Daily Current Affairs — 17 April 2025
7 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Particulate Matter Trading Scheme in Gujarat
Context A study found that the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in Gujarat, delivered both environmental and economic benefits. About The Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in Surat, launched in 2019, is the world’s first market-based trading system for particulate matter (PM) emissions and India’s first pollution trading scheme of any kind. It represents a cap-and-trade system, where total emissions are capped and emission permits can be traded among industrial units.
China Restricts Exports of Rare Earths
In News Recently, China announced restrictions on the export of seven Rare Earth Elements which includes samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium following U.S. President Trump’s tariff impositions. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) They are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er) etc.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
In News The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry emphasized the potential of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a modern-day Silk Route aimed at connecting Asia with Europe through the Middle East. About India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Establishment: The MoU signed by leaders from India, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the US at the G20 Summit (2023) in New Delhi directly points to the official announcement and initial ste
Growing relevance of the Northeast – as a gateway to Southeast Asia
Context External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the growing relevance of the Northeast as a gateway to Southeast Asia. About EAM was virtually addressing a meeting of ambassadors for the upcoming North East Investors Summit 2025. It was organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Justice BR Gavai To Be the Next CJI
Context Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has recommended Justice B.R. Gavai — next in line by seniority — to the Union Law Ministry for appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. About Appointment of the CJI The Constitution of India does not mention any procedure for appointment of the CJI.
T.N. Government Issues Advisory Reiterating Use of Tamil as Official Language
Context The Tamil Nadu government has issued an advisory to senior officials and heads of departments, reiterating existing provisions and orders mandating the use of Tamil as the official language in all government offices. Regional Languages in State Legislature As per the Article 345: A State Legislature can choose any language(s) used in the State or Hindi for official work. However, until the State passes a law to change it, English will continue to be used for official purposes where it wa
Supreme Court on Child Trafficking
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India has issued a warning to parents across the country, urging them to remain vigilant against the growing menace of child trafficking. Current Scenario and Statistics Over 10,000 cases of trafficking were reported, yet only 1,031 convictions were secured (Between 2018 and 2022). Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh are among the top states with the highest number of trafficked children.