Current Affairs Report: April 2025

As of April 30, 2025, India stands at a pivotal moment, navigating complex challenges and opportunities across political, economic, scientific, environmental, defense, and sporting domains. This comprehensive report delves into the latest developments, tailored for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Drawing from credible sources like The Hindu (The Hindu), Press Information Bureau (PIB), and Down To Earth (Down To Earth), this article provides an in-depth analysis to equip aspirants with a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance

Pahalgam Terror Attack and Diplomatic Fallout

On April 22, 2025, a devastating Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley claimed 26 lives, predominantly Hindu tourists, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility, prompting India to accuse Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-stakes meeting, affirmed his trust in the Indian Armed Forces, granting them “complete operational freedom” to respond (The Hindu). This led to significant diplomatic actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan, denying involvement, suspended the Simla Agreement and restricted trade and airspace, escalating tensions (Business Today).

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also expanded exemptions from deportation for Pakistani Hindus with pending Long-Term Visa (LTV) applications, reflecting humanitarian considerations amid the crackdown (The Hindu). These developments underscore the delicate balance between national security and diplomacy, a critical topic for exam aspirants.

Government Schemes and Policies

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, a flagship scheme by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), promised ₹2,500 monthly financial aid to women above 21, with a budgetary allocation of ₹5,100 crore. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized it as a “web of exclusions,” alleging restrictive eligibility criteria and delayed implementation (The Hindu). This controversy highlights the challenges of social welfare policy design, a frequent exam question area.

Supreme Court Rulings

The Supreme Court made notable rulings in April 2025. It stayed a Delhi High Court decision to revise the CLAT 2025 merit list due to errors in questions, impacting law school admissions (LiveLaw). Additionally, the Court clarified the limitation period for appeals under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, stating it begins from the judgment’s pronouncement date (LiveLaw). These rulings are significant for understanding judicial processes, a key governance topic.

Economy

RBI Monetary Policy and Economic Projections

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% in April 2025, aiming to boost economic growth amid global trade uncertainties (PIB). The RBI projected a real GDP growth of 6.5% for FY 2025-26, with quarterly estimates ranging from 6.3% to 6.7%. This downward revision from earlier estimates reflects caution due to U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump (Indian Express).

Inflation and Market Trends

India’s inflation rate fell to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest since August 2019, driven by deflation in food prices like eggs and vegetables (Moneycontrol). This kept inflation below the RBI’s 4% target, supporting consumer spending. However, the stock market faced volatility, with the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 dropping 5% on April 7 due to global recession fears but recovering marginally by April 29 (The Hindu; The Hindu BusinessLine).

Union Budget 2025-26 Highlights

Presented on February 1, 2025, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Budget 2025-26 aimed for inclusive growth. Key measures included a new Income Tax Bill to simplify compliance, reducing tax law complexity by 60%, and revised tax slabs under the new regime (ClearTax). The budget allocated ₹1.5 lakh crore for state funding, enhanced farm credit limits to ₹5 lakh, and added 10,000 medical education seats (Frontline). These reforms are crucial for understanding fiscal policy impacts.

Economic Indicator	Details
Repo Rate	6% (reduced by 25 basis points)
GDP Growth (FY 2025-26)	6.5% (quarterly: 6.5%, 6.7%, 6.6%, 6.3%)
Inflation Rate	3.34% (March 2025)
Stock Market	Volatile, with Sensex at 73,847.15 and Nifty at 22,399.15 by late April

Science and Technology

ISRO’s Stellar Achievements

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continued to shine in April 2025. The Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission achieved a second successful docking, a critical step for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample return mission (Times of India). ISRO also organized a National Science Meet on Chandrayaan-4 and signed an MoU with HYDRAA for geospatial data support (ISRO). Additionally, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was named the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), set for May 29, 2025 (The Hindu).

AI and Technological Innovation

The IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, extended its call for proposals to April 30, 2025, to develop indigenous foundational AI models (IndiaAI). This initiative aims to address India-specific challenges, enhancing sectors like healthcare and agriculture. The AI for India 2030 initiative also progressed, with playbooks for agriculture and MSMEs set for release in early 2025 (World Economic Forum).

Environment

Climate Resilience and Global Rankings

In March 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) hosted the India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future conference in New Delhi, focusing on adaptation to heatwaves, monsoon changes, and health impacts (PIB). India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, excelling in GHG Emissions and Energy Use but needing improvement in Renewable Energy (CCPI). These efforts align with India’s goal of achieving a climate-resilient future by 2047.

Environmental Challenges

India faces significant climate challenges, including rising temperatures and retreating Himalayan glaciers, threatening rivers like the Ganges and Indus (Wikipedia). The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report highlighted India’s role in driving South Asian growth, but climate risks remain a concern (Utkarsh).

Defense

Modernization and Strategic Developments

On April 22, 2025, a joint venture between Caracal and ICOMM Tele Limited inaugurated a small arms production facility in Hyderabad, supporting the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives (IDRW). This facility will produce assault rifles and pistols for the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, India signed a contract for 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, enhancing air capabilities (Wikipedia).

