Current Affairs - April 7, 2025 Current Affairs

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban affecting citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This move targets various visa types such as Umrah, business, and family visit visas. The primary objective of this ban is to manage overcrowding and ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj season, especially in light of the 2024 Hajj tragedy that resulted in over 1,000 deaths due to heat and unauthorized pilgrim influx. By limiting the number of visitors from these countries, Saudi authorities aim to maintain better control over pilgrimage logistics and prevent illegal overstaying and unregistered Hajj participation.

INS Sunayna was the naval ship flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the IOS SAGAR initiative. This event marked the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and coincided with National Maritime Day. The mission underscores India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and includes personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region nations. The deployment of INS Sunayna symbolizes India's efforts to enhance joint training, collaboration, and maritime partnerships, making it the central element in this significant naval endeavour.

West Bengal has recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven new traditional products, including the iconic Nolen Gurer Sandesh and Baruipur guavas. This recognition is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural and culinary heritage. Nolen Gurer Sandesh, a beloved Bengali sweet made from chhena and date palm jaggery, is especially popular during the winter season. GI tags not only help protect the uniqueness of these regional specialities but also boost the local economy by giving these products greater visibility and commercial value in national and international markets. West Bengal now has 33 GI-tagged items.

Haryana has taken a significant step in preserving India's ancient heritage by declaring the Harappan-era sites of Mitathal and Tighrana in the Bhiwani district as protected archaeological monuments. These sites, which date back over 4,400 years, provide critical insights into the Harappan and post-Harappan periods, particularly in areas like early urban planning, agriculture, and craft industries. The state government, through the Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department, issued a legal notification to ensure their preservation under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, of 1964. This move will prevent encroachment and promote better conservation of these historically rich sites.

Sudarsan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist from Odisha and a Padma Shri awardee, has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award. The award was presented to him at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival held in Dorset, England. Known for his intricate and socially impactful sand sculptures, Pattnaik's work has gained global recognition. This award highlights his decades-long contribution to sand art and marks a significant achievement not just for him but also for Indian art on the international stage.

Brazil has put forward a significant proposal to establish a Global Climate Council under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This initiative comes in anticipation of COP30, which is scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Belem, a city in northern Brazil. The proposed council aims to accelerate international cooperation and coordinated action on climate change. By taking this proactive step, Brazil is positioning itself as a leader in global environmental governance and pushing for a more structured and accountable approach to tackling climate issues on the world stage.

Hitesh Gulia emerged victorious in the men’s 70 kg category at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025, securing a gold medal for India. He defeated England’s Odel Kamara in the final bout, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. His performance contributed significantly to India’s overall medal tally at the event. Gulia’s win highlights the rising standards of Indian boxing on the global stage. Alongside his success, Abhinash Jamwal earned a silver medal in the 65 kg category, while Manish Rathore secured a bronze medal in the 55 kg category, reflecting a strong team performance at the international competition.

The new Pamban Rail Bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in India's coastal infrastructure. Located between Rameswaram and the mainland, the bridge features a vertical lift mechanism, allowing ships to pass beneath it—boosting both railway connectivity and maritime navigation. Built at a cost of ₹550 crore, it is equipped with an advanced electro-mechanical lift system and is designed to last for 58 years. The inauguration also included the flagging off of the Rameswaram–Tambaram Express and a Coast Guard vessel, which was the first to pass under the raised bridge span.

The first phase of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 was held in Karwar, a key strategic location on India’s western coast. During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Navy’s operational readiness and addressed issues concerning maritime security. Karwar’s growing importance stems from major infrastructure developments under Project Seabird, making it a vital hub for naval operations. The location served as an appropriate venue to discuss adaptive strategies in response to global geopolitical changes and highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts within the Indian Navy.

World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to raise awareness about key global health issues and to inspire action for better public health. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, the day brings together governments, healthcare organizations, and communities worldwide to focus on a specific health theme each year. For 2025, the theme is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," emphasizing the importance of early-life health and well-being as a foundation for long-term development. The observance of April 7 marks the founding day of the WHO and serves as a reminder of global health priorities.

INS Trikand played a critical humanitarian role by responding to a distress call in the Arabian Sea and delivering medical assistance to a Pakistani sailor who had suffered severe hand injuries and significant blood loss while repairing an Iranian dhow engine. The naval crew, including a medical team and MARCOS personnel, conducted a complicated three-hour surgical procedure on board the vessel, ultimately saving the sailor’s fingers. This mission not only showcased the Indian Navy’s operational readiness but also highlighted its commitment to humanitarian values and regional maritime cooperation, regardless of national boundaries.

Justice Arun Palli has been recommended by the Supreme Court for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. This recommendation comes in light of the impending retirement of Justice Tashi Rabistan. Justice Palli has been serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since his elevation in 2013. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, he also holds key roles in legal service institutions, including as executive chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority and a member of the governing body of NALSA since October 2023.