1st April 2025 Current Affairs for Judiciary Aspirants

Stay ahead with 1st April 2025 current affairs for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams, covering the Indian Air Force’s participation in INIOCHOS-25 in Greece, RBI’s revised ATM charges, Deepak Punia’s silver at the Asian Wrestling Championship, and more. This blog provides detailed insights into defense, economic policies, sports, and social welfare to boost your 2025 exam preparation.

Introduction

Staying updated with 1st April 2025 current affairs is essential for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams, as these events often form the basis of general awareness questions in prelims, mains essays, and interview discussions. Today’s updates include the Indian Air Force’s participation in the INIOCHOS-25 multinational air exercise in Greece, the RBI’s increase in ATM withdrawal charges, Deepak Punia and Udit’s silver medals at the Asian Wrestling Championship, Nihal Sarin’s victory at the Tashkent Open, Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as PM Modi’s Private Secretary, PM Modi’s inauguration of a loitering munition test range, Odisha’s Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, the launch of the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal, Punjab’s tourism initiatives, and the passing of actor Richard Chamberlain. This blog provides a detailed overview of these developments, offering key insights for your exam preparation.

1. Indian Air Force to Participate in Multinational Air Exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at the Andravida Air Base in the Elis region of Greece to participate in the INIOCHOS-25 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. The 12-day exercise, which began on March 31, 2025, will continue until April 11, 2025.

IAF Contingent

• The IAF has deployed its frontline Su-30 MKI fighters, along with IL-78 refueling aircraft and C-17 transport aircraft, to support combat operations.
• This marks the IAF’s second participation in the INIOCHOS exercise, having first joined in 2023.

Exercise Objectives

• Training in Combined Air Operations: The exercise focuses on planning and executing complex air operations in a multinational setting.
• Refining Tactics: Participating air forces will refine tactics in modern air warfare scenarios, including Offensive Counter Air, Anti-Surface Warfare, and Combat Search and Rescue.
• Mutual Learning: It aims to enhance interoperability, foster international cooperation, and share operational best practices among the 15 participating countries.

Significance

• Operational Enhancement: The exercise strengthens the IAF’s operational capabilities by exposing it to diverse combat scenarios and multinational coordination.
• Strategic Partnerships: It bolsters India’s strategic partnerships with Greece and other nations, enhancing joint operation capabilities.
• Diplomatic Ties: India and Greece share historical trade relations dating back to the Mauryan period, and this exercise further cements their diplomatic ties.

2. RBI Increases Charges on ATM Withdrawals Beyond Free Limit

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted banks to increase charges for ATM cash withdrawals beyond the free monthly limit by ₹2, raising the fee to ₹23 per transaction. The revised charges will take effect from May 1, 2025.

Free Transaction Limits

• Own Bank ATMs: Customers are allowed 5 free transactions (including financial and non-financial) per month.
• Other Banks’ ATMs:
  • 3 free transactions in metro centers (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru).
  • 5 free transactions in non-metro centers.

Revised Charges

• Beyond the free limit, banks can now charge a maximum of ₹23 per transaction, up from the previous ₹21.
• The fee hike reflects rising operational costs for white-label ATM operators, including inflation, borrowing costs, and compliance expenses, as noted in posts on X.

Critical Perspective

While the RBI justifies the fee increase due to operational costs, critics argue that it may disproportionately affect low-income households who rely on frequent small withdrawals, potentially undermining financial inclusion efforts. The lack of transparency in how these costs are calculated raises questions about whether the hike is truly justified or if it prioritizes bank profits over public welfare.

3. Deepak Punia and Udit Win Silver; Dinesh Bags Bronze at Asian Wrestling Championship 2025

At the Asian Wrestling Championship 2025 held in Amman, Jordan, Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Udit secured silver medals, while Dinesh clinched a bronze, contributing to India’s impressive medal tally.

