Stay updated with the top headlines from 17th April 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, defense, awards, summits, and state-level news — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What initiative did the Ministry of Ayush launch under Mission Karmayogi?
Answer: The Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme was launched to enhance service orientation and efficiency among Ayush personnel through interactive learning and team exercises.
2. What landmark judgment did the Supreme Court issue on child trafficking?
Answer: SC directed strict action against organized trafficking gangs, held hospitals accountable for newborn safety, and ordered trial completion within six months for 13 accused.
3. What new industry category was introduced by CPCB?
Answer: CPCB introduced the “Blue Category” for industries offering Essential Environmental Services like waste-to-energy and biogas, granting extended consent validity.
International News
4. What is the WHO’s new Pandemic Treaty proposal?
Answer: The treaty includes the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), One Health Approach, and global supply chain reforms to strengthen pandemic preparedness.
5. What climate record did Tanzania set in 2024?
Answer: Tanzania recorded its hottest year since 1970, with a national average temperature of 24.3°C and significant nighttime anomalies.
6. Who won Gabon’s 2025 presidential election?
Answer: General Brice Oligui Nguema won with over 90% votes, ending the Bongo family’s 40-year rule following his 2023 coup.
State News
7. What committee was formed by Tamil Nadu to review Centre-State relations?
Answer: A high-level committee chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph was formed to recommend reforms enhancing State autonomy and restoring subjects to the State List.
8. What is Gujarat Police’s GP-DRASTI program?
Answer: A drone-based surveillance initiative using HD quadcopters for crime response, facial recognition, and real-time monitoring across 33 police stations.
Economy News
9. What were India’s export figures for March 2025?
Answer: Exports rose by 0.7% to $41.97B, while imports surged 11.3% to $63.51B, widening the trade deficit to $21.54B.
10. How did India’s trade with the US and China shift in FY25?
Answer: Surplus with the US widened to $41.2B, while deficit with China deepened to $99.2B due to increased imports of electronics and EV components.
Awards News
11. Who received the MacGregor Memorial Medal for 2023–24?
Answer: Five military personnel including Wing Commander D. Panda and Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal were honored for reconnaissance and adventure contributions.
Defense News
12. What was the theme of Meghayan-25 hosted by the Indian Navy?
Answer: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,” focusing on marine meteorology and oceanology collaboration.
13. What is Exercise DUSTLIK-VI?
Answer: A joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan held in Pune, simulating sub-conventional operations in semi-urban scenarios.
Summits & Conferences
14. What role did UAE assume in INTERPOL governance?
Answer: UAE was elected Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance, with Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi securing 67% votes.