Current Affairs - April 5, 2025 Current Affairs

Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has been appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He succeeded Shammi Silva of Sri Lanka, who held the position briefly. Naqvi’s appointment signifies an important leadership change in Asian cricket, reflecting a commitment to expanding the region's influence in global cricket affairs. With a vision to promote collaboration, growth, and innovation across Asian cricketing nations, Naqvi steps into this role with a blend of administrative experience and a clear agenda to advance cricket development throughout the continent.

China announced additional tariffs of 34% on U.S. goods as part of a serious escalation in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies. This was one of the most significant retaliatory actions taken by China in response to U.S. trade measures. In addition to the tariffs, China also imposed controls on the export of certain rare earth elements and filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO). These measures signal the depth of the economic standoff and the strategic importance both countries place on controlling trade dynamics.

The scientific study to assess zoonotic spillover risks will take place in bird sanctuaries across Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. This study will adopt the One Health approach, which monitors both humans and birds and aims to develop a real-time zoonotic disease surveillance model. The project reflects a proactive shift towards public health preparedness to detect and manage zoonotic diseases efficiently.

Bangladesh has assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) for the next two years. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping that includes seven countries from the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. As the new chair, Bangladesh will lead the group's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and development.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Army, successfully conducted four flight tests of the Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM). These tests took place at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that all the missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed aerial targets with direct hits. This achievement reflects the advanced capabilities of India’s missile defence systems and the effective partnership between DRDO and the armed forces in strengthening the country’s defence infrastructure.

Om Birla will lead India's delegation at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent. He will address the general debate on 'Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice' and engage in discussions on global parliamentary issues. The delegation, which includes senior MPs and Secretaries-General of both Houses, will also have the opportunity to meet global counterparts and the Indian community in Uzbekistan.

Shubhanshu Shukla is the Indian pilot designated to board the Axiom-4 Mission, which is a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket. Shubhanshu Shukla is also one of the four designated astronauts for the Gaganyaan Mission and will become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS. This marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed on April 6. It was declared by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about the potential of sport in promoting development and peace. In 2025, the theme for this day will focus on 'Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,' as part of the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.

The sex ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. This progress is largely attributed to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, which was launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio. The scheme promotes gender equality, girl empowerment, and mindset changes towards the value of girls in society. Additionally, girls' secondary school enrollment has increased from 75% to 78% during this period, indicating the positive effects of these efforts.

HIL Ltd, a well-established name in the building materials sector and part of the CK Birla Group, has officially rebranded itself as BirlaNu Limited. This rebranding marks a significant transformation in the company’s identity, aiming to align more closely with its core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability. With a strong presence both in India and Europe, BirlaNu is focused on serving a diverse clientele including homeowners, builders, and designers. The new name reflects its vision to deliver enduring solutions in the construction industry while continuing its legacy of over eight decades rooted in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Seema Agrawal, a senior IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director-General of Police (DGP)/Director of Fire and Rescue Services. She stepped into this role following the retirement of the previous DGP, Abhash Kumar, on March 31. Before her current posting, she served as the DGP of Civil Supplies, demonstrating her strong leadership and experience in high-responsibility roles. Her appointment is part of a larger reshuffle involving several IPS officers, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency within the state police force. This strategic move underscores the importance of experienced leadership in essential public safety departments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Mitra Vibhushana, the highest civilian honour for Heads of State and Government in Sri Lanka. The award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in recognition of Modi's efforts to strengthen the ties between India and Sri Lanka. This marks the 22nd international recognition by a foreign country for the Prime Minister.

National Maritime Day is observed every year on April 5 in India to honour and recognize the immense contributions of the maritime industry to the nation’s trade, economy, and security. The day commemorates the historic maiden voyage of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd from India to the UK in 1919, which symbolized a key moment in challenging British control over Indian maritime routes. Celebrated since 1964, the day acknowledges the role of maritime professionals and promotes awareness around sustainable shipping, technological progress, and maritime safety, making it a significant occasion in India’s national calendar.

Tamil Nadu recorded a real economic growth rate of 9.69% for the year 2024-25, the highest among all Indian states and the best for Tamil Nadu in the past decade. Real growth reflects the actual expansion of the economy by excluding the effects of inflation, offering a more accurate measure of performance. This impressive figure surpasses both expert predictions and previous years' growth rates, including 8.59% in 2017-18 and the minimal growth of 0.07% during the pandemic-hit year of 2020-21. It highlights Tamil Nadu's economic resilience and progress, supported by robust policy planning and sustained development efforts.