Current Affairs - April 18, 2025 Current Affairs

India is projected to become the world’s fastest-growing major aviation market by 2026, surpassing China's growth rate, with an expected air passenger traffic increase of 10.5% in 2026. This growth is driven by India's low per capita air travel, increasing middle-class aspirations, rapid infrastructure development, and supportive policies like UDAN and Gati Shakti. Despite China's leading market size, India’s high growth rate is fueled by the untapped potential in the aviation sector, indicating significant future growth. India’s long-term growth outlook remains robust, with a projected 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2053.

India has set an ambitious goal to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029. This target is a part of the country's broader strategy to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen indigenous capabilities. The goal aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing the importance of boosting domestic manufacturing and defence exports. Additionally, India plans to increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029, which will play a crucial role in strengthening global supply chains and India's position as a defence manufacturer.

The exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo, is being studied for signs of possible life. Scientists from Cambridge University, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), have detected life-associated molecules like dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in its atmosphere. While the findings are not yet scientifically confirmed at the highest level of certainty, they represent an important step in the search for extraterrestrial life. These gases are produced by microorganisms on Earth, suggesting that microbial life could potentially exist on K2-18b.

IndusInd Bank appointed Santosh Kumar as its Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starting on April 18, 2025. This appointment follows the end of Arun Khurana's term as the acting CFO. The move is part of the bank’s efforts to strengthen its leadership amid financial challenges, including issues with bad loans in the microfinance sector and discrepancies in accounting for currency derivatives. As Deputy CFO, Santosh Kumar will oversee the finance and accounts functions while the bank continues to search for a permanent CFO. The role is critical as the bank works to stabilize its finances and address regulatory scrutiny.

Telangana has taken a significant step towards strengthening its cyber defence capabilities by launching T-SHIELD, the state’s first cybersecurity hardware lab. Located at the Police Training College in Medchal, the lab is designed to boost digital policing efforts through advanced training in cyber defence, hardware forensics, and crime simulations. It will also serve as a hub for knowledge sharing by hosting faculty development programs, hackathons, and specialized courses tailored to equip law enforcement with the tools and skills necessary to address evolving cyber threats. This initiative positions Telangana as a frontrunner in cybersecurity preparedness at the state level.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the "Blue Category" as part of its revised industrial classification based on the Pollution Index. This newly classified colour is specifically designated for essential environmental services such as waste-to-energy plants and compressed biogas facilities. These services, while crucial for sustainability, generate relatively low pollution compared to heavier industries. The Blue Category complements the existing colour-based classification system of Red, Orange, Green, and White by providing a distinct slot for low-pollution but essential infrastructure. It also offers a two-year extension for consent validity, encouraging the growth of environmentally responsible sectors.

Researchers at IIT Bombay have identified a unique host protein that plays a critical role in the human immune system by eliminating germs before they can cause harm. This protein operates using a tweezer-like mechanism, acting almost like a special operations unit within the body’s defence system. The discovery, led by Prof. Anirban Banerjee, offers new insights into how our immune system neutralizes threats at an early stage. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may be able to develop more targeted therapies or strengthen immune responses, marking a significant advancement in the field of biomedical science and pathogen resistance.

India took a major step in global wildlife conservation by signing the Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This agreement not only allows the IBCA to be headquartered in India but also includes significant financial backing of ₹150 crore for its infrastructure and operational costs. The alliance, established in 2023, aims to protect and conserve seven species of big cats such as tigers, lions, and leopards. Additionally, India’s commitment ensures support through visa facilitation, immunities, and other provisions necessary for the alliance to function effectively from its Indian base.

World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed every year on April 18. This global observance, initiated by ICOMOS in 1982 and recognized by UNESCO in 1983, highlights the importance of preserving the cultural and natural heritage that shapes human history. The 2025 theme focuses on disaster preparedness and conflict resilience, emphasizing the need to protect heritage sites under threat. The day also promotes sustainable tourism, community involvement in conservation, and broader awareness of global heritage values. India, with 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plays a significant role in this international effort.

India has marked a significant milestone in secure communications by successfully conducting its first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) test over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF). This breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Sterlite Technologies Ltd. The innovation allows quantum signals and classical data to coexist on a single fibre without interference, reducing infrastructure costs and enhancing security. Approved by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the indigenous technology demonstrates India's growing capabilities in quantum communication and reflects the strength of its public-private partnerships in advancing digital innovation and national technological sovereignty.

According to UNCTAD's "Trade and Development Foresights 2025" report, India is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% in 2025, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy in the world. This growth is supported by strong government spending, including infrastructure and social sector investments, as well as a supportive monetary policy stance by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has helped stimulate demand and economic activity despite global economic challenges.

The two-day conclave, focused on Buddhism and its cultural influence in Northeast India, will take place in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, starting from April 21, 2025. Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Namsai, has a deep historical connection to Buddhism, especially Theravāda Buddhism, making it an ideal location for such an event. The conclave will showcase the region's Buddhist traditions, cultural impact, and global connections, and will feature discussions, cultural performances, and practices like Vipassana meditation. The event emphasizes the important role of Buddhism in shaping the region's art, culture, and values.

Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step toward digital healthcare transformation with the launch of the e-SEHAT App by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This innovative platform enables tele-diagnosis and aims to bridge the healthcare gap, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the region. The app caters to the general public, medical professionals, and students, creating an inclusive ecosystem for e-health services. To ensure its success, the government is focusing on staff training and raising public awareness for better implementation and monitoring. This move highlights J&K’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.