23 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. Saudi Defence Minister’s Landmark Visit to Tehran Signals Thaw in Ties Amid Nuclear Diplomacy
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 19)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
Historic Visit Signals Diplomatic Reset
- Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister’s visit to Tehran—the first in 26 years—marks a major diplomatic shift.
- It coincides with ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, which Riyadh now publicly supports, reflecting a sharp contrast from its earlier stance of opposition.
Persistent Strategic Divergences
- Despite diplomatic overtures, core strategic positions remain unchanged. Iran continues to oppose US influence in the region, while Saudi Arabia remains reliant on American military support.
- Iran’s nuclear enrichment has intensified, with its stockpile of enriched uranium at an all-time high, raising concerns for Riyadh.
- Though Saudi threats of developing its own nuclear deterrent haven’t been recently repeated, they haven’t been retracted either.
Iran’s Evolving Approach
- Iran has shifted tactics from proxy-based aggression to leveraging regional diplomacy, especially as US troop presence in the region recedes.
- With domestic economic pressures mounting, Tehran now emphasizes negotiations with the US and sees relations with Saudi Arabia as a strategic hedge against isolation and economic stagnation.
- Internal consensus, even from Supreme Leader Khamenei, increasingly favours engagement over confrontation.
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Realignment
- Riyadh’s recalibration is driven by Vision 2030, which demands regional stability to attract investments and meet reform goals.
- Delays in flagship projects like NEOM have amplified the urgency for a secure environment.
- Recognition of the high economic costs of conflict, particularly from Houthi attacks, has made diplomacy with Iran a more viable path.
Mutual Interests Amidst Divergence
- While Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to diverge in regional strategy and nuclear ambitions, both now seek a functional détente to ensure internal economic stability, avoid infrastructure vulnerabilities, and adapt to shifting US involvement.
- The Middle East’s movement towards dual nuclear agreements makes this engagement increasingly critical.
| Practice Question: The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister to Tehran marks a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic dynamics. Discuss the evolving relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, highlighting the key factors driving this change and its implications for regional stability and nuclear diplomacy. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council Meeting.
(Source – 23rd April PIB)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations |
| Context |
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Key Outcomes and Agreements
- Signed four MoUs covering Space, Health, Sports Anti-Doping, and Postal Cooperation.
- Strong condemnation of terrorism, especially referencing the recent Pahalgam attack.
- Pledged deeper energy and defense cooperation.
- India invited the Saudi Crown Prince to co-chair the next SPC meeting in New Delhi.
Strategic Significance
- Reinforces India’s “Extended Neighbourhood” West Asia policy.
- Consolidates energy security and counterterrorism cooperation.
- Boosts India’s soft power in the Gulf region.
| Practice Question: Discuss the strategic importance of the India–Saudi Arabia relationship in the context of India’s energy and counter-terrorism policies. (150 Words /10 marks) |
3. UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 – Final Results Declared
(Source – 23rd April PIB)
| Topic: General Awareness / GS2 – Governance |
| Context |
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Highlights
– Increased participation from non-traditional backgrounds.
– Continued rise in female and rural representation.
– Emphasis on transparency and efficiency in the selection process.
Relevance for Aspirants
– Opportunity to analyze trends in merit list and representation.
– Benchmark for aspirational preparation and performance standards.
| Practice Question: How has the democratization of Civil Services recruitment affected governance and inclusivity in India? (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. Boosting Hand and Power Tools Sector – $25 Billion Export Goal
(Source – 23rd April PIB)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy / Industry |
| Context |
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Key Highlights
– Current exports: $600M in hand tools, $470M in power tools.
– China dominates with over 40–50% share.
– India aims for 10–25% market share with reforms and productivity boost.
Recommendations
– Establish industrial clusters under PPP model.
– Ease Quality Control Orders and rationalize duties.
– Introduce ₹8,000 crore support package with expected 2–3x tax returns.
| Practice Question: How can India enhance its global competitiveness in the Hand and Power Tools sector to achieve its $25 billion export target? (150 Words /10 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Rapid Temperature Flips Surge Globally, Hitting Vulnerable Nations Hardest: Study
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained , Page – 19)
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Countries
- The study projects that this trend will not only continue but also intensify in the future, especially under a high-emissions scenario.
- Low-income countries are expected to experience these flips four to six times more than the global average.
- These nations, already vulnerable to climate risks, may struggle to cope due to limited resources and adaptive infrastructure.
Ecological and Societal Implications
- Rapid temperature shifts reduce the time available for adaptation, amplifying the harmful impacts on human health, agriculture, biodiversity, and infrastructure.
- Both heatwaves and cold spells become more damaging when they occur unpredictably, placing stress on natural systems and public health networks.
Future Outlook and Climate Policy Relevance
- The findings underscore the urgency of climate mitigation efforts. If greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, temperature flips are expected to become more frequent and severe between 2071 and 2100, affecting nearly all global regions.
- This reinforces the need for stronger international climate policies and localized adaptation strategies.
Read more – 22 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
