Daily Current Affairs- 11th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 11th April 2025

Panama Deal Allows U.S. Troop Deployment Near Canal

In the News: On April 10, 2025, Panama and the United States signed a security agreement permitting U.S. military personnel to deploy near the Panama Canal for training and joint exercises. This development follows heightened U.S. concerns over China's growing influence in the region and marks a significant shift in U.S.-Panama defense relations.

The pact allows U.S. forces to utilize three key facilities—two naval air bases and one airport—previously operated by the U.S. during its control of the Canal Zone.

• While the agreement permits the presence of U.S. troops for training and exercises, it explicitly prohibits the establishment of permanent military bases.
• The accord includes provisions for S. warships to have toll-free, priority passage through the Panama Canal.
• S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to counteract China's expanding military and economic footprint in the Western Hemisphere, particularly around the Panama Canal.
• The U.S. has expressed concerns over Chinese company CK Hutchison's control of port operations flanking the canal, viewing it as a strategic vulnerability.
• Panama's government, led by President José Raúl Mulino, agreed to the terms amid U.S. pressure and in hopes of alleviating tensions.
• The agreement has sparked domestic controversy, with critics arguing it undermines Panama's sovereignty and violates the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which guaranteed the canal's neutrality and Panamanian control.
• The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was under U.S. control until the Torrijos-Carter Treaties facilitated its transfer to Panama by the end of 1999.  

City Key of Honour Award to Indian President

In the News: On April 7, 2025, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was conferred with the 'City Key of Honour' by the Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal. This prestigious accolade, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the city, was presented during her official visit to Portugal, symbolizing the enduring friendship and strong bilateral ties between India and Portugal.  

About the 'City Key of Honour'

• The 'City Key of Honour' is the most esteemed recognition awarded by the city of Lisbon.
• It is traditionally conferred by the Mayor to individuals who have made significant contributions to society or have fostered strong connections with Portugal.
• The honour serves as a symbolic gesture of the city's appreciation and respect.

Significance of the Award

• The conferment of this honour to President Murmu underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Portugal.
• It reflects the mutual respect and cooperation that have characterized the bilateral relationship over the years.
• The award also highlights Portugal's recognition of India's growing global stature and its contributions to international affairs.

India-Portugal Relations

• Historical Background: The connection between India and Portugal dates back to 1498 with the arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut. Diplomatic relations were fully normalized following Portugal's Carnation Revolution in 1974, culminating in the 1975 Goa Treaty.
• Strategic Cooperation: Portugal has consistently supported India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Notably, Portugal hosted the first India-EU Summit in Lisbon in 2000.
• Economic and Trade Relations: As of 2025, bilateral trade between India and Portugal stands at approximately USD 1.5 billion, marking a 50% increase since 2020.
• Diaspora Linkages: Portugal is home to around 125,000 individuals of Indian origin, including 35,000 Indian nationals and 90,000 persons of Indian descent. 

WMO Retires Hurricane Names

In the News: On April 2, 2025, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced the retirement of four hurricane names—Beryl, Helene, Milton, and John—from its rotating lists for the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins. This decision was made due to the significant death tolls and widespread destruction these storms caused during the 2024 hurricane season.

Retired Hurricane Names and Their Impacts

1. Hurricane Beryl (Atlantic Basin)

• Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic, achieving this status on July 2, 2024, with sustained winds reaching 165 mph.
• The hurricane made landfall in Southeast Texas on July 8, 2024, as a Category 1 storm, causing extensive damage and power outages in the Houston metropolitan area.
• Beryl was responsible for at least 68 fatalities, including 14 in the United States, and spawned approximately 65 tornadoes across the country.

2. Hurricane Helene (Atlantic Basin)

• Helene struck Florida's Big Bend region on September 27, 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane, marking the strongest landfall in that area since records began in 1900.
• The storm caused catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, with some areas receiving up to 30 inches of rain.
• Helene resulted in over 200 deaths and caused approximately $75 billion in damages across several states.

3. Hurricane Milton (Atlantic Basin)

• Milton made landfall in central Florida in October 2024, crossing the peninsula and moving into the Atlantic Ocean.
• The hurricane led to more than 40 fatalities and caused at least $34 billion in damages.

4. Hurricane John (Eastern Pacific Basin)

• John was retired from the Eastern Pacific name list due to the deadly and extended flooding it caused in the Mexican state of Guerrero.  

Replacement Names The WMO has selected the following names to replace the retired ones:

• Beryl → Brianna
• Helene → Holly
• Milton → Miguel
• John → Jake

These new names will appear in the respective rotating lists starting in the 2030 hurricane season.  

Understanding the Naming and Retirement Process

• The WMO maintains six rotating lists of names for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins, with each list reused every six years.
• A name is retired when a storm is so deadly or costly that future use of its name would be insensitive or confusing.
• Retiring a name helps to avoid confusion in future communications and honors the memory of those who suffered losses during the storm. 

Sir James Anderson Awarded Knighthood for Services to Cricket

In the News: On April 11, 2025, former England fast bowler James Anderson was awarded a knighthood in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list. This prestigious recognition celebrates Anderson's exceptional contributions to cricket over a two-decade-long international career.

• Test Debut: James Anderson made his Test debut for England on May 22, 2003, against Zimbabwe at Lord's Cricket Ground.
• Retirement: He retired from international cricket in July 2024 after playing 188 Test matches, marking the end of a 21-year-long illustrious career.
• Test Wickets: Anderson claimed 704 wickets in Test cricket, making him the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Test history and placing him third overall behind spin legends Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
• International Wickets: Across all formats, he amassed a total of 991 wickets, underscoring his consistency and longevity in international cricket.
• Ashes Victories: Anderson was instrumental in England's success in the Ashes series, contributing to four series victories against Australia.
• Test Caps: With 188 Test appearances, he stands second only to India's Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 Test matches, highlighting Anderson's durability and importance to the England team.
• First-Class Wickets: In addition to his international achievements, Anderson has taken over 1,100 wickets in first-class cricket, showcasing his prowess in the domestic arena as well.
• Knighthood: In April 2025, Anderson was knighted for his services to cricket, becoming one of the few cricketers to receive this honour.
• Previous Honour: Prior to his knighthood, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours for his contributions to the sport.
• Notable Peers: Anderson joins the ranks of fellow England cricket legends such as Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss, who were knighted in 2019, reflecting his esteemed position in English cricket history.  

Number of teams confirmed for cricket's Olympic return

In the News: On April 9, 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that cricket will feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with both men's and women's tournaments comprising six teams each.

Key Details:

• Format: Both tournaments will adopt the Twenty20 (T20) format, known for its fast-paced and engaging style.
• Team Composition: Each team is allocated a 15-player squad, totalling 90 athletes per gender.
• Host Nation: As the host country, the United States is expected to receive an automatic berth in both tournaments.
• Qualification Process: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering utilizing T20 World Cup results or team rankings to determine the remaining five spots for each tournament.
• Venue Considerations: Discussions are underway about potentially hosting cricket matches in venues with substantial cricket-following communities, such as New York, to maximize attendance and viewership.