8th April 2025 Current Affairs for Judiciary, APO & JLO Exam

Stay updated with the 8th April 2025 Current Affairs for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams, covering Sudarsan Pattnaik’s historic win at the Fred Darrington Sand Art Award, Justice Arun Palli’s appointment as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court, PM Modi’s inauguration of the New Pamban Rail Bridge, and more. These events are crucial for aspirants preparing for 2025 exams, offering insights into legal, cultural, and infrastructural developments.

Introduction

Keeping abreast of 8th April 2025 Current Affairs is essential for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams, as these updates often form the basis of general awareness questions in prelims, mains essays, and interview discussions. Today’s highlights include Sudarsan Pattnaik becoming the first Indian to win the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award, the Supreme Court Collegium recommending Justice Arun Palli as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court, PM Modi inaugurating the New Pamban Rail Bridge, and significant developments in healthcare, sports, and international relations. These events provide critical insights into legal, cultural, and infrastructural advancements, making them vital for exam preparation. This blog offers a detailed overview of these updates, tailored for aspirants aiming to excel in their 2025 exams.

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1. Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Fred Darrington Sand Art Award

On April 5, 2025, Sudarsan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist from Odisha, made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Dorset, England.

Significance of the Occasion

This year’s award holds special significance as it marks the 100th birth anniversary of Fred Darrington, a legendary British sculptor considered the father of British sand sculpture.
To commemorate the event, Pattnaik created a 10-foot-high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing World Peace, which became the festival’s centerpiece at Lodmoor Park.

Recognition and Career Highlights

Padma Shri Awardee: Pattnaik, hailing from Odisha, is a Padma Shri recipient, honored for his contributions to sand art.
Global Presence: He has participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships, often blending spiritual themes with social messages in his work.
International Recognition: The Weymouth award marks a new milestone in Pattnaik’s career, showcasing India’s artistic and cultural influence on a global stage, as noted by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who celebrated the achievement as a proud moment for India.

Sandworld 2025

The Sandworld exhibition at Lodmoor Park is globally renowned for its large and intricate sand sculptures, created using only sand and water.
The festival saw participation from artists worldwide, but Pattnaik’s peace-themed creation captured global attention, earning him the prestigious award presented by the Mayor of Weymouth, Jon Orell, alongside dignitaries like Mark Andersen (Director of Sandworld) and Naorem J Singh (Minister for Culture at the Indian High Commission).

Significance

This achievement highlights India’s growing influence in global cultural arenas, a topic relevant for mains essays on cultural diplomacy and soft power.

2. Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Justice Arun Palli as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court

On April 5, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Arun Palli, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, for appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Context of the Appointment

The recommendation comes ahead of the superannuation of the incumbent Chief Justice, Justice Tashi Rabstan, who is set to retire on April 9, 2025.
The vacancy necessitated a timely appointment to ensure the smooth functioning of the High Court, which serves the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Career Background

Early Life and Education: Born on September 18, 1964, Justice Palli hails from a family of legal professionals and began his law practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Judicial Elevation: He was elevated to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in December 2013, where he has served with distinction.
Additional Roles: Since May 31, 2023, Justice Palli has been the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority. He was also nominated to the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on October 31, 2023, for a two-year term, reflecting his commitment to legal aid and access to justice.

Significance

This appointment underscores the Supreme Court Collegium’s role in ensuring judicial continuity and leadership in High Courts, a topic relevant for prelims questions on judicial appointments and mains essays on the Collegium system.

3. PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge – New Pamban Rail Bridge

On April 8, 2025, coinciding with Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, the New Pamban Rail Bridge, in Tamil Nadu, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland. He also laid foundation stones and inaugurated rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in the state.

Bridge Features and Significance

Technological Marvel: The New Pamban Rail Bridge is designed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade protective paint, and fully welded joints, ensuring high durability and low maintenance.
Future-Ready Design: It supports dual rail tracks, making it capable of handling increased rail traffic in the future.
Strategic Importance: The bridge enhances connectivity to Rameswaram, a key pilgrimage site, boosting tourism and economic activity in the region.

Cultural and Mythological Importance

The bridge holds deep cultural significance, as per the Ramayana, where the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) is believed to have been constructed from Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram by Lord Rama to reach Lanka.
The inauguration on Ram Navami, a festival celebrating Lord Rama’s birth, adds symbolic value to the project, resonating with cultural sentiments.