Medal Winners

• Deepak Punia:
  • Won silver in the Men’s Freestyle 92kg category.
  • This marks his third silver at the Asian Championship and his fifth overall medal at the event.
• Udit:
  • Secured silver in the Men’s Freestyle 61kg category.
  • Despite a strong performance, he lost the final to Takara Suda of Japan, the world number one.
  • This is Udit’s second consecutive runner-up finish at the championship.
• Dinesh:
  • Clinched bronze in the Men’s Freestyle 125kg category.
  • Defeated Zyyamuhammet Saparov of Turkmenistan in the bronze medal match after losing to Munkhtur Lkhagvagerel of Mongolia in the semifinals.

India’s Overall Performance

• India secured a total of 10 medals:
  • 1 Gold: Manisha Bhanwala in Women’s Freestyle 62kg.
  • 3 Silver: Deepak Punia (92kg), Udit (61kg), and Anshu Malik (Women’s Freestyle 57kg).
  • 6 Bronze: Dinesh (125kg), Bajrang Punia (Men’s Freestyle 65kg), Vinesh Phogat (Women’s Freestyle 53kg), Sakshi Malik (Women’s Freestyle 62kg), Naveen Malik (Men’s Greco-Roman 77kg), and Sunil Kumar (Men’s Greco-Roman 87kg).

Significance

• The championship highlights India’s growing prowess in international wrestling, with a diverse medal haul across weight categories.
• For aspirants, this event underscores the importance of sports diplomacy and India’s achievements in global competitions, often a topic in general awareness sections.

4. Nihal Sarin Wins 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial Title

Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin clinched the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial title in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, showcasing his dominance in the chess world.

Tournament Details

• Performance: The 20-year-old secured the title with an unbeaten score of 8/10, outperforming 153 players from 15 countries, including 20 Grandmasters, 32 International Masters, and a Women’s International Master.
• Final Round: Nihal drew with Shamsiddin Vokhidov of Uzbekistan, playing with the black pieces, to secure the title.

Rating and Prize

• Elo Rating Gain: Gained 7.1 Elo rating points, raising his live rating to 2694, nearing the elite 2700 mark.
• Prize Money: Earned $20,000 (approximately ₹17 lakh).

Significance

• Nihal’s victory reinforces India’s position as a chess powerhouse, following the legacy of players like Viswanathan Anand and Arjun Erigaisi.
• For exam aspirants, this event highlights India’s achievements in international sports, a potential topic for mains essays on sports diplomacy or youth achievements.

5. Nidhi Tewari Appointed as PM Modi’s Private Secretary

The Government of India has appointed Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Career Background

• Previous Roles:
  • Served as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022.
  • Worked as Under Secretary in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Appointment Process:
  • Appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • Selection based on seniority, expertise, and experience, typically from the IAS or IFS.

Role and Responsibilities

• Acts as the chief aide to the Prime Minister, managing official correspondence, schedules, and briefings.
• Coordinates between the PMO, ministries, and external stakeholders.
• Provides policy insights and administrative support to ensure smooth governance.

Tenure

• No fixed tenure, but typically aligns with the Prime Minister’s term, subject to performance and government discretion.

Significance

• The appointment reflects the government’s focus on leveraging diplomatic expertise in the PMO, especially given Tewari’s background in international security affairs.
• For aspirants, this highlights the role of IFS officers in high-level governance, a potential topic in interviews on administrative roles.

6. PM Modi Inaugurates Solar Defence and Aerospace’s Loitering Munition Test Range

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Loitering Munition Test Range of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on March 31, 2025, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in India’s defense sector.

Facility Purpose

• The range will test Nagastra-1 “suicide drones” and key components of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), supplied to the Indian Army by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd.
• Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government in January 2025 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, for this project.
• Investment: Approximately ₹12,700 crore, focusing on drones, UAVs, counter-drone systems, energetic materials, and next-generation explosives.

Government Support

• The Maharashtra government will provide necessary permissions, registrations, approvals, and fiscal incentives to support the project.

