Current Affairs - National

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.

India’s prison system is experiencing critical levels of overcrowding, with the national average occupancy rate exceeding 131%. This means that the number of inmates far surpasses the official capacity of the prisons, contributing to a host of issues including deteriorating mental and physical health conditions. Overcrowding hampers the delivery of basic healthcare, increases the spread of communicable diseases, and puts additional strain on an already understaffed medical system. The severity of the overcrowding, combined with a lack of mental health professionals and an unfulfilled prisoner–doctor ratio, underlines a systemic crisis in India’s prison infrastructure.

BSE, recognized as Asia’s oldest stock exchange, marked its 150th anniversary with a significant development in India’s financial markets—the launch of the BSE 150 Index. This new benchmark index was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to commemorate the exchange's historic legacy. The BSE 150 Index is designed to track the performance of the top 150 companies listed on the exchange, ranked by market capitalization and liquidity. This initiative reflects both the long-standing influence of BSE and its continued commitment to evolving with market trends, offering investors a broader and more insightful perspective on the Indian equity market.