Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 4th April 2025

National News 

1. Water Resource Census application and portal and Web-Based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System launched in New Delhi 

•  The Water Resource Census application and portal were launched by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil. 
• Water Resources Census Application and Portal supports the following census schemes: 
• 7th Minor Irrigation Census
• 2nd Census of Water Bodies 
• 1st Census of Springs
• 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects 
•  This is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme launched under the Irrigation Census Scheme, the reference year of which will be the agricultural year 2023-24 (July 2023 – June 2024). 
•  The main objective of the Water Resources Census is to build a comprehensive and reliable database for effective planning and policy making in the irrigation sector including water use efficiency, water budgeting etc.
•   Apart from this, on 3 April, the Web-Based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal was also launched by Shri C.R. Patil. 
•  The Central Water Commission monitors the Live storage capacity of 161 important reservoirs in the country and issues weekly bulletin every Thursday. 
• The total storage capacity of these reservoirs in FRL is 182.375 BCM which is about 70.74% of the estimated total storage capacity in the country.
•   This bulletin is sent to PMO, NITI Aayog, MoJS, MoP, MoA&FW, IMD, Disaster Management Authorities and all concerned States and also uploaded on the CWC website. 
•  The present system involves manually preparing various graphs, charts and tables etc. for inclusion in the bulletin. 
•  However, the new portal involves all the necessary data analysis and issuance of final bulletin including preparation of maps, tables, graphs, etc. and will be done automatically by clicking on a button once the data is entered into the portal. 
•  Also, through this portal the general public can access information about the storage status of a particular reservoir or any state or country. 

2. On 4 April, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed by Parliament after being approved by the Rajya Sabha 

•  The Upper House approved the bill, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 against it. The Lok Sabha has already approved the bill. 
• The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, was also approved by Parliament after being passed by the Rajya Sabha.
•   The aim of this bill is to streamline the management of waqf properties with provisions for protecting heritage sites and promoting social welfare. 
• Additionally, the aim of the bill is to improve governance by increasing transparency in property management, streamlining coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities, and protecting the rights of stakeholders. 
• According to the bill, the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to the Waqf Boards has been reduced from 7% to 5%, and Waqf institutions with income of more than Rs 1 lakh will be audited by state-sponsored auditors. 
•  A centralised portal will automate waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency. 
• The bill proposes that Muslims of religious faith can dedicate their property to Waqf (for a minimum period of five years), thereby restoring the pre-2013 rules. 
•  It provides that women should receive their inheritance even before the wakf declaration, and makes special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans. 
• The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of Collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf. 
•  It also proposed that non-Muslim members should also be included in the Central and State Waqf Boards for inclusiveness. 
•  'Waqf' is defined by Muslim law as the permanent dedication by any person of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognised as pious, religious or charitable. 
•  The history of Waqf legislation in India:

 

Act/Bill	Key Features / Importance
Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913	Allowed creation of Waqfs for family benefit Aimed to improve Waqf management
Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923	Introduced rules for accounting and transparency in Waqf management.
Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1930	Strengthened legal validity of family Waqfs; reinforced the 1913 Act.
Waqf Act, 1954	Created State Waqf Boards for the first time to oversee Waqf properties Established the Central Waqf Council of India in 1964 to supervise State Waqf Boards. Oversight body to supervise State Waqf Boards under the 1954 Act.
Amendments to the Wakf Act, 1954 (1959, 1964, 1969, and 1984)	Series of amendments made to enhance administration and efficiency.
Waqf Act, 1995	Repealed 1954 Act Waqf Tribunals, special courts Defined roles of boards and mutawalli.
Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013	Introduced 3-member Waqf tribunals Mandated 2 women on State Boards Prohibited the sale or gifting of Waqf properties Extended lease of Waqf properties from 3 years to 30 years.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025	Aims to modernize Waqf governance, reduce disputes, and improve efficiency. Seeks to fix issues in the 1995 Act and the 2013 Amendment.
Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024	Repeals the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

