Daily Current Affairs 10 – April – 25
1. US President’s Term –
• Recently, the U.S. President Donald Trump stated he’s “not joking” about seeking a third term, suggesting a legal loophole could make it possible.
• Trump’s comments reignited debates over Presidential term limits in the U.S.
About 22nd Amendment of US Constitution
• The 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution states: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice”
• It was ratified on February 27, 1951, inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms (1933–1945).
• George Washington had earlier set the two-term tradition voluntarily.
• The 22nd amendment limits any individual to two elected Presidential terms.
• If a Vice President were to become President in the middle of her predecessor’s term, she can still serve two complete terms as President, provided she enters office with less than half of her predecessor’s term remaining.
Can Donald Trump Serve a Third Term?
• Trump’s elections in 2016 and 2024 mean he has already served/will serve two terms (2017–2021, 2025–2029).
• Even if non-consecutive, the 22nd Amendment clearly bars a third election.
2. RBI Repo Rate Cut 2025 –
• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% in April 2025, amidst global economic uncertainty caused by escalating trade wars and tariff tensions.
Key Highlights of the MPC Meeting
• Second Consecutive Rate Cut: The MPC unanimously decided to reduce the repo rate by 0.25%, marking the second successive rate cut this year. This move aims to boost economic growth in an environment of weakening global trade.
• Shift in Monetary Policy Stance: The policy stance was changed from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’, indicating the possibility of further rate cuts in the future. The accommodative stance focuses on supporting growth rather than curbing inflation.
• Revised Growth Forecast: The GDP growth forecast for FY2026 has also been trimmed from 6.7% to 6.5% , highlighting that global trade frictions and uncertainties will continue to affect investment, consumption, and exports.
• Inflation Outlook: Despite global risks, the RBI expects inflation to remain under control. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for FY2026 is now forecasted at 4%, supported by softening commodity and crude oil prices.
3. BM-04 Short-Range Ballistic Missile –
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently introduced the BM-04, a next-generation short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), at a defence exhibition in Hyderabad. This missile is designed to enhance India’s conventional strike capabilities, particularly against Pakistan.
• The BM-04 missile measures 10.2 metres in length and 1.2 metres in diameter, weighing 11,500 kg. It features a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system.
• The missile can hit targets up to 1,500 km away and carries a conventional warhead of 500 kg. Its precision is notable, with a circular error probability (CEP) of just 30 metres.
4. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme –
• The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme, formerly known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal, was renamed in September 2021.
• This centrally sponsored initiative aims to provide hot cooked meals to students in Government and Government-aided schools. It serves students from Balvatika to Class VIII on all school days.
• The scheme addresses hunger and education, focusing on nutritional support and increasing school participation.
5. Greening Trends in the Thar Desert –
• The Thar Desert, located in northwestern India and southeastern Pakistan, has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. A recent study revealed a 38 per cent increase in greening annually, primarily due to enhanced monsoon rainfall and agricultural expansion.
• This phenomenon is unique as it contrasts with trends seen in other deserts worldwide.
• Between 2001 and 2023, the Thar Desert experienced a 64 per cent rise in annual precipitation. This increase averages 4.4 millimetres per year since 2000. The summer monsoon season has been particularly impactful, driving vegetation growth.
• The study brought into light that only four major deserts, including the Thar, showed notable precipitation increases during this period.
MCQ Quiz
Q1. Who visited India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, representing the UAE ?
a) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
b) Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
c) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
d) Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber
Q2. Who is the current Cabinet Minister of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (2025) ?
a) Ramdas Athawale
b) Virendra Kumar Khatik
c) B. L. Verma
d) Pralhad Joshi
Q3. What is the revised GDP growth forecast for India as per the latest RBI update ?
a) 7.2%
b) 6.8%
c) 6.5%
d) 6.7%
Q4. Consider the following statements about Regional Rural Banks (RRBs):
RRBs were established based on recommendations of the Narasimham Committee.
The equity of RRBs is shared equally between the Central Government and NABARD.
The majority of RRB branches are located in urban areas.
How many of the above statements are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2 is incorrect – NABARD is not an equity holder.
• Statement 3 is incorrect – 92% of branches are in rural and semi-urban areas.
Q5. 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.