Daily Current Affairs – 14 April 2025

National Affairs

Ambedkar Jayanti was commemorated across India on April 14, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution. In Haryana, the Prime Minister launched several development projects to mark the occasion, underscoring Ambedkar’s vision of inclusive growth. Even as the nation celebrated unity and social justice, law and order challenges tested governance. In West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, protests against the recent Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 spiraled into violence, prompting the Calcutta High Court to intervene. Central forces, including CAPF units and Border Security Force companies, were deployed to restore calm. The situation, tense but under control, saw over 200 arrests as authorities moved swiftly to provide relief and security. The clashes, which left three people dead, led to political sparring – the opposition demanded President’s Rule citing a breakdown of order, while the state government vowed not to implement the contested Waqf amendments. By evening, shops were reopening and displaced families were returning home under protection, signaling a return to normalcy in the violence-hit areas.

Elsewhere, India’s anti-corruption drive notched a win on the international stage. Fugitive diamond magnate Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,000 crore PNB bank fraud, was arrested in Belgium after a global hunt. Acting on India’s extradition request, Belgian authorities detained Choksi in Antwerp on April 12. Within days, teams of CBI and ED officers were being dispatched to Brussels to liaise on the legal process and bring Choksi back to face justice. Choksi has begun a legal appeal citing health issues, but Indian officials are optimistic of cutting through delays. This development gives momentum to India’s broader fight against economic fugitives, coming after the high-profile extradition of Vijay Mallya and ongoing efforts to extradite Nirav Modi. It also boosts confidence in cross-border cooperation against financial crime. On the legislative front, the government introduced a landmark Income Tax Bill, 2025 to replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. The new bill largely retains existing provisions but streamlines language and closes loopholes, aiming to simplify tax compliance while aligning the law with modern economic realities. With this, along with progress on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (under examination by a law commission) and other reforms, the polity is witnessing significant churn in laws and policies, all with an eye on transparency, welfare and good governance.

Economic Developments

India’s economy in April 2025 reflects a mix of cautious optimism and proactive policy steps. In its latest monetary policy review, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.0%, the second consecutive rate cut this year. The central bank also shifted its stance to “accommodative”, signaling readiness to ease further if needed to support growth. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited cooling inflation and the need to stimulate a “sluggish economy” amid global headwinds. Notably, the RBI trimmed its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5% (from 6.7%) and expects retail inflation to moderate to 4%, nearer the central target. Indeed, India’s retail inflation had fallen below 4% in recent months on the back of cheaper food (especially a vegetable price slump) and stable fuel prices, giving the RBI room to loosen policy. However, external risks persist – the U.S. administration’s surprise move to impose 26% tariffs on Indian imports in early April jolted sentiment. While President Donald Trump later announced a 90-day pause on these tariff hikes for partners like India, the episode underscored the fragile global trade environment. The rupee has fluctuated under pressure, and the RBI is keeping a close watch on the currency even as it prioritizes growth. Overall, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain stable – foreign reserves are healthy and the current account deficit is contained – but policymakers are balancing between fostering domestic demand and navigating international uncertainties.

