Current Affairs of 22 April 2025

National and International Current Affairs - April 22, 2025

1. RBI Highlights India's Economic Resilience Amid Global Challenges

• The Reserve Bank of India's April bulletin underscores India's relative immunity to global economic headwinds, attributing this to strong domestic consumption and investment.
• March retail inflation dropped to a five-year low of 3.34%, primarily due to reduced food prices, creating scope for further monetary easing.
• Favorable monsoon forecasts are expected to bolster the agricultural sector, supporting overall economic stability.

2. India and U.S. Advance Trade Talks During Vice President Vance's Visit

• U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, announcing progress in trade negotiations aimed at more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
• Discussions included enhancing cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies, with offers such as the F-35 stealth fighter and future coproduction initiatives.
• Vance emphasized the strategic importance of U.S.-India relations within the Quad alliance, advocating for fair and mutually beneficial trade practices.

3. RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to PB Fintech for Online Payment Aggregation

• The Reserve Bank of India granted in-principle authorization to PB Pay Private Limited, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, to operate as an online payment aggregator under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• This move allows PB Fintech to expand its digital payment services, enhancing the fintech ecosystem in India.

4. ISRO Achieves Second Successful Satellite Docking

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed its second satellite docking operation, marking a significant milestone in space technology.
• This achievement paves the way for future advancements in satellite servicing and space station development.

5. India Observes State Mourning for Pope Francis

• Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Indian government declared a three-day state mourning period starting April 22, 2025.
• The national flag is being flown at half-mast across government buildings, and official entertainment events have been suspended as a mark of respect.

6. Five Tourists Killed in Pahalgam Attack

• On April 22, 2025, gunmen attacked a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.
• Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and security measures have been heightened in the region.

7. India Initiates Campaign at Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships

• India commenced its participation in the Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan, with boxers Hardik Dahiya and Rudraksh Singh securing victories in their respective categories.
• This tournament marks the first organized by Asian Boxing under the endorsement of both the Olympic Council of Asia and the newly formed World Boxing.

8. Exercise Desert Flag-10 Hosted by United Arab Emirates

• The United Arab Emirates hosted Exercise Desert Flag-10, a multinational air combat exercise involving various countries, including India.
• This exercise aims to enhance interoperability and combat readiness among participating air forces.

9. India's First Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Located in Tamil Nadu

• India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is situated in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant step in the country's nuclear energy program.
• The PFBR is designed to utilize plutonium-uranium mixed oxide fuel, contributing to sustainable energy development.