Current Affairs Update: April 18, 2025 – A Comprehensive Overview for Competitive Exams
As the world moves forward in 2025, April 18 stands out as a day filled with pivotal developments across politics, governance, economy, science, technology, defense, environment, culture, and international relations. For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, understanding these events is essential. This article provides a detailed and engaging overview of the day’s current affairs, drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu (The Hindu News), The Indian Express (Indian Express News), Times of India (TOI India News), Hindustan Times (HT India News), Press Information Bureau (PIB) (PIB Official), PRS Legislative Research (PRS India), and others. Structured to captivate and inform, this article is optimized for exam preparation and readability.
Politics & Governance: Reforming Waqf Management
On April 18, 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 emerged as a landmark legislative reform, reshaping the management of Waqf properties—assets dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, and passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 3, 2025, the act renames the Waqf Act, 1995, to the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 (UWMEED Act 1995) (Wikipedia Waqf Act). It incorporates 25 recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by Jagdambika Pal, to address issues like corruption and mismanagement, as seen in cases like the Karnataka Wakf Board Land Scam.
Key provisions include mandating at least two Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation from various Muslim sects, and empowering the Central Government to regulate Waqf registration, auditing, and accounts (PRS Waqf Bill). The act also repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, streamlining legal frameworks (News On Air).
However, the act has sparked controversy. Critics, including Asaduddin Owaisi, argue it may violate Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. The Supreme Court is set to review its constitutionality, examining whether provisions like non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards infringe on religious autonomy (Supreme Court Observer). This debate makes the act a critical topic for exam aspirants, reflecting tensions between governance and religious rights.
Economy: Global Slowdown and Indian Innovations
The global economy faced challenges, as highlighted by the UNCTAD’s “Trade and Development Foresights 2025” Report, which forecasted a decline in global growth to 2.3%—a significant drop from pre-pandemic levels (GKToday Economic Forecast). This report underscores the need for strategic policies to navigate economic uncertainties, a key point for understanding global trade dynamics in exams.
In India, technological advancements drove economic progress. A $4.5 million investment in IT platforms for aquaculture aimed to modernize the sector by improving farm management, productivity, and supply chain efficiency (Insights IAS Aquaculture). This initiative supports food security, boosts incomes, and enhances export potential, aligning with India’s agricultural modernization goals.
Additionally, Bank of Baroda made history by becoming the first Indian bank to install an ATM on a train, enhancing banking accessibility and showcasing innovation (GKToday Quiz). The Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel in Uttarakhand further highlighted infrastructure development, improving regional connectivity and economic growth.
Science & Technology: Cosmic Discoveries and Digital Health
Space exploration reached new heights with the James Webb Space Telescope detecting Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) and Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS) on the exoplanet K2-18 b, potential biosignatures suggesting life (Insights IAS Telescope). Launched in December 2021 by NASA, ESA, and CSA, the telescope’s advanced infrared capabilities continue to unravel cosmic mysteries, making it a focal point for science-related questions.
In healthcare, the e-SEHAT App launched in Jammu and Kashmir marked a leap towards digital health access, enabling consultations and monitoring in remote areas (GKToday Quiz). This aligns with the National Health Accounts 2021–2022, which reported a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) from 62.6% to 39.4% and 350 crore consultations at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Insights IAS Health). These developments highlight India’s push for inclusive healthcare, a key exam topic.
Defense: Strengthening Ties and Global Tensions
India’s defense sector saw enhanced international collaboration through the 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, Dustlik, which began on April 16, 2025, in Pune (GKToday Dustlik). This exercise strengthens military ties with Central Asia, focusing on counter-terrorism and disaster response, a critical aspect of India’s foreign policy.
Globally, defense technology sparked tensions. Russia warned Germany against supplying Taurus KEPD-350 missiles to Ukraine, citing their 500 km range and advanced navigation systems (Insights IAS Taurus). Meanwhile, the Philippines deployed the US NMESIS anti-ship missile system for Balikatan exercises, signaling deeper US-Asia-Pacific military ties (GKToday Quiz). These developments are vital for understanding global security dynamics.