Fiscal policy is complementing monetary easing by driving capital spending. The Union Budget 2025-26 (FY26) was enacted in late March, laying out an expansionary yet prudent roadmap for Asia’s third-largest economy. Total government expenditure is pegged at ₹50.65 lakh crore, up from ₹47.16 lakh crore in the revised estimates for the previous year. Despite this spending boost, the fiscal deficit is targeted at 4.4% of GDP, down from 4.8%, reflecting the government’s commitment to gradual fiscal consolidation. A major highlight is the emphasis on infrastructure: capital expenditure outlay has been raised to ₹11.21 trillion (₹11.21 lakh crore) for FY26 – the highest ever – to fuel roads, railways, defense production and other key sectors. (The effective capex, including grants for asset creation, is even larger at ₹15.5 trillion.) This continues India’s strategy of using public investment to “crowd in” private investment and generate jobs. In tandem, the Budget offered a moderate tax relief to the middle class – the income tax exemption limit was effectively increased, providing a fillip to disposable incomes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman balanced these measures with a realistic revenue projection, banking on steady GST collections and disinvestment proceeds. Economists have lauded the Budget’s focus on capex-led growth, digital innovation, and skilling, while maintaining a glide path to a 4.5% deficit by 2026. With general elections due next year, the Budget blends populism with reform: higher outlays for rural employment and food subsidy were announced, alongside schemes like the new AgriTech Mission and incentives for electric vehicle manufacturing. Early indicators suggest industrial output is picking up and consumer sentiment is positive in urban India, though rural demand remains a work in progress. The stock markets have been buoyant, with the benchmark Sensex hovering near record highs around 77,000 points as investors take heart from the robust economic outlook and political stability. Going forward, timely execution of the Budget’s proposals – from highway projects to health programs – will be key to sustaining India’s growth momentum in 2025 and beyond.

Science and Technology

India’s scientific and technological pursuits have been making headlines, reflecting a nation striding towards self-reliance and innovation. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront, commencing the year with a milestone launch. In late January, ISRO’s workhorse GSLV rocket successfully placed the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit on schedule. This mission, significant in its own right for strengthening the homegrown GPS-alternative NavIC system, also happened to be the 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota – a testament to India’s matured space capabilities. Looking ahead, ISRO is gearing up for its most ambitious project: Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission. On the R&D front, engineers completed the assembly of the Gaganyaan crew module at ISRO’s Bengaluru facility, integrating it with a sophisticated liquid-propulsion-based orientation system. This crew capsule – designed to carry Indian astronauts into low-earth orbit at ~400 km altitude – has now been dispatched to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala for outfitting with avionics. After installing communication, navigation, and life-support electronics, the module will be paired with its service module and moved to the launch site in Sriharikota. ISRO plans a series of uncrewed test flights (carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra) over the next year to validate re-entry, crew escape, and parachute landing systems. If all goes well, the first Indian astronauts since Rakesh Sharma could lift off by 2026. The space agency is also eyeing about 10 other launches in 2025 – including earth observation satellites and a Mars orbiter – as it steadily expands India’s space footprint. Meanwhile, global space cooperation continues: India’s collaboration with NASA on the NISAR earth-monitoring satellite remains on track for a launch soon, and the European Space Agency has agreed to support Gaganyaan mission tracking. All these efforts underline a new resolve: to make India a leading spacefaring nation with capabilities ranging from heavy-lift rockets to human spaceflight.

On the scientific research front, a groundbreaking national project has reached fruition. The Genome India Project (GIP) – an ambitious initiative to map the vast genetic diversity of India’s 1.4 billion people – successfully completed its first phase. After four years of work by a consortium of 20 institutions and over 100 scientists, the project has sequenced the entire genomes of 10,000 individuals from 83 diverse population groups across the country. This enormous genomic database (one of the world’s largest) has just yielded its initial insights, published in Nature Genetics. The data, though still under analysis, promises to unlock a trove of information for health and science. It will enable personalised medicine – doctors tailoring treatments based on a patient’s genetic makeup – and faster, more accurate diagnosis of hereditary diseases. Already, researchers have identified unique gene variants among Indian subpopulations that could influence drug efficacy and disease susceptibility. Beyond medicine, the genomic map sheds light on the evolutionary history and migration patterns of Indian ethnic groups, and how ancient peoples adapted to local climates and diets over millennia. Prime Minister Modi hailed the completion of GIP’s first phase as a “historic step in the world of science,” and plans are afoot to scale it up to 100,000 genomes. Scientists liken this to the Human Genome Project but for a single country’s mosaic of ethnicities – from the Himalayas to the Andamans. Ethicists have lauded GIP for its inclusive approach (ensuring representation of tribals and marginalized communities) and maintaining strict data privacy under the new Digital Personal Data Protection law. Indeed, tech policy saw movement this month as well: the government released draft rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, seeking public comments. These rules will operationalize India’s new data privacy regime, specifying how companies must handle user data and empowering users with rights over their information. In parallel, India’s push in artificial intelligence (AI) continues – the IT ministry is formulating a policy on AI ethics and deploying AI in governance (like language translation for courts). Indian startups are innovating in generative AI, and a Bangalore-based AI model recently made news for composing music and poetry in regional languages, showcasing the potential of homegrown AI solutions.

