Current Affairs - April 8, 2025 Current Affairs

India has been unanimously elected to the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) for the 2025–2027 term. This selection underscores India’s increasing global recognition in the areas of corporate governance and financial transparency. ISAR, functioning under UNCTAD, is instrumental in shaping international financial and non-financial reporting frameworks, and India’s inclusion reflects the global community’s confidence in its expertise. With this role, India will contribute to advancing uniform accounting practices, promoting transparency, and reinforcing accountability, thereby playing a key role in supporting sustainable global economic development and international investment climates.

The Haryana government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has taken a progressive step by announcing a 20% reservation for Agniveers in state police jobs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure job security and long-term welfare for Agniveers after their tenure under the Agnipath Scheme. With this move, Haryana has become the first state in India to offer such a reservation. The policy also includes additional measures like a dedicated registration portal, financial assistance for self-employment, and preferential treatment for gun licenses, thereby supporting Agniveers in reintegrating into civilian life successfully.

Equitas Small Finance Bank, the second-largest small finance bank in India, appointed Balaji Nuthalapadi as Executive Director – Technology and Operations effective 29 March 2025. This strategic appointment reflects the bank’s strong focus on digital transformation, operational excellence, and enhanced customer experience. Balaji brings over two decades of experience in operations, digital banking, and financial services, having held leadership roles at Citi, including MD & Head of Operations and Technology for South Asia. His appointment, approved by the RBI and the bank’s board, supports Equitas’ broader vision to accelerate its digital-first mission while deepening its commitment to financial inclusion and social impact.

The 3rd AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) consultation, organized by MeitY and UNESCO, is being held in Hyderabad on April 8, 2025. The event is a significant platform to discuss AI governance and readiness, aligning with India’s strategic push through the IndiaAI Mission. It features expert-led panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions covering crucial areas such as infrastructure, workforce, governance frameworks, and real-world AI applications. Choosing Hyderabad as the host city reflects its growing importance as a tech hub and its capacity to support high-level global discussions on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Project SPRINT was introduced by the Indian Oil Corporation as a strategic initiative to future-proof its operations in response to global energy transitions. The focus areas of the project include optimizing costs, enhancing customer experience, and integrating advanced technologies, all while maintaining its strengths in core business areas. As India's largest government-owned oil producer by capacity and revenue, Indian Oil is leveraging Project SPRINT to transition smoothly into a more sustainable and tech-enabled future while adapting to a world that is increasingly moving away from fossil fuels.

INS Tarkash conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the New Zealand Navy's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha in the Gulf of Aden. The naval drill included a series of joint activities such as cross-deck landings, boarding operations, tactical manoeuvres, and communication exercises. This engagement was aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation and improving interoperability between the Indian and New Zealand navies. Such exercises are crucial for promoting regional maritime security and fostering stronger defence ties. New Zealand's participation highlights its commitment to collaborative efforts in international waters alongside India.

The 2024–25 National Awards & Exhibition, organized by BriBooks and Education World to honour young authors, took place in New Delhi. This prestigious event recognized student finalists selected from over 5 lakh book submissions made through BriBooks’ Gen-AI platform. The celebration brought together notable personalities such as Smriti Irani and internationally renowned authors, who acknowledged and encouraged the imagination and talent of India’s youth. Hosting the event in New Delhi underscores the city’s significance as a hub for national-level educational and literary initiatives, making it a fitting venue for such an inspiring celebration.

During an official visit to Portugal on April 7, 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, was awarded the prestigious ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon. This recognition came as India and Portugal marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting the strengthening cultural, technological, and economic ties between the two nations. President Murmu's visit underscored shared values and mutual aspirations in areas such as innovation and digital transformation. Her participation in a state banquet hosted by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa further emphasized the deepening bilateral relationship and Portugal’s appreciation of India’s global engagement.

NTPC’s Talcher Kaniha Super Thermal Power Station achieved a significant environmental milestone by attaining 100% ash utilization in the financial year 2024–25, a notable rise from 68% in the previous year. The plant successfully managed 67 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fly ash, which was repurposed for infrastructure development, including major projects by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and road construction in Odisha. This aligns with eco-regulations set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, minimizing environmental hazards related to ash disposal and reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to sustainable and responsible energy production practices.

India launched the Digital Threat Report 2024 to bolster the cybersecurity framework of its Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. This initiative is a collaborative effort by CERT-In under MeitY, CSIRT-Fin, and cybersecurity firm SISA. Released on April 7, 2025, the report outlines emerging cyber threats, including AI-driven attacks and sector-wide vulnerabilities, while emphasizing the importance of unified defence strategies. High-level participation from government and industry leaders underscores the national priority of digital safety in financial systems. By strengthening risk preparedness and fostering collaboration, India aims to ensure the stability and trust of its financial infrastructure.