3. Indian Yoga Association joined in the grand celebration of International Yoga Day 2025 

• The Indian Yoga Association (IYA) has stepped forward to actively participate in the celebrations of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, with just 79 days remaining. 
• IYA representatives from 27 state chapters actively participated in the discussion and demonstrated their dedication and enthusiasm towards the mega International Yoga Day 2025. 
• The Ministry of AYUSH thanked IYA for their proactive approach and presenting advance planning for IDY 2025. 
• This collaboration is expected to promote the festival and help spread the benefits of yoga globally. 
• The theme of IDY 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth One Health”. 
• According to IYA members, many have already formulated specific plans to organize activities for the 10 unique signature events designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of International Day of Yoga 2025.
•   These are the 10 major events:

No.	Initiative
1.	Yoga Sangam
2.	Yoga Bandhan
3.	Yoga Parks
4.	Yoga Samavesh
5.	Yoga Prabhav
6.	Yoga Connect
7.	Harit Yoga
8.	Yoga Unplugged
9.	Yoga Maha Kumbh
10.	Samyoga

4. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha 

• He introduced the resolution to seek approval of the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. 
•  The resolution was adopted by the House. Some people lost their lives in the violence in Manipur. 
•  The violence in Manipur was caused by a reservation dispute between two communities following a decision by the Manipur High Court. 
•  The Minister said that between 1993 and 1998, there was a Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur.
•   There has been no violence in the state for the past four months. 
•  From 2012 to 2017, Manipur experienced shutdowns averaging over 200 days per year. 
•  There was no ethnic violence during that period. 
•  Under BJP rule from 2017, there were no shutdowns or violence before the High Court's decision. 
•  Violence erupted within days of the High Court's order. Both communities misinterpreted the ruling. 
•  Shri Shah reassured that the government's priority is to restore peace. 
•  Providing rehabilitation to the affected people is also a priority. 
•  After the Chief Minister's resignation, the Governor engaged with political representatives. 
•  The Governor then recommended the imposition of President's Rule. 
• The Cabinet’s recommendation for President's Rule was accepted by the President.
• Resolution and Statutory Resolution: 
• A resolution can be moved by the members to attract the attention of the House or the government to issues of general public interest. 
• Either a private member or a minister can move a statutory resolution. It is always tabled to carry out a provision in the Constitution. 
•  Violence in Manipur: 
• Violence in Manipur started in May 2023 between Meitei people and Kuki community. 
• In April 2023, an order about Scheduled Tribe status for Meitei people was passed by Manipur High Court. Protests and violence started. 
•  State Emergency, its process and duration: 
•  If there is a failure of constitutional machinery in the state, Article 356 of the Constitution provides for the Centre to take over the government of a state. 
•  This is popularly known as President’s rule. It is also called State Emergency. 
•  If the government of a state cannot be continued as per the provisions of the Constitution, the President makes an announcement of the President’s rule under Article 356. 
•  This can be done by the President either on the governor’s report or without the report of the governor of the state.
•   Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must approve imposing of the President’s rule within two months from the date on which it was imposed. 
•  The President’s rule remains in force for six months if both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha approve it. 
•  With the approval of the Parliament, it may be extended every six months for a maximum of three years. 

International News 

5. India and Thailand signed six agreements in various sectors

•  On 3 April, six agreements were signed between India and Thailand for cooperation in various fields including IT, maritime, MSME, handicraft and handloom sectors. 
• These agreements were signed after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart Patongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok. 
•  This was their second meeting, the first being during the ASEAN-related summit in Vientiane in October 2024. 
• PM Modi was on a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on April 4. 
•  Both sides reviewed bilateral ties, explored ways to strengthen the India-Thailand partnership, and exchanged views on regional and global issues. 
• Both sides emphasized cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between North-East India and Thailand. 
•  India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilisational bonds stretching back to cultural, linguistic and religious ties, including links between the Ramayana and Buddhism. 
•  The relationship between India and Thailand is a vital component of India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, Vision Metropolis and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.
•   Continuous interaction between the two countries has given rise to a strong and multi-faceted relationship based on centuries-old ties and shared interests. 
• After the BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Modi is on a three-day State visit to Sri Lanka from 4 April at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

