Current Affairs - April 30, 2025 Current Affairs

Kokborok is the native language of the Borok people and is primarily spoken in the state of Tripura, India. It is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family and is widely used among indigenous tribes such as the Jamatia, Reangs, Brus, Noatia, and Rupini. Due to decreasing usage, UNESCO has classified Kokborok as a vulnerable language in its Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger. The demand to include Kokborok in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution reflects efforts to protect and promote the language through official recognition and broader institutional support.

The 'Sachet' app, launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is designed to provide early alerts for natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. It delivers real-time, geotagged warnings and weather updates sourced from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), making it a vital tool for disaster preparedness. The app supports 12 Indian languages to ensure accessibility and usability across different regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively promoted the app, encouraging citizens to use it to stay informed and safe during emergencies, reinforcing the government's commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and public safety.

Amazon has officially entered the satellite internet race by launching the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper. The initiative is a $10 billion plan to deploy a total of 3,236 satellites in low-Earth orbit by 2026, targeting the delivery of high-speed broadband internet, especially in underserved and rural areas around the world. This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has a significant number of satellites in orbit. Despite earlier delays, Amazon has confirmed contact with the launched satellites and aims to begin services later this year, signalling a major expansion into space-based internet infrastructure.

Justice B.R. Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, 2025. He is set to take the oath on May 14, 2025. Justice Gavai will serve as the CJI until November 23, 2025, when he reaches the retirement age of 65. Notably, he became the second person from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community to hold this prestigious position, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Throughout his career, Justice Gavai has contributed to significant rulings on matters such as Article 370, Electoral Bonds, and environmental issues.

The newly discovered bacterium, Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, was found in the mud flats of Oregon. This bacterium has a unique ability to conduct electricity, thanks to its nickel-based fibers, which facilitate long-distance electron transport. The discovery has significant implications for bioelectronics, such as improving energy-efficient technologies and contributing to pollutant cleanup. This bacterium could also provide valuable insights into bacterial evolution and sediment chemistry, opening up new avenues for scientific research and environmental applications. The ability to conduct electricity could pave the way for future advancements in microbial fuel cells and environmental biotechnology.

Ghaziabad has made a significant step in urban sustainability by issuing India's first Certified Green Municipal Bond. The bond raised ₹150 crore to fund the construction of a Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban. This advanced facility, designed with state-of-the-art water recycling technologies, aims to treat water and improve recycling capabilities. Ghaziabad's pioneering move sets a benchmark for other cities in terms of environmental responsibility and financial innovation, utilizing the Public-Private Partnership – Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM) to fund this essential project for urban development.

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane at Rs. 355 per quintal for the 2025–26 season. This price is set for a basic recovery rate of 10.25 per cent. The FRP is the minimum price that sugar mills are required to pay to sugarcane farmers and plays a crucial role in protecting farmer interests, especially in a country like India, which is the world's largest producer and consumer of sugar.

IAS Vinod Kumar Gunjiyal has been appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar by the Election Commission of India ahead of the state’s 2025 Assembly elections. He is a 2007-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre and brings with him extensive administrative experience. His previous roles include Secretary in the Prohibition, Excise & Registration Department, and Director in the Animal Husbandry Department. Known for his administrative acumen, Gunjiyal is tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of free and fair elections in Bihar in October-November 2025, replacing the previous CEO, H R Srinivas.

International Jazz Day is celebrated every year on April 30. This event was initiated by UNESCO in 2011 to recognize jazz not only as a music genre but also as a global tool for promoting peace, unity, and understanding across cultures. The day is supported by jazz legend Herbie Hancock and includes global celebrations such as concerts, workshops, and discussions, aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual respect through the universal language of jazz. It is a reminder of how music can contribute to social change and educational growth worldwide.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, aged 73, has made a significant political comeback by winning the election in Trinidad and Tobago, marking her return as Prime Minister. She previously served in the same role from 2010 to 2015 and remains the only woman to have ever led the country. Her campaign emphasized key social welfare issues, including pension security and job creation, which resonated with voters. The ruling People's National Movement (PNM) party, led by former Prime Minister Keith Rowley, conceded defeat following the election results. Her return highlights a renewed mandate and hope for transformative leadership in the Caribbean nation.

Mizoram has experienced a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), resulting in the death of over 3,000 pigs within a month. The outbreak has primarily affected four districts, with Siaha being the worst impacted. In response to the spread of the disease, authorities culled nearly 1,000 pigs and declared 46 localities as ASF-infected zones to contain the virus. The economic damage has been substantial, with losses in 2024 alone amounting to Rs 336.49 crore, adding to the burden from earlier outbreaks. The situation underscores the need for robust veterinary and biosecurity measures in the region.

The Cabinet Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a greenfield highway project worth ₹22,864 crore that will connect Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya with Panchgram in Assam. The proposed four-lane access-controlled highway will stretch over 166.8 km, of which 144.80 km lies in Meghalaya and 22.00 km in Assam. The project is to be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), which blends government support with private-sector investment. This initiative is part of broader infrastructure development efforts in the Northeast region, aiming to enhance connectivity and support economic growth through improved transportation links.

The United States has strategically deployed anti-ship missile launchers on Batan Island, located in the Philippines, as part of a broader military posture near Taiwan. This move aligns with ongoing tensions in the region, especially following China’s extensive military drills signalling opposition to any push for Taiwan's independence. The deployment is occurring alongside the Balikatan military exercises, which involve around 9,000 US troops and forces from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and others. These exercises are taking place near the highly contested South China Sea, reinforcing regional defence cooperation and strategic deterrence in response to rising geopolitical tensions.