Current Affairs Update: April 17, 2025 – A Comprehensive Overview for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Government Exams
Introduction
For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government recruitment processes, staying updated with current affairs is crucial. The events of April 17, 2025, offer a snapshot of India’s dynamic political, economic, and global landscape. This article, sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu (Top News), The Indian Express (Front Page), Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, BBC News (India News), Reuters (Environment News), and Down To Earth (Latest News), provides an in-depth, engaging, and exam-focused overview to help you gain a knowledge advantage.
Politics & Governance
The political scene on April 17, 2025, was dominated by legal battles and social unrest. The Supreme Court of India continued its scrutiny of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, questioning provisions allowing non-Muslims on waqf boards and the denotification of waqf properties (Supreme Court Hearing). The court asked whether similar rules could apply to Hindu endowments, highlighting the delicate balance between religious autonomy and state oversight. This hearing followed the introduction of the bill by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, which aims to improve transparency in waqf property management (Waqf Bill).
The new Waqf law sparked violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where three people, including Hargobindo Das (72) and Chandan Das (40), lost their lives (Murshidabad Violence). Over 150 arrests were made, and the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central Armed Forces to restore order (Protests). Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of prioritizing vote bank politics over social justice, intensifying the political debate (PM Modi’s Remarks).
In another significant ruling, the Supreme Court permitted the West Bengal government to retain ‘untainted’ teachers while mandating fresh hiring by December 31, 2025, addressing irregularities in teacher recruitment (Teacher Recruitment). The court also scheduled a hearing for May 14, 2025, on petitions challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law, reflecting ongoing concerns about electoral transparency (CEC Hearing).
Robert Vadra faced questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second day in a 2008 Haryana land deal case, with the Congress alleging political vendetta (Vadra ED). The Congress also held nationwide protests against the ED’s chargesheet in the National Herald case, which named Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, calling it a “fake” case (National Herald).
In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren was elected president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), succeeding his father Shibu Soren. He pledged to represent the poor, deprived, and youth (JMM Election). In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami ruled out a coalition government post-2026 elections, despite alliance talks with the BJP (AIADMK Stance).
A fatwa issued by the All India Muslim Jamaat cautioned Muslims against inviting actor-turned-politician Vijay to programs, citing his portrayal of Muslims as terrorists in films (Fatwa). Comedian Kunal Kamra received interim protection from arrest by the Bombay High Court in an FIR case over remarks against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (Kamra Case).
In Nagpur, the Municipal Commissioner apologized to the Bombay High Court for illegal demolitions during riots, claiming ignorance of Supreme Court guidelines (Nagpur Violence). The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) banned 35 unapproved fixed-dose combination drugs, including painkillers and anti-diabetics, to ensure public safety (Drug Ban).
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Waqf Act | Supreme Court questions provisions; violence in Murshidabad | The Hindu, Indian Express |
| West Bengal Teachers | Supreme Court allows retention, sets hiring deadline | The Hindu |
| National Herald | Congress protests ED chargesheet | The Hindu |
| JMM Leadership | Hemant Soren elected president | The Hindu |
Economy
The economic developments on April 17, 2025, highlighted India’s infrastructure ambitions and global trade challenges. The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, set for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, is poised to enhance India’s maritime trade and connectivity (Vizhinjam Seaport).
Globally, the United States remained India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in 2024-25. However, India’s trade deficit with China widened to $99.2 billion, raising concerns about dumping (Trade Data). The World Trade Organization (WTO) slashed its 2025 trade growth forecast from 3.0% to a 0.2% decline, citing potential disruptions from U.S. tariffs (WTO Forecast).
A unique innovation was the installation of India’s first ATM on a train, the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, provided by a private bank on an experimental basis (ATM on Train). However, economic challenges persisted, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raiding over 50 locations, including the residence of EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti, in a money laundering case linked to the Mahadev betting app scam (Mahadev Case). The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) found that Gensol misled investors by claiming 30,000 pre-orders for electric vehicles at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January (Sebi Findings).
