4th April 2025 Top Current Affairs for JudiciaryExams

Stay informed with the 4th April 2025 Top Current Affairs for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams, covering Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s ₹593 crore contract with the Indian Air Force, Poonam Gupta’s appointment as RBI Deputy Governor, Odisha’s Sishu Vatika initiative, BIMSTEC agreements, and more. This blog provides detailed insights into defense, economic policy, education, and international relations to boost your 2025 exam preparation.

Introduction

Keeping abreast of the 4th April 2025 Top Current Affairs is vital 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 Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) securing a ₹593 crore contract with the Indian Air Force, Poonam Gupta’s appointment as RBI Deputy Governor, Odisha’s Sishu Vatika initiative, BIMSTEC agreements on connectivity and security, the Indian Navy’s ₹270-crore deal with Kirloskar, Warangal’s Chapata chilli receiving a GI tag, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, H Shankar’s role at CPCL, Dhruv Agarwala’s resignation from REA India, and Hanwha Aerospace’s $850 million deal with L&T for K9 Vajra-T howitzers. This blog provides a detailed overview of these developments, offering key insights for your exam preparation.

1. Bharat Electronics Secures ₹593 Crore Contract from Indian Air Force

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna defence public sector undertaking, has secured a contract worth ₹593.22 crore from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the maintenance of the Akash missile system, marking the start of BEL’s operations for the financial year 2025-26. BEL had previously supplied the Akash missile system to the IAF, leading to this maintenance contract.

Major Orders and Order Book Status

• FY 2024-25 Orders: BEL secured orders worth ₹18,715 crore, including projects like BMP II Upgrade, Ashwini Radar, Software Defined Radios, Multi-Function Radars, Anti-Drone System, and Sonar Upgradation.
• Order Book as of April 1, 2025: BEL’s total order book stands at approximately ₹71,650 crore, with an export order book of $359 million.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Establishment: 1954.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Chairman & Managing Director (CMD): Manoj Jain (as of 2025).
• Industry Focus: Specializes in defense electronics, aerospace, and security solutions, manufacturing radars, communication systems, electronic warfare systems, and missile systems.
• Ownership: A Government of India-owned company under the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
• Navratna Status: Grants BEL greater financial autonomy and decision-making capabilities.
• Key Products:
  • Radars: Bharani, Rohini, Aslesha, etc.
  • Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
  • Missile Systems: Akash Missile System
  • Communication Equipment: Software Defined Radios, Data Links
  • Sonars and Surveillance Systems
  • Electronic Warfare & Avionics
• Recent Developments:
  • Akash Missile System: BEL’s ₹593 crore maintenance contract with the IAF.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Initiatives in education, healthcare, skill development, and rural development.

Significance

• The contract strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and highlights BEL’s role in maintaining critical defense systems like the Akash missile system, a topic relevant for prelims questions on defense PSUs.

2. Poonam Gupta Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor

The Central Government appointed Poonam Gupta, Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), replacing MD Patra, who vacated the position in January 2025. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved her appointment for a three-year tenure.

Educational Background and Career

• Education:
  • Master’s and PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland, USA.
  • Master’s in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi.
• Teaching Experience: Taught at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Maryland, and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Delhi.
• Previous Roles:
  • RBI Chair Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP).
  • Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).

Key Roles and Contributions

• Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister: Member.
• 16th Finance Commission: Convener of the Advisory Council.
• Boards: Member of NIPFP and the Global Development Network (GDN).
• World Bank: Member of advisory groups on Poverty & Equity and the World Development Report.
• NITI Aayog: Member of the Development Advisory Committee.
• FICCI: Member of the Executive Committee.
• G20 Presidency: Chaired the Task Force on Macroeconomics and Trade during India’s G20 Presidency.

Significance

• Gupta’s appointment reflects the growing influence of economic experts in RBI policymaking, a potential topic for interviews on economic governance and monetary policy.

