITDA Loss for electric two-wheeler makers: ₹20,000–30,000 per vehicle in FY25 — Crisil Ratings Ltd
    2. Losses gradually narrowing as battery costs and vehicle prices converge with ICE counterparts

Khongjom Day 2025: Honouring Manipuri Heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War

  • On April 23, 2025, Manipur observed Khongjom Day to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of its warriors in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
  • The State-level ceremony took place at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Khebaching, Thoubal district, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla leading wreath-laying and military honors to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.

Key Highlights of the Observance

  • Ceremonial Honors: A Guard of Honour, General Salute, Reverse Arms, Sounding of Last Post, two-minute silence, Slope Arms, and Order Arms marked respect for those who defended Manipur’s sovereignty.
  • Dignitaries Present:
    • Ibobi Singh, Former Chief Minister
    • Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Lok Sabha MP
    • Prashant Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary
    • Rajiv Singh, DGP
    • Senior MLAs, civil servants, and police officers

RECENT  NEWS :

  • The Gaan-Ngai festival, the largest cultural and religious post-harvest celebration of the Zeliangrong community, commenced with grand celebrations on January 12, 2025, in various regions of Manipur.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Jitendra Srivastava appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of REC Limited

  • Jitendra Srivastava took over as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of REC Ltd.
  • His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) on 18 April.
  • He will serve in the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India, under the Ministry of Power.
  • Srivastava succeeds Vivek Kumar Dewangan, whose tenure ended last month.
  • REC recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority to provide financial support of ₹1 trillion for infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

About Srivastav:

  • Over the years, Srivastava has held key roles in both the central government and the government of Bihar.
  • He served as Secretary to the Government of Bihar in the Home Department and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
  • He has also worked in sectors such as finance, power, education, public health, and infrastructure, bringing valuable experience to REC‘s strategic objectives.
  • Srivastava holds a A. (Honours) in Economics from Hansraj College, Delhi University, and an MBA (Finance) from Cochin University of Science and Technology.
  • The appointment comes as REC Ltd diversifies its operations beyond power and renewable energy, focusing more on infrastructure projects.

About REC Ltd:

  • Formerly: Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
  • Founded: 25 July 1969
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • CMD: Jitendra Srivastava

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ACQUISITION & MERGERS

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development picks up 10% stake in agri-fintech Startup 24×7 Moneyworks

  • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has made its first-ever equity investment in a bootstrapped startup, 24×7 Moneyworks Consulting Pvt. Ltd., reinforcing its focus on digital innovation in rural India.
  • The startup’s flagship platform, eKisanCredit (eKCC), is a fully digital loan origination system tailored for Cooperative Banks, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
  • The eKCC platform integrates with land records, Aadhaar, eKYC, core banking systems, and ePACS, offering end-to-end automation of the rural credit process.
  • NABARD has successfully piloted eKCC across several banks over the last 2.5 years, and it is now ready for nation-wide deployment.
  • Chairman Shri Shaji K.V. emphasized the potential of eKCC to enhance access, transparency, and efficiency in agricultural credit delivery.

Innovations for Agricultural Finance

  • 24×7 Moneyworks has also built AIFIS, a digital platform for managing interest subvention claims under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
  • AIFIS enables real-time validation and disbursement of subvention claims, improving operational transparency and efficiency.
  • These platforms aim to empower Cooperative Banks, PACS, and RRBs in providing timely, inclusive, and tech-enabled financial services to small and marginal farmers.
  • NABARD’s support showcases a broader vision to modernize rural credit systems using homegrown digital solutions.

Accenture Acquires TalentSprint to Expand LearnVantage’s Capabilities in Developing Future-Ready Talent for Enterprises and Governments

  • Accenture has acquired TalentSprint, a deep tech education leader, from NSE Academy Ltd., a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
  • The acquisition aims to enhance Accenture LearnVantage’s offerings through university certifications and high-impact bootcamps.
  • TalentSprint, founded in 2009, is headquartered in Hyderabad, India, with an office in Sunnyvale, California.
  • The company collaborates with institutions like IITs, IIMs, IIITs, and global research bodies to deliver future-ready learning programs.
  • Its 210-member team will join Accenture LearnVantage to support global upskilling and reskilling
  • TalentSprint offers programs in areas such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, chip design, semiconductors, sustainability, digital transformation, and leadership.
  • This acquisition complements Accenture’s prior investments in Udacity and Award Solutions.
  • It is part of Accenture’s $1 billion investment over three years to scale LearnVantage, announced in early 2024.
  • The transaction aligns with NSE’s strategy to focus on core businesses by divesting non-core assets.
  • TalentSprint’s integration into Accenture is expected to help enterprises and governments build AI-skilled workforces.