Significance

This event highlights India’s focus on infrastructure development, a potential topic for mains essays on economic growth and cultural heritage, and prelims questions on national projects.

4. Centre and Delhi Government Sign MoU to Implement Ayushman Bharat with ₹10 Lakh Health Cover

On April 7, 2025, the Union Health Ministry and the Delhi Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, significantly enhancing healthcare coverage for residents.

Increased Health Cover for Delhi Residents

The national Ayushman Bharat scheme provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
The Delhi government has committed to contributing an additional ₹5 lakh, bringing the total health coverage to ₹10 lakh per family annually, a significant boost for healthcare access.

Beneficiaries and Infrastructure

Eligible Families: Over 6.5 lakh families in Delhi will benefit from this enhanced coverage.
Healthcare Access: Residents can access services at more than 30,000 empanelled hospitals across India, ensuring widespread availability.
Financial Commitment: The Delhi Government has allocated ₹2,100 crore for the scheme’s implementation.
Ayushman Cards: Distribution of Ayushman cards will begin on April 10, 2025, enabling beneficiaries to avail of the benefits.

Statements from Key Leaders

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda: Highlighted that out-of-pocket health expenditure has reduced from 62% in 2014 to 38%, emphasizing that Ayushman Bharat is an assurance scheme, not just insurance, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Underscored the scheme’s accessibility and the government’s financial commitment, noting its role in improving public health outcomes.

About Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

World’s Largest Health Assurance Scheme: It covers 12 crore poor and vulnerable families, approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, or 40% of India’s population.
Coverage Details: Provides ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization, addressing critical healthcare needs.

Significance

This development is a key topic for prelims questions on government schemes and mains essays on healthcare reforms, reflecting India’s commitment to universal health coverage.

5. Rudrankksh Patil Wins Gold in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup 2025

On April 7, 2025, Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, a former world champion, secured the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Second ISSF World Cup Gold for Patil

This marks Patil’s second individual gold at an ISSF World Cup, having previously won the same event at the 2023 Cairo edition.
His consistent performance underscores India’s growing prowess in shooting sports on the global stage.

Esha Singh Wins Silver in 25m Pistol

Esha Singh secured a silver medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the same ISSF World Cup, marking her first ISSF World Cup medal.
Esha had previously won silver medals in both the 10m and 25m pistol events at the 2023 Asian Games, highlighting her rising prominence in the sport.

India Tied with China on Medal Tally

With these wins, India now jointly leads the medal standings with China, each having:
- Gold: Sift Kaur Samra (Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions), Rudrankksh Patil (Men’s 10m Air Rifle).
- Silver: Esha Singh (Women’s 25m Pistol).
- Bronze: Chain Singh (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions).
USA ranks third with two golds and one silver.
Remaining Events: Eight more finals are yet to be held at the championship, offering further opportunities for India to add to its tally.

Significance

This achievement is relevant for prelims questions on sports achievements and mains essays on India’s sporting success and global representation.

6. India Wins 6 Medals at World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025; Hitesh Gulia Clinches Historic Gold

India secured an impressive haul of six medals—1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 4 Bronze—at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2025, held in Foz do Iguacu.

Hitesh Gulia Creates History

Hitesh Gulia became the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup, triumphing in the men’s 70kg category via walkover after England’s Odel Kamara was unable to compete due to injury.
Gulia credited a 10-day preparation camp in Brazil for his and the team’s success, highlighting the importance of acclimatization and training.

Silver for Abhinash Jamwal

Abhinash Jamwal won a silver medal in the 65kg category, narrowly losing to Brazil’s Yuri Reis in a closely contested final.

Bronze Medal Winners

Four Indian boxers earned bronze medals after reaching the semi-finals:
- Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (50kg)
- Manish Rathore (55kg)
- Sachin (60kg)
- Vishal (90kg)
In line with Olympic boxing rules, both losing semi-finalists were awarded bronze medals.

About the Tournament

India participated only in the men’s categories, as the senior women’s nationals clashed with the event dates.
This was the first of three World Boxing Cups scheduled for 2025, with upcoming editions in Kazakhstan (June-July) and India (November).
Ranking points earned at each event will determine qualification for the World Boxing Cup Finals.

Significance

This achievement underscores India’s growing dominance in boxing, a topic relevant for prelims questions on sports and mains essays on international sporting achievements.