6. Trump unveils ‘discounted’ reciprocal taris, India to be charged 26% 

•  President Donald Trump unveiled “discounted” reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including a 26% tariff on imports from India, effective April 9, 2025. The move is aimed at countering what Trump called unfair trade practices. 
•  Trump highlighted that India levies a 52% tariff on US imports. The US, in turn, will impose roughly half that rate. Other affected countries include China (34%), the EU (20%), South Korea (25%), Japan (24%), and Taiwan (32%).
•   Despite concerns, SBI Research reports the tariffs may only lead to a 3–3.5% dip in Indian exports, thanks to India’s diversified export base, growing manufacturing and services sectors, and alternate trade routes. 
• Ahead of the announcement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington to discuss a potential bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Both nations aim to finalize a deal by the end of 2025, targeting $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. 

7. A powerful earthquake struck Kyushu region of Japan on April 2

•   The earthquake measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. 
• The earthquake occurred 30 kilometers deep as per National Center for Seismology. 
• Its epicenter was at Latitude 31.09 N and Longitude 131.47 E. 
• Japan frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. 
• This earthquake in Japan follows shortly after a deadly earthquake in Myanmar. 
•  On 28 March 2025, earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing Region. Its epicenter was close to Mandalay. 
•  It was the strongest earthquake to strike Myanmar since 1912. 
•  Kyushu is the third-largest island of four main islands of Japan. Japan's most active volcano, Mount Aso, is on Kyushu. 
• The Pacific Ring of Fire is the meeting point of many tectonic plates, a region with intense seismic activity. 

State News 

8. Andhra CM Launches P4 Poverty Eradication Scheme in Bapatla District 

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu implemented the ‘P4 – Margadarsi Bangaru Kutumbam’ poverty eradication program at the village level in Kotha Gollapalem, Bapatla district, aiming to link affluent individuals with needy families to eliminate poverty. 
•  Under the P4 initiative, two local affluent individuals, Vikram Narayana Rao and Vasantha Srinivasa Rao, were entrusted with supporting 30 families, collaborating with the Bapatla district collector to devise an action plan for effective implementation. 
• The launch coincided with the NTR Bharosa pension distribution program in Chinaganjam mandal, where Naidu emphasized the scheme’s role in poverty alleviation, alongside updates on rapid progress in Amaravati capital works and the Polavaram project. 

About Andhra Pradesh 

•  Capital – Amaravati 
•  Chief Minister – N Chandrababu Naidu 
• Deputy CM – Pawan Kalyan 
• Governor – Abdul Nazeer 
•  Legislative Assembly Seat – 175 

Business News 

9. Mundra becomes first Indian port to handle 200 MMT cargo in FY25 

• Mundra port in Gujarat has become the first Indian port to cross 200 million metric tonnes of annual cargo volumes during the financial year 2025. 
• The port handled 200.7 MMT of cargo during FY25. During FY25, all the ports of APSEZ collectively handled 450.2 MMT cargo volume, a seven percent year-on-year growth compared to previous year. 
• The growth was led by growth in containers which grew by 20 percent year-on-year. The volumes of liquid and gas volumes handled grew at nine percent. In the just ended fiscal, logistics rail volume stood at 0.64 million TEUs — a growth of 8 percent. 

10. Salman Khan named brand ambassador for 10X Zarda King rice 

•  Salman Khan has been appointed brand ambassador for GRM Overseas Limited’s premium basmati rice brand, 10X Zarda King, and stars in their new “#RishtaMubarak” campaign celebrating food’s role in building relationships. 
•  The campaign emphasizes tradition and togetherness, aligning with Khan’s family-friendly image to promote the brand’s biryani-focused rice offerings. 

