Daily Current Affairs and GK | 27 and 28 April 2025

Topic: International News

1. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and a Sri Lankan delegation have agreed to continue talks.

• They aim to finalize a trade deal between the two countries. 
• The meetings took place in Washington, D.C. The goal was to advance trade relations. 
• The Sri Lankan representatives presented proposals for mutual tariff adjustments.
• These were submitted to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. 
• The discussions addressed previous economic difficulties.
• They also focused on supporting Sri Lanka's efforts for long-term recovery. 
• Sri Lanka expressed its intention to reduce the trade deficit with the U.S.
• They also aim to eliminate both tariff and non-tariff obstacles. 
• Both sides reaffirmed their goal to reach a comprehensive trade agreement quickly.

Topic: Important Day

2. World Day For Safety and Health at Work 2025: 28 April

• World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated every year on 28 April.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international day to promote security, safety, and health at work.
• The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is "Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work."
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been celebrating the day since 2003.
• Artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming workplace safety and health.
• Now, robots are handling dangerous tasks, lifting heavy objects, dealing with toxic substances, and working in extreme heat or cold.

Topic: Science and Technology

3. A 3D microscope for advanced minimally invasive eye surgery introduced by the Army Hospital.

• A 3D microscope for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been introduced by the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in Indian ophthalmology.
• A cutting-edge 3D visualisation system, using special polarised 3D glasses and a 55-inch 4K ultra-HD display, has been deployed to allow enhanced precision and depth perception during surgeries.
• Now minimally invasive surgeries, such as squint surgery, cataract surgery, cornea surgery, glaucoma surgery and retinal surgery, are being performed with better outcomes using 3D microscopes.
• The initiative has been credited by Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, to the motivation and support provided by DGAFMS Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, who promoted the adoption of 3D technology.
• Army Hospital (Research and Referral), serving as the flagship medical care centre for the Indian Armed Forces, is undergoing major technological expansion to enhance its service capabilities.
• Surgical time reduction, lower complication rates, decreased phototoxicity, easier operation in complex cases like severe kyphosis, and less need for staining agents like triamcinolone are key advantages observed with the 3D microscope.
• Heads-up surgery using a 3D display system has enabled ergonomic benefits and enhanced learning, teamwork, and coordination during complex ophthalmic procedures.

Topic: Personality in News

4. Former Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General S Pattabhiraman passed away.

• On April 27, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, who later became Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General S Pattabhiraman passed away at the age of 78.
• He was a sapper officer and also served as colonel commandant of the Bombay Sappers before retiring in December 2006 after a distinguished career spanning 40 years.
• His career included important appointments such as defense attaché to Ankara, Turkey, and the first director general of information systems of the Indian Army.
• As Vice Chief of Army Staff, he was instrumental in maintaining a high state of operational preparedness and conceptualizing the Indian Army’s vision for the future decade.
• After his retirement, he was appointed as an administrative member of the Armed Forces Tribunal, continuing his service to the defence community.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Art and Culture

5. ‘Bharat Pavilion’ to be launched at WAVES 2025 by India to showcase storytelling heritage and innovation.

• India will unveil the ‘Bharat Pavilion’ at WAVES 2025, the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, scheduled to be held from May 1–4, 2025, in Mumbai.
• The Pavilion will serve as a tribute to India’s rich storytelling traditions and its growing influence in the global media and entertainment landscape.
• Guided by the theme “Kala to Code,” the Pavilion will celebrate the Indian spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the belief that the world is one family.
• The Bharat Pavilion will be structured around four immersive zones: Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap, each highlighting a unique aspect of India’s storytelling continuum.
• Shruti zone will showcase oral traditions, including Vedic chants, folk ballads, classical music, radio, and spoken word forms.
• Kriti zone will trace India’s written heritage, from ancient cave engravings and palm-leaf manuscripts to modern print media and publishing.
• Drishti zone will explore visual expressions through ancient dance forms, puppetry, folk theatre, cinema, television, digital platforms, and immersive storytelling.
• Creator’s Leap zone will demonstrate the future of storytelling through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
• A dynamic platform will be provided by the Bharat Pavilion for creators, collaborators, and changemakers to connect with India’s exceptional talent and rapidly expanding market.
• The Pavilion will also reflect strong government support for cultural diplomacy, cross-cultural partnerships, and positioning India as a global hub for creative innovation and investment.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Reports and Indices