7. Seven Products from West Bengal, Including ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’, Receive GI Tag

On April 7, 2025, West Bengal was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven new products, bringing its total GI-recognized items to 33.

Newly Recognized Products

Nolen Gurer Sandesh: A traditional jaggery-based winter sweet made from chhena and date palm jaggery, culturally significant in Bengal.
Baruipur Guava: Known for its unique flavor and quality.
Kamarpukur’s White Bonde: A popular sweet from Hooghly district.
Murshidabad’s Chhanabora: A traditional sweet delicacy.
Bishnupur’s Motichur Laddoo: A renowned sweet from Bankura district.
Radhunipagal Rice: A heritage rice variety.
Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn: A high-quality silk product.

Impact of GI Tag Recognition

Economic Boost: The GI tags are expected to enhance the local economy by providing global recognition to Bengal’s traditional products.
Support for Artisans: This recognition supports MSMEs and artisans, promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Cultural Preservation: It preserves Bengal’s cultural heritage by safeguarding traditional products.
Key Contributors: The Federation of Association of Cottage and Small Industries (FACSI), Misti Udyog, Baruipur Farmers Producer Company, and State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (Narendrapur) played key roles in securing these tags.

Future GI Tag Prospects

West Bengal is working towards GI tags for additional products like Shaktigarh’s Langcha, Krishnanagar’s Swar Puria, Ranaghat’s Pantua, and Mograhat’s Silver Craft.

Significance

This development is a potential topic for prelims questions on GI tags and mains essays on cultural heritage and economic development.

8. Saudi Arabia Temporarily Bans Visas for 14 Countries, Including India, Ahead of Hajj 2025

On April 7, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance for citizens of 14 countries, including India, ahead of the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage.

Details of the Ban

Visa Types Affected: The ban applies to Umrah visas, business visas, and family visit visas.
Duration: The suspension will remain in effect until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Final Date for Umrah Visa Application: The last date to apply for an Umrah visa this year is April 13, 2025.

Purpose of the Ban

Prevent Overcrowding: The measure aims to prevent overcrowding during the Hajj season.
Avoid Unregistered Pilgrims: It seeks to curb unregistered pilgrim entries, which have caused logistical challenges in the past.
Ensure Safety: The decision follows the 2024 Hajj stampede, caused by extreme heat and unregistered participants, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

Penalties for Violations

Violators of Hajj regulations may face:
- A five-year ban on re-entry to Saudi Arabia.
- A fine of SAR 10,000 (approximately ₹2.25 lakh).
A digital guide in 16 languages has been launched to educate pilgrims on legal procedures, ensuring compliance.

List of Affected Countries

The ban applies to citizens of 14 countries, including:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and one other country (details to be updated if available).

Significance

This development is relevant for prelims questions on international relations and mains essays on India-Saudi relations and religious diplomacy.

9. Seema Agrawal Appointed DGP of Fire and Rescue Services in Tamil Nadu

On April 7, 2025, Seema Agrawal, a senior IPS officer, was appointed as the Director-General of Police (DGP)/Director of Fire and Rescue Services in Tamil Nadu, replacing DGP Abhash Kumar, who retired on March 31, 2025.

Background and Career

Previous Role: Prior to this appointment, Seema Agrawal served as DGP, Civil Supplies, showcasing her experience in administrative leadership.
Appointment Context: Her appointment is part of a larger reshuffle of senior IPS officers in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the state government’s focus on strengthening public safety services.

Reshuffle of Senior IPS Officers

The Tamil Nadu Government ordered a reshuffle of 7 senior IPS officers, including:
- Rupesh Kumar Meena: IGP, Civil Supplies-CID, given additional charge as DGP, Civil Supplies-CID.
- Vijayendra S. Bidari: Appointed IGP/Additional Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Greater Chennai Police.
- Kapil Kumar C. Saratkar: Shifted as IGP, Enforcement, Chennai.
- G. Karthikeyan: Appointed IGP/Additional Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Traffic Police.
- R. Sudhakar: Deputed to Central Services, previously Additional Commissioner, Traffic.
- Santhosh Kumar: Appointed IGP, Economic Offences Wing, previously Joint Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
- M. Sathiya Priya: Posted as IGP, Welfare.

Significance

This reshuffle is a key topic for prelims questions on state administration and mains essays on public safety and governance.