3. Odisha CM Launches ‘Sishu Vatika’ for Pre-School Education

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Sishu Vatika’ initiative on April 2, 2025, to provide pre-school education for children aged 5-6 years in all government schools across the state, aligning with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Traditional Welcome and Learning Activities

• Prabesh Utsav: Children were welcomed with a traditional entry festival, adorned with flowers and chandan tikas on their foreheads.
• Khadi Chhuan Program: Children wrote for the first time on slates, with the CM assisting a student at Badagada High School to write ‘sunya’ (zero).

Mid-Day Meal Expansion for Classes 9 and 10

• Odisha introduced a mid-day meal scheme for students in classes 9 and 10, effective from April 2025, with the CM personally serving food to mark the occasion.

Government’s Commitment to Quality Education

• Majhi emphasized the state’s dedication to quality education under NEP 2020, aiming to build a modern and self-reliant generation.
• The launch coincided with the ‘Odia Pakshya’ celebrations, highlighting Odisha’s language, literature, culture, and traditions.

Odisha Overview

• Capital: Bhubaneswar.
• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi.
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati.
• Districts: 30 (3 divisions).

Significance

• The initiative strengthens early childhood education, a potential topic for mains essays on educational reforms and NEP 2020 implementation.

4. BIMSTEC Finalizes Key Agreements on Connectivity and Security

The 25th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 2, 2025, ahead of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting and the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

• Draft Declaration: Finalized for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, outlining the vision and directives for member states.
• Draft Report: Prepared for the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, to be adopted by Foreign Ministers.
• Eminent Persons Group Report: Reviewed suggestions for BIMSTEC’s future direction and reforms.
• Reports Reviewed: Included previous meetings and the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee.
• Financial Status: Assessed the Panel of Auditors’ Report (FY 2014-15).
• Tropical Medicine Centre: Finalized a Concept Note for the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence on Tropical Medicine in Bangkok.
• Disaster Management: Drafted a Joint Statement on the Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake (March 28, 2025), advocating for a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management in India.

Upcoming BIMSTEC Summit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand on April 3, 2025, followed by a visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025.

BIMSTEC Overview

• Member Countries: Seven—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Key Sectors: Agriculture & Food Security, Connectivity, Environment & Climate Change, People-to-People Contact, Science, Technology & Innovation, Security, Trade, Investment & Development.
• Sub-Sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries & Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health, Human Resource Development.

Significance

• The agreements enhance regional cooperation, a potential topic for mains essays on international relations and disaster management.

5. Indian Navy Signs ₹270-Crore Deal for Indigenous Marine Diesel Engine Development

The Indian Navy signed a ₹270-crore deal with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited on April 2, 2025, for the design and development of a 6 MW medium-speed marine diesel engine under the Make-I category, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Key Features of the Project

• Indigenous Content: The prototype engine will have over 50% indigenous content.
• Funding: 70% government-funded under the Make-I category.
• Scope: Includes detailed design for a 3-10 MW diesel engine.
• Application: Engines will be used for main propulsion and power generation in Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships.

Significance

• Self-Reliance: Reduces dependency on foreign OEMs, as higher-capacity marine diesel engines were traditionally imported.
• Economic Impact: Saves foreign exchange and strengthens the domestic defense ecosystem.
• For aspirants, this highlights defense indigenization, a potential topic for prelims questions on Atmanirbhar Bharat.

6. Warangal’s ‘Chapata’ Chilli Gets GI Tag

The Warangal Chapata Chilli, also known as Tomato Chilli, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on April 1, 2025, benefiting around 20,000 farmers in Telangana’s Warangal region through additional income.

Key Attributes

• Appearance: Bright red color with thick walls, resembling a tomato, hence the name Tomato Chilli.
• Pungency: Mild, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 3,100 to 6,500.
• Color Value: High ASTA color value of 100-140, ideal for culinary uses.
• Culinary Uses: Used as a natural colorant in food processing, popular in pickles and spice blends.
• Cultivation Area: Grown across 6,783 acres in Warangal, Hanamkonda, Mulugu, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally, with an annual production of 10,000-11,000 tonnes.
• Variants: Single Patti, Double Patti, and Odalu.
• Historical Significance: Cultivated for over 80 years in villages like Nagaram and Nadikuda.

