Current Affairs - April 11, 2025 Current Affairs

ICICI Bank has entered into a co-lending partnership with Piramal Finance to provide improved credit access to middle and low-income borrowers, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. This collaboration focuses on offering affordable home loans and financial support to MSMEs, leveraging Piramal’s extensive branch network and ICICI’s banking capabilities. The initiative plays a crucial role in extending financial services to underserved populations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, contributing to inclusive economic growth. By combining their strengths, the two institutions aim to create a streamlined credit delivery system tailored to regional needs.

World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on April 11 to promote awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions globally. The date commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the disease in 1817. Established in 1997 by the European Association for Parkinson’s Disease and recognized by the WHO, this day is marked by global campaigns focused on symptoms, treatments, and early detection. The red tulip serves as a powerful global symbol of unity, hope, and resilience in the Parkinson’s community. The observance aims to educate the public and support those affected by the condition.

Mauritius has become the first African nation to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighting its commitment to advancing solar energy initiatives. This strategic framework is designed to promote long- and medium-term collaboration between ISA and its member countries, focusing on clean energy deployment and sustainable development. Mauritius is also the fourth country globally to adopt this framework, following Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba. By participating in the CPF, Mauritius aims to strengthen its solar infrastructure and set a benchmark for other African nations in renewable energy progress.

The ₹9 crore Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder lab, also referred to as the "Black Box Lab", was inaugurated in New Delhi at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. This advanced facility is designed to significantly improve aviation safety by enabling precise analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings in the event of accidents or incidents. The establishment of the lab demonstrates India’s commitment to adhering to global aviation safety norms and supporting the rapid expansion of its aviation sector. The lab also aligns with international best practices for air accident investigation and data retrieval.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its April 2025 Asian Development Outlook report, has projected India's GDP to grow by 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025. This growth outlook reflects the economy's resilience amid global uncertainties, supported by rising domestic demand, rural income growth, and controlled inflation. Additional drivers include fiscal reforms such as tax cuts for the middle class and monetary easing through repo rate reductions. Despite a slight downward revision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to 6.5%, the ADB maintains confidence in the momentum of India’s economic expansion into FY2026.

On April 8, 2025, the Maharashtra government officially announced the renaming of Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur. This renaming is part of a broader initiative by the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to reclaim and restore pre-Mughal historical and cultural identities of towns across the state. Khultabad, located in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, holds deep spiritual and historical significance, including being the burial site of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The move is presented as a cultural restoration, not just a political act, and aligns with recent similar renamings like Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.

Chile signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with India to strengthen cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship. These agreements particularly focus on emerging sectors such as biotechnology, climate technology, health technology, and education technology (edtech). The collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, organize joint innovation events, and connect start-up ecosystems across both countries. Chilean President Gabriel Boric's official visit to India included interactions with the local technology community and educational institutions, marking a significant step toward enhancing bilateral ties through innovation-driven initiatives.

Japan has achieved a global first by constructing a 3D-printed train station in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture. Built by West Japan Railway Company in collaboration with Serendix, the Hatsushima Station was assembled overnight in just under six hours using prefabricated, reinforced concrete components. This project exemplifies cutting-edge construction techniques aimed at addressing challenges such as workforce shortages and ageing infrastructure. It represents a cost-effective and time-saving solution for future public works, especially in rural areas. The successful implementation of this model opens up new possibilities for scalable, rapid infrastructure development using 3D printing technology.

The second edition of the STREE Summit, focused on women’s safety, empowerment, and security, will be hosted by Hyderabad on April 15, 2025. Organized by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), this summit aims to address key issues such as gender equality, safety challenges, and the promotion of a culture of respect and empowerment. The event will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops to develop actionable solutions for improving women's safety and fostering long-term gender equality in society. The summit’s collaborative approach brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

National Safe Motherhood Day is commemorated each year on April 11 in India, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi. This observance highlights the urgent need for accessible, respectful, and quality maternal care. It plays a significant role in drawing attention to maternal health rights, reducing maternal mortality, and ensuring safe delivery practices. By aligning the date with Kasturba Gandhi’s legacy, the day reinforces the value of women’s health and well-being in national development. The 2025 theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes care throughout pregnancy to promote positive outcomes for mothers and infants.