Recent Brand Ambassador 

• Vidya Balan – Federal Bank 
•  Shubman Gill – Tyre brand MRFs 
•  Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh – American clothing brand, Levi’s 
• PV Sindhu – PUMA India 
•  Tata Mumbai Marathon – Mo Farah 
•  MS Dhoni – Eurogrip Tyres 

Schemes and Committees News 

11.Global Engagement Scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Culture 

• This scheme is being implemented to enhance India's cultural presence worldwide and improve its global image. 
•  The scheme is implemented through Indian Missions abroad, covering various programs like the Festival of India. 
• The Festival of India allows Indian artists from different cultural backgrounds to showcase their talents globally.
•   Financial support is provided to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies. 
•  The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) spreads Indian culture internationally. 
•  In 2021, India hosted the BRICS Culture Senior Officers' and Culture Ministers' Meetings. 
•  In 2023, India organized the Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage and the 20th SCO Culture Ministers' Meeting. 
• India also held the inaugural India-Central Asia Culture Ministers Meeting in 2023. 
•  During its G20 presidency, India organized the G20 Culture Working Group and Culture Ministers’ Meeting in 2023. 
•  At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India showcased the G20 Digital Museum and "Routes and Roots" exhibitions. 
•  India adheres to 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention. 
•  G20 Culture Working Group released Outcome Document titled the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’. 
•  It advocated for culture as a standalone goal in post-2030 development agenda. 
•  India is also a part of 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), and Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. 

Appointment News 

12. Kamal Haasan appointed as Chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee South

•   Actor Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Media and Entertainment Committee South. 
•  This was announced during the FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Business Conclave South Connect 2025, which was held in Chennai. Recent Appointments 
•  MD of Tata Group’s electronics retail chain Croma – Shibashish Roy 
•  MD of Ambuja Cements Limited – Ajay Kapur 
•  CEO and Whole-time Director of Ambuja Cements – Vinod Bahety 
•  Whole-time Director of Maruti Suzuki India – Sunil Kakkar 
•  Full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to PM (EAC-PM) – Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Former Chief of ED) 

13. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi appointed President of Asian Cricket Council 

• Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). 
•  Naqvi, who has served as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman since February 2024 will assume the role immediately. He succeeds Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 
•  Under Naqvi, the PCB recently hosted the Champions Trophy – an ICC event after 29 years. 

14. H Shankar appointed as Managing Director of CPCL 

•  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of H Shankar as the Managing Director (MD) of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). 
•  Shankar, who was serving as Director (Technical) at CPCL, has assumed the role with effective from April 1. Previously, he has been holding additional charge as Managing Director of CPCL since July 16, 2024. 
•  Shankar’s tenure as MD of CPCL will continue until his superannuation on March 31, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. 

Important Day News 

15.International Day for Mine Awareness 2025: 4 April 

• Every year on 4 April, the International Day for Mine Awareness is observed. 
•  It is celebrated to increase public attention towards mine action activities, land mines, their threats to the safety of mankind, and how to work towards their eradication. 
• The theme of the International Day for Mine Awareness 2025 is “Safe Futures Start Here.” 
• On 8th December 2005, the United Nations General Assembly confirmed that the 4th of April of every year would be observed as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. 
•  It was first observed on 4th April, 2006. 
•  The day calls for efforts from national leaders to create and develop national mine-action capacities.
•   Daniel Craig was the first UN Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.
•  More than 100 million people worldwide are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. 