The 3rd Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, Meghayan-25, hosted by the Indian Air Force, further underscored defense-related advancements in weather forecasting and ocean studies, crucial for national security and disaster management.
Environment: Conservation and Sustainable Energy
Environmental efforts gained momentum with the DPS Wetland in Navi Mumbai being declared a Flamingo Conservation Reserve. This 30-acre wetland, part of the Thane Creek Ramsar site, supports migratory birds like the Greater Flamingo along the Central Asian Flyway (Insights IAS Wetland). This move reinforces India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
A study on Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) recommended its use only for high-sulphur coal, noting that 92% of Indian coal is low-sulphur (0.3–0.5%) (Insights IAS FGD). FGD, which removes 95% of sulphur dioxide, is costly at $1.2 crore per MW, making selective application essential for balancing environmental and economic goals.
Culture: Celebrating Heritage Globally
Cultural preservation was a highlight, with the launch of “Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay” at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), a compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cultural speeches (PIB Culture). This event emphasized India’s cultural identity.
The Gita and Natyashastra were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, joining 14 Indian entries (Insights IAS UNESCO). The Gita offers spiritual guidance, while the Natyashastra details dance, drama, and music. Efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for Majuli Island, known for its Satras, and Sivasagar, with monuments like Talatal Ghar, continued (Insights IAS Majuli).
International Relations: Navigating Global Complexities
International developments on April 18, 2025, had implications for India. Russia denied a missile strike on an Indian firm in Kyiv, blaming Ukrainian weapons, highlighting risks for Indian businesses in conflict zones (Outlook India). US-China trade talks and tariffs, a US-Ukraine minerals memorandum, and Sudan’s civil war further underscored global tensions. Visa issues for international students in the US affected Indian students, reflecting challenges in global education policies.
Health: Advancing Inclusive Healthcare
The National Health Accounts 2021–2022 reported progress in healthcare, with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs handling 350 crore consultations and OOPE declining (Insights IAS Health). Initiatives like mobile clinics and digital platforms aim to bridge rural-urban gaps, though challenges like infrastructure deficits remain.
Agriculture and Infrastructure: Community and Connectivity
A crowdfunded bridge on the Magai River in Uttar Pradesh, built with contributions like Ravindra Yadav’s $10,000, addressed connectivity issues after 58 years (Insights IAS Magai). The Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel in Uttarakhand enhanced infrastructure, supporting economic growth.
Key Topics Summary Table
| Category | Event | Key Details | Exam Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics & Governance | Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 | Enhances transparency, includes women, faces constitutional debate | GS Paper 2: Governance, Polity |
| Economy | UNCTAD Report | Global growth at 2.3%, highlights economic challenges | GS Paper 3: Economy |
| Science & Technology | James Webb Space Telescope | Detected biosignatures on K2-18 b | GS Paper 3: Science & Technology |
| Defense | Dustlik Exercise | India-Uzbekistan military cooperation in Pune | GS Paper 3: Defense |
| Environment | DPS Wetland Conservation | Flamingo reserve in Navi Mumbai, supports biodiversity | GS Paper 3: Environment |
| Culture | Gita, Natyashastra UNESCO Recognition | Added to Memory of the World Register, cultural significance | GS Paper 1: Culture |
| International Relations | Russia’s Kyiv Strike Denial | Impacts Indian firms, reflects global conflict risks | GS Paper 2: International Relations |
Conclusion
April 18, 2025, was a day of transformative events, from legislative reforms to global discoveries. For exam aspirants, these developments offer a wealth of knowledge to master current affairs, enhance essay writing, and excel in interviews. By understanding these topics, students can gain a competitive edge in their preparation.
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers
Here are 20 multiple-choice current affairs quiz questions based on the events of April 18, 2025. Each question includes 5 options, a clearly indicated correct answer (evenly distributed), and a detailed explanation.
Question 1: What is the new official name of the Waqf Act, 1995 after the 2025 amendment?
