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Current Affairs Report: April 22, 2025

On April 22, 2025, the world celebrated Earth Day, a global initiative to promote environmental conservation. However, in India, the day was marred by a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. This incident, coupled with significant developments in politics, economy, international relations, science, and sports, made the day a critical one for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This report provides a detailed overview of the day’s events, drawing from credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Business Standard, and ScienceDaily.

Politics and Governance

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The most shocking event of April 22, 2025, was a terror attack at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. Unidentified gunmen, believed to be affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 people, including foreign nationals and an Indian Navy officer, and injuring at least eight others, with two to three in critical condition (The Indian Express). The attack, described as one of the deadliest targeting civilians in recent years, occurred in a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and as a starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia, condemned the attack via an X post, stating, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared!” (The Hindu). He held a telephonic conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah, who cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and arrived in Srinagar to chair a high-level security meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (The Indian Express). Shah vowed that the perpetrators would face severe punishment.

Political leaders across parties condemned the attack. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences and criticized the government for claiming normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “The whole country is united against terrorism” (The Hindu). PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called the attack “cowardly” and urged a thorough investigation, emphasizing Kashmir’s historical hospitality toward tourists (The Indian Express). Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “much larger than anything we have seen directed at civilians in recent years” and labeled the perpetrators as “animals, inhuman and worthy of contempt” (The Hindu). People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone termed the attackers “enemies of our future,” highlighting the attack’s impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry.

Security forces, including the Police, Army, and paramilitary units, launched a massive search operation to track down the attackers, who fled the scene. The incident has raised concerns about security in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the peak tourist season.

Judicial and Political Developments

In New Delhi, the Supreme Court scheduled a hearing for the Pegasus spyware case, where petitions alleged the use of Israeli spyware for surveillance (The Hindu). The court is expected to review a technical committee report and recommendations from former Justice R.V. Raveendran on cyber security, a topic critical for governance and privacy.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal sparked a constitutional debate by emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution over Parliament and the Executive, responding to remarks by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar (The Hindu). Sibal’s statement, “Neither Parliament nor Executive, Constitution is supreme,” underscored the importance of constitutional principles for exam aspirants.

The Delhi High Court ordered yoga guru Ramdev to remove videos targeting Rooh Afza as “Sharbat Jihad”, deeming them inflammatory and potentially disruptive to communal harmony (The Hindu). This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in maintaining social cohesion.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed protesting teachers, urging them to return to work and assuring salary protection (The Hindu). The protests stemmed from a Supreme Court verdict annulling their appointments, a significant issue in state governance.

In Maharashtra, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar downplayed speculations of a reunion with his nephew Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister, stating that their meetings focused on public issues (The Hindu). This reflects ongoing political dynamics in the state.

Economy

The economic landscape on April 22, 2025, was marked by significant corporate and financial developments. Bharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom acquired 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band from Adani Data Networks Limited (ADNL) for Rs 212 crore, a move to bolster their 5G services (Business Standard). This acquisition strengthens Airtel’s position in India’s competitive telecommunications market.

UBS announced the sale of its wealth management business in India to 360 One Asset Management, taking a 4.95% stake in the latter (Business Standard). This deal reflects the growing consolidation in India’s financial services sector.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Kandhari Beverages’ acquisition of Coca-Cola’s bottling unit, valued at Rs 2,000 crore, aligning with global divestment trends by Coca-Cola (Business Standard).

Ambuja Cements completed the acquisition of a 37.8% stake in Orient Cement, increasing its total shareholding to 46.66% (Business Standard). This move enhances Ambuja’s market presence in the cement industry.

IndusInd Bank addressed concerns over its microfinance business, clarifying that it is conducting an internal review following a derivative lapse. The bank’s shares fell 13% since the issue surfaced (Business Standard).

HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar highlighted opportunities in the IT sector despite potential tariff impacts on retail and manufacturing, signaling resilience in India’s tech industry (Business Standard).

Juspay Technologies established an entity in Singapore as part of its Asia-Pacific expansion, reinforcing India’s growing fintech presence (Business Standard).

