Daily Current Affairs- 9th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 9th April 2025

Bihar Sharif Clock Tower Controversy

In the News: In April 2025, a newly constructed clock tower in Bihar Sharif, Bihar, became the center of public attention and controversy. The structure reportedly ceased functioning within a day of its inauguration, leading to widespread criticism and mockery on social media platforms. Concerns were raised regarding the tower's design, construction quality, and the alleged expenditure of ₹40 lakh under the Smart City project.

Factual Details:

• Project Status: Authorities clarified that the clock tower's construction was incomplete at the time of the reported malfunction. They emphasized that the design had not been finalized, and the official inauguration was pending completion.
• Cost Clarification: Officials refuted claims that ₹40 lakh had been spent solely on the clock tower. They explained that this amount was allocated for a broader project, including the construction of a road connecting Machli Mandi to Mughal Kuan, with the clock tower being a component of this initiative.
• Theft Incident: The clock's malfunction was attributed to the theft of copper wiring, which disrupted its operation. Authorities confirmed the theft and stated that measures were being taken to address the issue and complete the project.  

A Brief History of Clock Towers:

Clock towers have historically served as prominent public timekeeping structures and symbols of communal identity. Their evolution reflects advancements in technology and architecture across different cultures:

• Early Developments: The concept of public timekeeping dates back to ancient civilizations. The Tower of the Winds in Athens, constructed around 1 BC, is considered one of the earliest known clock towers.
• Medieval Europe: In the 13th century, mechanical clocks began to appear in European cities. These early clocks were often installed in church towers or municipal buildings, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland, built in the early 13th century, is a notable example.
• Ottoman Empire: The 19th century saw the proliferation of clock towers throughout the Ottoman Empire, often symbolizing modernization efforts. Sultan Abdülhamid II, for instance, commissioned numerous clock towers across the empire to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his reign in 1901.  

Cabinet Committee on Security approves $7 billion deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine jets from France

In the News: In April 2025, India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a significant defence acquisition involving the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France.

Key Details of the Deal:

• Financial Commitment: The agreement is valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore (over $7 billion).
• Aircraft Composition: The procurement includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainer variants.
• Deployment Platform: These aircraft are designated for operations from the INS Vikrant, India's indigenous aircraft carrier.
• Delivery Timeline: Deliveries are scheduled to commence three years post-contract signing, with all aircraft expected by 2031.

Strategic Implications:

• Naval Capabilities Enhancement: The acquisition aims to bolster the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, addressing concerns over regional security dynamics.
• Interim Solution: The Rafale-M jets serve as an interim measure to meet immediate naval requirements until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) is developed and operational.

Additional Considerations:

• Weapons Package: The deal encompasses a comprehensive weapons package, including long-range air-to-air missiles and precision strike weapons.
• Maintenance and Training: The agreement includes provisions for maintenance support, crew training, and logistical assistance to ensure operational readiness. 

Tahawwur Rana Extradited

In the News: Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national implicated in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited from the United States to India. This development follows an extensive legal process spanning several years.

Background:

• Identity and Associations: Tahawwur Rana, born on January 12, 1961, in Chichawatni, Pakistan, is a former military doctor who later became a businessman in Canada and the United States. He is a close associate of David Coleman Headley, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Role in the 2008 Mumbai Attacks: Rana facilitated Headley's reconnaissance missions in Mumbai by providing cover through his immigration consultancy firm, enabling the planning of the attacks that resulted in over 160 deaths.

Legal Proceedings and Extradition:

• Arrest and Conviction in the U.S.: In 2009, Rana was arrested in Chicago for his involvement in a plot against a Danish newspaper and for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba. In 2011, he was convicted on these charges and sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2013. He was acquitted of direct involvement in the Mumbai attacks by the U.S. court.
• Extradition Efforts: India sought Rana's extradition to face charges related to the Mumbai attacks. After prolonged legal battles, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana's plea to halt his extradition in early April 2025. Subsequently, a multi-agency Indian team traveled to the U.S. to secure his custody.

Current Status and Implications:

• Custody and Detention: Rana is expected to arrive in India imminently. Upon arrival, he is likely to be placed under judicial custody in a high-security facility, such as Tihar Jail in Delhi.
• Legal Proceedings in India: He will face trial in India for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Indian government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as the special public prosecutor for this case.
• Security Measures: Indian authorities have implemented stringent security arrangements for Rana's transit and detention, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case and its significance in counter-terrorism efforts.  

PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka

In the News: In April 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a State visit to Sri Lanka, marking his fourth trip to the island nation since 2015. This visit, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and highlighted Sri Lanka's pivotal role in India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and 'MAHASAGAR' vision.

Key Highlights of the India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Talks:

1. Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award: Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour, the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana'. The award includes a citation and a silver medal adorned with Navarathna (nine Sri Lankan gems). The medal features symbols such as the Pun Kalasa (symbol of prosperity), Sun and Moon (eternity), and a Dharma Chakra, reflecting the shared Buddhist heritage.
2. defence Cooperation: A landmark 5-year defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, structuring joint exercises, maritime surveillance, and defence industry collaboration. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that its territory will not be used against India's interests.
3. Energy and Infrastructure: Both nations agreed on the India-Sri Lanka grid interconnection for electricity trade. Additionally, a tripartite MoU involving the United Arab Emirates was signed to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub, including the construction of a multi-product energy pipeline.
4. Development and Finance: India converted over USD 100 million in loans into grants and reduced interest rates on other loans to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring. Prime Minister Modi launched key projects, including the refurbished Maho-Omanthai railway line (supported by Indian assistance of USD 91.27 million), the Sampur Solar Power Project, and a solar rooftop initiative for 5,000 religious sites in Sri Lanka (with India's credit assistance of USD 17 million), generating 25 MW of green energy.
5. Cultural and Religious Diplomacy: Prime Minister Modi announced that relics of Lord Buddha found in Gujarat's Aravali would be sent to Sri Lanka for exposition during the Vesak Day celebrations in May 2025. 

Trump pauses tariffs on most nations for 90 days

In the News: In April 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced significant adjustments to the United States' tariff policies, impacting international trade relations and global markets.

Key Developments:

• 90-Day Tariff Suspension: President Trump declared a 90-day suspension of newly imposed tariffs on numerous countries. This decision came shortly after the tariffs had been enacted and followed notable market volatility.
• Increased Tariffs on Chinese Imports: Concurrently, the administration escalated tariffs on Chinese imports, raising them to 125%. This move intensified the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.

Market and International Reactions:

• Stock Market Response: The announcement led to a surge in global stock markets, with the S&P 500 experiencing a significant increase. Investors responded positively to the temporary relief in trade tensions.
• China's Countermeasures: In retaliation, China imposed an 84% tariff on U.S. goods, further escalating the trade conflict between the two nations.

Policy Implications:

• Baseline Tariffs Maintained: Despite the suspension, a universal 10% tariff on most U.S. imports remained in effect. Additionally, specific tariffs on products like automobiles, steel, and aluminum were unchanged.
• Strategic Negotiations: The administration indicated that the tariff adjustments aimed to bring various countries to the negotiating table, with discussions involving over 75 nations underway. 

China launched the "Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,"

In the News: China officially launched the "Three Gorges Antarctic Eye," a 3.2-meter aperture radio and millimeter-wave telescope, at its Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.

Key Features and Objectives:

• Scientific Goals: The telescope is designed to observe the Milky Way's neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecular spectral lines, providing vital data to help unravel the dynamics of interstellar gas and the processes of star formation.
• Technical Innovations: Developing the telescope required overcoming significant challenges posed by Antarctica's extreme cold and strong winds. Researchers adapted the equipment to withstand sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds, laying the foundation for future submillimeter-wave telescopes in the region.
• Collaborative Development: The project was co-developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), reflecting a collaborative effort in advancing astronomical research capabilities.
• Strategic Importance: Antarctica offers unique conditions for astronomical observations due to its clear atmospheric environment. The deployment of the "Three Gorges Antarctic Eye" enhances China's capabilities in this field, building upon earlier initiatives such as the Antarctic Survey Telescopes (AST3). This telescope is expected to drive technological advancements for next-generation Antarctic astronomy tools.
• Future Prospects: Once the telescope enters stable operation, CTGU plans to send researchers to Zhongshan Station for on-site scientific expeditions. The successful operation of the "Three Gorges Antarctic Eye" showcases China's achievements in polar research equipment and reflects the spirit of Chinese scientists scaling new heights in science and technology.