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vizhinjam Seaport | Inauguration set for May 2, 2025 | The Hindu |
| U.S. Trade | Largest trading partner, $131.84 billion | The Hindu |
| WTO Forecast | Trade growth cut to 0.2% | The Hindu |
| Sebi on Gensol | Misleading EV pre-order claims | Indian Express |
Science & Technology
While April 17, 2025, did not feature groundbreaking scientific discoveries, it saw notable advancements in global health and domestic innovation. Globally, countries finalized the WHO Pandemic Accord, a landmark agreement to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, addressing lessons from the Covid-19 crisis (WHO Accord).
In India, the Central Railway introduced the first ATM on a train on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, a step towards integrating technology with transportation (ATM on Train). This initiative, provided by a private bank, aims to enhance passenger convenience and could set a precedent for similar innovations.
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WHO Pandemic Accord | Global agreement on pandemic preparedness | The Hindu |
| ATM on Train | First ATM on Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express | The Hindu |
International Relations
India’s global engagement was a key focus on April 17, 2025. U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance announced a visit to India from April 21 to 24, 2025, to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launch the India-U.S. technology partnership TRUST, a follow-up to Modi’s February visit to Washington (Vance Visit). The visit includes official engagements in Delhi and private tours in Jaipur and Agra, signaling strengthened bilateral ties.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the Northeastern region as a gateway to Southeast Asia during the North East Investors Summit 2025, countering Bangladesh’s interim government’s “landlocked” remark (Northeast Gateway). This vision positions the region as a hub for trade and connectivity.
Globally, Israeli troops are set to remain indefinitely in security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, complicating ceasefire talks with Hamas and raising concerns about regional stability (Israel Conflict).
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vance Visit | U.S. Vice-President to meet PM Modi | The Hindu |
| Northeast Gateway | Jaishankar’s strategic vision | The Hindu |
| Israel Conflict | Troops to stay in conflict zones | The Hindu |
Environment & Ecology
No major environmental news broke on April 17, 2025, but ongoing issues remained critical. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had warned of intense heatwaves in northern and central India, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C, posing risks to vulnerable populations (Heatwave Warning). Globally, the United Nations shipping agency agreed on measures to reduce fuel emissions and introduce CO2 fees, a step towards sustainable shipping (UN Shipping Deal).
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Heatwave Warning | IMD predicts high temperatures | BBC News |
| UN Shipping Deal | Emission reduction measures | Reuters |
Defense
There were no specific defense-related developments on April 17, 2025. However, India’s defense sector continues to prioritize modernization, cybersecurity, and border infrastructure to address evolving security challenges.
Sports
Sports news on April 17, 2025, focused on cricket and governance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) relieved coaches Abhishek Nayar and T. Dilip of their duties ahead of the five-Test series in England starting in June 2025, aiming to optimize team performance (BCCI Reshuffle). The Supreme Court considered establishing an inquiry panel to probe the affairs of sports bodies, addressing governance concerns (Sports Probe).
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw competitive matches, with teams like Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals engaging in thrilling encounters (IPL Updates). Players like Mitchell Starc and Rohit Sharma made headlines for their performances.
| Topic | Key Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI Reshuffle | Coaches relieved for England series | The Hindu |
| Sports Probe | Supreme Court considers inquiry panel | The Hindu |
| IPL 2025 | Competitive matches continue | Indian Express |
Conclusion
April 17, 2025, was a day of significant developments across politics, economy, science, international relations, and sports. From the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the Waqf Act to the WTO’s trade forecast cut and J.D. Vance’s upcoming visit, these events reflect India’s complex role in a rapidly changing world. For students, understanding these developments is essential for excelling in competitive exams. This article provides a detailed, accessible, and exam-focused resource to help you stay ahead.
Key Citations
- Top News of the Day: April 17, 2025 – The Hindu
- The Hindu Morning Digest, April 17, 2025
- The Indian Express Front Page News
- Supreme Court Questions Centre on Waqf Act – Indian Express
- Supreme Court Hearing on Waqf Law – Indian Express
- Murshidabad Communal Violence in Bengal – Indian Express
- Protests Against Waqf Law in Bengal – Indian Express
- PM Modi on Waqf Law and Social Justice – Indian Express
- J.D. Vance to Visit India – Indian Express
- Sebi Findings on Gensol Misconduct – Indian Express
- West Bengal Teacher Recruitment – The Hindu
- Vizhinjam Seaport Inauguration – The Hindu
- BCCI Coaching Reshuffle – The Hindu
- Sports Bodies Probe by Supreme Court – The Hindu
- U.S. Vice-President Vance Visit – The Hindu
- Northeast as Southeast Asia Gateway – The Hindu
- WHO Pandemic Accord Agreement – The Hindu
- India’s First ATM on Train – The Hindu
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers
Question 1: Which provision of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was questioned by the Supreme Court of India?