About Nagastra-1 Suicide Drone

• Purpose: Designed for precision strikes on enemy camps and launch pads near border areas.
• Features:
  • Weight: 9 kg with a 1 kg warhead (15 km range) or 2.2 kg warhead (30 km range).
  • Endurance: 30 minutes.
  • Range:
    • Man-in-loop mode: 15 km.
    • Autonomous mode: 30 km.
  • Precision: GPS-enabled with 2-meter accuracy.
  • Recovery: Equipped with a parachute landing mechanism for reuse if the mission is aborted.
• Indian Army Contract: The Army ordered 480 Nagastra-1 drones, with 120 already delivered.

Modernisation Contracts

• In February 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore with:
  • EEL: To supply Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM).
  • Munitions India Ltd (MIL): To supply High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) rockets.
  • Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL): To enhance the Indian Army’s firepower with advanced Pinaka MLRS rockets.

Significance

• The test range strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
• It enhances the Indian Army’s firepower and precision strike capabilities, crucial for border security.

7. Odisha CM Launches Antyodaya Gruha Yojana for Low-Income Households

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district, on March 31, 2025, to provide housing for low-income households not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

Objective

• To construct over 5 lakh houses in the next three years, addressing housing needs for vulnerable groups.

Budget Allocation

• ₹2,600 crore for 2025.
• ₹7,550 crore over the next three years.

Beneficiaries

• Victims of natural and man-made calamities.
• Displaced households due to development projects.
• Persons with disabilities (PwDs), widows, and cancer patients.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA) beneficiaries.

Financial Assistance

• ₹1.20 lakh per beneficiary to construct pucca houses.

Integration with Central Schemes

• Toilets: Swachh Bharat Mission.
• LPG Connection: Ujjwala Yojana.
• Drinking Water: Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Electricity: Saubhagya Yojana.

Significance

• The scheme addresses housing inequality for marginalized groups, aligning with social welfare goals.
• For aspirants, this highlights state-level welfare initiatives, a potential topic for mains essays on social justice or inclusive development.

8. Finance Minister Launches “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” Portal

On April 1, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal in New Delhi, a collaborative effort between NITI Aayog and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

Key Features of the Portal

• State Reports: Summarizes the macro and fiscal landscape of 28 Indian states, covering demography, economic structure, and socio-economic parameters.
• Data Repository: Provides access to sectoral data across five verticals: Demography, Economic Structure, Fiscal, Health, and Education.
• State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard: Offers graphical representations of key economic variables, with raw data and summary tables.
• Research and Commentary: Features research reports on state finances, fiscal policies, and expert commentary for analytical insights.

Data Coverage

• Covers 28 Indian states from 1990-91 to 2022-23, providing a comprehensive historical dataset for analysis.

Significance

• Data-Driven Policy Formulation: Facilitates analysis of macro, fiscal, and socio-economic trends, enabling evidence-based policymaking.
• Benchmarking: Allows states to benchmark their performance against national figures, fostering competitive federalism.
• Centralized Platform: Provides a one-stop repository for policymakers, researchers, and the public, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
• For aspirants, this underscores the importance of data governance and economic policy, often tested in mains and interviews.

9. Punjab to Develop Nangal into Tourist Hub and Jhajjar Bachauli into First Leopard Safari Destination

The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced ambitious plans to boost tourism and wildlife conservation in the state.

Nangal Tourism Development

• Objective: Transform Nangal into a major tourist hub by promoting local attractions and creating employment in the hospitality sector.
• Budget Allocation: An initial ₹10 crore has been allocated for infrastructure enhancement, as announced by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
• Location: Nangal, a picturesque region in Punjab, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Sutlej River.

Jhajjar Bachauli Leopard Safari

• Objective: Develop the Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary in Sri Anandpur Sahib into Punjab’s first leopard safari destination, promoting eco-tourism.
• Features: Visitors will be able to spot leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts.
• Sanctuary Details:
  • Declared a protected sanctuary in 1998 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Located in Rupnagar District, between Latitude 31º16’N and Longitude 76º31.5’E, spanning 1.16 square kilometers.