Lord’s Mark Industries projected Rs 950 crore in revenue as its reverse merger nears listing on the BSE, with operations in diagnostics, medtech, and renewable energy (Business Standard).

The government appointed Jitendra Srivastava, a 2000-batch IAS officer, as the Chairman and Managing Director of REC Limited, a key public sector enterprise (Business Standard).

Google reported that advertisers are prioritizing connected TV (CTV) ad campaigns due to growing viewer engagement, with over one billion hours of YouTube content watched on TVs globally (Business Standard).

Pharmaceutical companies Dr Reddy’s and Lupin recalled products in the US due to manufacturing errors, as reported by the USFDA (Business Standard).

ITC Hotels expanded its portfolio by signing 14 Fortune Hotels and opening 7 new properties in FY25, bringing its total to 78 hotels, with 56 operational and 22 in the pipeline (Business Standard).

Economic Event	Details	Source
Airtel Spectrum Acquisition	Acquired 400 MHz from ADNL for Rs 212 crore	Business Standard
UBS Wealth Management Sale	Sold to 360 One, 4.95% stake acquired	Business Standard
CCI Approval for Coca-Cola Unit	Kandhari Beverages, Rs 2,000 crore deal	Business Standard
Ambuja Cements Stake Acquisition	37.8% stake in Orient Cement, total 46.66%	Business Standard
IndusInd Bank Review	Internal review of microfinance business	Business Standard

International Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22-23, 2025, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (India Today). The visit, hosted in Jeddah, included a ceremonial welcome and the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. India and Saudi Arabia signed at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering defense, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties (The Hindu).

Modi praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a “strong advocate of bilateral ties,” noting his “forward-thinking vision” in an interview with Arab Times (The Hindu). The visit aimed to deepen the strategic partnership, with discussions on the Hajj quota and regional stability. The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia welcomed Modi with cultural performances, including traditional dances (Times of India).

Science and Technology

In the realm of science and technology, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) signed a memorandum of understanding with IndianOil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to explore the mass use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India (Business Standard). The two-year trial will evaluate the technology’s longevity over 40,000 km, marking a step toward sustainable transportation.

Ericsson Antenna Technology expanded its local manufacturing footprint in India, emphasizing the critical role of antennas in the telecom equipment value chain (Business Standard). This move supports India’s push for self-reliance in telecom infrastructure.

While no specific ISRO missions were reported on April 22, 2025, the organization is preparing for significant launches in 2025, including the Gaganyaan uncrewed test flight using the Human-rated LVM3 (HRLV3) and missions involving electric propulsion systems and quantum communication experiments (India Today).

Environment and Ecology

April 22, 2025, marked Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability (Earth Day). A study published by ScienceDaily on this day explored how activity in Earth’s mantle influenced the migration of ancient ancestors of elephants, giraffes, and humans into Asia and Africa (ScienceDaily). The research highlighted the interconnectedness of geological processes and biological evolution, offering insights into how Earth’s dynamics shape life.

Various Earth Day initiatives worldwide promoted actions to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. In India, environmental discussions emphasized sustainable development and renewable energy adoption.

Defense

The Pahalgam terror attack had significant implications for India’s defense and security policies. The involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF) underscored ongoing challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The rapid response from security forces and the government’s commitment to justice reflect India’s resolve to combat terrorism. Additionally, PM Modi’s discussions in Saudi Arabia included defense cooperation, indicating efforts to strengthen India’s military ties globally (India Today).

Sports

In sports, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continued to captivate audiences. On April 21, 2025, Gujarat Titans, led by Captain Shubman Gill, defeated the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders by 39 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, marking their sixth victory in the tournament (The Hindu). Gill and Sai Sudharsan delivered standout performances, reinforcing Gujarat Titans’ strong position in the league.