Award News

 16. Renowned Media Strategist Nikhil Singhal Honored with Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award 

•  Nikhil Singhal, a distinguished media strategist, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, was honored with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award. 
•  The award ceremony, hosted by the Tapasya Foundation Trust, took place at the iconic Taj Lucknow. 
• This recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to the public relations industry and his exemplary leadership in strategic communication. 
• As President of Noida High Rise Federation, Nikhil has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and concerns of high-rise residents in Noida, ensuring effective communication between stakeholders and government authorities. 
•  Awarded as ET Global Leader title by The Economic Times in 2021, Nikhil was also recognized as the Most Followed Indian Media Strategist by Khaleej Times in 2022. He was featured in the Times 40 Under 40 list in 2022, an honor that celebrates young leaders making a significant impact in their fields. Recent Award 
•  Ugadi Award from the Andhra Pradesh government – Historian and archaeologist MyNaa Swamy 
•  59th Jnanpith Award – Vinod Kumar Shukla (for Deewar Mein Ek Khirki Rehti Thi)
•  Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 – Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar 
•  Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for Eri silk – North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation
•   Stockholm Water Prize 2025 – Austrian hydrologist Günter Blöschl (for his groundbreaking contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering) Science and Technology News 

17.As of now, concept design for the first Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) 200 MWe has been finalized 

•  It includes reactor sizing and the primary heat transport system. 
• The construction and initiation of the demonstration unit are will take 6 years after receiving financial approval. 
•  Operational readiness will be achievable by the 7th year. 
• The projected cost for the lead unit is ₹5,700 Crores. 
•  The development of BSMR is led by BARC and NPCIL. 
•  Private indigenous nuclear vendors will be selected through competitive bidding. 
•  They will provide various components and equipment. 
•  BSMR utilizes globally recognized pressurized water reactor technology. 
•  It includes passive safety features and engineered safety systems. 
•  The nuclear safety of the BSMR plant will be thoroughly reviewed. 
• It will undergo a rigorous regulatory licensing process. 
•  Efforts will be made to standardize designs for future units. 
• BSMR will primarily rely on domestic resources to ensure long-term sustainability and wide-scale implementation.
•  The use of slightly enriched imported uranium may be considered if necessary.

 Sports News 

18. Indian equestrian Niharika Singhania clinches gold at Azelhof CSI Lier in Belgium 

•  In a remarkable display of skill and dedication, young Indian equestrian player Niharika Singhania has clinched first position in the prestigious Azelhof CSI Lier equestrian competition held in Belgium.
•   Competing against international participants, Niharika demonstrated exceptional talent and composure to bring home gold. Niharika participated in the Two Phases special event, riding on Hotese Charboniere. She finished the event with 40.72 and 40.34 penalty points. 

Indian Polity News 

19. Lok Sabha passes coastal Shipping Bill 

•  The Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 on Thursday, creating a legal framework for coastal trade even as the maritime sector aims to provide an economical, reliable and sustainable mode of transportation, allowing the decongestion of the road and rail network. 
• “The Bill seeks to unlock the full potential of India’s strategic coastline, providing a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade,” 
• Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said. 20. On April 3, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga 
•  The Indian Army’s Mount Everest expedition consists of 34 climbers.
• They will follow the South Col Route and be led by Lieutenant Colonel Manoj Joshi. 
•  A joint Indo-Nepal team will attempt to scale Mount Kangchenjunga. 
•  The team includes 12 climbers from the Indian Army and 6 from the Nepali Army. 
• The expedition will be led by Colonel Sarfaraz Singh.
•   A joint NCC expedition to Mount Everest will also take place. 
•  This team will be led by Colonel Amit Bisht. 
•  The expeditions are set to begin this month. The climbers aim to reach their summits by May 2025. 
•  The expeditions will highlight India’s leadership in high-altitude mountaineering. 
•  The goal is to showcase the Armed Forces' skills, resilience, and spirit. 

Obituary News 

21. Veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar passes away 

•  Veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar passed away in Mumbai. He was 87. 
• The legendary Bollywood actor was well-known by his nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films. He was a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri in 1992 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema for decades. 
•  Born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami, Kumar has shaped the narrative of patriotic movies in Bollywood and has delivered classics like Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981).