Globally, a significant tech legal battle kicked off that could have ramifications in India as well. In the United States, Meta (parent company of Facebook) faced a historic antitrust trial in a federal court that could potentially force it to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. The case, brought by the US FTC and state attorneys general, argues that Meta’s acquisitions of those platforms stifled competition. As proceedings began, experts noted this is the first major antitrust trial against a tech giant in the social media era, and its outcome may redefine how Big Tech operates. Meta has defended itself, saying consumers haven’t been harmed and that all apps continue to thrive under its umbrella. Tech watchers in India are closely following the trial – a breakup of Meta’s services would be felt by millions of Indian users and businesses on WhatsApp/Instagram. It also resonates with India’s own antitrust actions: the Competition Commission of India recently fined Google for abusing dominance in Android, and has probed Big Tech firms on app store and payment policies. In other science news, World Quantum Day (April 14) was observed with India’s Principal Scientific Adviser launching a new “Quantum Frontier” initiative to boost research in quantum computing and cryptography, aligning with India’s ₹8,000 crore National Quantum Mission announced last year. And on the environment-tech front, the Ministry of Science released a study on air pollution mitigation technologies, evaluating solutions from smog towers to biofuels as India battles severe urban pollution – a reminder that science and tech are increasingly being deployed to tackle the subcontinent’s pressing environmental challenges.

International Affairs

On the diplomatic and global front, India navigated a busy geopolitical landscape around April 14. Ties with the United States saw a minor hiccup due to a communication security controversy in Washington dubbed “Signalgate.” U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz abruptly postponed his planned visit to New Delhi amid an uproar over leaked chats on an encrypted app, which had shaken the White House inner circle. Waltz, who was expected in India for a strategic dialogue, reportedly fell out of favor with President Trump after the Signalgate fiasco and is treading on thin ice politically. Indian officials downplayed the cancellation, noting that bilateral engagements remain on track. In fact, the U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance is scheduled to visit India later this month, and both sides are working to ensure Waltz’s trip is rescheduled soon. Meanwhile, Indo-U.S. economic relations made positive strides. Negotiators from New Delhi and Washington finalized the terms of reference for the first phase of a bilateral trade deal, aiming for a “win-win” pact within 90 days. This comes after President Trump’s temporary pause on tariff hikes provided breathing room for talks. The envisioned trade deal would boost two-way trade towards a $500 billion target by 2030. As a gesture of goodwill, India has tightened scrutiny to prevent any routing of third-country goods to the U.S., after making clear it won’t retaliate to tariff threats. These developments underscore the pragmatic approach both nations are taking: separating strategic convergence from occasional trade spats. Indeed, at the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), India and the U.S. (along with Japan and Australia) continue to coordinate on Indo-Pacific security, even as economic issues are thrashed out bilaterally. Observers say the deepening defense ties – from joint military exercises to tech-sharing under the iCET initiative – are keeping the partnership resilient despite trade tensions.