Option 1: Indian Muslim Property Management Act
Option 2: United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995
Option 3: National Waqf Integration and Development Act
Option 4: Central Islamic Property Act, 2025
Option 5: Unified Religious Trusts Reform Act
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 renamed the original Waqf Act, 1995 to the United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 (UWMEED Act, 1995) to reflect reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in Waqf property management.
Question 2: Which new economic forecast was made in UNCTAD’s “Trade and Development Foresights 2025” report?
Option 1: Global GDP growth of 4.5%
Option 2: Global economic slowdown to 2.3%
Option 3: Indian GDP contraction by 1.8%
Option 4: Decline in global exports by 7%
Option 5: Recession in BRICS economies
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The UNCTAD report highlighted a projected global economic slowdown, with growth estimated to fall to 2.3% in 2025. This marks a significant decline from previous years and raises concerns about economic stability.
Question 3: Which bank became the first in India to install an ATM on a moving train?
Option 1: Bank of Baroda
Option 2: Punjab National Bank
Option 3: Canara Bank
Option 4: Indian Overseas Bank
Option 5: State Bank of India
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Bank of Baroda pioneered the initiative by installing an ATM on a moving train, improving accessibility to banking services for passengers and showcasing technological innovation in public infrastructure.
Question 4: Which space telescope detected possible biosignatures on the exoplanet K2-18 b?
Option 1: Hubble Space Telescope
Option 2: Kepler Telescope
Option 3: Chandrayaan-3
Option 4: James Webb Space Telescope
Option 5: TESS Observatory
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The James Webb Space Telescope detected compounds like Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) and Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS) on exoplanet K2-18 b, which are considered potential biosignatures indicating the possibility of life.
Question 5: What application was launched in Jammu and Kashmir to improve digital healthcare access?
Option 1: ArogyaConnect
Option 2: e-SEHAT
Option 3: AyushLink
Option 4: DigitalHealthBridge
Option 5: TeleAyuCare
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The e-SEHAT App was launched to facilitate remote consultations and digital healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, especially targeting underserved and rural populations.
Question 6: Which missile system, deployed in the Philippines, marked deeper US-Asia-Pacific military ties?
Option 1: BrahMos II
Option 2: Agni-V
Option 3: S-400
Option 4: Taurus KEPD 350
Option 5: NMESIS
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The US-deployed NMESIS (Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) anti-ship missile system in the Philippines as part of the Balikatan exercises, reflecting strengthened US-Asia-Pacific defense partnerships.
Question 7: The joint military exercise “Dustlik” is conducted between India and which country?
Option 1: Kazakhstan
Option 2: Mongolia
Option 3: Kyrgyzstan
Option 4: Uzbekistan
Option 5: Tajikistan
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Dustlik is a bilateral military exercise between India and Uzbekistan focusing on counter-terrorism and disaster relief operations. Its sixth edition took place in Pune in 2025.
Question 8: What was a major outcome of the “Meghayan-25” symposium hosted by the Indian Air Force?
Option 1: Launch of a new defense satellite
Option 2: Joint Indo-Pacific maritime strategy
Option 3: New meteorological forecasting models
Option 4: Advances in ocean and atmospheric studies
Option 5: Establishment of space command units
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Meghayan-25 focused on enhancing capabilities in meteorological and oceanological research, with the Indian Air Force promoting the use of such data for disaster management and national security planning.
Question 9: Which newly declared conservation reserve is part of the Thane Creek Ramsar site?
Option 1: Vellayani Lake Wetland
Option 2: Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Option 3: DPS Wetland
Option 4: Chilika Lagoon North Arm
Option 5: Kolleru Bird Sanctuary
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The DPS Wetland in Navi Mumbai was declared a Flamingo Conservation Reserve due to its ecological importance, particularly for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
Question 10: What element of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 ensures greater inclusivity in its councils?
Option 1: Mandatory nomination by State Governors
Option 2: Inclusion of at least two Muslim women
Option 3: Reservation for tribal communities
Option 4: Judicial oversight by High Courts
Option 5: Annual public hearings
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The amended Waqf Act mandates the inclusion of at least two Muslim women on the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to promote gender representation and inclusive governance.
Question 11: Which of the following gases, found on exoplanet K2-18 b, could be linked to biological activity?
Option 1: Methane
Option 2: Hydrogen Cyanide
Option 3: Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS)
Option 4: Nitrous Oxide
Option 5: Ammonia
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS), identified by the James Webb Telescope, is considered a biosignature gas on Earth, commonly associated with phytoplankton, and its detection is significant for astrobiology.
Question 12: What was the main focus of the report on Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in India?
Option 1: Mandatory nationwide implementation
Option 2: Export potential to Southeast Asia
Option 3: Application only for high-sulphur coal
Option 4: Replacement with hydrogen-based systems
Option 5: Abolition due to high cost
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The study recommended using FGD systems only for high-sulphur coal, noting that most Indian coal has low sulphur content. FGD is effective but costly, hence the need for selective application.
Question 13: Which international cultural register recently included the Gita and Natyashastra?
Option 1: UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
Option 2: UN Cultural Index
Option 3: UNESCO Memory of the World Register
Option 4: SAARC Literature Collection
Option 5: Asia-Pacific Cultural Records
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Gita and Natyashastra were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognizing their global significance in spiritual philosophy and performing arts, respectively.
Question 14: Who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that proposed reforms in the Waqf Act?
Option 1: Meenakshi Lekhi
Option 2: Shashi Tharoor
Option 3: Jagdambika Pal
Option 4: Asaduddin Owaisi
Option 5: Arjun Ram Meghwal
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Act was chaired by Jagdambika Pal and recommended several reforms to enhance transparency and governance in the management of Waqf properties.
Question 15: What is the estimated cost of installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation systems per MW?
Option 1: ₹60 lakh
Option 2: ₹80 lakh
Option 3: ₹1 crore
Option 4: ₹1.5 crore
Option 5: ₹1.2 crore
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The report cited the cost of installing FGD systems at ₹1.2 crore per MW, making it an expensive solution for sulfur dioxide removal, suitable only where coal contains high sulphur levels.
Question 16: What unique aspect of the Magai River bridge project drew attention nationwide?
Option 1: Use of artificial intelligence in design
Option 2: First floating bridge in Uttar Pradesh
Option 3: Completely crowdfunded by villagers
Option 4: Built by Indian Army engineers
Option 5: Constructed entirely from bamboo
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The bridge on the Magai River in Uttar Pradesh was entirely crowdfunded by local villagers, demonstrating community-driven infrastructure development after decades of neglect.
Question 17: Which religious article of the Constitution was referenced in debates over the Waqf Amendment Act?
Option 1: Article 21
Option 2: Article 26
Option 3: Article 14
Option 4: Article 29
Option 5: Article 370
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Critics argued that the Waqf (Amendment) Act could violate Article 26, which grants religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion, prompting a judicial review.
Question 18: Which sector received a $4.5 million investment in IT modernization in India?
Option 1: Textile Industry
Option 2: Aquaculture
Option 3: Sugarcane Processing
Option 4: Education Technology
Option 5: Renewable Energy
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: A $4.5 million investment was announced to modernize aquaculture through IT platforms, improving productivity, supply chain tracking, and management systems.
Question 19: What is the name of the exoplanet where the James Webb Telescope detected potential biosignatures?
Option 1: WASP-96b
Option 2: HD 209458 b
Option 3: K2-18 b
Option 4: TOI 700 d
Option 5: Gliese 581 g
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The James Webb Space Telescope identified potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2-18 b, making it a promising candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Question 20: Which Indian location is proposed for UNESCO recognition due to its Satras and unique cultural identity?
Option 1: Tawang
Option 2: Bodh Gaya
Option 3: Majuli Island
Option 4: Hampi
Option 5: Orchha
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Majuli Island, known for its Vaishnavite Satras and rich cultural heritage, is under consideration for
Check out this related article: Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English 18 April 2025
UNESCO World Heritage recognition, alongside other historically significant sites like Sivasagar.