Current Affairs One - Liner : 16th April 2025

National:

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the 'Blue Category' for industries on April 15, 2025, under its Essential Environmental Services initiative. This classification includes industries like Waste-to-Energy incineration plants despite their high Pollution Index of 97.6. Blue Category industries benefit from extended validity for Consent to Operate (CTO) and are evaluated based on their pollution potential.

• The Ministry of Coal (MoC) signed agreements for the development and production of Marwatola-II and Namchik West coal mines on April 8, 2025. These projects have a combined capacity of 0.34 MTPA and are expected to generate annual revenue of ₹106.14 crore. They aim to create 460 job opportunities, supporting India's energy independence goals. Successful bidders include Singhal Business Pvt. Ltd. and PRA Nuravi Coal Mining Pvt. Ltd..
• Pohela Boishakh, celebrated on April 15, marks the Bengali New Year and symbolizes new beginnings. It is an auspicious occasion for starting ventures, enjoying traditional dishes, and embracing festive joy.
• The Gujarat Police launched the GP-DRASTI Project on April 5, 2025, to enhance crime response using drones. Drones will complement PCR vans, reaching crime scenes in under three minutes and providing real-time footage for quick decision-making.

Banking:

• The International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Catalytic First Loss Guarantee Facility on April 8, 2025, to address the $5.7 trillion MSME finance gap. It focuses on financing women-owned businesses, agriculture enterprises, and climate-focused MSMEs.

Reports:

• The 20th Edition of the ‘Secretariat Reforms’ Monthly Report for March 2025 was released on April 16, 2025, by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). It highlights achievements like freeing 15.88 lakh sq. ft of office space, generating ₹84.09 crore from scrap, and resolving 91.94% of grievances. The report showcases innovations like Waste to Wealth and streamlined governance practices.

Sports:

• Magnus Carlsen from Norway won the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 in Paris on April 14, 2025. The event was part of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, and the title category was Classical Chess. This innovative format combines creativity with classical rigor, showcasing top-tier competition in the sport of chess

Committees:

• The Ambassadors' Meet, held on April 15, 2025, in New Delhi, was organized by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and chaired by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Over 80 diplomats participated to explore NER's potential in tourism, IT, energy, and infrastructure. It highlighted NER's strategic role as a gateway to Southeast Asia, promoting global partnerships under India's Act East Policy.

Apps & Portals:

• Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Bhu Bharathi revenue portal in Hyderabad on April 14, 2025. The portal aims to enhance land security and ensure transparency in land records with the introduction of the Bhudhar card.
• IIT Madras and Ziroh Labs launched the Kompact AI platform on April 9, 2025, under the Centre of AI Research (COAIR) initiative. This platform enables AI models to run efficiently on standard CPUs, removing the need for costly GPUs. It democratizes AI access, especially in rural areas, supporting India's "AI for All" mission.
• QNu Labs launched Q-Shield, the world's first unique quantum-safe platform, on April 14, 2025, coinciding with World Quantum Day. Q-Shield offers services like Qosmos, QConnect, and QVerse for securing critical infrastructure with quantum-safe cryptography. Developed by IIT Madras-incubated QNu Labs, this platform is a milestone in advancing India's quantum technology leadership.

Summits & Conferences:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) co-hosted an event titled "Bridging Gaps: Integrated Strategies to Address Tuberculosis and Diabetes" on April 8, 2025, in Bangkok. It focused on integrated healthcare for the 15% of TB patients globally who have diabetes, emphasizing early diagnosis, bidirectional screening, and co-management.

Defence:

• The DRDO successfully trialed the Mk-II Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Andhra Pradesh. The 30-kilowatt laser weapon effectively targeted drones and aerial threats with precision. Developed by DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS).

Important Days:

• World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14 to raise awareness about Chagas disease, a parasitic illness affecting over 7 million people worldwide. The 2025 theme, "Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease," emphasizes early detection, equitable healthcare, and collective efforts.
• National Fire Service Day, observed on April 14, honors firefighters' bravery and sacrifices, especially during the Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944, where 66 firefighters lost their lives. It marks the start of Fire Service Week, promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness. The 2025 theme, "Unite to Ignite, a Fire Safe India".
• Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 78th Foundation Day on April 15, 2025, marking its formation on April 15, 1948, with the merger of 30 princely states. This year's state-level event was held at Killar in the tribal Pangi Valley, Chamba district.

Appointments:

• Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu was appointed as Chairperson of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Athletes’ Commission on April 15, 2025, for a four-year term. She will represent the voices of weightlifters and contribute to the sport's growth. S. Sathish Kumar, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, is the Vice-Chairperson.
• Brice Oligui Nguema was elected as Gabon's President on April 12, 2025, for a seven-year term. He secured a landslide victory with 90.35% of the vote, marking a pivotal step in Gabon's transition to civilian rule.

Awards & Honours:

• The National Highways Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2023 were held on April 15, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, recognizing 22 projects across categories like Green Highways and Project Management. Winners included firms like H.G. Infra Engineering Ltd and Ashoka Buildcon Ltd, promoting innovation in India's highway infrastructure.

Questions:

Q.1 What new classification did the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduce on April 15, 2025?
a) Green Category
b) Blue Category
c) Red Category
d) Yellow Category

Answer: b) The CPCB introduced the 'Blue Category' for industries under its Essential Environmental Services initiative, which includes industries like Waste-to-Energy incineration plants.

Q.2 Who was appointed as the Chairperson of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) Athletes’ Commission on April 15, 2025?
a) S. Sathish Kumar
b) P.V. Sindhu
c) Mirabai Chanu
d) Karnam Malleswari

Answer: c) Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu was appointed as Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes’ Commission, representing the voices of weightlifters.