Significance

• The GI tag enhances the market value and authenticity of this unique chilli, a potential topic for prelims questions on agricultural heritage.

7. Parliament Approves Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

The Parliament of India approved the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on April 2, 2025, to regulate the entry, stay, and movement of foreigners, with the Rajya Sabha passing it after the Lok Sabha’s approval.

Key Provisions

• Surveillance and Security: Enhances protocols for monitoring foreign visitors.
• Border Security: Tracks arrival and departure of individuals.
• Punishment for Forged Documents: Up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh for using fake passports or visas.
• Mandatory Reporting: Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes must report details of foreign nationals to track overstays.
• Government Control: The Centre can regulate premises frequented by foreigners, including closure, conditional usage, or restricted entry.

Government’s Stand

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the bill’s role in improving national security, economic stability, and making India’s education system globally competitive, while ensuring strict immigration control.

Debate in Parliament

• Opposition Criticism:
  • Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut argued that Section 7 grants excessive control over foreigners, requiring government approval for meetings, travel, and accommodation.
  • Raut suggested referring the bill to a standing committee, citing past illegal infiltrations (e.g., Ajmal Kasab) not linked to legal immigration.
• Support:
  • BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra defended the bill, highlighting its role in preventing illegal immigration and securing borders.
  • Jangra noted that India offers e-visas to 169 countries, but authorities must deny entry to security threats, facilitating medical, educational, and manufacturing travel.

Significance

• The bill strengthens India’s immigration framework, a potential topic for mains essays on national security and immigration policy.

8. H Shankar Takes Over as CPCL’s Managing Director

H Shankar assumed charge as the Managing Director of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) on April 1, 2025, bringing extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.

Background

• Education: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA.
• Previous Role: Joined the CPCL Board as Director (Technical) in October 2020.

Major Achievements at CPCL

• Played a key role in upgrading CPCL’s infrastructure and refining capabilities.
• Led efforts to introduce value-added and sustainable products, ensuring efficiency and alignment with global energy sustainability goals.

CPCL Overview

• Founded: November 18, 1965.
• Headquarters: Chennai, India.
• Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.
• Managing Director: Arvind Kumar (prior to H Shankar).

Significance

• Shankar’s leadership will drive CPCL’s growth in the energy sector, a potential topic for prelims questions on PSU leadership.

9. Dhruv Agarwala Resigns as CEO of REA India, Owner of Housing.com and PropTiger

Dhruv Agarwala, CEO of REA India, resigned on April 1, 2025, to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures, stepping down from a company that owns Housing.com, Makaan.com, and PropTiger.

Background

• Founder: Co-founded Elara Technologies in 2011, which owned PropTiger, a leading real estate brokerage firm.
• Acquisition of Housing.com: Acquired Housing.com from SoftBank and other stakeholders in 2017.
• REA Group Takeover: Australia’s REA Group acquired Elara Technologies in 2020, gaining control over Housing.com and PropTiger.

Industry Contribution

• Recognized as a visionary entrepreneur, Agarwala played a key role in the growth of digital real estate in India.

Revenue Growth

• REA India reported a 46% revenue growth to 64 million AUD (₹357 crore) in H1 FY 2024-25, reducing losses.

Significance

• Agarwala’s resignation marks a shift in India’s digital real estate sector, a potential topic for prelims questions on corporate leadership.

10. Hanwha Aerospace Signs $850 Million Deal to Export K9 Vajra-T Howitzers to India

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace signed a $850 million deal with India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on April 2, 2025, to supply 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers to the Indian Army, marking their second collaboration.

Key Details of the Agreement

• Production Collaboration: L&T will manufacture the K9 Vajra-T howitzers under license at its Hazira facility in Gujarat, India.
• System Features: The K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-caliber tracked self-propelled artillery platform, adapted from Hanwha’s K9 Thunder, designed for deserts and high-altitude regions.
• Previous Acquisition: In 2017, India procured 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers, with the first 10 units manufactured in South Korea and the remaining 90 in India with Hanwha’s support.
• Enhanced Capabilities: The new batch features upgraded engines for high-altitude operations, proven effective in regions like Ladakh.

Hanwha Aerospace

• Parent Organization: Hanwha Group.
• Headquarters: South Korea.
• Subsidiaries: Hanwha Vision, Satrec Initiative.
• CEO: Son Jae-il.
• Founded: August 1, 1977.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

• Industry: Conglomerate.
• Founded: February 7, 1946.
• Founders: Henning Holck-Larsen and Søren Kristian Toubro.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Chairman Emeritus: A. M. Naik.
• Chairman & MD: S. N. Subrahmanyan.

Significance

• The deal enhances India’s artillery capabilities, a potential topic for mains essays on defense indigenization and international collaboration.

Relevance for Judiciary, APO, and JLO Aspirants

The 4th April 2025 Top Current Affairs provide valuable insights for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams:

• Prelims: Focus on factual details like BEL’s ₹593 crore contract, Poonam Gupta’s three-year tenure, Odisha’s Sishu Vatika, and Hanwha-L&T’s $850 million deal.
• Mains: Analyze broader themes such as defense self-reliance (BEL, Hanwha-L&T), economic policy (Poonam Gupta), educational reforms (Sishu Vatika), regional cooperation (BIMSTEC), and immigration policy (Immigration and Foreigners Bill).
• Interviews: Discuss the implications of these events on national security, economic governance, early education, regional stability, and digital real estate, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of contemporary issues.

Conclusion

The 4th April 2025 Top Current Affairs offer a comprehensive overview of key events for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s ₹593 crore contract with the Indian Air Force, Poonam Gupta’s appointment as RBI Deputy Governor, Odisha’s Sishu Vatika initiative, BIMSTEC agreements, the Indian Navy’s ₹270-crore deal with Kirloskar, Warangal’s Chapata chilli’s GI tag, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, H Shankar’s role at CPCL, Dhruv Agarwala’s resignation from REA India, and Hanwha Aerospace’s $850 million deal with L&T for K9 Vajra-T howitzers. These events provide critical insights into defense, economic policy, education, international relations, and cultural heritage, 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. Which Navratna defence PSU secured a ₹593.22 crore contract with the Indian Air Force for Akash missile system maintenance in FY 2025-26?
   Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) secured the contract on April 2, 2025.
2. Who has been appointed as the Deputy Governor of RBI, replacing MD Patra?
   Poonam Gupta was appointed as RBI Deputy Governor, replacing MD Patra.
3. For how many years has Poonam Gupta been appointed as RBI Deputy Governor?
   Poonam Gupta has been appointed for a three-year tenure.
4. Which state has launched the ‘Sishu Vatika’ initiative for pre-school education under NEP 2020?
   Odisha launched the ‘Sishu Vatika’ initiative on April 2, 2025.
5. Where was the 25th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of BIMSTEC held?
   The 25th SOM of BIMSTEC was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 2, 2025.
6. Who will represent India at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit?
   Prime Minister Narendra Modi will represent India at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 3, 2025.
7. With which company has the Indian Navy signed a ₹270-crore deal for indigenous marine diesel engine development?
   The Indian Navy signed the deal with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited.
8. Which unique chilli variety from Warangal, known for its tomato-like appearance, received a GI tag?
   Warangal Chapata Chilli (Tomato Chilli) received the GI tag on April 1, 2025.
9. Which bill has been approved by the Indian Parliament to regulate immigration in 2025?
   The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was approved on April 2, 2025.
10. Which company signed a deal with L&T to supply K9 Vajra-T howitzers to India?
    Hanwha Aerospace signed a $850 million deal with L&T for 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers.