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Current Affairs 17 April 2025
1. Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Potchefstroom Invitational with 84.52m throw
Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the Potchefstroom Invitational with an
impressive throw of 84.52 meters. Competing in South Africa, Chopra dominated the field with his season-opening performance. His throw was enough to secure the top spot, showcasing his strong form ahead of a busy athletics season. This victory further boosts his preparations for upcoming major events like the Paris Olympics. Chopra's consistency continues to establish him as one of the world’s premier javelin throwers.
impressive throw of 84.52 meters. Competing in South Africa, Chopra dominated the field with his season-opening performance. His throw was enough to secure the top spot, showcasing his strong form ahead of a busy athletics season. This victory further boosts his preparations for upcoming major events like the Paris Olympics. Chopra's consistency continues to establish him as one of the world’s premier javelin throwers.Foot notes:
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Winning Throw: Chopra achieved a throw of 84.52m, securing the top spot on the podium among six competing athletes.
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Season Start: This marks an early start to his 2025 season, with Chopra reportedly tweaking his technique, running slower than usual, and throwing low and not on the left side of the sector.
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Competition Results: The second-best throw was from Douw Smit with 83.29m, followed by Duncan Robertson from South Africa with a throw of 71.22m.
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Next Event: Neeraj Chopra is scheduled to compete in the Diamond League in Doha on May 16, which will be the first major event of the season.
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Significance: Chopra's early season start and winning performance indicate a promising year ahead, as he continues to pursue his goal of achieving a 90m throw.
2. Justice BR Gavai To Become 52nd Chief Justice of India
Justice B.R. Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India. He will take
over the position following the retirement of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Justice Gavai, known for his fairness and deep legal knowledge, will serve a short tenure until November 2025. His appointment is historic, as he will be only the second Dalit Chief Justice after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. The legal community has welcomed the announcement, recognizing Justice Gavai's commitment to justice and constitutional values.
over the position following the retirement of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Justice Gavai, known for his fairness and deep legal knowledge, will serve a short tenure until November 2025. His appointment is historic, as he will be only the second Dalit Chief Justice after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. The legal community has welcomed the announcement, recognizing Justice Gavai's commitment to justice and constitutional values.Foot notes:
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Appointment as Chief Justice : He will take over as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, after the retirement of the current CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and will remain in office until November 23, 2025.
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Article 370 Verdict : Played a significant role in the landmark judgment that validated the abrogation of Article 370, revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
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Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case : Part of the bench in the high-profile contempt proceedings against senior advocate Prashant Bhushan.
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Tenure and Retirement : Justice Gavai will retire on November 23, 2025, after serving for a tenure of about six months as the Chief Justice of India.
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Significance : He will be the second Dalit to hold the position, following Justice KG Balakrishnan's appointment in 2007.
3. India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins
The India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI has officially begun.
The exercise is taking place in Uzbekistan with the aim of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. Troops from both sides will engage in joint training focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments. The drills will also include tactical maneuvers, marksmanship, and simulated combat scenarios. DUSTLIK-VI is expected to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Uzbek Armed Forces. This collaboration reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
The exercise is taking place in Uzbekistan with the aim of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. Troops from both sides will engage in joint training focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments. The drills will also include tactical maneuvers, marksmanship, and simulated combat scenarios. DUSTLIK-VI is expected to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Uzbek Armed Forces. This collaboration reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan.Foot notes:
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Participating Units: The Indian contingent consists of 60 personnel from the Jat Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF), while the Uzbekistan Army is represented by its national troops.
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Exercise Theme: The theme of DUSTLIK-VI focuses on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario, simulating a coordinated response to a terrorist attack involving territory capture and control.
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Key Objectives: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies, develop joint tactical capabilities, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in counter-terrorism operations, including the use of drones, helicopters, and counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
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Operational Highlights: The exercise includes establishing a Joint Operations Centre, conducting special operations missions, securing helipads, and executing raids, search-and-destroy missions, and population control measures.
4. Chris Jenkins Resigns as Commonwealth Sport President
Chris Jenkins has resigned from his position as President of Commonwealth
Sport. His decision comes after a tenure marked by efforts to modernize and expand the Games' global appeal. Jenkins cited personal reasons for stepping down but expressed pride in the progress made during his leadership. Under his presidency, Commonwealth Sport emphasized inclusivity, youth engagement, and sustainability. The organization has announced that an interim president will be appointed soon to ensure a smooth transition. Jenkins' resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for Commonwealth Sport’s evolution.
Sport. His decision comes after a tenure marked by efforts to modernize and expand the Games' global appeal. Jenkins cited personal reasons for stepping down but expressed pride in the progress made during his leadership. Under his presidency, Commonwealth Sport emphasized inclusivity, youth engagement, and sustainability. The organization has announced that an interim president will be appointed soon to ensure a smooth transition. Jenkins' resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for Commonwealth Sport’s evolution.Foot notes:
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Resignation: Chris Jenkins has stepped down as President of Commonwealth Sport, effective immediately, citing personal reasons.