6. The World Bank report highlighted reduction of extreme poverty in India between 2011 and 2023.

• According to the World Bank’s ‘India Poverty and Equity Brief’ report, 171 million people were moved out of extreme poverty in India between 2011–12 and 2022–23.
• The proportion of people living on less than $2.15 a day (called extreme poverty) dropped significantly from 16.2% to 2.3% during this period.
• During the same period, extreme poverty in rural areas declined from 18.4% to 2.8% and extreme poverty in urban areas also declined from 10.7% to 1.1%.
• The rural-urban poverty gap was narrowed from 7.7 to 1.7 percentage points.
• Poverty under the $3.65 per day threshold fell sharply from 61.8% to 28.1%.
• As a result of this shift, 378 million people were lifted above the lower-middle-income poverty line.
• Rural poverty under this line declined from 69% to 32.5%, while urban poverty fell from 43.5% to 17.2%.
• The rural-urban poverty gap has narrowed from 25% to 15%, with an annual decline of 7% between 2011–12 and 2022–23.
• Five states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh—accounted for 65% of India’s extreme poor in 2011–12.
• These states were responsible for nearly two-thirds of India’s total poverty reduction by 2022–23.
• However, as of 2022–23, they still made up 54% of India’s extreme poor and 51% of the multidimensionally poor between 2019 and 2021.
• India’s consumption-based Gini index improved from 28.8 to 25.5, showing a reduction in measured income inequality.
• On the other hand, the World Inequality Database reported that the income-based Gini index rose from 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023.
• Urban unemployment was lowered to 6.6% in the first quarter of FY24/25, the lowest level recorded since 2017–18, although youth unemployment remains a challenge at 13.3%.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

7. In FY 2024-25, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) recorded cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes. 

• The number of national waterways in India rose sharply from 5 to 111. 
• The total operational length of these waterways increased from 2,716 km to 4,894 km. 
• Coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash made up over two-thirds of the transported cargo. 
• The government introduced the Jalvahak Scheme to encourage waterway transport. 
• This scheme offers a 35% subsidy on operating costs for cargo owners and scheduled service providers. 
• The incentive is available on major routes including National Waterways 1, 2, and 16. 
• IWAI plans to raise inland waterways’ share in total freight transport from 2% to 5%. 
• It aims to move more than 200 million tonnes of cargo by 2030. 
• By 2047, IWAI hopes to surpass 500 million tonnes of cargo movement. 
• This long-term vision is part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Topic: National News

8. Union Minister Giriraj Singh opened the newly completed Jute Bailers’ Association hall at Kolkata Jute House. 

• The 170-year-old building has been renovated. 
• Minister highlighted its historical value to India’s jute industry. 
• He interacted with the members of the association during the event. 
• They briefed him on various challenges facing the jute industry.
• Jute industry in India:
  • India is the largest producer of jute in the world.
  • Jute is primarily grown in the eastern states of India, with West Bengal being the leading producer.
  • Bihar, Assam, and Meghalaya are other major jute-producing states in India.
  • West Bengal is home to the largest concentration of jute mills.
  • Indian jute products are exported to countries like the USA, the UK, and various European countries.
  • Various challenges facing the jute industry are declining global demand, labor issues and environmental concerns.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

9. Akashvani won six different awards at the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025. 

• The event was held in Mumbai. It celebrated excellence in radio and audio content creation. 
• Smriti Irani’s show ‘Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey with Smriti Irani’ received the Series of the Year award. 
• The 13-part series featured powerful stories of women’s courage and perseverance. 
• It concluded with an exclusive interview of President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. 
• Akashvani’s weekly programme ‘Public Speak’ won Best Produced Audio Streaming Programme in the Health and Fitness category. 
• ‘Chhayageet’ was honoured as the Best Late Night Show. 
• ‘Ujale Unki Yadon Ke’ was awarded Best Celebrity Show on Air. 
• ‘Safarcast’ earned the Best Travel Show award. 
• Akashvani also received the Best Interstitial award for its innovative short-form audio content. 
• Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Director General of Akashvani, was the guest of honour at the ceremony. 
• India Audio Summit and Awards is dedicated to recognizing and honouring audio excellence across India.
• It celebrates the most captivating and ground- breaking audio content, showcased on diverse platforms.

Topic: International News

10. Iran has declared April 28 as a national day of mourning.

• This follows a deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee port. 
• The blast occurred on April 27. It resulted in 28 deaths and over 1,200 injuries. 
• A fuel tanker exploded at the port near Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan Province. 
• The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. 
• President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences. He also called for an inquiry into the event. 
• Iran is a country in West Asia. The capital of Iran is Tehran. Its currency is rial.
• Shahid Rajaee port is one among two parts in the port of Bandar Abbas, southern Hormozgan province, Iran.
• It is located in the north shores of the Strait of Hormuz.