CUREENT AFFAIRS OF THE MONTH APRIL 2025
1. Uturuncu, located in the Central Andes of Bolivia, is often referred to as a “zombie” volcano.
Despite being dormant for 250,000 years, it exhibits signs of unrest. Recent studies reveal that this
unrest is linked to the movement of magma and gases beneath the surface.
2. Mark Carney’s recent election as Prime Minister of Canada marks shift in the political landscape. He
assumes leadership amid ongoing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
3. India is gearing up for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite,
scheduled for June 2025. This satellite will monitor critical changes on Earth, including deforestation
and natural disasters, utilising advanced radar technology. It will be carried by GSLV Mk II rocket.
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is a fourth-generation launch
vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
4. Recently, OpenAI introduced its latest reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini. These models are designed
to enhance AI capabilities, aiming for more human-like reasoning.
5. India has recently finalised defence deal with France, worth ₹63,000 crore, to procure 26 Rafale-
Marine fighter jets for its Navy. The deal includes 22 single-seater jets for carrier operations and four
twin-seater trainer jets.
6. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has introduced a new
initiative named Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS). This initiative aims to encourage private
companies in India to design and develop satellite-bus platforms. The goal is to reduce import
dependence and encourage innovation within the Indian space sector. It will help make India a global
service provider for small satellite-bus and hosted-payload services.
7. The Sachet mobile application, launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),
aims to improve disaster preparedness in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it recently
during his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address.
8. AI Kiran is a national movement launched to promote women’s leadership in Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in India.
9. In development for environmental conservation, Similipal has been designated as a national park by
the Odisha government. This formal notification marks the culmination of decades of efforts to
protect this vital ecological area. Spanning 845.70 square kilometres, Similipal is now the largest
national park in Odisha and the 107th in India.
10. Recently, the Government of Andhra Pradesh made strides towards establishing India’s first
Quantum Computing Village in Amaravati.
11. The Central Government is considering extending Mission Anveshan. This initiative incentivises
seismic surveys to map oil and gas deposits. Launched in fiscal year 2025, the programme aims to
boost energy security by identifying new reserves. The scheme is set to conclude in fiscal year 2026
but may continue until fiscal year 2027.
12. Recently, the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) introduced a new turmeric variety named
IISR Surya. This variety is designed specifically for the masala and powdering industry. It addresses
the growing demand for light-coloured turmeric, which has been challenging for farmers to produce.
IISR Surya promises to enhance the quality and availability of turmeric for both domestic and
international markets.
13. Recently, researchers in Assam announced the discovery of a new frog species named
Leptobrachium aryatium. It was found in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, biodiversity hotspot near
Guwahati.
14. The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is the highest civilian honour awarded by Sri Lanka. It recognises
foreign leaders who have encouraged strong ties with the nation. Recently, Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi received this award during his state visit to Sri Lanka.
15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2.08-kilometer Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-
lift sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. He inaugurated the newly constructed
Pamban bridge on April 6, 2025. It will replace a 110-year-old structure that once connected
Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.