Current Affairs 23 April 2025

Current Affairs 23 April 2025

photo

1. Government Re-Appoints T. Rabi Sankar as RBI Deputy Governor
The Government of India has re-appointed T. Rabi Sankar as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). His new tenure will be for three years, starting from May 3, 2025. Sankar, who first assumed the role in 2021, oversees critical areas such as fintech, digital payments, and currency management. His re-appointment reflects the government's confidence in his leadership during a time of rapid technological change in the financial sector. Under his guidance, RBI has made significant strides in initiatives like the Digital Rupee and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.
Foot notes:
  • Previous Tenure: Sankar was initially appointed as Deputy Governor in May 2021 for a three-year term, which was then extended by another year in 2024.
  • Background: Before becoming Deputy Governor, Sankar served as Executive Director at RBI, overseeing departments such as Information Technology, Payment and Settlement Systems, Fintech, and Risk Monitoring.
  • Areas of Expertise: Sankar's expertise includes reserves portfolio management, monetary operations and development, exchange rate management, public debt management, payment systems, and IT infrastructure.
  • Experience: He joined RBI in 1990 and has served in various roles, including as an IMF consultant on developing government bond markets and debt management from 2005 to 2011.
  • RBI Leadership: Currently, the RBI's top leadership includes Governor Sanjay Malhotra and four Deputy Governors: T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Swaminathan Janakiraman, and Poonam Gupta.
2. US Vice President JD Vance Receives Guard of Honour in Delhi
U.S. Vice President JD Vance received a ceremonial Guard of Honour during his visit to Delhi. The ceremony took place at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a significant moment in India-U.S. diplomatic ties. Senior Indian officials warmly welcomed Vance, highlighting the importance of his visit in strengthening bilateral relations. Vance expressed his appreciation for the honour and emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between the two nations. His visit includes meetings with key Indian leaders to discuss trade, defense, and technology partnerships.
Foot notes:
  • Accompanied by Family: He was accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, who were seen wearing traditional Indian attire.
  • Meeting with PM Modi: Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the PM's official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, to discuss strengthening economic and trade relations, enhancing defence cooperation, and exploring bilateral strategic issues.
  • Agenda: The visit aims to deepen strategic cooperation across key areas like trade, defence, and economic partnership, with potential discussions on a bilateral trade agreement amid rising global tariff tensions.
  • Cultural Visits: The Vance family is scheduled to explore various cultural sites, including the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, a local handicrafts market in Delhi, Amer Fort in Jaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra.
3. Judge Kaveri Baweja Appointed as Registrar (Vigilance) of Delhi High Court
Judge Kaveri Baweja has been appointed as the new Registrar (Vigilance) of the Delhi High Court. She will be responsible for overseeing vigilance matters and ensuring transparency within the court’s administration. Prior to this role, Judge Baweja served in various key judicial positions, earning a reputation for her integrity and diligence. Her appointment reflects the High Court’s commitment to strengthening internal accountability mechanisms. Judge Baweja is expected to bring a proactive approach to maintaining ethical standards in the judiciary.
Foot notes:
  • Delhi Excise Policy Case: Denied regular bail to former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and ordered former CM Arvind Kejriwal's remand to ED custody.
  • 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Sentenced Congress leader Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his involvement in the riots.
  • 2020 Delhi Riots: Stayed a trial court order seeking further probe into BJP leader Kapil Mishra's alleged role in the riots.
  • Judicial Experience: Judge Baweja's appointment highlights her judicial experience and integrity, which are essential for overseeing vigilance matters in the Delhi High Court.
  • Administrative Reshuffle: This appointment is part of a larger administrative reshuffle within the Delhi High Court, with Judge Arun Bhardwaj set to take over as Registrar General from May 1, 2025.