10. India to Commission New Nuclear Submarine Base in Andhra Pradesh by 2026

On April 7, 2025, it was announced that India will commission a new nuclear submarine and warship base near Rambilli village in Andhra Pradesh by 2026, under Project Varsha.

Details of the Base

Location: Located 50 km from the Eastern Naval Command HQ in Visakhapatnam, the base includes underground pens and tunnels for stealth operations of nuclear-powered submarines.
Strategic Features: The base offers satellite invisibility for SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines), allowing covert operations in the Bay of Bengal.
Project Timeline: In development for over a decade, the first phase of Project Varsha is nearing completion, inspired by China’s Hainan Island nuclear base with similar water depth for stealth entry and exit.

INS Aridhaman to Be Commissioned in 2025

India’s third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, will be commissioned in 2025, larger than its predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
INS Aridhaman will carry K-4 ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500 km, enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
India also plans to induct six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and additional SSBNs to bolster its naval strength.

Karwar Naval Base Strengthened Under Project Seabird

The Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, developed under Project Seabird, complements Project Varsha by securing the Arabian Sea side.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated upgrades enabling the base to berth 32 ships and submarines and 23 yard crafts, strengthening India’s western seaboard.

Significance

This development is a potential topic for prelims questions on defence projects and mains essays on maritime security and India’s nuclear deterrence.

Relevance for Judiciary, APO, and JLO Aspirants

The 8th April 2025 Current Affairs provide valuable insights for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants preparing for 2025 exams:

Prelims: Focus on factual details like Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Fred Darrington Award, Justice Arun Palli’s appointment, New Pamban Rail Bridge, Ayushman Bharat’s ₹10 lakh cover, and Rudrankksh Patil’s gold medal.
Mains: Analyze broader themes such as cultural diplomacy (Sudarsan Pattnaik), judicial appointments (Justice Arun Palli), infrastructure development (New Pamban Rail Bridge), healthcare reforms (Ayushman Bharat), and sports achievements (ISSF World Cup, World Boxing Cup).
Interviews: Discuss the implications of these events on public policy, international relations, healthcare access, and national security, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of contemporary issues.

Conclusion

The 8th April 2025 Current Affairs offer a comprehensive overview of key events for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, including Sudarsan Pattnaik’s historic win at the Fred Darrington Sand Art Award, Justice Arun Palli’s recommendation as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court, PM Modi’s inauguration of the New Pamban Rail Bridge, the Ayushman Bharat MoU in Delhi, Rudrankksh Patil’s ISSF World Cup gold, Hitesh Gulia’s historic World Boxing Cup gold, West Bengal’s new GI tags, Saudi Arabia’s visa ban for Hajj 2025, Seema Agrawal’s appointment as DGP, and India’s new nuclear submarine base. These updates provide critical insights into legal, cultural, infrastructural, and sporting developments, helping candidates excel in prelims, mains, and interviews. Stay updated and integrate these events into your preparation to succeed in your 2025 exams!

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FAQs

Who became the first Indian to win the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award in 2025?
Sudarsan Pattnaik won the award at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Dorset, England.
What did Sudarsan Pattnaik create to mark the Fred Darrington Award occasion?
He created a 10-foot-high sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha with a message of World Peace.
Who was recommended as the Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court in April 2025?
Justice Arun Palli, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.
What is the name of India’s first vertical lift sea bridge inaugurated by PM Modi?
The New Pamban Rail Bridge in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated on April 8, 2025.
How much health cover will Delhi residents receive under Ayushman Bharat after the MoU?
Delhi residents will receive ₹10 lakh per family per year, combining the national ₹5 lakh with an additional ₹5 lakh from the Delhi government.
Who won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle at the ISSF World Cup 2025?
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil won the gold in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marking his second ISSF World Cup gold.
Who became the first Indian boxer to win gold at the World Boxing Cup 2025 in Brazil?
Hitesh Gulia won the gold in the men’s 70kg category via walkover.
Which West Bengal sweet received a GI tag in April 2025?
Nolen Gurer Sandesh, along with six other products, received the GI tag.
Which country imposed a visa ban on 14 nations, including India, ahead of Hajj 2025?
Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary ban on Umrah, business, and family visit visas until mid-June 2025.
Where is India’s new nuclear submarine base, set to be commissioned in 2026, located?
The base, under Project Varsha, is located near Rambilli village in Andhra Pradesh.