Option 1: Inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards
Option 2: Complete abolition of waqf boards
Option 3: Central control of all religious properties
Option 4: Appointment of Waqf boards by the Prime Minister
Option 5: Waiver of waqf taxes
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Supreme Court scrutinized the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, particularly the provision allowing non-Muslims to be part of waqf boards, raising concerns about religious autonomy and legal consistency with Hindu endowments.
Question 2: What prompted the Calcutta High Court to order deployment of Central Armed Forces in Murshidabad?
Option 1: Cyclone evacuation
Option 2: Lok Sabha elections
Option 3: Violence over the Waqf Bill
Option 4: Anti-CAA protests
Option 5: Border infiltration alerts
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Violent protests in Murshidabad over the new Waqf Bill led to fatalities and over 150 arrests, prompting the Calcutta High Court to deploy central forces to restore law and order.
Question 3: What deadline did the Supreme Court set for West Bengal to conduct fresh teacher recruitment?
Option 1: July 15, 2025
Option 2: August 31, 2025
Option 3: December 31, 2025
Option 4: March 31, 2026
Option 5: November 1, 2025
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The court allowed retention of untainted teachers but mandated that new recruitment to replace irregular appointments must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Question 4: Who succeeded Shibu Soren as the president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)?
Option 1: Sudesh Mahto
Option 2: Babulal Marandi
Option 3: Hemant Soren
Option 4: Arjun Munda
Option 5: Kalpana Soren
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Hemant Soren, currently serving as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, was elected JMM president, succeeding his father Shibu Soren and pledging to serve the underprivileged.
Question 5: Which major infrastructure project is set to be inaugurated by PM Modi on May 2, 2025?
Option 1: Sagarmala Port in Gujarat
Option 2: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
Option 3: Vizhinjam International Seaport
Option 4: Bharatmala Expressway
Option 5: Paradip Petrochemical Terminal
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Vizhinjam Seaport in Kerala, an ambitious maritime project aimed at boosting India’s coastal trade, is scheduled for inauguration by the Prime Minister.
Question 6: Which private bank installed India’s first ATM on a train?
Option 1: Axis Bank
Option 2: HDFC Bank
Option 3: ICICI Bank
Option 4: Kotak Mahindra Bank
Option 5: IndusInd Bank
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: A private bank installed the country’s first ATM on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, marking an innovative step in enhancing railway passenger amenities.
Question 7: What is the current status of India’s trade deficit with China as per the latest data?
Option 1: $25.6 billion
Option 2: $40.8 billion
Option 3: $99.2 billion
Option 4: $13.7 billion
Option 5: $76.3 billion
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India’s trade deficit with China widened significantly to $99.2 billion in 2024-25, sparking concerns regarding over-dependence and dumping of Chinese goods.
Question 8: What major allegation was made against Gensol at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo?
Option 1: Tax evasion
Option 2: EV battery safety violation
Option 3: Misleading pre-order claims
Option 4: Bribery to obtain licenses
Option 5: Violation of Make in India norms
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Sebi found that Gensol misrepresented EV sales figures by falsely claiming 30,000 pre-orders, misleading investors and regulators.
Question 9: What is the TRUST initiative set to be launched during J.D. Vance’s India visit?
Option 1: A trilateral trade deal
Option 2: Space exploration mission
Option 3: India-U.S. tech partnership
Option 4: Strategic oil reserve program
Option 5: Defence export agreement
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: TRUST is a joint India-U.S. technology initiative being launched during U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit, aimed at fostering deeper tech collaboration.
Question 10: How did External Affairs Minister Jaishankar respond to Bangladesh’s ‘landlocked’ remark?
