Current Affairs - April 4, 2025 Current Affairs

The United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is the sole valid bidder for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup. FIFA is expected to confirm the UK’s bid next year. This event will mark the UK’s first World Cup since 1966, highlighting its significant role in international football. The 2027 Women's World Cup will take place in Brazil with 32 teams participating. The UK’s bid showcases its strong football heritage and infrastructure, making it a prime choice for hosting the prestigious event.

India has advanced to the 36th position in UNCTAD’s global ‘Readiness for Frontier Technologies’ index, reflecting its significant progress in adopting and integrating emerging technologies. This improvement from the previous 48th rank in 2022 is attributed to advancements in key areas such as research and development, ICT deployment, industrial capacity, and financial access. India’s strong performance in R&D and industrial capacity, along with growing capabilities in AI and nanotechnology, highlights its evolving role as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.

Hungary faced its first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in over 50 years, impacting several farms and thousands of cattle. To prevent the disease from spreading, the Hungarian government took the unusual step of deploying military forces alongside disinfection efforts. This action was specifically targeted near the borders with Slovakia and Austria, where the risk of cross-border transmission was higher. The involvement of the military highlights the severity of the outbreak and the measures Hungary took to safeguard its agricultural sector.

The MoU signed between RailTel, Lamrin Tech Skills University (LTSU), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) aims to boost railway skill development. The partnership focuses on creating specialized diplomas and certifications tailored to the railway industry's needs. It includes curriculum design, training labs, internships, and placement support. RailTel contributes industry insights, LTSU provides the necessary infrastructure, and NSDC facilitates collaboration and funding, ensuring comprehensive skill development for the railway sector.

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative by the Union Government is focused on providing quality education to tribal children, particularly in blocks with a high percentage of Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations. This program aims to bridge educational gaps by offering facilities similar to those of Navodaya Vidyalayas, tailored to the unique needs of tribal students. The establishment of 728 EMRSs will benefit approximately 3.5 lakh tribal students across India, promoting inclusive education and empowering tribal communities through access to quality learning environments.

The 15th Senior Men’s Hockey Nationals will be held in Jhansi from April 4 to April 15. This edition features 30 teams competing across three divisions, with a new promotion-relegation format adding to the competitive intensity. The top 12 teams will play in Division A, with the quarterfinals starting on April 12 and the finals scheduled for April 15 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Jhansi’s role as the host highlights its growing significance in promoting hockey in India.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched a Sports Scholarship Initiative aimed at supporting Indian athletes aged 13–25. This initiative provides monthly stipends and sports kits to athletes across various sports, including cricket, hockey, and tennis. It also covers training and tournament expenses, helping to alleviate financial barriers for young talents. BPCL’s involvement reflects its commitment to promoting sports and nurturing the next generation of Indian athletes.

The Perm, a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, was launched from the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia. This submarine belongs to the Yasen-M class and is set to join the Pacific Fleet in 2026. It is the first Yasen-class submarine to carry hypersonic missiles, highlighting Russia's strategic naval advancements. The Zircon missile, capable of reaching Mach 8 speeds and evading modern defence systems, emphasizes Russia's focus on enhancing its military capabilities. This launch marks a significant development in Russia's naval power projection.

As of February 2025, Rajasthan leads the solar energy expansion in Indian Railways, with 275 solar installations at railway stations and service buildings. This significant contribution highlights Rajasthan's proactive approach towards renewable energy and sustainability. The state's efforts are part of a larger initiative by Indian Railways, which has installed 209 MW of solar capacity across 2,249 sites. Rajasthan's leadership in this area reflects its favourable conditions for solar power generation, including abundant sunlight and supportive policies for renewable energy development.

The RBI has announced that the new ATM withdrawal fee of ₹23 per transaction will be effective from May 1, 2025. This fee applies to transactions beyond the free usage limits, which include 5 free transactions at own-bank ATMs per month, 3 at other banks in metro areas, and 5 in non-metro areas. The revision was made to address the increasing costs of ATM maintenance, with the last fee adjustment having occurred in 2021.

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is a significant festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the beginning of the agricultural season. It is a vibrant celebration of spring, harvest, and Assamese identity, culture, and community spirit. The festival is observed across Assam, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds, and is an integral part of the state's cultural heritage.

Sohini Rajola has been appointed as the Executive Director of growth at NPCI, where she will focus on driving the adoption of NPCI’s payment solutions, enhancing product offerings, and managing strategic partnerships with banks and fintech companies. Her extensive experience in the payments and digital banking sectors, including roles at Western Union and Axis Bank, positions her well to contribute significantly to NPCI’s growth. This appointment is strategic, aimed at strengthening NPCI’s market presence and supporting the rapid expansion of digital payments, particularly through UPI, which has been setting new records in transactions.