Current Affairs - April 21, 2025 Current Affairs

In the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), India’s leather and non-leather footwear exports experienced a notable growth of 25%, totalling $5.7 billion. This surge reflects strong demand and performance in the sector, supported by initiatives and market expansion efforts. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has projected that this upward trend will likely continue, with expectations of crossing the $6.5 billion threshold in FY26. The 25% growth rate underscores the competitiveness and rising global footprint of India’s leather industry, making it a key contributor to the country’s export economy.

The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board officially declared DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve, marking a significant step in wildlife protection in urban India. This is the first time a wetland connected to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary has received formal protection. The lake plays a vital role in supporting flamingo populations by providing a crucial feeding and resting ground, especially during high tide periods when the main sanctuary becomes less suitable. By protecting this wetland, Maharashtra ensures the preservation of the region's broader ecological network, which is essential for sustaining the flamingo population and other species.

The ISSF World Cup 2025 took place in Lima, the capital city of Peru. During this international shooting event, Indian shooters Rudrankksh Patil and Arya Borse competed in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team category and won a silver medal after being defeated by Norway's team. This silver added to India's overall medal tally at the tournament, which now includes two golds, one bronze, and this newly earned silver. The event was significant for Indian shooting sports, as it highlighted the country’s consistent performance on the global stage and reinforced the importance of international competitions hosted in South American nations like Peru.

GITEX Africa 2025, Africa's largest technology and startup exhibition, was held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event brought together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from around the world to discuss the future of digital technology and collaborative growth. India, represented by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, showcased its leadership in digital innovation, especially through its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems like Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC. The event provided a platform for fostering international collaborations, particularly in advancing technological development across Africa and other developing regions.

The 'Grahak Mitras' initiative has been launched by the State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank. This customer-centric move aims to ease congestion at branches and promote digital banking by deploying trained personnel from SBI’s subsidiary, SBOSS, across nearly 4,500 branches. These Grahak Mitras help walk-in customers—especially those less familiar with digital platforms—navigate self-service and alternate banking options. With a focus on enhancing digital literacy and improving service efficiency, this strategic deployment underscores SBI’s commitment to inclusive banking and digital transformation across its vast branch network.

The 17th Civil Services Day was observed on April 21, marking a significant occasion for civil servants across India to reaffirm their dedication to public service. This date was specifically chosen to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s address to the first batch of Administrative Service probationers at Metcalfe House in Delhi in 1947. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel laid the foundation for India’s modern administrative system. Celebrating this day on April 21 honours that legacy and encourages civil servants to commit themselves to efficiency, integrity, and service excellence in governance and public administration.

Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, a distinguished civil servant and former Finance Secretary of India, has been appointed Vice-President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). His appointment reflects India’s growing influence in global financial institutions. Pandey’s extensive experience in governance, finance, and infrastructure policy, including his leadership in launching Aadhaar and the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), makes him well-suited for his new role. As vice president, he will oversee crucial departments like Investment Solutions, Sustainability, and Portfolio Management, contributing to AIIB’s strategic goals in the international finance sector.

Zepto, a prominent player in India’s quick-commerce space, has officially changed the name of its parent company from Kiranakart Technologies Private Limited to Zepto Private Limited. This strategic rebranding effort strengthens its market identity and aligns the corporate and consumer-facing brand in anticipation of an IPO. The move mirrors similar steps taken by other startups like Swiggy and Zomato before their public offerings. By consolidating its legal and commercial identities, Zepto is enhancing brand recall, easing communication with stakeholders, and streamlining regulatory procedures as it prepares to enter the stock market.

The Heat Action Plan 2025 was introduced by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, to tackle rising temperatures and heatwaves. As part of this initiative, 3,000 cold water ATMs will be installed across the city to provide public access to chilled drinking water. Additionally, 1,800 trained disaster response volunteers, called 'Aapda Mitras', will be mobilized to support communities during heat emergencies. These measures highlight a comprehensive approach by the Delhi government to ensure public safety and preparedness during extreme weather events.

INS Sunayna visited Port Nacala in Mozambique as part of the IOS Sagar Mission, which is a maritime security initiative led by India in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region. The mission includes participation from nine countries: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The objective is to enhance regional maritime cooperation, conduct port calls, and strengthen ties among Indian Ocean littoral states. The port call to Mozambique emphasizes its strategic importance and reflects India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security efforts in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia beginning April 22 at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit aims to enhance India-Saudi bilateral relations, with a focus on deepening strategic and economic cooperation. A key highlight of the trip will be the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, which both leaders will co-chair. The agenda also includes discussions on regional security, particularly in West Asia, and the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Additionally, PM Modi will visit a factory operated by Indian staff, showcasing the workforce collaboration between the two nations.

World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) is observed annually on April 21st, following its official designation by the United Nations. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. It was officially recognized by the UN in 2017, after being founded by Marci Segal in 2001. The observance underscores the role of creative thinking and innovative approaches in advancing human development, particularly in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as poverty eradication and climate action.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the multinational 'Desert Flag-10' exercise, which is being hosted at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This exercise involves 12 global air forces and aims to enhance operational knowledge and best practices through complex and diverse fighter engagements. The exercise focuses on improving the readiness and interoperability of participating air forces, helping them to exchange valuable expertise and refine operational strategies. It will run from the start of the exercise until the 8th of the following month.