Current Affairs - National

India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has been a transformative reform in the field of welfare and subsidy delivery. Launched to curb leakages and increase the effectiveness of government spending, the DBT mechanism has helped ensure that subsidies directly reach the intended beneficiaries. Between 2009 and 2024, it led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore. The number of beneficiaries also increased 16-fold during this period, reflecting its broad impact. The system reduced subsidy expenditure from 16% to 9% of total government spending and introduced the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) to track performance, establishing India as a global leader in welfare digitization.

The 38th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture, this event brings together experts and officials to discuss key issues and initiatives in the field of archaeology. The meeting reflects the ongoing efforts to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and archaeological legacy. As the capital city and a hub for national institutions, New Delhi serves as a strategic and symbolic location for such high-level government gatherings.

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 fatalities and several injuries. The attack specifically targeted tourists during a high-travel period, sending shockwaves through the region’s tourism sector. Pahalgam, a vital node in Kashmir’s tourism economy and one of the routes for the Amarnath Yatra experienced a massive economic and emotional setback due to this act of violence. The incident raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security during peak tourist seasons and sparked renewed concerns about the stability and safety of the area.

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.

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.