Current Affairs of 23 April 2025

National and International Current Affairs - April 23, 2025

1. India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack

• India ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country by April 27 and suspended visa issuance after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali.
• India accused Pakistan of supporting militants linked to the assault, allegedly a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba, escalating tensions between the two nations.
• In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and suspended trade ties.
• India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing pact, which Pakistan warned could be considered an act of war.

2. Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to Saudi Arabia

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia, co-chairing the second leaders' meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).
• The Council decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the SPC, reflecting the deepening of defence partnership between the two countries.

3. RBI Allows Minors Above 10 Years to Operate Accounts Independently

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised directions allowing minors above the age of 10 to open and operate their own savings and term deposit accounts independently, subject to limits and terms defined by individual banks.
• These directions came into force from April 21, 2025.

4. India Achieves Solar Capacity Milestone

• As of April 2025, India's solar capacity stands at 105.65 GW, surpassing its target of 100 GW by 2030.
• Government initiatives like PM-KUSUM and PM Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan have contributed to this achievement, aiming to expand solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

5. Maharashtra Launches 'Pink E-Rickshaw' Scheme to Empower Women

• The Maharashtra state government launched the 'Pink E-Rickshaw' scheme in April 2025 to empower women by providing them with electric rickshaws for self-employment.
• This initiative aims to promote women's entrepreneurship and sustainable transportation.

6. India and U.S. Advance Towards Bilateral Trade Agreement

• India and the United States have made significant strides towards finalizing a Bilateral Trade Agreement.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed satisfaction over the progress in negotiations, which are expected to benefit both nations economically.