CURRENT AFFAIRS
25 April, 2025
1. MONSOON & FOOD INFLATION IN INDIA –
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in its first forecast for 2025 has forecasted an above-normal monsoon for 2025 which will support agricultural output and aid the government’s efforts to contain food inflation, which is highly sensitive to rainfall variability.
What is IMD’s Forecast on Monsoons for 2025-
• Rainfall Prediction:
• IMD has forecast an “above normal” southwest monsoon in 2025, with rainfall likely at 105% of the Long Period Average (87 cm), ±5% margin.
• IMD classifies monsoon rainfall as: Deficient (<90% of LPA), Below Normal (90–95%), Normal (96–104%), Above Normal (105–110%), and Excess (>110%).
• This is backed by neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions and below-normal snow cover over Eurasia, which supports stronger monsoons.
• IMD’s forecast accuracy has improved, with average deviation reducing to 2.27% (2021–25) from 7.5% (2017–20).
2. PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK AND SUSPENSION OF THE INDUS WATERS TREATY –
• The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 5-point action plan against Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran valley (Pahalgam), Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
• The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Note: The TRF surfaced in 2020. It was declared a terrorist organisation by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for its involvement in terror recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling from Pakistan into J&K.
• TRF’s rise followed two key developments: the decapitation of LeT’s top leadership in 2018 and the revocation of J&K’s special status in 2019.
What is the 5-Point Action Plan Announced by India After the Pahalgam Terror Attack?
• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
• It reflects a shift in India’s strategic calculus, using hydrological leverage as a pressure tool.
• Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border Check Post: India has shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, Punjab suspending all movement of people and goods.
• Only individuals who have crossed over with valid documents will be permitted to return by 1st May 2025.
• Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan: India has revoked the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.
All SVES visas already issued are considered void.
• Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors: Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air advisors in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must exit India. India will also withdraw its own advisors from Islamabad.
• Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel: India will reduce the staff strength at its High Commission in Islamabad to 30, down from 55, by 1st May 2025.
3. SIMILIPAL OFFICIALLY ACCORDED AS NATIONAL PARK’S STATUS –
• Similipal, a unique and ecologically rich region in Odisha, has officially been accorded national park status by the Odisha government. After decades of anticipation, this significant move places Similipal as the 107th national park in India and the second in Odisha, after Bhitarkanika.
• The formal notification was issued on April 24, 2025, marking an important milestone in the state’s conservation efforts and a major step towards the vision of a developed Odisha.
• Similipal National Park now spans 845.70 sq km, divided into 11 ranges across Similipal south and Similipal north divisions.
• The area comprises parts of Pithabata north, Pithabata south, Nawana, Jenabil, Upper Barahkamuda, Bhanjabasa, Barehipani, Chahala, Nawana North, and Talabandha ranges.
4. EXERCISE ‘AAKRAMAN’ INDIAN AIR FORCE DRILLS WITH RAFALES AND SU-30S –
• Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted major military drills, named Exercise ‘Aakraman,’ simulating attacks on both mountain and ground targets. The exercise, which involved India’s most advanced fighter jets, including the Rafale and Su-30MKI aircraft, aimed to test and enhance the IAF’s capabilities in complex combat scenarios.
• With rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack, this exercise demonstrates the IAF’s readiness to defend India’s airspace and respond to any potential threats.
• The drills also emphasize the strategic advantage gained by the Indian Air Force through the induction of cutting-edge technologies like the Rafale jets and the S-400 air defense system.
5. WORLD MALARIA DAY 2025 DATE, THEME, SIGNIFICANCE –
• World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25 to raise awareness and rally global efforts toward eliminating malaria one of the deadliest yet preventable parasitic diseases.
• Malaria remains a major global health issue, with 263 million cases and nearly 6 lakh deaths reported in 2023 alone, as per WHO.
• Despite being both preventable and curable, the disease disproportionately affects tropical and low-income regions. This day aims to highlight progress, challenges, and the urgent need for reinvestment and innovation in the fight against malaria.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country ?
a) Bhutan
b) Nepal
c) Bangladesh
d) Myanmar
Q2. Which space organization has developed first ever space-based quantum sensor for gravity measurements ?
a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
b) China National Space Administration (CNSA)
c) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
d) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Q3. As per the RBI’s 2025 circular, from what age can minors independently open and operate bank accounts ?
a) 8 years
b) 10 years
c) 12 years
d) 14 years
Q4. Statement 1: India and China have a formal treaty for transboundary water sharing like the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Statement 2: India is concerned about China’s plans to build a dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river.
a) Both statements are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1
b) Both statements are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1
c) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct
d) Both statements are incorrect
Explanation-
• India and China do not have a formal treaty like the Indus Waters Treaty. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect. However, Statement 2 is correct—India is concerned about China’s plans to build a super dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) due to the risks of water diversion, data opacity, and ecological harm.
• This has been a persistent issue in India-China relations. Although a hydrological data-sharing mechanism resumed in 2025, trust remains limited.
• The absence of a treaty adds to India’s strategic insecurity, especially in the face of climate-induced water stress.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding anemia and its relation to air pollution:
Statement 1: Exposure to PM 2.5 increases hepcidin production in the liver, thereby inhibiting iron absorption.
Statement 2: Hepcidin suppression improves red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Which one of the following is correct ?
a) Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 2 is incorrect
b) Statement 1 is incorrect, and Statement 2 is correct
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are correct, and Statement 2 is the explanation of Statement 1
d) Both Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct: PM 2.5 triggers cytokine release, raising hepcidin levels in the liver, which blocks iron absorption.
• However, Statement 2 is incorrect because hepcidin, not its suppression, is linked with reduced red blood cell production. In fact, increased hepcidin inhibits iron availability, suppressing bone marrow activity.
• Hence, only Statement 1 is correct, and the cause-effect logic presented in Statement 2 is flawed.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | D | B | C | A |