In India’s immediate neighborhood, South Asia, there have been significant diplomatic exchanges. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi undertook a landmark visit to Sri Lanka (April 4–6) that witnessed a flurry of agreements to bolster the island nation’s post-crisis recovery and strategic alignment with India. During Modi’s trip – his first to Colombo since Sri Lanka’s economic meltdown – the two countries signed seven MoUs spanning defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, trade and more, signaling a new era of cooperation. A Defence Cooperation Agreement was inked as a centerpiece, under which India will provide training, equipment and cooperation to Sri Lanka’s military, marking the first such pact between the neighbors. Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake assured that his country “will not allow its territory to be used in any manner that could threaten India’s security interests,” directly addressing India’s concerns about Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. On the energy front, both sides agreed to jointly develop the strategic Trincomalee oil tank farm and a solar power project, pushing Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy. In a special gesture, Sri Lanka conferred its highest honor for a foreign leader – the “Mithra Vibhushana” medal – on PM Modi, acknowledging India’s crucial support during Colombo’s time of need (including financial aid and essential supplies during the 2022 crisis). The visit, replete with a grand ceremonial welcome for Modi at Colombo’s Independence Square, underscored India’s policy of “Neighborhood First” and its intent to remain the primary partner for Sri Lanka, thereby countering rival influences. Similarly, in the Maldives, an infrastructure cooperation pact for harbor development was finalized recently, and with Nepal India is expediting cross-border rail and power projects – although those were not headline events on April 14, they form part of the continuum of regional outreach.

Beyond the neighborhood, India is expanding ties with regions that traditionally saw less engagement. In a significant development, Gabriel Boric, the President of Chile, visited India from April 1–5 on his first state visit. The two youthful leaders – Boric and Modi – discussed a comprehensive agenda, commemorating 76 years of diplomatic relations. They agreed to deepen trade (bilateral trade has crossed $3.5 billion, focusing on copper, lithium, pharma, IT services), collaborate in mining and green energy, and work together on cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, Chile invited Indian companies to participate in its lithium mining (vital for EV batteries), while supporting India’s bid for reformed multilateralism. The visit underscored India’s growing focus on Latin America as an emerging market and a source of critical minerals. In Africa, preparations are underway for the Afro-India Summit later this year, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has just concluded a tour of Mozambique and South Africa to shore up maritime cooperation and G20 priorities (South Africa hosts BRICS 2025). Meanwhile, India continues to play a constructive role on global issues: at the United Nations, India advocated for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war, taking a nuanced stance that has been appreciated by many developing countries. India is also actively pushing for reform of multilateral institutions – a point Modi raised at the second Summit for Democracy (held virtually in early April) – arguing that global decision-making must reflect the voice of the Global South. Additionally, as chair of the Global Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction this year, New Delhi hosted a conference on disaster-resilient infrastructure, sharing its expertise in managing cyclones and floods with other vulnerable nations. On the multilateral trade front, India is negotiating free trade agreements with the UK and the EU; though talks are progressing slowly, April saw mutual assurances to overcome sticking points on market access and intellectual property. And in a symbolic but telling gesture on April 14, India sent a congratulatory message to neighboring Bangladesh on Bangla New Year (Pohela Boishakh), highlighting cultural camaraderie even as strategic ties (energy sharing, border management) are strengthened. All in all, India’s external engagements around this date reflect a confident nation asserting its interests – securing its neighborhood, deepening key partnerships, and voicing issues of concern – as it carves out a larger role on the world stage.

Environment and Defence

As summer sets in, climate and environmental issues are making news alongside defense advancements. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided a cautiously reassuring forecast that the upcoming 2025 southwest monsoon is likely to be normal, with climatologists ruling out an El Niño event during the critical rainy season. Normally, an El Niño (warming of the Pacific Ocean) spells weaker monsoons for India, so its absence bodes well for agricultural output. However, the IMD warned of a different concern: the country faces a potentially hotter-than-usual summer, with an elevated number of heatwave days expected across many states. Above-normal temperatures are already being recorded in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Central India, prompting authorities to roll out Heat Action Plans in vulnerable districts. April saw the mercury soar above 45°C in a few places – an ominous start to what could be an intense pre-monsoon summer. The Ministry of Home Affairs has alerted state disaster management agencies to prepare cooling centers and ensure water availability as part of climate adaptation efforts. At the same time, India’s longer-term climate change mitigation actions continue steadily. The government highlighted that it has achieved 175 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, inching closer to the 2030 target of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity. Massive solar parks in Rajasthan and floating solar projects in Kerala are coming online, while India’s first National Hydrogen Mission pilot projects (for green hydrogen) are underway. In wildlife conservation, there was uplifting news from the grasslands of Kuno National Park: several of the African cheetahs reintroduced last year have adapted well, and one of the females is reportedly pregnant, raising hopes for the first cheetah cubs born on Indian soil in over 70 years. And as India observed Earth Day 2025 (April 22) in the following week, the government planned to showcase its LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative encouraging sustainable living. The Ministry of Environment also released a draft policy on wildlife corridors to facilitate safe passage for elephants and big cats, a policy sparked by recent human-wildlife conflict incidents. In the Himalayas, scientists are monitoring accelerating glacial melt – April’s heat caused rapid snowmelt in parts of Uttarakhand – underlining the urgency for climate resilience. Indian delegates are preparing to attend the upcoming COP30 climate conference where India will push for climate finance and technology transfer to developing countries. With rising extreme weather events (just last week, unseasonal rains and hailstorms damaged crops in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality the nation is grappling with.

