Current Affairs One - Liner : 27th & 28th April 2025

National:

• Madhya Pradesh received approval for India's first PM MITRA Textile Park Project on April 25, 2025, in Bhainsola village, Dhar district, spanning 2,100 acres. With an investment of ₹2,100 crore, the park features solar-powered facilities and a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant. Strategically located near the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, it aims to attract ₹10,000 crore in investments and create lakhs of jobs.

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) signed two Joint Declarations of Intent with Russia's JSC Giredmet and National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS) on April 24–25, 2025, in Moscow. Co-signed by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, the agreements aim to advance critical mineral processing and sustainable development.
• Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) became the first Indian company to cross ₹10 lakh crore in equity during FY 2024-25. Strong growth in digital services and retail boosted this milestone despite challenges in the energy sector. RIL reported a ₹19,407 crore net profit for the January-March 2025 quarter.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has been granted income tax exemption by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under clause 46A of section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This notification, issued on April 22, 2025, recognizes NMCG as an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, effective from the assessment year 2024–25.
• The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and a Sri Lankan delegation have agreed to continue discussions aimed at finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. This decision follows a meeting held on April 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where both sides addressed issues like reducing the trade deficit and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
• Union Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Jute Bailers’ Association hall at Kolkata Jute House on April 26, 2025. The event marked the renovation of the 170-year-old heritage building, preserving its jute industry legacy. Key issues like declining jute crops and imports were discussed.

International:

• Iran has declared April 28, 2025, as a national day of mourning after the Shahid Rajaee Port explosion on April 26 in Bandar Abbas. The tragedy claimed over 65 lives and injured 1,200 people, prompting international condolences. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and investigations into the cause are underway.

Banking:

• On April 25, 2025, the RBI canceled the license of Imperial Urban Co-operative Bank, Jalandhar, due to inadequate capital and poor earning prospects. The bank's winding-up process will be initiated, and depositors are insured up to ₹5 lakh under DICGC, with 97.79% eligible for full repayment.
• On April 25, 2025, the RBI imposed penalties of ₹1.61 crore on Indian Bank, ₹63.60 lakh on Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), and ₹71.30 lakh on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. The penalties were for violations related to interest rate benchmarks, collateral-free loans, and loan processing disclosures, ensuring stricter compliance with regulations.

MoUs:

• On April 25, 2025, the Ministry of Cooperation signed an MoU with Swiggy Instamart in New Delhi, attended by Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani. Swiggy will feature a "Cooperative" category showcasing cooperative dairy, organic, and handicraft products. This initiative promotes digital access for cooperatives, aligning with the International Year of Cooperation 2025. It supports the mission of Sahakar Se Samriddhi.

Science & Technology:

• The Army Hospital in New Delhi introduced a 3D microscope for minimally invasive eye surgeries on April 26, 2025. It uses 3D polarization glasses and a 55-inch 4K Ultra-HD display for precise visualization. Benefits include reduced surgical time and lower photo-toxicity. This innovation enhances treatment for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Sports:

• On April 26, 2025, Manush Shah and Diya Chitale clinched the Mixed Doubles Title at the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, held in Tunis, Tunisia. Competing in the thrilling finals of the Table Tennis tournament, the duo emerged victorious with a narrow 3-2 win against Japan's Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto.

Committees:

• The 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held on April 24–25, 2025, in Thimphu, Bhutan. Co-chaired by Mr. Surjit Bhujabal (CBIC, India) and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho (DRC, Bhutan), it aimed to enhance customs cooperation and streamline trade. Key highlights included automation of transit processes, Coordinated Border Management, and pre-arrival customs data exchange, fostering secure and efficient trade facilitation.

Important Days:

• World Tapir Day is observed annually on April 27 to raise awareness about tapirs, unique and ancient creatures that are often misunderstood. Established in 2008, this day highlights the importance of conserving tapirs, which are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
• World Design Day 2025, celebrated on April 27, is a global event organized by the International Council of Design (ico-D) to honor design’s role in innovation, sustainability, and improving lives. Held under the theme “Outlandish Optimism,” hosted by Poland’s STGU, it encourages bold, positive design solutions.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 was observed on April 28, an annual event initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003. The theme for 2025, "Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work," highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies on workplace safety.
• International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025 was observed on April 26, marking the 39th anniversary of the nuclear disaster. The theme, "Building a Safer Future: Lessons from Chernobyl," emphasized learning from past nuclear tragedies.
• World Veterinary Day 2025 was observed on April 26, the last Saturday of April. This annual event, initiated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000, celebrates the contributions of veterinarians to animal health, welfare, and public safety. The theme for 2025, "Animal Health Takes a Team".

Appointments:

• Dr. A. Jayathilak, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the 50th Chief Secretary of Kerala, succeeding Sarada Muraleedharan, who retires on April 30, 2025. He is currently the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and will hold office until his retirement in June 2026, focusing on infrastructure and administrative challenges.

Awards & Honours:

• Madhusudhan Sai, a Karnataka-based humanitarian, was conferred Fiji’s highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Fiji, on April 25, 2025. The award was presented by the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, at the State House of Fiji.

Books:

• The book "Beyond the Courtroom" by Fali S. Nariman was officially released on April 29, 2025. This anthology showcases Nariman's profound contributions to Indian jurisprudence, featuring his most influential speeches, articles, and lectures.

Obituaries:

• Historian Muttayil Govinda Sankara Narayanan (M.G.S. Narayanan) passed away at 92 on April 26, 2025, in Kozhikode, Kerala. A former ICHR Chairman, he was celebrated for his works on South Indian history, including "Perumals of Kerala" and "Cultural Symbiosis in Kerala", leaving a lasting academic legacy.
• Lieutenant General S Pattabhiraman, former Deputy Army Chief, passed away on April 26, 2025, aged 78. He had a distinguished 40-year military career, holding roles like Army Commander, Western Command and Colonel Commandant of Bombay Sappers.

Questions:

Q.1 Which Indian company became the first to cross ₹10 lakh crore in equity in FY 2024-25?
a) Tata Group
b) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
c) Adani Group
d) Infosys

Answer: b) Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) became the first Indian company to cross ₹10 lakh crore in equity during FY 2024-25.

Q.2 Where is India's first PM MITRA Textile Park located?
a) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
b) Bhainsola village, Dhar district
c) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
d) Surat, Gujarat

Answer: b) The park is situated in Bhainsola village, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, spanning 2,100 acres. This location is strategic due to its proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.