Monthly Current Affairs April 2025: Key Events for Competitive Exam Preparation

Stay ahead in your competitive exam preparation with our comprehensive April 2025 Current Affairs guide. This month’s key events include the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), SpaceX’s historic Fram2 polar orbit mission, evolving India-China diplomatic relations, and the US’s new reciprocal tariff policy. Perfect for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other exams, this guide includes exam-focused insights, downloadable PDFs, and quizzes to test your knowledge.

1. 50th Anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

Overview

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), a landmark treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2025. Opened for signature in April 1972 and effective from 26 March 1975, the BWC is a critical pillar of global disarmament efforts.

What is the BWC?

• Full Name: Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons.
• Scope: Prohibits biological weapons, including microorganisms or toxins (e.g., anthrax, plague) that cause disease or death.
• Risks: These weapons can trigger food shortages, environmental degradation, economic instability, and widespread illness.

Historical Context

Negotiated in Geneva by the Committee on Disarmament, the BWC builds on the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which banned the use of biological and chemical weapons. It remains a cornerstone of international arms control, promoting global security.

Key Provisions

The BWC strictly prohibits:

• Development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
• Transfer and use of such complexo weapons.
• Encourages peaceful use of biological science and international cooperation.

Membership

• State Parties: 188 countries, including India.
• Signatories: 4 (Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Syria).
• India’s Role: An active member, India supports global disarmament and compliance with BWC protocols.

Exam Tip: For UPSC and other exams, focus on the BWC’s provisions, India’s role, and its link to the Geneva Protocol. Review our March 2025 Current Affairs for related disarmament topics.

2. SpaceX Fram2 Mission: First Human Polar Orbit Flight

Overview

On 31 March 2025, SpaceX’s Fram2 mission, launched aboard Crew Dragon Resilience, achieved a historic milestone as the first human spaceflight to traverse Earth’s polar orbit. Funded by Maltese entrepreneur Chun Wang, this mission underscores the growing role of private space exploration.

Mission Highlights

• Crew: Chun Wang (Malta), Jannicke Mikkelsen (Norway), Rabea Rogge (Germany), Eric Philips (Australia).
• Launch Date: 31 March 2025, 9:46 PM EDT, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• Orbit: 425–450 km altitude, 90° inclination (polar orbit).
• Duration: 3.5 days, with splashdown on 4 April 2025 in the Pacific Ocean.
• Experiments: Included X-ray imaging, mushroom cultivation in microgravity, and aurora studies.

Understanding Polar Orbits

A polar orbit is a low Earth orbit (200–1000 km) passing over the North and South Poles (±10°). Unlike equatorial orbits, polar orbits:

• Enable global observation for weather forecasting, mapping, and reconnaissance.
• Require more fuel due to the lack of Earth’s rotational boost.

Significance

Named after a Norwegian polar exploration ship, Fram2 marks a leap in private spaceflight and polar research, offering valuable data for climate and environmental studies.

Exam Tip: Questions on space missions are common in competitive exams. Note the mission’s objectives, crew diversity, and polar orbit’s applications.

Read More Top Current Affairs Here

3. India-China Relations: The Dragon-Elephant Tango

Overview

Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties in April 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized stronger India-China relations, highlighting their shared roles as ancient civilizations and Global South leaders. This “Dragon-Elephant Tango” aims to foster cooperation amidst complex challenges.

Why It Matters

• Economic Impact: Supports over $100 billion in bilateral trade, stabilizing global supply chains.
• Geopolitical Stability: Reduces rivalry, enhancing cooperation in UN, WTO, and BRICS.
• Energy and Water: Promotes technology sharing and equitable use of shared rivers like the Brahmaputra.
• Regional Security: Minimizes border tensions and strengthens joint anti-terrorism efforts.

Key Challenges

• Border Disputes: The unresolved 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) has led to clashes.
• Geopolitical Rivalry: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) raise concerns in India.
• Trade Imbalance: India faced an $85.1 billion trade deficit with China in FY2024.
• Pakistan Factor: China’s support for Pakistan complicates India’s security dynamics.

Way Forward

• Diplomacy: Resolve border issues through mechanisms like the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC).
• Trade Balance: Promote Indian exports and mutual investments.
• Mutual Respect: Foster sensitivity to each other’s concerns for long-term stability.

Exam Tip: Focus on India-China trade figures, border issues, and diplomatic mechanisms for UPSC and banking exams. Explore India-China Relations Guide for deeper insights.

Read More Top Current Affairs Here

4. US Reciprocal Tariffs: A Shift in Global Trade

Overview

On 2 April 2025, the US President announced a 10% baseline tariff on imports from over 180 countries, effective 5 April 2025, with country-specific reciprocal tariffs starting 9 April 2025. This policy aims to address the US’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit in 2024.

Key Tariff Rates

• India: 26% (half of India’s 52% tariff on US goods).
• China: 54% (34% reciprocal + 20% existing; raised to 125% on 9 April 2025).
• Japan: 24%.
• EU: 20%.
• Note: Tariffs were paused for 90 days (except for China) on 9 April 2025.

Objectives

• Reindustrialization: Boost domestic manufacturing and job creation.
• Retaliation: Counter high tariffs and unfair trade practices by other nations.
• Economic Nationalism: Aligns with the “America First” policy to prioritize US economic interests.

What is Economic Nationalism?

Economic nationalism prioritizes domestic control of the economy, labor, and capital. It takes two forms:

• Developmentalism: Industrial policies to achieve national goals (e.g., India’s post-independence economic model).
• Mercantilism/Isolationism: Restrictive trade policies for prosperity (e.g., US’s “Make America Wealthy Again” campaign).

Global Impact

The tariffs could reshape global trade, affect supply chains, and increase costs for consumers. India and other nations may need to renegotiate trade agreements to mitigate impacts.

Exam Tip: Read More Top Current Affairs Here

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