On the defence front, India’s military and strategic capabilities saw notable developments. A pathbreaking multinational naval exercise – the Africa-India Maritime Engagement – kicked off for the first time. The inaugural AIKEYME 2025 exercise (short for “Africa India Key Maritime Engagement”, and meaning “unity” in Sanskrit) began on April 13 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Over six days, the navies of 10 countries – India and nine East African coastal nations including Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and others – are conducting joint drills both in harbor and at sea. Three Indian warships (INS Chennai, INS Kesari, and the patrol vessel Sagar) docked in Tanzania for the exercise, alongside warships and aircraft from the African partners. The exercise focuses on maritime security cooperation, including anti-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and interoperability training. Sailors from all 10 countries will also embark on IOS Sagar (India’s ocean-going training ship) for a 35-day voyage as part of the initiative, fostering camaraderie and knowledge exchange. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off this mission from Goa, hailing it as a first-of-its-kind India-Africa naval drill that embodies India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)” and its extension, MAHASAGAR, for holistic maritime cooperation. The Indian Navy Chief, Admiral D.K. Tripathi, who was in Tanzania for the exercise, called it a “transformative exercise” that will pave the way for regular Indo-African maritime engagements. Indeed, as geopolitical competition rises in the Indian Ocean – notably China’s expanding naval forays – India is strengthening ties with littoral states, offering itself as a net security provider in the region.

On the home front, India is also bolstering its defense arsenal. In a major procurement move, the government’s apex security panel, the CCS, approved the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This ₹63,000 crore deal with France is India’s biggest ever fighter acquisition and will equip the Navy’s aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya) with advanced 4.5-generation jets. The naval Rafales, to be delivered by Dassault Aviation, will significantly enhance the Navy’s air power and maritime strike capability – a timely addition as INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous carrier commissioned last year, becomes fully operational. Alongside, the CCS also cleared procurement of three more Scorpene-class submarines to augment underwater strength. April further saw the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test-fire an extended-range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a naval warship in the Bay of Bengal, hitting a target ~450 km away with pinpoint accuracy. This successful test validates the Navy’s ability to strike targets at longer ranges, a deterrence boost vis-à-vis adversaries. Additionally, the Army took delivery of the first domestically-upgraded Arjun Mk-1A main battle tanks, featuring improved firepower and night-fighting capabilities, for deployment in desert sectors. In terms of defence diplomacy, right after AIKEYME, India will participate in the Malabar naval exercise with the U.S., Japan, and Australia later this spring, and plans are underway for tri-service exercises with friendly nations. Also notable is India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping: an Indian Army battalion was praised by the UN for its effective civic programs in South Sudan this month, reflecting the military’s soft power outreach. As for internal security, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that insurgency incidents in the Northeast hit a record low in early 2025, thanks to peace accords and sustained security operations – an encouraging sign that decades-old conflicts are abating. Taken together, these updates portray an Indian defense establishment that is active on multiple fronts: sharpening its teeth through new weaponry and exercises, and extending a helping hand through cooperation and stabilization efforts in the region.

