Current Affairs - April 12, 2025 Current Affairs

Razorpay, a leading player in the fintech space, launched the Turbo UPI plugin on April 9, 2025, in collaboration with NPCI BHIM Services Limited and Axis Bank. Built on the advanced BHIM Vega platform, this plugin is designed to revolutionize digital transactions by allowing users to complete UPI payments directly within an app, eliminating the need for redirection to third-party apps. This innovation enhances user experience by reducing payment failures, improving speed and reliability, and boosting transaction success through smart routing. For businesses, it means fewer drop-offs, improved customer satisfaction, and smoother checkout processes — marking a significant leap in India’s digital payment infrastructure.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the release trials of the indigenously developed Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft between April 8–10, 2025. The trials demonstrated the bomb’s high-precision strike capabilities at a range of approximately 100 km, targeting a land-based objective on an island. The Gaurav bomb, weighing around 1,000 kg, was integrated into multiple stations of the Su-30 MKI in different warhead configurations. This success marks a significant leap in India's air-launched weapons capability and showcases indigenous technological excellence and strategic collaboration with Indian defence industries.

Singapore's Changi Airport was ranked as the World’s Best Airport in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025, held in Madrid. This marks the 13th time it has earned the top spot, showcasing its consistent excellence in passenger experience, innovation, and infrastructure. Changi Airport also received awards for Best Airport Dining, Best Airport Washrooms, and Best Airport in Asia. Renowned for its unique features like the Jewel shopping mall, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, cinemas, gardens, and museums, Changi continues to set global benchmarks for airport design and customer service, affirming Singapore’s leadership in international aviation.

In February 2025, India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by just 2.9%, its weakest performance in six months. This slowdown was driven by broad-based sluggishness across mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors, compounded by a high base effect from the previous year. While the consensus forecast by Reuters had predicted a 4% growth, the actual figure undershot expectations. Mining rose only 1.6%, manufacturing increased 2.9%, and electricity output was up by 3.6%. Among use-based categories, capital goods showed robust growth at 8.2%, but most other segments—including consumer non-durables—faltered, reflecting a cooling in industrial momentum.

The Madhya Pradesh government declared the establishment of a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district, named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, covering an area of 258.64 square kilometres. This sanctuary was inaugurated ahead of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary on April 14, 2025. The sanctuary aims to enhance wildlife conservation, boost eco-tourism, and provide local employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. By naming the sanctuary after Dr. Ambedkar, the state also honours his contributions to social reform while promoting environmental preservation.

James Anderson, the legendary English fast bowler, has been honoured with a knighthood in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport of cricket. This recognition came as part of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list. Anderson, who retired from Test cricket at the age of 42, boasts an impressive record of 704 wickets, making him England’s leading wicket-taker in Test history. Notably, he is the only sportsperson to be included in the honours list, underscoring the significance of his achievement and the respect he commands within the cricketing community.

Telangana has introduced the AI Rising Grand Challenge as an innovative initiative to solve governance-related challenges through artificial intelligence. This effort aims to unify datasets across various government departments to facilitate the testing and implementation of AI-driven solutions. Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the state’s IT Department, the challenge encourages collaboration among startups, academic institutions, and government bodies. Selected winners for each targeted sector—such as education, health, and transport—will receive funding of ₹15 lakh to deploy pilot AI projects. The initiative highlights Telangana’s proactive stance in integrating cutting-edge technology into governance.

Meghalaya achieved a major cultural and economic milestone in April 2025 when its traditional Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom products were granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This recognition safeguards the unique identity of these handwoven crafts, enhances their market appeal, and offers legal protection against imitation. The Ryndia silk is hand-spun, naturally dyed, and organically produced, originating from the Umden-Diwon region—Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk Village. The Khasi handloom, known for its intricate weaves and use of natural dyes, reflects the heritage of the Khasi community. The GI tag brings pride, prosperity, and global visibility to local artisans.

Odisha has introduced a comprehensive unified health insurance scheme that merges Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya, and Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana. This initiative provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family, with an additional ₹5 lakh exclusively for women, ensuring broader health protection. Covering 352 lakh individuals from 1.08 crore families, the scheme enables access to cashless treatment at over 29,000 hospitals across India. Significantly, senior citizens aged 70 and above are included irrespective of income, promoting inclusive healthcare. Over 1,400 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are also participating virtually in the launch, highlighting the state’s digital and healthcare infrastructure efforts.

Chhattisgarh has taken a significant step in the field of technology and industrial development by initiating its first semiconductor unit in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and the project will be developed by Polymatech Electronics, a Chennai-based company. Spread across 1,50,000 sq ft, the plant aims to promote tech-driven growth in the region. This initiative is part of the state government's vision to transform Nava Raipur into a hub for electronics and semiconductor innovation, akin to a Silicon Valley for Chhattisgarh, thereby boosting employment and technological advancement.

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in 2025, has set a comprehensive roadmap to bolster India’s clean energy future. One of its core objectives is to complete 1,200 mineral exploration projects and auction 100 mineral blocks by the year 2030. This mission plays a vital role in achieving self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, including solar power, wind energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. By securing access to minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements through both domestic and international channels, the mission supports India’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy economy.