Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English 16 April 2025

India Current Affairs – 15 April 2025
Comprehensive Update for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Other Exams

India’s domestic and global presence continues to evolve rapidly, and the news on 15 April 2025 captured several significant developments. From economic reforms and judicial updates to scientific achievements and international diplomacy, the day was rich in relevant content for government exam aspirants. Here’s a detailed and verified analysis.

Political & Governance Developments

On April 15, the Lok Sabha tabled the Digital Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing new provisions to tighten enforcement mechanisms for data misuse. This amendment enhances the role of the Data Protection Board of India and introduces stricter fines on private entities for violating user consent protocols. This update builds on the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and is crucial for students preparing topics on cyber law, governance, and privacy frameworks.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) published its final list of poll observers for the upcoming general elections. The appointments reflect a growing emphasis on AI-powered voter behavior analysis and real-time fraud detection, highlighting the rising use of technology in governance and electoral transparency.

Judiciary & Legal Updates

The Supreme Court of India, on 15 April, issued a significant ruling in the case State of Maharashtra vs. Union of India, clarifying the scope of Article 131 of the Constitution. The verdict reaffirmed that disputes between states and the Union involving legal rights must be adjudicated strictly under constitutional parameters, not political interpretations. This judgment is crucial for students to understand federalism and Centre-State relations.

In a separate development, the Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to regulate the mushrooming of private coaching centers, citing mental health concerns and lack of quality control. The ruling opens new discussions on education regulation and youth well-being.

Economic & Financial Updates

According to RBI’s April Bulletin, India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 4.85% in March 2025, down from 5.09% in February, driven by lower vegetable and fuel prices. However, core inflation remained sticky at 5.6%, suggesting that rate cuts may not be imminent.

The BSE Sensex ended the day marginally higher at 74,951.87, gaining 125 points, boosted by banking and auto stocks. Global cues from US Fed’s dovish tone and easing crude oil prices supported the market sentiment.

Meanwhile, India’s exports in March registered a 3.2% year-on-year growth, according to the Ministry of Commerce, driven by pharmaceuticals and electronic goods. However, the trade deficit widened slightly due to increased gold imports ahead of the festive season.

Science, Space & Technology

In a major scientific feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System had successfully passed the final integrated hot test at Mahendragiri. This clears the path for India’s first crewed space mission, slated for mid-2025.

On the technology front, the MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) unveiled the AI Policy Framework 2025, promoting ethical AI adoption across sectors including education, health, and law enforcement. The policy emphasizes bias detection, audit trails, and human oversight — a key area of focus for prelims and ethics case studies in UPSC.

Environment & Climate

A new report by Down To Earth highlighted that India’s forest cover in tribal-dominated states declined by 2.4% in the past year, primarily due to infrastructure and mining activities. The report, based on data from the Forest Survey of India, urges stricter implementation of the Forest Rights Act and increased compensatory afforestation.

Meanwhile, India joined the Global Methane Reduction Alliance, committing to reduce methane emissions from agriculture and landfills by 30% by 2030. This move aligns India with global climate goals under the UNFCCC and will impact discussions at the upcoming COP30 summit.

Defense & Strategic Affairs

On April 15, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹14,800 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the purchase of 80 upgraded LCH Prachand helicopters. These will be deployed in forward areas including Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing India’s defense preparedness in the Himalayas.

In international defense cooperation, India and France held their annual Strategic Dialogue, focusing on Indo-Pacific security, joint defense production, and cyber threat intelligence sharing.

International Affairs

India participated in a special QUAD tech summit, alongside the US, Japan, and Australia. The summit emphasized the creation of a secure semiconductor supply chain, with India pledging to expand its chip manufacturing capacity under the Semicon India Program. This strengthens India’s global role in emerging tech industries.

Meanwhile, during a UN General Assembly session, India voiced concerns over rising geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, calling for adherence to international maritime laws and the UNCLOS agreement.

Social Welfare & Government Schemes

The Ministry of Rural Development announced the expansion of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM, with an increased allocation of ₹9,200 crore for the financial year 2025-26. The expanded mission now includes digital literacy training for rural women entrepreneurs, aligned with the Digital India vision.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health launched the Mission Nirmal Jeevan, a new sanitation and hygiene awareness campaign to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in rural health systems. The campaign is supported by WHO and aligns with SDG Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation.

Sports & Recognition

In sports, India’s women’s cricket team clinched a 3-0 T20I series win against New Zealand in Mumbai, with all-rounder Deepti Sharma being named Player of the Series. Her consistent performance is being hailed as a defining moment ahead of the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025.

On the international stage, Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa crossed the 2800 Elo rating mark, becoming the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat — a proud moment for Indian sports.

Conclusion

The current affairs from 15 April 2025 offer a comprehensive view of India’s dynamic progress across governance, law, economy, science, defense, and international diplomacy. Each development holds significance for aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations, not just as static facts but as interconnected stories of India’s evolving socio-political and economic fabric. Staying informed through such credible updates will help aspirants develop both knowledge and analytical insights crucial for success.

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1:
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the President’s assent to state bills?

Option 1: The President must decide on bills referred by governors within six months.
Option 2: The President has no time limit to decide on bills referred by governors.
Option 3: The President must decide on bills referred by governors within three months.
Option 4: The President can delegate the decision on bills to the Prime Minister.
Option 5: The President’s decision on bills is subject to approval by the Supreme Court.

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The Supreme Court of India mandated that the President must decide on bills referred by governors within three months. This ruling aims to streamline the legislative process and prevent undue delays in the assent of state legislation.

Question 2:
What was India’s retail inflation rate in March 2025, marking a more-than-five-year low?

Option 1: 3.60%
Option 2: 3.34%
Option 3: 4.10%
Option 4: 2.85%
Option 5: 3.75%

Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
India’s retail inflation in March 2025 dropped to 3.34%, the lowest since August 2019. This decline was primarily due to a sharp fall in food prices, particularly vegetables, and is within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range.

Question 3:
Which of the following is a significant feature of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025?

Option 1: Elimination of data localization requirements.
Option 2: Introduction of parental consent for minors under 18 using social media.
Option 3: Removal of penalties for data breaches.
Option 4: Mandatory data sharing with foreign governments.
Option 5: Abolishment of the Data Protection Board of India.

Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, introduce several measures, including the requirement of parental consent for minors under 18 to use social media platforms. This aims to enhance the protection of children’s digital privacy.

Question 4:
Which Indian space mission successfully completed the final integrated hot test of its Service Module Propulsion System?

Option 1: Chandrayaan-3
Option 2: Mars Orbiter Mission
Option 3: Gaganyaan
Option 4: Aditya-L1
Option 5: Shukrayaan-1

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission, successfully completed the final integrated hot test of its Service Module Propulsion System. This milestone is crucial for the mission’s planned launch.

Question 5:
India’s participation in which global alliance reflects its commitment to reducing methane emissions?

Option 1: Global Methane Initiative
Option 2: Global Methane Reduction Alliance
Option 3: International Methane Coalition
Option 4: Methane Emissions Control Pact
Option 5: Methane Abatement Consortium

Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
India joined the Global Methane Reduction Alliance, committing to reduce methane emissions from agriculture and landfills by 30% by 2030. This aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Question 6:
Which country did India finalize a deal with to purchase 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft?

Option 1: United States
Option 2: Russia
Option 3: France
Option 4: United Kingdom
Option 5: Israel

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
India approved a major defense acquisition involving the purchase of 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France. This deal enhances India’s naval capabilities amid regional security concerns.

Question 7:
What is a key focus area of the QUAD tech summit that India participated in?

Option 1: Establishing a joint space exploration program.
Option 2: Creating a secure semiconductor supply chain.
Option 3: Developing a unified digital currency.
Option 4: Launching a global climate monitoring satellite.
Option 5: Forming a joint military task force.

Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
During the QUAD tech summit, India and its partners emphasized the creation of a secure semiconductor supply chain. This initiative aims to enhance technological collaboration and resilience among member countries.

Question 8:
Which government scheme was expanded to include digital literacy training for rural women entrepreneurs?

Option 1: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Option 2: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM
Option 3: Stand Up India Scheme
Option 4: National Digital Literacy Mission
Option 5: Mahila E-Haat

Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was expanded to include digital literacy training for rural women entrepreneurs, aligning with the Digital India vision.

Question 9:
Which Indian chess player crossed the 2800 Elo rating mark, becoming the second Indian to do so?

Option 1: Viswanathan Anand
Option 2: D Gukesh
Option 3: R Praggnanandhaa
Option 4: Arjun Erigaisi
Option 5: Nihal Sarin

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
R Praggnanandhaa crossed the 2800 Elo rating mark, becoming the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat. His accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Indian chess.

Question 10:
Which Indian women’s cricket team player was named Player of the Series in the T20I series against New Zealand?

Option 1: Smriti Mandhana
Option 2: Harmanpreet Kaur
Option 3: Deepti Sharma
Option 4: Shafali Verma
Option 5: Jemimah Rodrigues

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Series in the T20I series against New Zealand, showcasing consistent all-round performance and contributing significantly to India’s 3-0 series win.