Daily Current Affairs- 23rd April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 23rd April 2025

India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the News: On April 23, 2025, the Government of India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, a significant move following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists and injured 17 others. The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India accused Pakistan of having cross-border linkages to the attack, although specific evidence was not publicly disclosed.

Background of the Indus Waters Treaty

• The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, and brokered by the World Bank, is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty, India has control over the waters of the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has rights over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• The treaty has been considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally, surviving multiple conflicts between the two nations, including wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999.

Reasons for Suspension

• The suspension was prompted by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where gunmen killed 26 tourists. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism."
• The Indian government accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, citing "cross-border linkages" to the Pahalgam attack.

Additional Measures Taken by India

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, effectively halting land movement between the two countries.
• Cancellation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with a directive for those currently in India to leave within 48 hours.
• Expulsion of Pakistani military advisers from the High Commission in New Delhi and withdrawal of Indian military advisers from Islamabad. The diplomatic staff strength in both countries was reduced from 55 to 30. 

 

India to Establish Its Own Space Station by 2035: ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan

In the News: On March 26, 2025, Dr. V. Narayanan, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that India is on track to establish its own space station, named the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), by the year 2035. This significant announcement was made during the Amrita Innovation and Research Awards (AIRA) ceremony at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The initiative aligns with India's broader ambitions in space exploration, including plans to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Factual Details

Project Timeline and Development

• First Module Launch: The initial module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, designated as BAS-1, is scheduled for launch in 2028 using the LVM3 launch vehicle.
• Full Operational Status: The complete assembly and operational readiness of the space station are targeted for 2035, with subsequent modules to be launched using the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

Station Specifications

• Total Mass: The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is planned to have a total mass of approximately 52 tonnes.
• Orbital Parameters: The station will maintain a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude ranging between 400–450 kilometers, with an orbital inclination of 6°, similar to that of the International Space Station (ISS).
• Crew Capacity: The station is designed to accommodate 3–4 astronauts for missions lasting between 3 to 6 months.  

Virat Kohli Sets New IPL Record for Most Fifty-Plus Scores

In the News: On April 20, 2025, during a match against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur, Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone by becoming the player with the most fifty-plus scores in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His unbeaten 73-run innings not only led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a seven-wicket victory but also marked his 67th fifty-plus score in the tournament, surpassing the previous record held by David Warner.

• Record-Breaking Achievement: Virat Kohli's 73* against Punjab Kings elevated his tally to 67 fifty-plus scores in the IPL, overtaking David Warner's previous record of 66.
• Match Performance: In the high-stakes encounter, Kohli's 73 runs came off 54 balls, featuring 7 fours and 1 six, showcasing his consistent form and pivotal role in RCB's successful chase of 158 runs.
• IPL Career Statistics: As of this match, Kohli has amassed 8,326 runs in 190 IPL matches, maintaining an average of 39.27 and a strike rate of 132.26. His highest individual score in the league is an unbeaten 113.
• Consistent Performance Against PBKS: Kohli has a commendable record against Punjab Kings, scoring 1,104 runs in 34 innings, which includes one century and six half-centuries. 

Oscar Piastri Clinches Victory at 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ascends to Championship Lead

In the News: On April 20, 2025, Oscar Piastri secured a commanding win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This triumph marked his third victory in the first five races of the season and propelled him to the top of the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship standings, making him the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010.

 Race Overview

• Starting Grid: Piastri began the race from second position, alongside pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
• Opening Lap Incident: At Turn 1, Verstappen ran wide to maintain his lead, resulting in a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off-track.
• Race Strategy: Piastri executed a well-timed pit stop strategy, allowing him to overtake Verstappen during the Dutch driver's penalty-serving pit stop.
• Podium Finishers: Charles Leclerc secured third place, delivering Ferrari's first podium of the 2025 season. Championship Standings Post-Race
• Drivers' Championship:
  • Oscar Piastri: 99 points
  • Lando Norris: 89 points
  • Max Verstappen: 87 points
• Constructors' Championship:
  • McLaren: 188 points
  • Mercedes: 111 points
  • Red Bull: 89 points
• Safety Car Deployment: An early collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly prompted a safety car, marking the fifth consecutive Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with such an occurrence.  

World Earth Day 2025: "Our Power, Our Planet"

In the News: On April 22, 2025, the global community celebrated the 55th anniversary of Earth Day under the theme "Our Power, Our Planet." This year's focus emphasized the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources, aiming to triple global clean energy generation by 2030. The theme underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and governments to harness renewable energy for a sustainable future. 

Theme and Global Objectives

• Theme: "Our Power, Our Planet"
• Primary Goal: To triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, facilitating a swift move away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy solutions.
• Call to Action: Earth Day 2025 emphasizes the power of collective action, urging individuals and communities worldwide to advocate for and adopt renewable energy practices.
• Global Engagement: Over one billion people across 192 countries participated in Earth Day 2025 events, reflecting the day's significance as a unifying force for environmental action.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Renewable Energy Petition: A global petition was launched to urge governments to prioritize the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
  • Tree Planting Drives: Communities engaged in tree planting activities to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity.
  • Clean-Up Campaigns: The "Great Global Cleanup" initiative mobilized volunteers worldwide to remove waste from natural environments.
  • Educational Programs: Workshops and seminars were conducted to raise awareness about sustainable practices and the importance of renewable energy.
• Origin: Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970, initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about environmental issues.
• Impact: The inaugural Earth Day led to significant environmental reforms, including the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.