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Legacy: Jenkins will be remembered for his longstanding service and contribution to the Commonwealth Sport movement, particularly in advancing Sport for Development and Para inclusion through the GAPS program.
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Interim President: Dr. Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, has been appointed Interim President of Commonwealth Sport until the next General Assembly in November 2025.
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Rukare's Background: Rukare is a seasoned sports administrator with a legal and academic background, having served in various senior sports governance capacities across Africa, including as a sports law lecturer and former advocate of the High Court of Uganda.
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Upcoming Election: A new President will be elected by the membership at the next General Assembly in November 2025, who will lead the organization through a period of growth and transformation.
5. Becky Wood appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NISTA
Becky Wood has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of NISTA.
She brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of driving organizational growth. Wood’s appointment marks a new chapter for NISTA as it looks to expand its impact and outreach. She expressed excitement about leading the organization and building on its existing successes. The NISTA board welcomed her appointment, highlighting her vision and strategic expertise. Wood’s leadership is expected to steer NISTA toward greater innovation and development in the coming years.
She brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of driving organizational growth. Wood’s appointment marks a new chapter for NISTA as it looks to expand its impact and outreach. She expressed excitement about leading the organization and building on its existing successes. The NISTA board welcomed her appointment, highlighting her vision and strategic expertise. Wood’s leadership is expected to steer NISTA toward greater innovation and development in the coming years.Foot notes:
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Background: Wood is currently a partner at EY consultancy firm and previously worked as a commercial advisor at the Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA).
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International Experience: Wood has also worked on infrastructure projects in Australia and New Zealand, bringing valuable international insights to her new role.
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Professional Credentials: She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, demonstrating her expertise in both finance and engineering.
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Role and Responsibilities: As CEO of NISTA, Wood will oversee the delivery of the UK's 10-year infrastructure strategy, focusing on robust delivery and growth. NISTA was formally launched on April 1, 2025, replacing the IPA and National Infrastructure Commission.
6. JP Infra onboards Kareena Kapoor as brand ambassador
JP Infra has onboarded Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor as its new brand
ambassador. The collaboration aims to enhance the company’s brand image and connect with a wider audience. Kareena’s association with JP Infra reflects the brand’s commitment to style, trust, and modern living. She will be featured in various marketing campaigns promoting JP Infra’s residential and commercial projects. The company believes her strong public presence and appeal will significantly boost their outreach efforts. This partnership marks an exciting new phase for JP Infra’s branding strategy.
ambassador. The collaboration aims to enhance the company’s brand image and connect with a wider audience. Kareena’s association with JP Infra reflects the brand’s commitment to style, trust, and modern living. She will be featured in various marketing campaigns promoting JP Infra’s residential and commercial projects. The company believes her strong public presence and appeal will significantly boost their outreach efforts. This partnership marks an exciting new phase for JP Infra’s branding strategy.Foot notes:
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Partnership Announcement: JP Infra, a leading real estate developer, has announced Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new brand ambassador to elevate the luxury living experience.
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Campaign Theme: The campaign featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan focuses on redefining how real estate connects with Mumbai's aspirational audiences, highlighting JP Infra's commitment to thoughtful design, world-class amenities, and real lifestyle experiences.
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Target Audience: The partnership aims to resonate with discerning homebuyers who value emotional connection, are conscious of value, and desire more than just a place to live.
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Brand Messaging: The campaign is anchored by messages such as "Where Royalty Resides," "Best Lifestyle in Thane," and "Log achhe hai," positioning JP Infra as a developer that understands the emotional fabric of Indian families.
7. River appoints Saraswathi Anand as Head of Marketing
River has appointed Saraswathi Anand as its new Head of Marketing. She
brings with her extensive experience in brand building and strategic marketing across various industries. In her new role, Anand will focus on strengthening River’s market presence and driving customer engagement. The company believes her expertise will be crucial in expanding its reach and enhancing brand visibility. Anand expressed her enthusiasm about joining River and contributing to its growth journey. Her appointment marks a significant step in River’s efforts to scale up its marketing initiatives.
brings with her extensive experience in brand building and strategic marketing across various industries. In her new role, Anand will focus on strengthening River’s market presence and driving customer engagement. The company believes her expertise will be crucial in expanding its reach and enhancing brand visibility. Anand expressed her enthusiasm about joining River and contributing to its growth journey. Her appointment marks a significant step in River’s efforts to scale up its marketing initiatives.Foot notes:
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Appointment Overview: River has appointed Saraswathi Anand as its new Head of Marketing, bolstering the company's marketing efforts with her expertise.
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Professional Background: Saraswathi Anand brings extensive experience in marketing and brand management, likely enhancing River's brand presence.
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Role and Responsibilities: As Head of Marketing, Anand will oversee and develop strategies to drive brand growth, engagement, and customer acquisition.