4. Nadal, Duplantis, Biles Win at Laureus World Sports Awards 2025
Rafael Nadal, Armand Duplantis, and Simone Biles were among the big winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025. Nadal was honored for his remarkable comeback and achievements in tennis over the past year. Duplantis received recognition for his record-breaking performances in pole vaulting, continuing his dominance in the sport. Biles was celebrated for her inspiring return to gymnastics and her continued excellence on the world stage. The ceremony highlighted the athletes' extraordinary dedication, resilience, and impact beyond their respective sports.
Foot notes:
  • Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Mondo Duplantis, a 25-year-old Swedish-American pole vaulter, won this award for the first time after breaking his own world record nine times and winning Olympic gold in Paris. He was hailed as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.
  • Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles won her fourth Female Athlete of the Year trophy, tying Serena Williams' record. Biles made a remarkable comeback at the Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver.
  • Sporting Icon Award: Rafael Nadal received this award, emphasizing the importance of enjoying and appreciating every moment in sports. He retired from professional tennis last year.
  • Future plans: Simone Biles mentioned she'll be at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but hasn't decided whether she'll compete or spectate. Mondo Duplantis aims to break more world records before the 2028 Games.
5. India Finish ISSF World Cup Peru Leg In 3rd Place
India finished in third place at the ISSF World Cup Peru leg, showcasing a strong performance across multiple shooting events. Indian shooters secured several medals, including golds in rifle and pistol categories. Their consistent efforts throughout the competition helped them maintain a top-three position among participating nations. The young talents, along with experienced shooters, contributed significantly to the overall medal tally. This result reflects India's growing dominance and depth in international shooting sports.
Foot notes:
  • India's Ranking: India secured third place overall in the tournament, behind China and the USA. China topped the medal tally with four gold, three silver, and six bronze medals, while the USA came in second.
  • Medal Count: India won a total of 15 medals, including two gold, four silver, and one bronze. Saurabh Chaudhary won a gold medal in the mixed team event and a bronze medal in the men's air pistol.
  • Young Shooters Shine: Young Indian shooters made a significant impact, with 18-year-old Suruchi winning three gold medals and one bronze. Arya Borse, another debutant, won two silver medals in the mixed-team rifle event.
  • Experienced Shooters Perform Well: Seasoned shooters like Chain Singh and Simranpreet Kaur won their first individual World Cup medals. Saurabh Chaudhary's return to the international podium was a highlight, winning a mixed team gold with Suruchi.
6. Priyanka Chopra Jonas to be honoured at Gold House Gala 2025
Priyanka Chopra Jonas will be honoured at the prestigious Gold House Gala 2025 for her contributions to global entertainment and philanthropy. The event celebrates Asian Pacific leaders who have made significant cultural and social impacts worldwide. Priyanka, known for her achievements in both Bollywood and Hollywood, has also been a strong advocate for women's rights and education. Her recognition at the Gala highlights her influence as a trailblazer for diversity and representation. Several other prominent figures from the arts, business, and activism will also be celebrated at the ceremony. Priyanka expressed her gratitude, calling it a "deeply meaningful honour" that motivates her to continue breaking barriers.
Foot notes:
  • Event Details: The Gold House Gala 2025 will be held on May 10, 2025, at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, bringing together over 600 influential guests.
  • A100 List: The event will spotlight the 2025 A100 List, a curated selection of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders in culture, which will be revealed on May 1, 2025.
  • Other Honorees: Other notable honorees include Ang Lee, Megan Thee Stallion, Jon M. Chu, Laufey, Pokémon CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, and Olympians Suni Lee, Chuck Aoki, and Lee Kiefer.
  • Significance: The Gold House Gala is considered a premier celebration of Asian Pacific and multicultural excellence, providing a platform to launch the next wave of cultural trends.