Competition Commission of India approves Kandhari’s Rs 2,000-cr deal for Coca-Cola’s bottling unit

  • The Competition Commission of India approved Kandhari Global Beverages’ ₹2,000 crore acquisition of Coca-Cola’s north Gujarat bottling plant.
  • Kandhari Global Beverages: An authorised bottler for Coca-Cola and Schweppes Holdings; already operates in Rajasthan.
  • Target business: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL) operations in north Gujarat and Diu.
  • Deal value: Pegged around ₹2,000 crore, part of Coca-Cola’s asset-light model, franchising local operations.
  • Statement: CCI officially announced approval of the proposed acquisition by Kandhari.
  • Background: Kandhari has been with Coca-Cola since 1993, with 12,000 BPM capacity across 8 bottling locations.
  • Expansion plan: Kandhari to invest in supply chain, sales, digitalisation, and sustainability over the next decade.
  • Current presence: Kandhari operates in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, J&K, Ladakh.
  • Other bottlers: Alongside Kandhari, SLMG Beverages and Moon Beverages were Coca-Cola’s existing bottling partners.
  • HCCBL’s footprint: After the deal, HCCBL retains 15 operational plants in India.
  • Brands produced: Includes Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid, SmartWater, Kinley, Fanta, Limca.
  • Recent moves: Coca-Cola divested 40% stake in HCCBL to the Bhartia family, reportedly worth ₹10,000 crore.
  • India is Coca-Cola’s fifth largest market

About CCI:

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutorybody within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
  • Founded: October 14, 2003
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

Competition Commission of India clears 360 One, Bharti Life Ventures stake buy in Bharti AXA Life

  • The Competition Commission of India approved a joint proposal by 360 ONE and Bharti Life Ventures to acquire stakes in Bharti Axa Life Insurance.
  • Bharti AXA Life: A public unlisted company in India, engaged in life insurance
  • Equity stake acquisition: 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (called 360 Fund) and Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd (BLVPL) will subscribe to equity shares in BALIC.
  • 360 Fund: A SEBI-registered alternative investment fund, owned and controlled by 360 ONE WAM Ltd.
  • BLVPL: The holding company of Bharti AXA Life Insurance; both are part of the Bharti Group headed by Sunil Bharti Mittal.
  • February deal update: 360 ONE Asset (formerly IIFL Asset Management) had announced plans to acquire a 15% stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance.
  • Objective: The investment aims to boost growth, drive product innovation, expand distribution network, and increase market share.
  • Regulatory threshold: Deals crossing a certain size need CCI approval to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair practices.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Launches ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book

  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted the release of the ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book, curated by the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE).
  • The book celebrates India’s innovative contributions to advancing the circular economy.
  • The book features 30 breakthrough innovations selected through the nationwide ‘I Am Circular’ Challenge.
  • These innovations are categorized under three key themes: Design to Last, Work with Nature, and Use Existing Resources.
  • The showcased ideas include electronic waste recycling systems, IoT-enabled circular platforms, sustainable green materials, and digital repair ecosystems.
  • Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY and Director General of the National Informatics Centre, highlighted that the book is a symbol of India’s creative potential and commitment to sustainable innovation.
  • Other dignitaries present included Dr. Sandip Chhaterjee (Advisor, SERI), Mr. Surendra Gotherwal (Scientist, MeitY), Mr. Pooran Chandra Pandey (Advisor, ICCE), Mr. Ravinder Dahiya (Director, ICCE), and Ms. Shalini Goyal Bhalla (Managing Director, ICCE).

50 years ago, India’s first satellite Aryabhata launched: A milestone in space exploration

  • India’s First Satellite Launch: Aryabhata, launched by ISRO in the spring, marked India’s entry into the elite space club.
  • From humble beginnings, ISRO has made significant progress in space exploration and satellite development.

Key Highlights:

  • Satellite Name & Significance:
    • Named after Aryabhata, the 5th-century mathematician and astronomer.
    • Aryabhata was India’s first indigenously built satellite, constructed in 30 months.
  • Satellite Details:
    • Weight: 360 kg
    • Mission life: 6 months
    • Mainframe active until March 1981, orbital life of nearly 17 years.
    • Re-entered the atmosphere on February 10, 1992.
  • Launch Details:
    • Launched on April 17, 1975, aboard a Soviet-era C-1 Intercosmos launch vehicle.
    • Launched from Kapustin Yar in Russia (100 km east of Volgograd).
    • Placed in an orbit of 563 x 619 km above Earth with a 96-minute and 46-second orbit time.
  • Experiments & Challenges:
    • Designed to study X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.
    • Power failure halted experiments after 4 days and 60 orbits, and signals were lost after 5 days.
    • Continued orbiting Earth until orbital decay in 1992.
  • India’s Space Exploration Journey:
    • 1963: India made successful space explorations with the launch of Rohini sounding rockets.
    • 1971: India-Soviet Union collaboration for space exploration initiated by DP Dhar, India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union.
  • Indo-Soviet Agreement:
    • In May 1972, an Indo-Soviet agreement paved the way for the launch of an Indian satellite from a Soviet cosmodrome.
  • Satellite Development Centre:
    • Built in Peenya, Bengaluru, where ISRO converted industrial sheds into laboratories, clean rooms, and test facilities.
    • Team led by Dr UR Rao, known as India’s satellite man.
    • The project had a team of about 200 engineers, scientists, and technicians.
    • Project budget: Approximately Rs 3 crore.

About ISRO:

  • Established: 1958
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chairman: V. Narayanan

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole passed away at 84

  • Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole has died aged 84.
  • He played 43 Tests, scoring seven centuries.
  • Debut: Against England in 1966 as a middle-order batsman and legspin bowler.
  • Became an opener in 1969, partnering with Bill Lawry.
  • Maiden Test century: vs South Africa in Cape Town.
  • Career-best score: 207 vs England at the Gabba in 1970.
  • Strong record against England: average 55.21, 3 centuries.
  • In the 1972 Ashes, as vice-captain to Ian Chappell, he scored 485 runs at 53.88.
  • Named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973.
  • Last Test: vs New Zealand in 1974, dismissed for a pair, including a first-ball dismissal on a full toss.
  • Played in the first-ever ODI in January 1971, took 3 for 40 at the MCG.
  • Awarded MBE in 1974 for services to cricket.
  • In first-class cricket, he scored 10,100 runs and took 148 wickets.
  • Later became a prominent TV and radio commentator and a mentor to younger players.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Piastri Triumphs at 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Seizes Championship Lead

  • At the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, his third victory of the 2025 season.
  • A five-second penalty for Max Verstappen proved decisive, allowing Piastri to capitalize and move to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Race Details

  • Circuit: Jeddah Corniche (street circuit with tight turns and high-speed straights)
  • Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
    • Race Time: 1:21:06.758
    • Championship Impact: Now leads the Drivers’ standings
  • 2nd Place: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
    • Finished 843 seconds behind
    • Served a five-second penalty for cutting Turn 1 while battling Piastri
  • 3rd Place: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
    • Finished 104 seconds behind
    • Secured his first podium of the season

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Health Organization Launches World Immunization Week 2025: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) marks World Immunization Week 2025 from April 24 to April 30, celebrating the life-saving power of vaccines and advocating for universal access to immunization.

Key Highlights

  • Theme for 2025
    • “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”
    • Emphasizes that no one—regardless of age, geography, or socio-economic status—should be left behind.
  • Duration and Timing
    • Observed during the last week of April each year.
    • In 2025, it runs from April 24 through April 30.
  • Global Impact to Date
    • Over the past 50 years, essential vaccines have averted at least 154 million deaths worldwide.
    • Reflects the critical role of immunization in preventive healthcare.
  • Objectives of the Campaign
    • Raise awareness about the benefits and safety of vaccines.
    • Mobilize resources and political commitment for stronger immunization services.
    • Address barriers to vaccine access, especially in hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations.

World Malaria Day 2025: April 25

  • World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 all over the world.
  • World Malaria Day will reinforce the Global Fund Investment (GFI) using the themes of advancing quality, building resilience, and ending malaria.
  • World Malaria Day 2025 will be marked with the theme “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, aiming to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

History

  • World Malaria Day which was first held in 2008 developed from Africa Malaria Day, an event that had been observed since 2001 by African governments.
  • The observance served as a time to assess progress toward goals aimed at controlling malaria and reducing its mortality in African countries.
  • In 2007 at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly by the World Health Organization it was proposed that Africa Malaria Day be changed to World Malaria Day to recognize the existence of malaria in countries worldwide and to bring greater awareness to the global fight against the malaria disease.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 25

  • Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) began operations, inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhubani and Darbhanga in Bihar, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple projects worth over ₹13,480 crore
  • Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025 a two-day cultural festival at Swami Vivekananda Maidan, Agartala
  • The Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, launched the Pink E-Rickshaw Initiative—a transformative scheme to empower women economically and socially while promoting eco- friendly transport
  • India is establishing its first Quantum Computing Village in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, driven by a high-level meeting under the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS).
  • India registered 11,67,720 electric vehicles between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a significant shift towards clean mobility
  • On April 23, 2025, Manipur observed Khongjom Day to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of its warriors in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891
  • At the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, his third victory of the 2025 season
  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified 1% Tax Collected At Source (TCS) on luxury goods purchases over 10 lakh effective from April 22, 2025.
  • The Central government announced punitive actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border, and reducing the overall strength of the high commissions.
  • Jitendra Srivastava took over as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of REC Ltd.
  • NABARD has made its first-ever equity investment in a bootstrapped startup, 24×7 Moneyworks Consulting Pvt. Ltd., reinforcing its focus on digital innovation in rural India.
  • Accenture has acquired TalentSprint, a deep tech education leader, from NSE Academy Ltd., a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
  • The Competition Commission of India approved Kandhari Global Beverages’ ₹2,000 crore acquisition of Coca-Cola’s north Gujarat bottling plant.
  • The Competition Commission of India approved a joint proposal by 360 ONE and Bharti Life Ventures to acquire stakes in Bharti Axa Life Insurance.
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted the release of the ‘I Am Circular’ Coffee Table Book, curated by the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE).
  • India’s First Satellite Launch: Aryabhata, launched by ISRO in the spring, marked India’s entry into the elite space club.
  • Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole has died aged 84.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) marks World Immunization Week 2025 from April 24 to April 30, celebrating the life-saving power of vaccines and advocating for universal access to immunization
  • World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 all over the world.

This post was last modified on April 25, 2025 11:34 am