Border Tensions

The Pahalgam attack triggered border skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC), with exchanges of fire reported for four days, signaling the collapse of the 2003 ceasefire agreement (The Hindu). These events highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Sports

IPL 2025 and Beyond

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 saw thrilling matches, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeating Delhi Capitals on April 30, keeping playoff hopes alive (The Hindu). Players like Virat Kohli faced scrutiny over strike rates but remained top performers (India Today).

Upcoming Global Events

India is set to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and World Para Athletics Championships in 2025, reinforcing its status as a global sports hub (Olympics). Indian boxers also excelled at the Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships (Sportstar).

Global Engagement

United Nations and International Forums

India actively participated in UN discussions, with statements on digital infrastructure and sustainable development delivered at the UN General Assembly (PMI New York). The UN praised India’s U-WIN platform for vaccine tracking and its SDG India Index progress (UN India). India’s role in forums like G20, BRICS, and QUAD remains crucial, though specific April 2025 updates were limited.

Bilateral Agreements

India advanced its Bilateral Trade Agreement talks with the U.S., with discussions held from April 23-25, 2025 (India Briefing). The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June 2025, agreed with China, marked a step toward normalizing relations (Indian Defence News).

Conclusion

April 2025 was a dynamic month for India, marked by significant developments across multiple sectors. From the Pahalgam terror attack to ISRO’s space milestones and economic reforms, these events offer rich material for exam preparation. Aspirants should focus on understanding the interconnections between governance, economy, and global engagement to gain a competitive edge.

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which of the following agreements was suspended by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Option 1: Simla Agreement
Option 2: Line of Control Agreement
Option 3: SAARC Charter
Option 4: Indus Waters Treaty
Option 5: UNHRC Protocol
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: After the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as a strong diplomatic measure against Pakistan, accusing it of harboring terrorism. This treaty had governed water-sharing between India and Pakistan since 1960.

Question 2: Which political party criticized the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana for its exclusions and implementation delays?
Option 1: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Option 2: Indian National Congress (INC)
Option 3: Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Option 4: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
Option 5: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, calling it a “web of exclusions,” alleging the eligibility criteria were too restrictive and the scheme’s implementation was delayed.

Question 3: According to the Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling, when does the limitation period for appeals under the Commercial Courts Act begin?
Option 1: When the judgment copy is delivered
Option 2: From the date of application
Option 3: From the pronouncement date of the judgment
Option 4: After 30 days of judgment
Option 5: After filing a caveat
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Supreme Court clarified in April 2025 that the limitation period for filing appeals under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 begins from the pronouncement date of the judgment, not from when the copy is received.

Question 4: Who has been appointed as the mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, scheduled for May 29, 2025?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: Gaganyaan Singh
Option 3: Ritu Karidhal
Option 4: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 5: S. Somanath
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was appointed as the mission pilot for Axiom-4, an upcoming mission to the International Space Station. This represents a significant step in India’s growing space exploration achievements.

Question 5: What is the new repo rate set by the Reserve Bank of India in April 2025?
Option 1: 5.75%
Option 2: 6.5%
Option 3: 6.25%
Option 4: 5.5%
Option 5: 6%
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points in April 2025, setting it at 6%. This move aimed to stimulate economic activity amid global uncertainty and inflation control.

Question 6: Which defense joint venture inaugurated a small arms production facility in Hyderabad in April 2025?
Option 1: DRDO and HAL
Option 2: BEL and Rafael
Option 3: ISRO and L&T
Option 4: Caracal and ICOMM
Option 5: Tata and Lockheed Martin
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Caracal and ICOMM Tele Limited launched a joint venture in Hyderabad to produce small arms, including assault rifles and pistols, supporting the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Question 7: Which IPL team defeated Delhi Capitals on April 30, 2025, to stay in the playoff race?
Option 1: Mumbai Indians
Option 2: Chennai Super Kings
Option 3: Kolkata Knight Riders
Option 4: Gujarat Titans
Option 5: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On April 30, 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals in a critical IPL match, keeping their hopes alive for qualifying into the playoffs of the 2025 season.

Question 8: Which Indian government scheme was highlighted for tracking vaccine administration and was praised by the UN?
Option 1: U-WIN Platform
Option 2: COWIN Dashboard
Option 3: Ayushman Bharat
Option 4: Jan Arogya Setu
Option 5: Swasthya Track
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The U-WIN platform, designed for tracking vaccinations across India, was highlighted and praised by the United Nations in April 2025 for its role in boosting public health transparency and delivery efficiency.

Question 9: Which global ranking placed India at the 10th position for its climate change performance in 2025?
Option 1: Global Climate Stability Index
Option 2: UN Environmental Scorecard
Option 3: SDG Environment Tracker
Option 4: Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)
Option 5: Earth Sustainability Index
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025. The ranking praised India’s GHG emission controls and energy use, while urging better progress in renewable energy development.

Question 10: Which country held bilateral trade discussions with India from April 23–25, 2025, to deepen economic ties?
Option 1: China
Option 2: United States
Option 3: Germany
Option 4: United Arab Emirates
Option 5: France
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:

Check out this related article: Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English 30 April 2025

India and the United States held bilateral trade agreement talks between April 23–25, 2025, aiming to deepen economic cooperation and reduce trade barriers in the future.

Post Views: 11