CURRENT AFFAIRS
07 April, 2025
1. 6TH BIMSTEC SUMMIT –
• The Indian Prime Minister participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand under its chairmanship.
• The summit’s theme was “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and addressing key challenges.
Key Highlights of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit?
• Vision 2030 Document: The Summit adopted the Summit Declaration and Bangkok Vision 2030, outlining a roadmap for regional prosperity with a focus on economic integration, resilience to global challenges, and collaboration in infrastructure, and technology.
Key Initiatives Announced by India:
• BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence: India announced establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India, focusing on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Research and Training in Agriculture.
• It also proposed a pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance governance and service delivery in BIMSTEC.
2. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (IDSDP) 2025 –
• The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated annually on April 6th. This day is dedicated to recognizing the potential of sport in fostering positive social change, bridging societal barriers, and transcending boundaries.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared this observance to highlight the role of sport in promoting peace, equality, and inclusive development. Sport is increasingly seen as a tool for empowering marginalized groups and promoting social inclusion, peace, and justice.
• The theme for 2025, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” focuses on how sport can serve as a powerful vehicle for addressing social challenges, including gender equality, racial equality, and inclusion of marginalized groups.
3. HARYANA DECLARES TWO HARAPPAN SITES AS PROTECTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS –
• The Haryana government has officially declared two Harappan civilization sites located in Bhiwani district — Mitathal and Tighrana — as protected archaeological sites and monuments.
• These sites, dating back over 4,400 years, hold immense historical and cultural value, shedding light on the evolution of early agricultural societies, town planning, craft industries, and trade during the Harappan and post-Harappan periods.
• The sites have now been brought under legal protection through a notification issued by the Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
• The move aims to safeguard these ancient settlements from encroachment and damage, with fencing and security arrangements to be implemented.
4. NEW PAMBAN BRIDGE INAUGURATED BY PM MODI –
• On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, marking a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
• This first vertical-lift sea bridge in the country replaces the century-old Pamban Bridge and stands as a marvel of modern engineering. The bridge, which connects Rameswaram Island to Mandapam on the mainland, is designed for both durability and technological excellence.
• The inauguration coincided with Ram Navami and PM Modi’s return from Sri Lanka, where he also had a divine aerial view of Ram Setu, symbolically linking the spiritual and structural achievements of the day.
5. DELHI IMPLEMENTS AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME & BECAME 35TH STATE/UT –
• On April 5, 2025, Delhi became the 35th state or Union Territory to formally implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a flagship healthcare program by the Government of India.
• This initiative is a historic milestone for the national capital, as it will now allow Delhi’s residents to access the benefits of the scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the decision as a significant step forward, ensuring that more people would benefit from the program’s vast healthcare coverage.
• Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh criticized the previous AAP government for delaying the rollout and stated that the registration for beneficiaries would start on April 10, 2025.
• The scheme has been operational in 34 other states and UTs, but Delhi’s inclusion marks a crucial expansion, enhancing healthcare access for millions of people in the region.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Vibrant Villages Programme is implemented by which ministry ?
a) Ministry of Home Affairs
b) Ministry of Rural Development
c) Ministry of Defence
d) Ministry of Tourism
Q2. Heard and McDonald Islands, which were seen in the news, is located in which ocean ?
a) Pacific Ocean
b) Atlantic Ocean
c) Arctic Ocean
d) Indian Ocean
Q3. Which state has topped in the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 ?
a) Odisha
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Jharkhand
d) Kerala
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Coal India Limited (CIL):
1. It is the world’s largest single coal producer.
2. It produces around 80% of India’s overall coal production.
3. It was conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.
About Coal India Limited (CIL):
• Establishment:Formed in November 1975.
• Largest Producer:World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India.
• CIL has seven producing subsidiaries.
Production status:
• Produces around 83% of India’s overall coal production in India where approximately 57% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA):
1. AFSPA was enacted to address public order issues in disturbed areas.
2. AFSPA is applicable in all northeastern states of India.
3. The law permits armed forces to open fire after due warning if laws are contravened.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
About AFSPA-
• Enactment:Passed by the Parliament in 1958.
• AFSPA grants special powers to armed forces in disturbed areas to maintain public order.
Application:
• Applied after an area is declared “disturbed” under Section 2 of the Act, due to issues like ethnic, religious, or communal tensions.
• Declaration of Disturbed Areas:
• The Central Government, State Governor, or UT Administrator can declare an area as disturbed.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
A | D | A | C | A |