Daily Current Affairs – 21 April 2025

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Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU In February 2025, the U.S. issued 30% fewer F-1 (student) visas to Indian students compared to the same month in 2024 — the steepest decline among major source countries. While the overall global drop in F-1 visas was just 4.75%, Indian students faced the brunt, alongside longer visa wait times (58 days in Delhi). The decline coincides with Donald Trump’s second term and follows mass visa terminations affecting over 1,100 international students. Experts point...

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Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU Despite the global backlash against the United States’ illegal imposition of reciprocal tariffs in violation of WTO rules, India has chosen to remain silent. While countries like China, Brazil, Canada, and Japan have taken firm stands and even legal action, India has avoided public criticism, citing ongoing trade negotiations and the dysfunction of WTO’s dispute settlement body. Experts argue this silence contradicts India’s usual support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. At a time...

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Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to introduce a legal framework ensuring representation of persons with disabilities in local governance. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced two Bills to amend existing laws and nominate persons with disabilities in urban and rural local bodies. Once enacted, the move will secure over 13,000 positions for disabled individuals in panchayats and municipal bodies. This landmark step not only empowers a historically marginalized group but also...

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Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU On April 20, 2025, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Prabhas and Pawak, into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. These six-year-old males were part of the batch imported from South Africa in February 2023 and were earlier housed at Kuno National Park. Gandhi Sagar now becomes the second cheetah habitat in the state. The enclosure spans 64 sq. km and lies between Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. With rising success in reintroduction...

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Description: SOURCE : THE HINDU  To address the long-standing demand of loco pilots, the Indian Railways has initiated the installation of toilets in locomotives. Before 2014, no loco had toilet facilities. Since 2018, 883 locomotives have been fitted with waterless urinals, and all new locomotives now come with built-in toilets. Retrofitting is also underway for older engines. This move comes despite earlier remarks by the Railway Board that toilet breaks during train runs were not operationally feasible. Key Points :...