Daily Current Affairs 16th April 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

International News

Beijing Halts Boeing Orders Amid Escalating US-China Trade War

• Amid escalating US-China trade tensions, China has instructed its major airlines to halt the purchase and delivery of Boeing aircraft following President Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese goods.
• The move affects 179 aircraft orders from Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, and suspends the import of US aircraft parts, hitting Boeing hard.
• Meanwhile, Airbus and China’s COMAC emerge as key beneficiaries, gaining ground in the Asian aviation market.
• The decision underscores growing geopolitical friction, potential shifts in the global aviation industry, and China’s push for self-reliance in aerospace.

Daniel Noboa Re-elected In Ecuador’s 2025 Presidential Run-off

• In Ecuador’s 2025 presidential run-off, right-wing incumbent Daniel Noboa secured a full 4-year term with 55.8% of the vote, defeating left-wing rival Luisa Gonzalez (44.2%).
• Amid rampant drug cartel violence and a 28% poverty rate, Noboa’s tough-on-crime “mano dura” strategy, military deployments, and U.S. anti-narcotics cooperation resonated with voters.
• Gonzalez alleged electoral fraud and demanded a recount, though the National Electoral Council confirmed Noboa’s clear win.
• His presidency focuses on security, economic revival, and restoring public trust.

Business News

SEBI Action Against Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL)

• SEBI has barred Gensol Engineering Ltd (GEL) and its promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from the securities market due to serious allegations of fund diversion, share price manipulation, and forged documents.
• The investigation, initiated after a June 2024 complaint, revealed weak internal controls, misuse of company funds, and violations of PFUTP regulations.
• SEBI also halted the stock split and ordered a forensic audit to assess related-party transactions and financial irregularities.

Banking News

CRISIL Projected 12-13% Growth for Banking Credit

• India’s banking sector is projected to see credit growth of 12-13% in FY26, driven by supportive regulatory measures, tax cuts, and softer interest rates, slightly higher than the 11-11.5% growth in FY25.
• Key regulatory changes, such as the rollback of risk weights for loans to NBFCs and the deferment of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) norms, are expected to boost lending to NBFCs and enhance overall credit growth.
• Corporate credit is projected to grow by 9-10%, with lending to NBFCs maintaining double-digit growth despite slower expansion compared to FY23-24.

Economy News

Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India Of March 2025

• The DPIIT released the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data for March 2025, showing a 2.05% annual inflation, a slight decline from 2.38% in February.
• The WPI index for all commodities stood at 154.5, driven by price increases in the manufacture of food products, textiles, and electricity.
• The inflation for primary articles dropped sharply to 0.76%, while manufactured products saw a higher inflation of 3.07%.
• The WPI food index showed a decline in inflation to 4.66%, down from 5.94% in February.

Morgan Stanley Lowers India’s FY26 Outlook

• Morgan Stanley has lowered India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.1% (from 6.5%) and slashed its Sensex year-end target to 82,000 (from 93,000), citing global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs.
• Announced on April 2, 2025—dubbed “Liberation Day”—these protectionist tariffs impacted 70 nations, including a 26% tariff on India, stoking fears of a global slowdown.
• Other brokerages like UBS, Goldman Sachs, and Citi also trimmed India’s growth outlook.
• Morgan Stanley remains overweight on financials, consumer cyclicals, and industrials, but underweight on energy, materials, utilities, and healthcare.

Appointments News

Mirabai Chanu Appointed Chairperson of IWLF Athletes Commission

• Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Olympic silver medallist and Commonwealth Games champion, was appointed as Chairperson of the IWLF Athletes Commission by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF).
• Hailing from Manipur, Chanu aims to amplify athletes’ voices, ensure their well-being, and bridge gaps between players and administrators.
• Her appointment marks a pivotal step in promoting athlete-led governance, gender representation, and empowering Indian sports with experienced leadership.

Justice BR Gavai Next CJI of India as Successor to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna

• On April 16, 2025, Justice B R Gavai was named the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Gavai, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, has made significant contributions in constitutional and administrative law.
• Including key verdicts on demonetization (2023), Article 370 (2019), sub-categorization of SCs/STs (2024), and bulldozer demolitions (2024). At 64, he will take office after CJI Khanna’s retirement on May 13, 2025, with a focus on upholding constitutional principles and strengthening the rule of law.

Agreement News

MoU between Ministry of Labour & Employment and Swiggy for Gig and Logistics Employment Opportunities

• The Ministry of Labour & Employment signed an MoU with Swiggy to enhance gig and logistics employment opportunities through the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
• This partnership aims to create 12 lakh job opportunities over the next 2–3 years by integrating real-time job postings and fostering inclusive hiring for youth, women, and individuals seeking flexible work.
• Swiggy will post gig jobs, delivery roles, and support roles, contributing to digital empowerment and worker welfare schemes.
• The collaboration aligns with government goals to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve employment outcomes.

Awards News

National Highways Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2023

Sports News

Saurabh Chaudhary Wins Bronze in 10m Air Pistol At ISSF World Cup 2025

• Saurabh Chaudhary, a 22-year-old shooter from Uttar Pradesh, made a stunning comeback by winning the bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Lima, Peru.
• Competing after a 2+ year break, he showed great resilience in a closely contested final, outperforming top shooters like Yu Xie and Christian Reitz.
• With a final score of 219.1, he marked his first World Cup medal in over two years, signaling a strong return to international form.

Science & Technology News

Blue Origin Completes Historic All-Female Spaceflight In April 2025

• Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket completed a historic 10-minute suborbital spaceflight from Van Horn, Texas, featuring the first all-female crew since 1963. The crew included Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn, symbolizing diversity, empowerment, and the fusion of science and pop culture.
• The mission crossed the Kármán line (100 km), showcased microgravity activities, and was witnessed by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Mae Jemison.
• It marked a milestone in reusable commercial spaceflight, gender representation, and inclusive exploration.

Miscellaneous News

Banaras Shehnai Get Recognition of GI Tag

• The Banaras Shehnai has been conferred with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in April 2025, recognizing its cultural and spiritual significance. Originating from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this traditional wind instrument is deeply tied to ceremonies and rituals.
• The recognition, awarded by PM Modi, highlights the artisan craftsmanship involved in creating shehnai using Sheesham and Sagwan wood and reed from Dumraon. Ustad Bismillah Khan, a global ambassador for the shehnai, played a pivotal role in elevating its status.
• The GI tag ensures the preservation and promotion of its unique heritage.

Current Affairs Today | 15-16 April Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam