Current Affairs - April 1, 2025 Current Affairs

SpaceX successfully launched the Fram2 mission, achieving the historic milestone of the first-ever human spaceflight to orbit the Earth from pole to pole. The mission was carried out using the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center. This groundbreaking journey involved an all-civilian crew in a 90-degree polar orbit, conducting 22 scientific experiments, including the first x-ray taken in space and growing mushrooms in microgravity. This accomplishment highlights SpaceX’s role in advancing commercial space exploration and research.

Ambuj Chandna has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Head of the Consumer Banking Group at DBS Bank India. With over 16 years of experience at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he served as President and Head of Consumer Bank (Products), Chandna brings extensive expertise in retail banking and consumer financial products. His leadership role at DBS Bank India follows the appointment of Rajat Verma as CEO. Chandna is expected to drive growth in consumer banking, digital banking, and financial products, strengthening DBS’s position in the Indian market.

The 13-day tri-services exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ is a joint military drill between India and the United States. The exercise focuses on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, enhancing coordination between the two nations' armed forces. Key assets like P8I aircraft, MI-17 helicopters, and warships are involved, with a joint command centre based in Kakinada. This exercise, which concludes on April 13, aims to strengthen strategic ties and improve operational readiness in disaster response scenarios.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been contracted to deliver 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) under a ₹62,700 crore deal. These helicopters include 66 for the Indian Air Force and 90 for the Army. The indigenous LCH Prachand is capable of operating above 5,000 meters and incorporates 65% local components, supporting over 250 MSMEs. This contract reflects India's focus on strengthening its defence capabilities with domestically produced equipment, promoting self-reliance in the defence sector.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Thailand on April 3 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held in Bangkok on April 4. BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is an international organization comprising seven nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit’s theme is "Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC," focusing on regional cooperation and sustainable development. Thailand, as the host country, plays a key role in facilitating these discussions.

The Saudagari block print, a traditional textile art form, has been officially granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This craft is practised by artisans in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, and has been preserved for nearly 300 years. The art involves intricate hand-carved wooden block prints on fabric using natural dyes, with designs deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural heritage. The recognition highlights Ahmedabad’s rich tradition in textile arts, with families like the Banglawalas playing key roles in keeping this craft alive and relevant in contemporary fashion.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is set to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to officially recognize crypto assets as legal financial products. This move aims to bring crypto under the purview of insider trading laws, ensuring the protection against the misuse of confidential information. A related bill is expected to be presented to Parliament by 2026 for formal implementation, highlighting Japan's proactive stance in regulating the crypto industry.

The Sarhul Festival is a significant celebration for Adivasi communities, particularly in Jharkhand, where it is observed as a public holiday. The festival centres around the worship of the Sal tree, symbolizing the vital connection between the Sun and Earth. It marks the arrival of spring and the start of the new year for tribal groups like the Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes. Celebrated with rituals, cultural performances, and community feasts, Sarhul also holds political and historical importance as a symbol of Adivasi identity and cultural assertion in Jharkhand.

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed annually on April 2, and in 2025, it will be celebrated under the theme "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this day aims to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic individuals globally. The focus has evolved from raising basic awareness to advocating for neurodiversity, inclusive policies, and sustainable development practices that support the rights and contributions of autistic people in society.

The 'MY-Bharat' calendar, launched by PM Modi, is designed to make children's summer vacations more creative and engaging. It encourages activities like tours, village visits, and participation in cultural events such as exploring Jan Aushadhi Kendras, visiting vibrant border villages, and joining Ambedkar Jayanti padayatra. The initiative aims to provide children with enriching experiences beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper connection with India's diverse heritage. Families are also encouraged to share their experiences using the hashtag #HolidayMemories, promoting a sense of community and cultural awareness.

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced the renaming of 15 places across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. This initiative aims to honour historical figures and restore cultural identity by replacing colonial and Mughal-era names with those reflecting India's rich heritage. The changes were made based on public demand and historical significance, fostering regional pride and awareness of Uttarakhand’s historical roots. This move aligns with broader efforts in India to celebrate indigenous history and culture.

Renault Group has announced its decision to acquire Nissan’s remaining 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), making Renault the sole owner of the Chennai-based manufacturing plant. This move reflects Renault’s strategic shift to strengthen its control over manufacturing operations in India, allowing greater autonomy in production and market expansion. The acquisition follows a 2023 agreement in which Renault and Nissan jointly invested $600 million for new models in India. Renault’s full ownership signals a more independent approach to its Indian market strategy.