Special Budget for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Anniversary

• The government has allocated a special budget for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, focusing on infrastructure and cultural development in Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Significance

• These initiatives highlight Punjab’s focus on sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation, aligning with eco-tourism goals.
• For aspirants, this reflects state-level policy initiatives, a potential topic for mains essays on tourism development or environmental conservation.

10. Richard Chamberlain, American Actor, Passes Away at 90

Renowned American actor Richard Chamberlain passed away at the age of 90 on March 31, 2025, in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke.

Career Highlights

• Dr. Kildare (1961-1966): Gained fame as Dr. James Kildare in the NBC drama series, becoming a household name.
• Miniseries Stardom: Starred in popular miniseries like Shogun (1980) and The Thorn Birds (1983), earning critical acclaim.
• The Bourne Identity (1988): Played Jason Bourne in the ABC miniseries adaptation, a precursor to the modern film franchise.
• Films: Featured in adventure films like King Solomon’s Mines (1985) and Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986).

Significance

• Chamberlain’s passing marks the end of an era for classic television, reflecting the global impact of American entertainment.
• For aspirants, this event may appear in general awareness questions on international personalities or cultural history.

Relevance for Judiciary, APO, and JLO Aspirants

The 1st April 2025 current affairs provide valuable insights for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams:

• Prelims: Focus on factual details like the INIOCHOS-25 location (Greece, Andravida Air Base), RBI ATM charges (₹23), Deepak Punia’s silver in 92kg, and Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as PM Modi’s Private Secretary.
• Mains: Analyze broader themes such as defense cooperation (INIOCHOS-25), economic policy (RBI fee hike), sports diplomacy (Asian Wrestling Championship), social welfare (Antyodaya Gruha Yojana), and tourism development (Punjab initiatives).
• Interviews: Discuss the implications of these events on national security (loitering munition test range), economic inclusion (ATM charges), international relations (India-Greece ties), and social justice (housing schemes), showcasing a well-rounded understanding of contemporary issues.

Conclusion

The 1st April 2025 current affairs offer a wealth of information for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, covering the Indian Air Force’s participation in INIOCHOS-25, the RBI’s increase in ATM withdrawal charges, Deepak Punia and Udit’s silver medals at the Asian Wrestling Championship, Nihal Sarin’s victory at the Tashkent Open, Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as PM Modi’s Private Secretary, PM Modi’s inauguration of a loitering munition test range, Odisha’s Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, the launch of the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal, Punjab’s tourism initiatives, and the passing of actor Richard Chamberlain. These events provide critical insights into defense, economic policy, sports, social welfare, and cultural history, helping candidates excel in prelims, mains, and interviews. Stay updated and integrate these developments into your preparation to succeed in your 2025 exams!

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FAQs

1. In which country is the INIOCHOS-25 multinational air exercise being held in 2025?
   The INIOCHOS-25 exercise is being held in Greece.
2. Which air base is hosting the INIOCHOS-25 air exercise in Greece?
   The Andravida Air Base in the Elis region is hosting the INIOCHOS-25 exercise.
3. What is the new ATM withdrawal fee beyond the free limit, as per the RBI’s revision in 2025?
   The new fee is ₹23 per transaction, effective from May 1, 2025.
4. How many free ATM transactions are allowed per month from a customer’s own bank?
   Customers are allowed 5 free transactions per month from their own bank’s ATMs.
5. Which Indian wrestler won silver in the Men’s Freestyle 92kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championship 2025?
   Deepak Punia won the silver in the Men’s Freestyle 92kg category.
6. Which Indian wrestler won silver in the Men’s Freestyle 61kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championship 2025?
   Udit won the silver in the Men’s Freestyle 61kg category.
7. Who won the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial title in chess?
   Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin won the 2025 Tashkent Open Agzamov Memorial title.
8. Who has been appointed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Private Secretary in 2025?
   Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch IFS officer, has been appointed as PM Modi’s Private Secretary.
9. Where did PM Narendra Modi inaugurate the Loitering Munition Test Range of Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd in 2025?
   The test range was inaugurated in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
10. Which company developed the Nagastra-1 “suicide drone” for the Indian Army?
    Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd developed the Nagastra-1 drone.

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