National News (India)
Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025: Telangana government introduced the Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights) Act, 2025, aiming to overhaul land governance by enhancing transparency and citizen participation. This act addresses previous issues with the Dharani portal and promotes decentralised land administration. (Capital: Hyderabad, Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy)
Bihar Mahila Samvad Campaign: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the “Mahila Samvad” campaign, focusing on rural women’s empowerment and connecting them directly with government welfare schemes. (Capital: Patna, Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar)
India’s Aviation Growth: Airports Council International (ACI) projects India to become the world’s fastest-growing large aviation market by 2026, driven by infrastructure expansion and increasing air travel demand.
Pharma Exports Milestone: India’s pharmaceutical exports crossed $30 billion in FY25, with a 31% year-on-year rise in March 2025. The United States remains the top export destination.
Radar Speed Equipment Rules: New Legal Metrology Rules mandating radar-based speed detection will be effective from 01.07.2025 to improve road safety.
Security Operations: In Jharkhand, security forces neutralised six Maoists in Bokaro and recovered arms.
Natural Disaster Response: In Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army and Quick Response Teams provided relief to travelers stranded after a cloudburst.
Appointments
Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey: Former Finance Secretary of India appointed as Vice-President at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), highlighting India’s growing global financial influence. (AIIB HQ: Beijing, President: Jin Liqun, China – Capital: Beijing)
Justice Dinesh Maheshwari: Retired Supreme Court judge appointed as Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India, tasked with reviewing reforms, including the Uniform Civil Code.
Ananya Panday: Bollywood actress Ananya Panday announced as Chanel’s first-ever Indian brand ambassador, marking a significant step for the French luxury house in India. (Chanel HQ: Paris, France – Capital: Paris)
International News
PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled a strategic visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Capital: Riyadh, Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Salman), from 22-23 April 2025 for high-level meetings.
EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA: The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) is set to conduct a joint maritime security exercise with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea in late May 2025. (EU HQ: Brussels, Belgium – Capital: Brussels)
US Vice President Visit: US Vice President JD Vance (USA – President: Joe Biden, Capital: Washington, D.C.) visited Delhi’s Akshardham Temple with family and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Business & Economy
Zepto IPO Preparation: Zepto, a leading quick-commerce startup, rebranded its parent company Kiranakart Technologies to Zepto Pvt. Ltd. in preparation for an upcoming IPO.
Garuda Aerospace Funding: Indian drone startup Garuda Aerospace raised ₹100 crore in Series B funding, with plans to expand production and launch a defense R&D hub under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Science & Technology
NISAR Satellite Mission: The NISAR Earth observation satellite is a joint mission between NASA (USA) and ISRO (India), aimed at monitoring environmental changes.
Books & Authors
‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’ Launch: A compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches on Indian culture was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
Important Days
National Civil Services Day (India): Observed on 21.04.2025, this day honors the contribution of civil servants. The tradition dates back to 21.04.1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the first batch of IAS officers at Metcalfe House, New Delhi.
World Creativity and Innovation Day: Celebrated globally on 21.04.2025, as designated by the United Nations, to promote creative and innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Obituaries
Pope Francis: India declared a three-day state mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. (Vatican City – Capital: Vatican City)
Other Notable Events
Muslim Personal Law Board Rally: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board announced a major rally in Delhi to address community issues and advocate for educational and healthcare reforms.
Political Developments: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Boston, USA, raised concerns about the Election Commission’s functioning during the Maharashtra polls, which the EC dismissed as baseless.
West Bengal Law & Order: Calls for President’s Rule in West Bengal intensified after a violent incident in Murshidabad; BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar planned a visit to the affected families.
End of Daily Current Affairs – 22.04.2025