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Marketing Objectives: The appointment aims to leverage Anand's expertise in creating impactful campaigns, enhancing brand visibility, and aligning marketing efforts with business goals.
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Expected Outcomes: Under Anand's leadership, River's marketing team is expected to deliver innovative campaigns, improve brand engagement, and contribute to the company's overall growth.
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Industry Impact: This appointment reflects River's commitment to investing in talent and strengthening its marketing capabilities to stay competitive.
8. Maharashtra Signs MoU with IBM for AI Transformation
The Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with IBM to drive AI transformation across the state. This partnership aims to leverage artificial intelligence to improve public services, education, and healthcare. IBM will provide expertise, training, and technological support to help Maharashtra become a leader in AI adoption. The initiative is expected to create new job opportunities and enhance digital skills among the youth. State officials expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate innovation and economic growth. This MoU marks a significant step toward Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a technology-driven economy.
(MoU) with IBM to drive AI transformation across the state. This partnership aims to leverage artificial intelligence to improve public services, education, and healthcare. IBM will provide expertise, training, and technological support to help Maharashtra become a leader in AI adoption. The initiative is expected to create new job opportunities and enhance digital skills among the youth. State officials expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate innovation and economic growth. This MoU marks a significant step toward Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a technology-driven economy.Foot notes:
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AI Centers: Three AI centers will be established in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, focusing on geographic analysis, forensic science infrastructure, and advanced AI research, respectively. These centers will serve as hubs for training government employees and students in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
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Key Objectives: The partnership aims to make public service delivery more effective, faster, and citizen-centric by leveraging AI, hybrid cloud, data analytics, cybersecurity, and automation. The initiative will also promote the adoption of AI and automation in the industrial sector to boost productivity and competitiveness.
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Training and Capacity Building: Government employees and students will receive specialized training in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies through IBM's training platforms. This will equip Maharashtra's workforce with future-ready skills and enhance the state's digital capabilities.
9. World Hemophilia Day observed on April 17th
World Hemophilia Day is observed every year on April 17th to raise awareness
about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The day honors the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia. Various events, educational campaigns, and blood donation drives are organized globally to mark the occasion. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of access to treatment for all individuals living with bleeding disorders. Healthcare organizations and patient groups use the day to advocate for better diagnosis, care, and research. World Hemophilia Day serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to support those affected and improve their quality of life.
about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The day honors the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia. Various events, educational campaigns, and blood donation drives are organized globally to mark the occasion. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of access to treatment for all individuals living with bleeding disorders. Healthcare organizations and patient groups use the day to advocate for better diagnosis, care, and research. World Hemophilia Day serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to support those affected and improve their quality of life.Foot notes:
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Theme for 2025: The theme is "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too", highlighting the need for better diagnosis and treatment for women and girls with bleeding disorders, who often remain underdiagnosed and underserved.
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Purpose: World Hemophilia Day aims to raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, promote early recognition, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and compassionate care to elevate the quality of life for those affected.
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History: The day was established in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to honor the birthday of Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH, who was instrumental in advocating for better care, support, and treatment for individuals affected by these conditions.
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Hemophilia Overview: Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder where the blood doesn't clot properly due to a lack of certain clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries, or even spontaneous internal bleeding.
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Awareness and Support: To support the cause, individuals can share their stories on social media, wear red to show solidarity, spread awareness about bleeding disorders in women and girls, and donate to organizations that fund research and programs for those affected.
10. Reshma Kewalramani honored as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025 by Time magazine
Reshma Kewalramani has been honored as one of the 100 most influential
people of 2025 by Time magazine. She is recognized for her groundbreaking leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry and her contributions to healthcare innovation. As the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Kewalramani has spearheaded major advancements in treatments for rare diseases. Her vision and commitment to patient-centered research have earned widespread admiration. Time praised her as a trailblazer who is reshaping the future of medicine. This recognition highlights her remarkable impact on both science and society.
people of 2025 by Time magazine. She is recognized for her groundbreaking leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry and her contributions to healthcare innovation. As the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Kewalramani has spearheaded major advancements in treatments for rare diseases. Her vision and commitment to patient-centered research have earned widespread admiration. Time praised her as a trailblazer who is reshaping the future of medicine. This recognition highlights her remarkable impact on both science and society.Foot notes:
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Inclusion in TIME's List: Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has been featured in TIME's 2025 list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing her leadership and impact in the biotech industry.
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Indian-Origin Leader: Kewalramani is of Indian origin, having emigrated to the US at the age of 11. Her achievement highlights the growing influence of Indian talent on the global stage.
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Trailblazing Achievement: She made history by becoming the first woman to head a major biotechnology company in the US, showcasing her exceptional leadership and expertise in the field.
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Global Recognition: Kewalramani's inclusion in the list underscores her contributions to science and innovation, which have significantly shaped the world.
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Diverse List of Influencers: The 2025 list features a wide range of individuals, including world leaders like US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, as well as cultural icons like Demi Moore and Serena Williams.
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