CURRENT AFFAIRS
14 April, 2025
1. JALLIANWALA BAGH MASSACRE –
• On April 13, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• He described the massacre as a dark chapter in India’s history and emphasized that their sacrifice marked a major turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
• On April 13, 1919, approximately 20,000 people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar during the Baisakhi festival.
• People gathered to protest against the Rowlatt Act and arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, two prominent leaders associated with the Punjabi satyagraha movement, were forcibly deported by the British authorities without any formal charges.
• General Dyer, a British commander stationed in Punjab, ordered 50 troops to fire indiscriminately on the civilians, including women and children.
• He ordered open fire without any prior warning; 1,650 bullets were fired, and the shooting only ceased when the ammunition was exhausted.
• Human Toll: The massacre resulted in the death of at least 379 individuals and left over 1,500 people injured.
• This brutal atrocity galvanized the nationalist movement and drew widespread international condemnation.
2. LIGHTNING STRIKES IN BIHAR –
• 80 people were killed in 72 hours due to thunderstorms and lightning across Bihar.
• Recurring Pattern: Bihar has witnessed a recurring pattern of deadly natural disasters, with over 90 deaths in a similar event in June 2020.
• Pre Monsoon Occurrence: In regions like Bihar, thunderstorms are common during the pre-monsoon and early monsoon months (April to June) and can be especially deadly when accompanied by lightning and squall winds.
• National Crime Records Bureau Data: Bihar ranks second in the country in terms of lightning-related fatalities, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting that lightning accounts for nearly 39% of deaths from natural disasters across India.
• On average, the state records around 250 natural disaster-related deaths each year.
About Lightning
• Lightning is a natural electrical discharge during storms, occurring when charged particles in the atmosphere build up and release energy.
• This release produces a flash of light (lightning) and the associated thunder caused by rapidly expanding air.
• Formation: Lightning forms when positively and negatively charged particles in the atmosphere or within clouds create an imbalance.
• When the difference is large enough, a discharge occurs.
3. INDIA FINISHES SECOND OVERALL IN FIRST ISSF WORLD CUP 2025 –
• India showcased a powerful start to the international shooting season, securing the second position overall in the first ISSF World Cup 2025 for rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines.
• The tournament, held ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics, reflected India’s rising shooting talent, blending youth and experience. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal in the final event, the Indian contingent walked away with 8 medals, demonstrating depth, consistency, and promise for the future.
Key Highlights of India’s Performance
Overall Medal Tally
• 4 Gold
• 2 Silver
• 2 Bronze
• Total: 8 medals
Final Standings
• 1st – China (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• 2nd – India
• 3rd – Chinese Taipei (notably won gold in mixed team trap)
4. BOHAG BIHU 2025: A CELEBRATION OF ASSAMESE NEW YEAR AND HARVEST JOY –
• Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu or Xaat Bihu, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Assam, marking the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring.
• Observed over seven days, each day carries unique cultural and agricultural significance. It is celebrated with colorful rituals, folk songs, dances, feasts, and prayers—especially among the farming community, who express gratitude for the harvest and pray for prosperity. Bohag Bihu 2025 begins on April 14 and ends on April 20, coinciding with Bohag Sankranti.
5. MADHYA PRADESH DECLARES NEW WILDLIFE SANCTUARY NAMED AFTER DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR –
• The Madhya Pradesh government has declared a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district, covering an area of 258.64 square kilometers. The sanctuary, named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Abhyaran, was officially announced ahead of the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which will be observed on April 14.
• This new sanctuary aims to enhance wildlife conservation efforts, promote eco-tourism, and generate employment opportunities for local communities.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in which state ?
a) Mizoram
b) Assam
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Telangana
Q2. Which organisation has developed the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system ?
a) Bharat Electronics Limited
b) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
d) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Q3. What is the name of the mission launched by the Government in 2025 to enhance self-reliance in the critical minerals sector ?
a) National Mineral Conservation Mission
b) National Critical Mineral Mission
c) Clean Energy Minerals Initiative
d) None of the Above
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the RBI’s monetary policy stance:
Statement-I: The RBI’s decision to shift from a “neutral” to an “accommodative” stance suggests a higher probability of future rate hikes.
Statement-II: An accommodative stance indicates that the RBI may further reduce interest rates to support economic growth.
Which of the following is correct ?
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
Explanation–
• An accommodative stance means a possibility of further rate cuts, not hikes. The RBI’s accommodative stance indicates a willingness to lower interest rates or maintain them at lower levels to support economic growth.
• This approach is adopted when inflation is under control, allowing the central bank to focus on boosting investment, consumption, and job creation.
• By shifting to an accommodative stance on April 9, 2025, along with a repo rate cut to 6%, the RBI signaled the possibility of further rate reductions if economic conditions require additional stimulus. However, this policy requires careful monitoring to prevent excessive inflation.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Governor’s powers under Article 200:
1. The Governor cannot exercise an “absolute veto” to reject a Bill outright.
2. The Governor cannot indefinitely withhold assent to a Bill through a “pocket veto.”
3. The Governor is constitutionally bound to grant assent to a Bill if it is re-passed by the state legislature.
How many of the above statements are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Statement 1: Correct. The Supreme Court ruled that the Governor cannot reject a Bill indefinitely.
• Statement 2: Correct. The Court prohibited the use of a pocket veto (delaying assent indefinitely).
• Statement 3: Correct. Once a Bill is reconsidered and re-passed, the Governor must grant assent.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
C | D | B | D | C |