16 April 2025 Current Affairs

  Telangana Has Become The First State In India To Operationalise SC Classification  

Introduction

The Telangana government has officially implemented the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025.A gazette notification was issued making April 14, 2025, the appointed day for the categorisation of SCs into three groups.
Telangana has become the first state in India to operationalise SC classification following the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on August 1, 2024, which upheld the constitutional validity of sub-categorisation within SC/ST communities.

Key Highlights:

1. Categorisation & Reservation Allocation:

• Group-I: 15 most backward SC sub-castes (0.5% of population) given 1% reservation.
• Group-II: 18 sub-castes with marginal benefits receive 9% reservation.
• Group-III: 26 relatively better-off sub-castes allotted 5% reservation.
• This classification is based on empirical data and various socio-economic indicators.

2. Government Committee & Notification:

• A Cabinet sub-committee led by Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and co-chaired by C. Damodar Rajanarsimha finalised the classification.
• First copy of the gazette notification was handed over to CM A. Revanth Reddy on April 14, 2025.

3. Continuity & Shuffling of Sub-castes:

• Out of 59 total SC sub-castes, 33 remain in their previous groupings.
• Only 26 sub-castes (3.43% of SC population) have been shuffled in the new categorisation.

4. Implementation Scope:

• Categorisation applies only to new vacancies in public employment and educational institutions.
• Already notified vacancies will not be affected by this policy.

5. Future Plan for Expansion:

• The State Government intends to further enhance SC reservations after analyzing the Census 2026 data.

  Mehul Choksi’s Arrest And Possible Extradition  

Introduction

Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi, wanted in the ₹13,500-crore PNB loan fraud case, was arrested in Belgium on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Choksi had been evading Indian authorities since 2018 and was previously residing in Antigua and Barbuda. His arrest follows the revocation of the Interpol Red Notice in 2023 and renewed efforts by Indian agencies (CBI & ED) to extradite him.

Key Points:

1. Extradition Treaty Between India & Belgium:

• A new extradition treaty between India and Belgium was signed and ratified in March 2020.
• It replaces the outdated 1901 treaty and facilitates extradition for a range of serious crimes including fraud, embezzlement, and counterfeiting.
• Extradition is based on dual criminality—the crime must be punishable in both countries with at least one year of imprisonment.

2. Terms and Conditions of the Treaty:

- Extradition is discretionary for nationals; Belgium is not obligated to extradite its own nationals.

- Grounds for refusal include:

• Political or military nature of the offence,
• Risk of persecution due to race, religion, or political beliefs,
• Time-barred prosecution or sentence.

3. Choksi’s Legal Strategy & Challenges:

• Legal hurdles remain high; experts and whistle-blowers suggest Choksi will use top European lawyers to resist extradition.
• Similar to Nirav Modi in the UK, Choksi is expected to contest the extradition process legally in Belgium.

5. Background of the Fraud Case:

• Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank (PNB) of ₹13,500 crore through fake Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs).
• Both ED and CBI have filed multiple charge sheets since 2018, naming Choksi, Modi, and others including bank officials.

6. Recent Developments:

• Choksi was found to have moved from Antigua to Belgium with his wife Preeti, who is a Belgian citizen.
• The couple recently obtained F-Residency cards in Belgium.
• Choksi has claimed to be undergoing treatment for blood cancer in Antwerp.

  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) study to explore remains of Dwarka  

Introduction

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a new scientific study to explore the antiquity and submerged remains of Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka—sites linked to the ancient city associated with Lord Krishna.
This fresh expedition is being undertaken by the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the ASI through both onshore and offshore explorations.

Key Highlights:

1. Objective of the Study:

• To ascertain the age of objects found at Dwarka using scientific analysis of sediments, archaeological, and marine deposits.
• To conduct onshore and offshore surveys around Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka and document submerged archaeological relics.

2. Historical Significance of Dwarka:

• Referred to in ancient Indian literature, Dwarka is believed to be the mythological kingdom of Lord Krishna.
• Past ASI investigations (2005–2007) had already revealed submerged sculptures, stone anchors, and pottery, suggesting rich archaeological heritage.

3. Recent Investigations & Methodology:

• A brief fieldwork in February 2025 by a five-member ASI team focused on previously explored areas near Gomati Creek.
• A new nine-member team is now carrying out a more extensive survey in Okhamandal, involving diving operations, underwater documentation, and scientific sampling.

4. Recovered Antiquities (from past excavations):

• Iron and copper objects, beads, rings, and pottery.
• Excavations near Dwarkadhish temple revealed a 10-metre deposit with 26 archaeological layers.

5. Recent Governmental and Public Interest:

• In February 2025, PM Narendra Modi dived into Dwarka waters and termed it a “divine experience”.
• Inauguration of the Sudarshan Setu, a bridge connecting Okha to Beyt Dwarka.
• The Gujarat government plans to introduce a submarine service to allow visitors to explore underwater relics.

  Mario Vargas Llosa: A Literary Giant Passes Away at 89  

Nobel laureate and celebrated Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa passed away at the age of 89 in Lima. Known for his literary brilliance and political involvement, he was one of the most influential figures in Latin American literature. Llosa’s legacy spans novels, essays, and public life.

Key Highlights:

• Nobel Recognition (2010): Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 for his depiction of power structures and individual resistance through fiction.
• Notable Works: Authored acclaimed novels like The Time of the Hero, The Green House, and Conversation in the Cathedral; many were later adapted into films.
• Political Career: Contested the 1990 Peruvian presidential election, reflecting his deep engagement with civic and political issues.
• Global Recognition: Honored with numerous awards including the Miguel de Cervantes Prize and elected to the Académie française in 2021.
• Personal Life: Llosa was known for his early passion for poetry, two marriages, and a long, eventful life that left a deep mark on world literature

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