Current Affairs - April 14, 2025 Current Affairs

Punjab imposed a ban on the sale of hybrid paddy seeds, citing economic concerns for farmers due to low Out Turn Ratio (OTR) and high grain breakage during milling, which significantly affects their profitability. While hybrids are known for better yields and efficient water usage, the real problem, as experts suggest, stems from poor post-harvest handling, such as improper timing of harvest, drying methods, and outdated milling infrastructure. This decision has also stirred controversy as it potentially conflicts with the Seed Act of 1966, which allows the sale of centrally approved hybrid seeds, sparking a debate between state regulations and national agricultural laws.

Milkfed, officially known as the Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, launched the mascot ‘Veera’ to boost the national presence of its dairy brand Verka. Designed as a smiling young Sikh boy with folded hands, Veera symbolizes Punjab’s warmth and cultural values. The move is intended to emotionally resonate with consumers and elevate Verka’s market appeal across India, similar to the impact of the Amul Girl. This branding initiative was unveiled during the foundation-laying ceremony of a ₹135 crore dairy expansion project in Amritsar, reinforcing Milkfed’s ambition to modernize operations and expand beyond its stronghold in Punjab.

Siachen Day is observed annually on April 13 to honour the Indian Army’s launch of Operation Meghdoot in 1984. This operation was a pre-emptive military move to secure the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, against Pakistan’s planned occupation of key strategic passes. The successful execution of the mission ensured India’s control over vital locations like Bilafond La and Sia La. April 13 symbolizes the bravery, endurance, and strategic foresight of the Indian Armed Forces, who operate in one of the harshest terrains on Earth. The day is a solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Siachen Warriors who continue to defend the nation under extreme conditions.

Italy is actively enhancing its strategic relationship with India by focusing on sectors such as trade, defence, clean energy, and infrastructure. The partnership was further solidified during the visit of the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, where both nations emphasized cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29. These initiatives aim to foster technological collaboration, boost bilateral investments, and support connectivity projects. The partnership also highlights shared geopolitical goals, including a secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, reflecting a broader vision for global stability and mutual growth in innovation and youth mobility.

Razorpay partnered with NPCI BHIM Services Ltd and Axis Bank to introduce the Turbo UPI plugin on the BHIM Vega platform. This innovative solution is designed to streamline the in-app payment experience by allowing users to complete UPI transactions without leaving the application. By eliminating the need to switch to external UPI apps, the plugin significantly improves the user experience, enhances transaction success rates, and reduces friction during the payment process. Additionally, it offers seamless onboarding for partner businesses, making it a strategic move in advancing India's digital payment infrastructure and fostering greater adoption of UPI-based services.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), in collaboration with key cricket boards such as the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia, has initiated a dedicated task force and support fund specifically to assist displaced women cricketers from Afghanistan. This initiative focuses on ensuring these athletes have continued access to professional coaching, top-tier training facilities, and mentorship opportunities, despite being uprooted from their home country. It aims to preserve their engagement with the sport and create a pathway for them to sustain their cricketing careers internationally, highlighting the global cricket community's commitment to inclusivity and support for affected athletes.

Aamir Khan received the ‘Master Humor Award’ at the 2025 Macau International Comedy Festival, held in China. This event also marked his first official public appearance with his partner, Gauri Spratt. Aamir has a massive fan following in China, where he is fondly called ‘Uncle Mi’ due to the widespread popularity of his films such as 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal, and Secret Superstar, which performed exceptionally well at the Chinese box office. His recognition at the festival highlights the deep cross-cultural impact of his work, especially in comedy and socially relevant cinema that resonates with international audiences.

P. Sivakami, a distinguished writer, retired IAS officer, and activist, was honoured with the Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025 by the Neelam Cultural Centre in Chennai. This recognition of not only acknowledges her outstanding literary work but also her powerful voice in advocating for Dalit identity and rights. Along with the award, she received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Through her speech, she emphasized the role of Dalit literature in confronting dominant narratives, disrupting traditional aesthetic norms, and asserting the rightful place of marginalized voices in mainstream discourse. Her work reflects a blend of artistic expression and social resistance, making her a transformative figure in Indian literature.

World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14 each year to raise awareness about Chagas disease, a parasitic illness primarily impacting underserved communities, especially in Latin America. The disease, caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, often progresses silently, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. In 2025, the theme "Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease" highlights the collective responsibility of individuals, healthcare providers, and governments in addressing this neglected disease. The date commemorates the discovery of the disease by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas on April 14, 1909, underscoring the ongoing need for global attention and support for affected populations.

Telangana became the first Indian state to formally implement Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-categorisation by enacting the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalization of Reservations) Act, 2025. This reform divides the existing 15% SC reservation among 59 sub-castes into three groups based on their level of social and educational backwardness. Issued on April 14, 2025, coinciding with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the policy aims to distribute benefits more equitably. Grounded in past recommendations like the Lokur Committee and more recent judicial guidance, the move reflects a pioneering step toward data-driven and targeted affirmative action that better addresses intra-caste disparities within the SC community.

Maharashtra entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s ROSATOM for the development of thorium-based small modular reactors. This collaboration is aimed at promoting thorium reactor technology while adhering to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) safety standards. The initiative is part of the 'Make in Maharashtra' campaign, signalling the state's ambition to become a key player in advanced nuclear energy solutions. Although the final approval for such projects rests with the central government, Maharashtra is taking a proactive role in encouraging innovation and self-reliance in nuclear energy development.