Current Affairs 15 April 2025: Detailed News MCQs & Quiz

Current Affairs 15 April 2025: Detailed News MCQs & Quiz: Stay updated with Current Affairs for 15 April 2025! Get detailed news on national, international events, MCQs, and quizzes for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and competitive exams. Download free PDFs and boost your preparation.

National Current Affairs

1. Enforcement Directorate Files Charges Against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in National Herald Case
   • The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, alleging money laundering. The case revolves around the acquisition of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt Ltd, a company linked to the Gandhis. A hearing is scheduled for April 25, 2025. This development has sparked political tensions in India, with the opposition claiming it is a politically motivated move.
   • Significance: This case could impact the Congress party’s political strategy ahead of upcoming elections, as it places key opposition leaders under legal scrutiny.
2. Telangana Becomes First State to Implement SC Sub-Categorisation
   • On April 14, 2025, Telangana became the first Indian state to implement the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, following the Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) for equitable reservation. The Act aims to address inter-se backwardness among SC communities, ensuring fair distribution of reservation benefits.
   • Legal Context: The Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling (6:1 majority) overruled the 2004 V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh judgment, affirming that sub-classification is constitutionally valid under Articles 14, 15(4), and 16(4). States can now sub-classify SCs based on empirical data without altering the Presidential List.
   • Impact: This move sets a precedent for other states to follow, potentially reshaping affirmative action policies across India.
3. Supreme Court Criticizes Allahabad High Court for Insensitive Remarks
   • The Supreme Court of India called out the Allahabad High Court for making insensitive remarks in cases involving sexual offenses. The apex court emphasized the need for judicial sensitivity, particularly in handling cases related to gender-based violence.
   • Implications: This underscores ongoing efforts to reform judicial language and approach to ensure fairness and empathy in sensitive cases.
4. Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Mascot Unveiled
   • Bihar is hosting the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 for the first time. The mascot, named “Gajsingh,” was unveiled on April 14, 2025, at a ceremony in Patna. The event aims to promote youth sports and identify talent for national and international competitions.
   • Details: The KIYG is a flagship initiative under the Khelo India program to foster grassroots sports development.
5. Kalighat Skywalk Inaugurated in West Bengal
   • West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Kalighat Skywalk in Kolkata, the city’s longest skywalk, spanning 440 meters and standing 16 meters tall. The skywalk aims to ease pedestrian movement and reduce traffic congestion in the busy Kalighat area.
   • Significance: This infrastructure project enhances urban mobility and is part of Kolkata’s efforts to modernize public spaces.
6. Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Sector FDI
   • India’s pharmaceutical and medical device sector attracted ₹11,888 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from April to December 2024. For the financial year ending March 31, 2025, total FDI in the sector reached ₹19,134.4 crore. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been pivotal in boosting domestic manufacturing, reducing import dependence, and increasing exports. Thirteen FDI proposals worth ₹7,246.40 crore for brownfield projects were approved in 2024-25.
   • Impact: The sector’s growth strengthens India’s position as a global pharmaceutical hub.
7. Nagaland Launches Solar Mission
   • Nagaland initiated a Solar Mission to promote rooftop solar energy systems, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This initiative aims to reduce electricity costs and promote clean energy adoption.
   • Context: The PM Surya Ghar scheme has achieved 10 lakh rooftop solar installations nationwide by March 10, 2025, with states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu leading.

International Current Affairs

1. China Halts Boeing Operations
   • China announced a suspension of Boeing operations, citing unspecified reasons. This move could impact global aviation markets and Boeing’s supply chain, given China’s significant market share.
   • Geopolitical Context: The decision may be linked to ongoing trade tensions or safety concerns, though details remain unclear.
2. Type 5 Diabetes Recognized at World Diabetes Congress
   • The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) acknowledged Type 5 diabetes as a distinct health condition during the World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok. This type primarily affects malnourished individuals and had previously been under-recognized despite its global impact.
   • Significance: The recognition could lead to targeted research and healthcare interventions for affected populations, particularly in low-income regions.
3. 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
   • The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2025, in Brasília, Brazil. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will lead the Indian delegation. The theme is “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture through Cooperation, Innovation, and Fair Trade among BRICS Nations.”
   • Focus Areas: The meeting will address food security, sustainable farming, and trade cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
4. Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025
   • A six-day naval exercise, AIKEYME, began on April 13, 2025, off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, involving India and nine African nations: Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. Ghana is not part of this group. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime security and cooperation.
   • Strategic Importance: This enhances India’s defense ties with African nations, aligning with its Act East and Africa outreach policies.
5. South Africa Assumes G20 Presidency
   • South Africa officially took over the G20 presidency for 2025 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The presidency will focus on addressing global economic challenges, climate change, and inequality.
   • Global Impact: South Africa’s leadership could prioritize issues affecting the Global South, influencing G20 agendas.
6. James Anderson Knighted
   • Former England fast bowler James Anderson was honored with a knighthood for his contributions to cricket. Anderson, known for his remarkable career, is celebrated as one of England’s greatest cricketers.
   • Cultural Significance: The knighthood reflects the global recognition of sports figures in shaping national identity.
7. Kenya’s Mudavadi Speaks on Sudan Conflict
   • Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi addressed the Sudan conflict during a speech in London, highlighting the need for international intervention to resolve the ongoing crisis.
   • Context: The Sudan conflict has caused significant humanitarian challenges, and Kenya’s involvement underscores its role in regional diplomacy.

