Current Affairs - April 17, 2025 Current Affairs

Uzbekistan is participating with India in the 6th edition of the Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI, which began on April 16, 2025, at Aundh in Pune. The exercise focuses on joint multi-domain operations in semi-urban environments, involving 60 Indian personnel from the JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force. Key features of the drill include counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) strategies, drone deployment, firepower coordination, and special forces operations. These bilateral exercises are aimed at improving mutual military cooperation, tactical skills, and interoperability between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan in a variety of combat scenarios.

Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IBM to drive AI-based transformation across government operations. The collaboration will leverage artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and data analytics to boost administrative efficiency and improve public service delivery. As part of this initiative, three AI Centres will be established in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, where government employees and students will receive training in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. This partnership reflects Maharashtra's commitment to becoming a leader in tech-driven governance and equipping its workforce with essential digital skills for the future.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected to chair INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance, marking a significant step in its rising influence in global security and law enforcement. Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi from the UAE Ministry of Interior was appointed as chair after securing 67% of the votes from INTERPOL's member states. This leadership role reflects the UAE's growing credibility and commitment to transparent and inclusive governance in international policing, further enhancing its diplomatic presence and strategic influence in global law enforcement policymaking.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a high-level committee on April 15, 2025, aimed at evaluating and recommending measures to strengthen State autonomy. The committee will review the constitutional and legal framework governing Centre-State relations and suggest changes that would enhance the autonomy of States. The three-member committee, led by Justice Kurian Joseph, includes experts who will examine past commissions' recommendations and propose reforms. This initiative aligns with the federal spirit of the Indian Constitution and seeks to address concerns about the erosion of State powers in the country.

India’s first-ever onboard train ATM was installed on the Manmad-CSMT Panchvati Express, which operates in the state of Maharashtra. This innovative step by Indian Railways is part of a trial initiative aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and generating additional non-fare revenue. The ATM was carefully secured using rubber pads and bolts to withstand the movement of the train and ensure operational safety during the journey. This move also reflects Indian Railways’ broader commitment to modernization and improving services for travellers by incorporating banking access directly onboard trains.

The National Highways Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2023 marked the celebration of its 6th edition, recognizing excellence in highway development across India. The event highlighted the achievements of infrastructure companies and their significant contributions through innovative practices. Awards were presented for exemplary work in areas like Project Management and Green Highways, with several firms receiving accolades for their work in different states. The 6th edition not only acknowledged technical excellence but also underscored the government’s emphasis on sustainable and efficient highway development.

Union Minister George Kurian inaugurated key fisheries projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Puducherry. These initiatives aim to enhance India's fisheries sector, which has seen remarkable growth with fish production increasing from 95 lakh tons to 184 lakh tons over the past decade. A significant aspect of the project includes equipping 2,300 fishing boats with transponders to provide updates on fish availability, offer emergency assistance, and alert fishermen when nearing international waters. The government has allocated ₹3,000 crore to support the Blue Revolution, underlining its commitment to sustainable and technology-driven fisheries development.

In 2024, Tanzania experienced its hottest year on record, with the national average temperature reaching 24.3°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. The significant rise in nighttime minimum temperatures, which were 1.1°C higher than the long-term average, was a key contributor to this record-breaking heat. Additionally, Tanzania recorded exceptional rainfall, making it the fourth wettest year in history. This extreme climate, influenced by El Niño and the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), has raised concerns about the impact on agriculture, as 80% of the country’s population depends on farming.

The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, Meghayan-25, was held at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi on April 14, 2025. The event coincided with the celebration of World Meteorological Day and focused on enhancing collaboration and awareness in marine meteorology and oceanology. Inaugurated virtually by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the symposium brought together key figures from defence and scientific institutions. The choice of New Delhi as the venue highlighted the central role of national-level coordination in advancing maritime weather capabilities.

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been designated to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India following the retirement of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on May 13, 2025. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Gavai has played a crucial role in several important constitutional decisions, such as those related to demonetization and the abrogation of Article 370. His upcoming term as CJI, though brief, will run until November 23, 2025, continuing the tradition of seniority-based appointments in the Indian judiciary. His elevation also holds significance as he brings diverse legal perspectives shaped by years of judicial service.

The GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) program was launched by the Gujarat police to improve policing efficiency, particularly in urban areas such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara. This initiative utilizes drones to enhance crime monitoring, reduce response times, and aid in crime scene documentation. The program aims to provide real-time surveillance and faster deployment, especially in areas with high rates of gang violence and street crimes. With advanced camera capabilities and real-time video streaming, the drones serve as an essential tool for modernizing law enforcement in Gujarat.

INSV Tarini was flagged off from Cape Town for the final leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, which is set to conclude in Goa by May 2025. This voyage underscores India's advancements in indigenous shipbuilding and its commitment to promoting ocean sailing. The expedition also highlights the role of Indian women in uniform, with Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A as the prominent crew members. INSV Tarini continues to symbolize India’s growing maritime presence and serves as an inspiration for promoting gender equality and showcasing national capabilities on the global stage.