Option 1: By proposing a new treaty
Option 2: By highlighting Northeast as a gateway
Option 3: By cancelling bilateral talks
Option 4: By initiating border fencing
Option 5: By inviting Bangladesh to SAARC
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Jaishankar countered the remark by presenting India’s Northeastern region as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, boosting regional connectivity.
Question 11: What global agreement was finalized to strengthen future pandemic preparedness?
Option 1: UN Health Compact
Option 2: G20 Health Alliance
Option 3: WHO Pandemic Accord
Option 4: Global Health Equity Act
Option 5: Geneva Health Treaty
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The WHO Pandemic Accord was signed globally to enhance preparedness based on Covid-era lessons, covering health infrastructure and equitable vaccine access.
Question 12: Which case involved Robert Vadra facing questioning by the ED in April 2025?
Option 1: AgustaWestland deal
Option 2: 2G spectrum scam
Option 3: Haryana land deal of 2008
Option 4: Commonwealth Games scam
Option 5: Delhi Excise Policy
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Robert Vadra was questioned in connection with a 2008 Haryana land deal, a case revived by the Enforcement Directorate amid political allegations.
Question 13: Which region was warned of severe heatwaves by IMD in April 2025?
Option 1: Eastern and Western India
Option 2: Northern and Central India
Option 3: Southern coastal regions
Option 4: Himalayan region
Option 5: Western Ghats
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The IMD issued heatwave warnings for northern and central India, forecasting temperatures above 40°C, creating health risks especially for vulnerable populations.
Question 14: What environmental measure did the UN shipping agency introduce in April 2025?
Option 1: Ban on single-use plastics
Option 2: Global oil tanker tax
Option 3: CO2 fees and emission cuts
Option 4: Universal ship speed limits
Option 5: Marine diesel subsidy
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The UN agency moved to reduce maritime emissions by enforcing CO2-based fees and setting stricter emission standards for ships, pushing toward sustainable shipping.
Question 15: Who were the two BCCI coaches relieved of duty before the England Test series?
Option 1: VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid
Option 2: Sanjay Bangar and Paras Mhambrey
Option 3: Abhishek Nayar and T. Dilip
Option 4: Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra
Option 5: Vikram Rathour and R. Sridhar
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: To optimize performance ahead of the England Test series, BCCI relieved coaches Abhishek Nayar and T. Dilip from their responsibilities.
Question 16: Who issued a fatwa against actor Vijay’s participation in Muslim events?
Option 1: Darul Uloom Deoband
Option 2: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
Option 3: All India Muslim Jamaat
Option 4: Islamic Research Foundation
Option 5: Shahi Imam Council
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The All India Muslim Jamaat issued the fatwa over Vijay’s portrayal of Muslims as terrorists in certain films, urging Muslims to avoid his public programs.
Question 17: What action did the Bombay High Court take in the Kunal Kamra case?
Option 1: Ordered arrest
Option 2: Dismissed all charges
Option 3: Granted interim protection from arrest
Option 4: Transferred case to CBI
Option 5: Imposed a media gag
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Bombay High Court gave interim relief to comedian Kunal Kamra in an FIR related to remarks on Eknath Shinde, preventing his arrest during ongoing proceedings.
Question 18: What key issue did the Supreme Court agree to hear on May 14, 2025?
Option 1: NRC implementation
Option 2: CEC and EC appointment legality
Option 3: Triple talaq law review
Option 4: Article 370 restoration
Option 5: Judicial exam reservation
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The court scheduled a hearing on the legality of appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners under the 2023 law.
Question 19: What scam led to ED raids involving EaseMyTrip’s co-founder?
Option 1: Crypto exchange scam
Option 2: Lottery syndicate
Option 3: Mahadev betting app scam
Option 4: Mutual fund misappropriation
Option 5: Black money via NGOs
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Nishant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, was among those raided by the ED in connection with the Mahadev betting app-related money laundering investigation.
Question 20: What legal action is being considered to improve governance in Indian sports bodies?
Option 1: Sports Tribunal Bill
Option 2: Lokpal for Sports
Option 3: Supreme Court inquiry panel
Option 4: National Sports Ethics Board
Option 5: Anti-Doping Law Amendment
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court is considering setting up an inquiry panel to investigate irregularities in sports governance and bring transparency to sports body administration.
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