Science and Technology

1. Quantum Technology Strategy Released
   • The first edition of the International Technology Engagement Strategy for Quantum was released, aiming to foster global collaboration in quantum computing and technology.
   • Implications: This strategy could position India as a key player in the quantum technology race, with applications in computing, cryptography, and healthcare.
2. India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative
   • India and Norway launched a joint initiative to combat marine pollution, focusing on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable ocean management.
   • Environmental Impact: This collaboration aligns with global efforts to address marine ecosystem degradation.
3. Q-Shield Platform
   • The Q-Shield platform, a new cybersecurity initiative, was highlighted for its role in enhancing digital security. Details are limited, but it is part of India’s push toward robust cybersecurity frameworks.
   • Relevance: With rising cyber threats, such platforms are critical for protecting national infrastructure.

Sports

1. Archery World Cup 2025 Auburndale
   • India secured four medals (one gold, one silver, two bronze) at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Auburndale, finishing fourth on the medals table. Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam won gold in the compound mixed team event. Mexico topped the standings with six medals.
   • Achievement: India’s performance reinforces its growing prowess in archery on the global stage.

Social and Cultural

1. Feminism in a Polarised World
   • The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, has reignited debates on gender equity in Indian politics. Discussions on April 15, 2025, focused on the challenges of addressing structural inequalities without deepening societal polarization.
   • Context: Feminist discourse is navigating complex issues like caste, class, and regional disparities in India’s diverse socio-political landscape.
2. Thangjing Hills and Sir Sankaran Nair
   • Topics like Thangjing Hills (Manipur) and Sir Sankaran Nair, a historical figure, were noted for their cultural and historical significance in current affairs discussions, particularly for UPSC aspirants. Thangjing Hills is linked to environmental and cultural conservation, while Nair is remembered for his contributions to Indian law and governance.
   • Educational Relevance: These topics are relevant for competitive exams requiring knowledge of India’s heritage and geography.

Economic Developments

1. India’s Factory Output Growth
   • India’s factory output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 5.2% in November 2024, the highest in six months. This indicates robust industrial activity, driven by manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
   • Economic Outlook: Sustained industrial growth could bolster India’s GDP projections for 2025.
2. Rupee Hits Record Low
   • On January 10, 2025, the Indian rupee fell to an all-time low of ₹86 against the US dollar, closing 14 paise lower than the previous day. This depreciation reflects global economic pressures and domestic fiscal challenges.
   • Impact: A weaker rupee could increase import costs but benefit exporters.

Environmental and Climate Issues

1. Global Water Cycle Disruption
   • The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report linked disruptions in the global water cycle to climate change, contributing to disasters like the Wayanad landslides. These events caused over 8,700 deaths worldwide in 2024.
   • India’s Context: India’s water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and overexploitation, is projected to worsen, with a water gap of 11.1 cubic km/year under 1.5°C warming.
2. 2024: Hottest Year on Record
   • 2024 was India’s hottest year since 1901, with a 0.9°C temperature rise in January 2025 compared to the previous year. Heatwaves caused 733 deaths in 2024, stressing water resources.
   • Policy Response: Initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar scheme and Nagaland’s Solar Mission aim to mitigate climate impacts through renewable energy.

Key Events and Quiz Topics for Competitive Exams

For aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, or banking, the following events from April 15, 2025, are noteworthy:

• Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Mascot “Gajsingh” and Bihar’s hosting.
• BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting: Brasília, Brazil, on April 17, 2025.
• Kalighat Skywalk: Inaugurated by Mamata Banerjee, Kolkata’s longest skywalk.
• Telangana’s SC Sub-Categorisation: First state to implement the 2025 Act.
• Type 5 Diabetes: Recognized by IDF in Bangkok.
• AIKEYME 2025: India-Africa naval exercise off Tanzania’s coast.

These topics are frequently tested in general awareness sections and require understanding both facts and their broader implications.

Conclusion

The current affairs of April 15, 2025, reflect a mix of political developments (National Herald case, Telangana’s SC Act), infrastructure milestones (Kalighat Skywalk), international collaborations (BRICS, AIKEYME), and global health advancements (Type 5 diabetes). These events are critical for understanding India’s socio-political landscape and global engagements, especially for competitive exam aspirants. Stay updated with daily news and revise key topics to excel in general awareness sections.