Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 20th April 2025

 1. Tamil Nadu launches alternative to Centre’s Vishwakarma scheme 

•  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday launched the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam, an artisan development scheme that would serve as the State government’s alternative to the Centre’s PM Vishwakarma scheme. 
• “In 2023, the BJP government at the Centre introduced the Vishwakarma scheme. They said the scheme would cover 18 trades and focus on upskilling and providing loans of up to ₹3 lakh. 
•  For us, any scheme should have the objective of upholding social justice and equality. 
•  However, the Vishwakarma scheme does not have such features,” he said at the launch event organised by the MSME Department in Kundrathur. “We strongly opposed the Vishwakarma scheme, stating it would strengthen caste-based vocation,” Mr. Stalin said, adding that the scheme was a rejection of the fact that some still hold regressive ideas. 
•  “I was also shocked and pained to see that the minimum age criteria for the Vishwakarma scheme is 18 years. Is 18 years an age to pursue higher education or to push someone towards family-based traditional trade?” he said. 
•  Promoting education “A government’s duty should be to bring students who drop out back into the educational system and not take them out of education and tell them to pursue family-based traditional trade,” Mr. Stalin said. “While our Dravidian model government is working hard to ensure that those who have completed school pursue higher education through the Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes, the BJP government is working towards encouraging caste-based vocation,” the Chief Minister added. 

2. India Showcases Digital Innovation and Skilling Leadership at GITEX Africa 2025 

•  India participated in Africa’s largest tech and startup show, GITEX Africa 2025, held in Marrakesh, Morocco. 
•  The event provided a platform for policy leaders, changemakers, and visionaries to collectively discuss and deliberate on opportunities for collaboration and to advance the imperative of inclusive and equitable growth in the global economy.
•   Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, represented the Republic of India at the summit. He participated in high-level bilateral meetings, panel discussions, and interacted with Indian startups showcasing their innovations. 

3. Govt procures 3,40,000 tonnes of tur under price support scheme 

•  The government has procured 3,40,000 tonnes of tur (pigeon pea) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to support farmers, with Karnataka contributing the largest share at 1,30,000 tonnes. 
•  The minimum support price (MSP) for tur is set at Rs 7,550 per quintal, and farmers in Karnataka are receiving an additional state bonus of Rs 450 per quintal above the MSP. 
• The government aims to maintain a buffer stock of 10 lakh tonnes of tur to regulate market prices and prevent price hikes. 
•  Other contributing states include Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
•   The government has also procured 17,000 tonnes of chana (gram) primarily from Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. 
•  In Budget 2025, the government committed to 100 per cent procurement of tur, masur and urad relative to state production through central agencies until 2028-29. 

4. Government Appoints Four Senior IRS Officers as Members of the CBDT

•  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of four 1989-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers as Members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). 
•  The new CBDT members are Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Sanjay Bahadur, L. Rajasekhar Reddy, and G. Aparna Rao, each previously holding senior income tax roles across different regions. 
• These appointments fill key vacancies in the CBDT, which oversees the implementation of direct tax laws and policy formulation in India.
•  The move comes as the government aims to boost tax compliance and widen the tax base, with experienced officers leading these strategic efforts. 

5. 19 April – World Liver Day 

• World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to spread awareness about liver health and prevent liver-related diseases. 
•  Theme 2025 – Food is Medicine 
• The liver performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxifying the blood, producing bile, and regulating metabolism.