Current Affairs - April 28, 2025 Current Affairs

ISRO conducted a successful short-duration hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, on April 24, 2025. This test represents a key milestone in India's development of indigenous propulsion systems, particularly for future launch vehicles. The test involved the Engine Power Head Test Article and focused on validating critical components like the start-up sequence and ignition stability at 60% power level. Mahendragiri serves as an essential hub for propulsion system testing, and this achievement marks continued progress in ISRO’s advanced space engine capabilities.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise global awareness about the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in driving creativity and innovation. In 2025, the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP” underscores how IP laws support musicians, artists, and the broader creative community by protecting their work and ensuring they receive proper recognition and compensation. This observance encourages people to understand and respect IP systems such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications, which are essential for fostering a vibrant and fair environment for creators and innovators worldwide.

Hubballi Airport earned the prestigious Platinum Recognition at the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2025, highlighting its outstanding commitment to sustainable energy practices. This honour was specifically awarded to airports handling fewer than six million passengers and reflects Hubballi’s impactful contributions to green infrastructure. A major factor in this recognition is the 8 MW solar power plant set up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Hubballi, which generates over 11 million units of clean energy annually. This initiative not only powers the airport efficiently but also supports the energy needs of multiple airports and facilitates future terminal expansions.

World Tapir Day is observed annually on April 27 to highlight the ecological significance of tapirs and the threats they face. Established in 2008, this day serves to educate the public about these large, herbivorous mammals that play a key role in maintaining the health of tropical forests. Tapirs aid in seed dispersal, which supports plant diversity and regeneration in their natural habitats. By raising awareness on this day, conservationists aim to protect these ancient creatures and ensure the survival of ecosystems that depend on them. The observance encourages global action for habitat protection and species conservation.

Madhusudan Sai was awarded the prestigious ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ for his significant humanitarian work, particularly in the field of healthcare. His establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital has had a transformative impact on the healthcare system in Fiji, providing essential medical services to children in need, irrespective of their background. This honour, conferred by the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, on April 25, 2025, highlights Madhusudan Sai's dedication to improving social welfare and healthcare, making him a respected figure in both Fiji and the global humanitarian community.

The initiative called AI Kiran was launched by the PSA Office, Verix, and INK Women with the goal of fostering inclusive leadership in the rapidly expanding Indian AI sector, valued at $17 billion. It specifically targets the underrepresentation of women in senior roles within the Generative AI space, where they currently make up only 19% despite their majority in STEM education. AI Kiran is designed to bridge this leadership gap by supporting and nurturing women professionals in AI, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and innovative technological future.

India is contemplating a significant policy change by allowing foreign companies to own up to 49% stake in its nuclear power plants, a move aimed at opening up one of the country's most tightly regulated sectors. This proposal is part of a broader strategy to accelerate the development of clean energy infrastructure, reduce reliance on coal, and progress toward its long-term carbon emission reduction targets. Enabling foreign investment in nuclear energy reflects India's intent to integrate advanced global technologies and financial resources into its energy mix, thereby enhancing the sustainability and scalability of its power generation capacity.

The 'Ayushman Vay Vandana' scheme was launched in New Delhi on April 28, 2025, with the aim of providing enhanced healthcare services to senior citizens aged 70 and above. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, this initiative offers free health insurance coverage up to Rs 10 lakh, annual medical check-ups, and the creation of secure digital health records. It represents a significant step towards ensuring dignity, accessibility, and medical security for the elderly population in the capital. The launch event marked the distribution of the first health cards, which were attended by top government officials, signalling strong administrative support for elderly welfare.

Odisha hosted a Capacity Building Programme in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on April 25, 2025, in Bhubaneswar. The initiative focused on enhancing the state's agricultural exports, particularly its unique Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products like Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi, and Nayagad Brinjal. Through three dedicated technical sessions, the event addressed key areas such as organic product exports, boosting rice exports, and adding value to GI-certified commodities. This effort aligns with the broader goal of strengthening India's agri-export capabilities and empowering local producers through global market integration.

Kerala is taking a progressive step by planning to implement Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology to efficiently manage its power demands. This innovative system allows electric vehicles (EVs) to act as mobile energy storage units. When not in use, EVs can send stored electricity back to the power grid using bi-directional chargers, helping balance supply during peak demand. The process includes both Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) discharging, making EVs a critical asset in energy management. This initiative demonstrates Kerala’s commitment to integrating clean technology with energy infrastructure for a more sustainable future.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28th. It was initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003 to highlight the importance of maintaining safe and healthy working environments. The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness and promote action to prevent workplace accidents and diseases. For the year 2025, the chosen theme is “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” which emphasizes how modern technology can enhance workplace safety standards and transform occupational health frameworks around the world.

World Veterinary Day 2025 is observed on April 26 and is dedicated to acknowledging the essential contributions of veterinarians to global health. The observance not only highlights the role of veterinarians in ensuring the health of animals but also underscores their impact on public health and food safety. The 2025 theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team,” emphasizes the collaborative efforts required among professionals to safeguard animal welfare. This day serves as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of animal and human health and promotes awareness of the challenges and responsibilities veterinarians face globally.