Sports Highlights

India’s sports enthusiasts have much to cheer about from recent events, spanning cricket, shooting, and more. The nation’s cricket team conquered a long-standing frontier by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, bringing home an ICC ODI trophy after more than a decade. In a pulsating final held at Dubai International Stadium on March 9, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets to clinch the Champions Trophy title. Chasing a target of 252, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a sparkling 76 runs to anchor the innings. The Men in Blue held their nerve to reach the target with an over to spare, sparking celebrations among Indian fans worldwide. This victory is particularly sweet as it comes on the heels of India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year, ending what was an 11-year ICC trophy drought. The Champions Trophy win underscores India’s resurgence in white-ball cricket – a testament to the team’s blend of experienced stalwarts and fearless youngsters. Veteran Virat Kohli and rising star Shubman Gill were among the tournament’s top run-getters, and the bowling unit, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin, delivered consistently. The BCCI announced a hefty bonus for the champions, and back home, the team was felicitated by the Prime Minister, who lauded their achievement as “one that will inspire the youth”. With this momentum, India is already looking ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (which it will host) and the ODI World Cup in 2027. In domestic cricket, even as the IPL 2025 season captivates millions (MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings and Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants are among the top contenders at the midway stage), the triumph on the international stage remains the crowning glory of the year so far.

India’s shooters have also hit the bullseye, quite literally, in the opening international tournaments of 2025. At the season’s first ISSF Shooting World Cup held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Indian sharpshooters delivered an outstanding performance to finish second in the overall medals tally – a strong start on the road to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Indian contingent amassed a rich haul of four gold, two silver and two bronze medals, coming in just behind shooting powerhouse China (which had five golds). The gold rush for India was led by familiar names as well as new faces. Reigning world champion Sift Kaur Samra clinched gold in women’s 50m rifle 3 positions, teenage sensation Suruchi Phogat stunned the field to win gold in women’s 10m air pistol, Olympian Rudrankksh Patil took gold in men’s 10m air rifle, and ace shooter Vijayveer Sidhu topped the podium in men’s 25m rapid fire pistol. Each of these victories not only adds to India’s medal tally but also boosts confidence ahead of upcoming Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers. In addition, India bagged silver in mixed team rifle and another in men’s air pistol, plus bronzes in other team events, underscoring depth in multiple disciplines. Particularly heartening was the performance of 19-year-old Suruchi Phogat, who showed maturity beyond her years – her breakthrough gold marks her as a talent to watch. The coaches credit improved sports science support and the experience gained from the domestic league (the Indian National Shooting Championship) for this success. Back home, the National Rifle Association announced cash rewards for the medallists. With shooting historically delivering a chunk of India’s Olympic medals, these results bode well for the nation’s prospects on the bigger stages soon.

In other sports updates, Indian athletes continue to excel globally. The Indian women’s wrestling team bagged 2 gold and 3 bronze medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Astana, with star wrestler Vinesh Phogat dominating the 53kg category. The Indian men’s hockey team, meanwhile, reached the final of the Asian Champions Trophy, reaffirming its regional dominance. Badminton ace P.V. Sindhu made it to the semifinals of the All England Open in March, and although she missed the finals, her form is picking up after a slow start to the year. Off the field, India’s sports administration saw a positive development as well: World Athletics (the international body) lifted the remaining doping-related sanctions on India’s athletics federation, citing improved compliance – a fillip for Indian track and field hopes. In tennis, India’s doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna announced that he will retire later this year, as he turned 45 – he leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s longest-serving tennis icons, with a Davis Cup career spanning two decades. And in a proud moment, teenage chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 8 after a string of strong performances on the Grand Chess Tour; he is the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to enter the world top-10, underlining India’s rise as a chess powerhouse. Lastly, on April 14 itself, football legend Lionel Messi made headlines off the pitch – his close friend Luis Suarez hinted that Messi might reconsider retirement and aim to play the 2026 World Cup, sparking excitement among fans. Indian football fans, who avidly follow global soccer, joined in the buzz on social media. Closer to home, the Indian U-17 women’s football team won the SAFF Championship, defending their title with an unbeaten run. Each of these sporting achievements and milestones – big or small – contributes to a growing sporting culture in India. As government schemes like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium bear fruit, and IPL-style leagues in various sports continue to unearth talent, India is steadily transforming into a multi-sport nation. Sports aficionados preparing for competitive exams would do well to note these accomplishments, as they not only instill national pride but also often find their way into examination questions.