Conclusion

April 22, 2025, was a day of profound contrasts. The tragic Pahalgam terror attack cast a shadow over Earth Day celebrations, highlighting the challenges of security in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, the day also showcased India’s resilience and progress, from PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia to economic advancements by Airtel and IndusInd Bank, and scientific strides in hydrogen fuel technology. For students, these events offer critical insights into governance, economy, international relations, and environmental issues, essential for excelling in competitive exams.

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Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Here are 10 current affairs multiple-choice questions based on the events from 22 April 2025. Each follows your strict formatting and includes a mix of topics with a random and even distribution of correct answers.

Question 1: Which terrorist group is suspected to be behind the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025?
Option 1: The Resistance Front (TRF)
Option 2: Jaish-e-Mohammed
Option 3: Indian Mujahideen
Option 4: Hizbul Mujahideen
Option 5: Al-Badr
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Pahalgam terror attack was allegedly carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, making it one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent years.

Question 2: What stake did UBS acquire in 360 One Asset Management after selling its Indian wealth management unit?
Option 1: 2.5%
Option 2: 6.1%
Option 3: 4.95%
Option 4: 3.75%
Option 5: 5.5%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: UBS sold its wealth management business in India to 360 One and acquired a 4.95% stake in the company, highlighting the growing consolidation in India’s financial sector.

Question 3: In the Earth Day study reported on April 22, 2025, what geological factor influenced ancient animal migration?
Option 1: Volcanic eruptions
Option 2: Plate tectonics
Option 3: Activity in Earth’s mantle
Option 4: Oceanic currents
Option 5: Glacial movements
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The study revealed that mantle activity within Earth played a role in the migration of early ancestors of elephants, giraffes, and humans, showing the deep links between geology and evolution.

Question 4: Which of the following companies acquired 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band from Adani Data Networks Limited?
Option 1: Jio Platforms
Option 2: Vodafone Idea
Option 3: BSNL
Option 4: Bharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom
Option 5: MTNL
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Bharti Airtel and Bharti Hexacom acquired spectrum from Adani Data Networks for Rs 212 crore to enhance their 5G infrastructure.

Question 5: What was the Supreme Court of India scheduled to hear on April 22, 2025?
Option 1: Citizenship Amendment Act challenge
Option 2: Electoral bond scheme
Option 3: Pegasus spyware surveillance case
Option 4: Reservation in promotions
Option 5: Uniform Civil Code petition
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court scheduled a hearing on the Pegasus spyware case involving alleged unauthorized surveillance, which has significant implications for privacy and governance.

Question 6: Which Indian cement company increased its stake in Orient Cement to 46.66% on April 22, 2025?
Option 1: UltraTech Cement
Option 2: Shree Cement
Option 3: Ambuja Cements
Option 4: ACC Limited
Option 5: Dalmia Bharat
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Ambuja Cements raised its total shareholding in Orient Cement to 46.66%, expanding its influence in the cement industry.

Question 7: Who was appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of REC Limited?
Option 1: Anil Kumar Jain
Option 2: Pankaj Kumar
Option 3: Sandeep Sharma
Option 4: Jitendra Srivastava
Option 5: Alok Sinha
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Jitendra Srivastava, a 2000-batch IAS officer, was appointed CMD of REC Limited, reflecting changes in top-level appointments in public sector enterprises.

Question 8: What technology is being tested by Hyundai and IndianOil in India to support sustainable transport?
Option 1: Electric batteries
Option 2: Bio-diesel
Option 3: Hydrogen fuel cell
Option 4: Compressed natural gas (CNG)
Option 5: Solar hybrid engines
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Hyundai and IndianOil are conducting a two-year trial to test the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over a 40,000 km run in India.

Question 9: Which IPL team defeated Kolkata Knight Riders on April 21, 2025?
Option 1: Chennai Super Kings
Option 2: Gujarat Titans
Option 3: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Option 4: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Option 5: Delhi Capitals
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, defeated the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders by 39 runs at Eden Gardens, continuing their strong IPL campaign.

Question 10: During PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, how many MoUs were signed between the two countries?
Option 1: Four
Option 2: Six
Option 3: Seven
Option 4: Nine
Option 5: Five
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India and Saudi Arabia signed six memoranda of understanding during

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