Current Affairs of 21 April 2025

National and International Current Affairs - April 21, 2025

1. India Imposes 12% Tariff on Steel Imports to Curb Chinese Dumping

• India introduced a 12% temporary safeguard tariff on certain steel imports to address the surge of cheap shipments, primarily from China.
• The measure, effective for 200 days, aims to protect domestic steelmakers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, from being undercut by low-priced foreign steel.
• India, the world's second-largest crude steel producer, has faced increasing pressure from rising steel imports, prompting some mills to consider scaling down operations and job cuts.
• Chinese steel imports have been a significant concern; in 2024/25, India was a net importer of finished steel for the second year in a row, with imports hitting a nine-year high of 9.5 million metric tons.
• India's major steel industry stakeholders, including JSW Steel, Tata Steel, SAIL, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, have voiced support for measures to curtail imports.

2. India Extends RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar's Term by One Year

• India has extended the term of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar by one year, as per a government notification dated April 21, 2025.
• Sankar, who originally took office on March 3, 2021, had his tenure previously extended in 2024.
• This latest extension will allow him to serve an additional year starting May 3, 2025, or until further orders.
• As Deputy Governor, Sankar oversees several critical departments within the RBI, including foreign exchange management, financial market operations and regulations, external investments, and oversight of government and bank accounts.

3. U.S. Vice President JD Vance Visits India to Strengthen Trade Ties

• U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to bolster bilateral trade ties and prevent imposition of U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.
• Their discussions focused on advancing a potential trade agreement and enhancing cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies.
• Both countries aim to double trade to $500 billion by 2030.
• Vance's visit coincided with President Donald Trump's temporary pause on various tariffs, giving India an opportunity to negotiate favorable terms and strengthen its position as a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India is seeking to attract U.S. investment, notably from companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

4. Neeraj Chopra to Host 'Neeraj Chopra Classic' Javelin Event in Bengaluru

• Indian Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is set to host the ""Neeraj Chopra Classic"" javelin event in Bengaluru on May 24.
• This World Athletics Gold category meet will feature renowned throwers, including former world champions Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, 2016 Olympic gold medalist Thomas Roehler, and American Curtis Thompson.
• Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, Chopra’s key rival, has been invited but has not yet confirmed participation due to pending coach consultation and government approval.
• The event signifies Chopra’s broader vision of putting India on the global athletics map, with hopes of eventually hosting a prestigious Diamond League event in the country.

5. Cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban Tehsil Causes Widespread Destruction

• Recently, a cloudburst event in the Ramban tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir led to torrential rains, hailstorms, and winds, causing widespread destruction.
• The sudden and intense rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods, disrupting normal life and causing damage to infrastructure.
• Rescue and relief operations are underway to assist affected residents and restore essential services.

6. India Observes Three-Day State Mourning for Pope Francis

• Following the passing of Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Central Government has decided to observe a three-day state mourning period.
• The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government buildings on April 22, April 23, and the day of the funeral, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the demise of Pope Francis.