【References】 Current affairs information is drawn from reputable news outlets and official sources, including The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, PIB, PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, and Reuters. These updates for 14 April 2025 capture a snapshot of India and the world, offering aspirants a competitive edge with factual, relevant knowledge.

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which high-profile fugitive was arrested in Belgium recently in connection with the ₹13,000 crore PNB bank fraud case?
Option 1: Vijay Mallya
Option 2: Nirav Modi
Option 3: Sanjeev Choksi
Option 4: Lalit Modi
Option 5: Mehul Choksi
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,000 crore PNB scam, was arrested in Belgium after a global search. India has sent a CBI and ED team to expedite the extradition process.

Question 2: Which key reform legislation was introduced to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961?
Option 1: Taxation Reforms Bill, 2025
Option 2: Direct Taxes Code, 2025
Option 3: Income Tax Bill, 2025
Option 4: Tax Simplification Bill, 2025
Option 5: Fiscal Code Amendment Bill, 2025
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The government introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, to modernize and replace the outdated 1961 Act, aiming for simplification and alignment with current economic realities.

Question 3: What was the repo rate set by the RBI in its recent monetary policy review?
Option 1: 6.25%
Option 2: 5.75%
Option 3: 6.5%
Option 4: 6.0%
Option 5: 5.5%
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate to 6.0%, continuing its accommodative stance to support growth amid global uncertainties and falling inflation.

Question 4: Which country conferred its highest civilian award “Mithra Vibhushana” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
Option 1: Bangladesh
Option 2: Bhutan
Option 3: Nepal
Option 4: Maldives
Option 5: Sri Lanka
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: During his visit to Colombo, Prime Minister Modi was honored with Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award “Mithra Vibhushana” for India’s support during their economic crisis.

Question 5: Which city hosted the AIKEYME 2025 naval exercise between India and East African nations?
Option 1: Mombasa
Option 2: Maputo
Option 3: Dar es Salaam
Option 4: Nairobi
Option 5: Port Louis
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The AIKEYME 2025 exercise commenced in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involving the navies of India and nine East African countries to promote maritime security cooperation.

Question 6: What is the total capital expenditure outlay in the Union Budget 2025–26?
Option 1: ₹13.2 lakh crore
Option 2: ₹10.5 lakh crore
Option 3: ₹11.21 lakh crore
Option 4: ₹9.8 lakh crore
Option 5: ₹12.3 lakh crore
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹11.21 lakh crore for capital expenditure, the highest ever, to fuel infrastructure growth across roads, railways, and defense.

Question 7: Which Indian mission completed sequencing genomes of 10,000 individuals across diverse populations?
Option 1: Bharat Genome Project
Option 2: Genomics India Initiative
Option 3: DNA Bharat
Option 4: Genome India Project
Option 5: Indian Genetic Mapping Mission
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Genome India Project successfully sequenced genomes from 83 Indian population groups, offering valuable data for personalized medicine and disease research.

Question 8: Which ISRO mission was marked as the 100th launch from Sriharikota?
Option 1: NISAR
Option 2: GSAT-11
Option 3: NVS-02
Option 4: RISAT-2BR2
Option 5: EOS-04
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The launch of NVS-02, a navigation satellite, became the 100th mission from ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport, strengthening India’s indigenous NavIC navigation system.

Question 9: What is the revised GDP growth forecast by the RBI for FY 2025–26?
Option 1: 7.1%
Option 2: 6.5%
Option 3: 6.8%
Option 4: 6.2%
Option 5: 6.0%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The RBI revised India’s GDP growth estimate to 6.5% for FY 2025–26, factoring in global uncertainties and a moderated domestic demand outlook.

Question 10: Which antitrust case has recently been initiated against Meta in the U.S.?
Option 1: App Store Monopoly Case
Option 2: Platform Regulation Bill Trial
Option 3: Social Media Fair Use Suit
Option 4: Meta Antitrust Trial
Option 5: FTC vs Meta Consolidation Case
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: A significant antitrust trial began against Meta in the U.S., questioning its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp for reducing competition in social media.

Question 11: Which Indian scientific mission is associated with human spaceflight preparation?
Option 1: Vyom Bharat
Option 2: Prithvi-II
Option 3: Gaganyaan
Option 4: Manav Yatra
Option 5: Bharatiya Antariksh
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission is India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, and the assembly of its crew module was recently completed in Bengaluru.

Question 12: Which state experienced violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?
Option 1: Bihar
Option 2: Uttar Pradesh
Option 3: Maharashtra
Option 4: West Bengal
Option 5: Rajasthan
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Murshidabad district in West Bengal saw communal tensions and clashes in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, prompting a Calcutta High Court directive and central force deployment.

Question 13: Which nation did India finalize a trade deal negotiation framework with, aiming for a pact in 90 days?
Option 1: European Union
Option 2: Australia
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: United States
Option 5: Canada
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India and the United States finalized the framework to negotiate the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, targeting completion within 90 days.

Question 14: Which cricket team did India defeat in the final to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Option 1: Australia
Option 2: South Africa
Option 3: England
Option 4: Pakistan
Option 5: New Zealand
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final held in Dubai, ending an ICC ODI trophy drought of over a decade.

Question 15: Who won the gold medal in women’s 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires?
Option 1: Manu Bhaker
Option 2: Esha Singh
Option 3: Suruchi Phogat
Option 4: Heena Sidhu
Option 5: Rahi Sarnobat
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Young shooter Suruchi Phogat clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking her breakthrough performance at the ISSF World Cup.

Question 16: What is the main goal of India’s new wildlife corridor policy draft?
Option 1: Ban poaching in tiger reserves
Option 2: Increase forest cover by 10%
Option 3: Facilitate animal migration between habitats
Option 4: Restrict tourism in sensitive zones
Option 5: Expand national parks
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The draft wildlife corridor policy aims to create safe migration routes for animals like elephants and big cats to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Question 17: What was the theme of the India-led AIKEYME naval exercise?
Option 1: Blue Ocean Strategy
Option 2: Security and Growth for All in the Region
Option 3: Ocean Peace Network
Option 4: Maritime Unity Drill
Option 5: Coastal Vigilance India
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The AIKEYME exercise aligns with India’s SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to strengthen maritime security cooperation with African partners.

Question 18: Which Indian chess player entered the world top-10 rankings recently?
Option 1: Arjun Erigaisi
Option 2: Pentala Harikrishna
Option 3: D. Gukesh
Option 4: R. Praggnanandhaa
Option 5: Vidit Gujrathi
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Teenage Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa reached a career-high world ranking of No. 8, becoming the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to enter the top-10.

Question 19: What is the primary objective of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act rules released recently?
Option 1: Promote telecom competition
Option 2: Increase social media taxes
Option 3: Regulate OTT platforms
Option 4: Control cryptocurrency
Option 5: Enforce user data privacy
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The draft rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, focus on defining how companies manage user data and protect individual privacy rights.

Question 20: Which sports event saw India finish second in the overall medals tally behind China?
Option 1: Asian

Check out this related article: Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English 7-13 April 2025

Games 2025
Option 2: Commonwealth Youth Games
Option 3: ISSF Shooting World Cup
Option 4: World Athletics Championships
Option 5: SAFF Championship
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India secured the second position at the ISSF Shooting World Cup in Buenos Aires, with multiple golds led by top shooters like Sift Kaur Samra and Rudrankksh Patil.