7. Maharashtra Governor Presents Yashraj Bharti Samman Awards 2025
The Maharashtra Governor presented the Yashraj Bharti Samman Awards 2025 at a grand ceremony in Mumbai. The awards honoured outstanding individuals across fields like arts, literature, sports, and social service. This year’s recipients were praised for their exceptional contributions and dedication to their crafts. In his address, the Governor emphasized the importance of recognizing and encouraging talent that uplifts society. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, celebrities, and cultural icons who applauded the winners. The Yashraj Bharti Samman continues to be one of Maharashtra’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence and achievement.
Foot notes:
  • Award Ceremony: The 3rd edition of the Yashraj Bharti Samman awards was held in Mumbai, where Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan honored three organizations for their outstanding contributions to healthcare, education, and governance.
  • Event Insights: The ceremony was attended by dignitaries like Dilip Walse Patil, former Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker, and Amitabh Kant, India's G-20 Sherpa.
  • Objective: The Yashraj Bharti Samman aims to honor grassroots-level organizations contributing meaningfully to healthcare, sustainable development, and good governance.
  • Pratham Education Foundation: Honored for promoting sustainable development through education, known for innovative programs like ASER to monitor and improve learning outcomes.
8. Sun King onboards Rajkummar Rao as brand ambassador
Sun King, a leading global solar energy company, has onboarded Rajkummar Rao as its brand ambassador. The collaboration aims to promote clean and affordable solar energy solutions across India. Known for his versatility and social commitment, Rajkummar perfectly aligns with Sun King’s mission of sustainability and empowerment. As part of the partnership, he will feature in campaigns highlighting the benefits of solar products for rural and urban households. Sun King believes that Rajkummar’s influence will help raise awareness about renewable energy and its positive impact on communities. Rajkummar expressed pride in joining the initiative, calling it a step toward a greener and brighter future.
Foot notes:
  • Shared Values: Rao's reputation for authenticity, empathy, and connection with everyday people aligns with Sun King's mission to deliver practical solutions that make a difference in people's lives.
  • Product Endorsement: As ambassador, Rajkummar Rao will endorse Sun King's range of products, including solar-powered lighting systems, rooftop solar solutions, and energy-efficient appliances like fans and LED bulbs.
  • Nationwide Campaigns: The partnership coincides with Sun King's launch of customer-focused campaigns, starting at the South Asia Forum for Distributed Energy in New Delhi, to showcase its diverse product range and promote sustainable energy.
  • Meet-and-Greet Event: A special highlight of the campaign will be a meet-and-greet event with Rajkummar Rao, where Sun King's top-performing distributors and partners will get to meet the actor in person.
9. Boeing appoints Stacie Sire as VP and MD of BIETC
Boeing has appointed Stacie Sire as the new Vice President and Managing Director of Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC). In her new role, Stacie will lead the company’s largest engineering center outside the United States. She brings extensive experience in aerospace engineering and leadership to the position. Boeing expects her appointment to strengthen its commitment to innovation and talent development in India. Stacie expressed excitement about working with the talented teams at BIETC and contributing to Boeing’s global growth. Her leadership is seen as a key move in expanding Boeing’s capabilities and partnerships in the region.
Foot notes:
  • Role and Responsibilities: Sire will oversee strategy and operations for BIETC, advancing its goals and priorities in India, enhancing team capabilities, and supporting business growth. She will also serve as Chief Engineer for Boeing India.
  • Background and Experience: Sire has 27 years of experience at Boeing, having started as a structural engineer and held various leadership roles, including director and chief engineer positions for several aircraft programs, such as the 787 Dreamliner, 767, and 777.
  • Previous Role and New Role of Predecessor: Ahmed Elsherbini, who led BIETC from April 2021 to January 2025, has taken over as Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Boeing Global Engineering.
  • Boeing's Growth in India: Boeing aims to deliver value to Indian customers with advanced technologies, developing local suppliers, and shaping academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions. The company has strengthened its supply chain with over 300 local companies in India.
10. Livguard appoints Sameer Nagpal as MD & CEO
Livguard has appointed Sameer Nagpal as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He brings with him vast experience in leadership roles across various industries, including manufacturing and consumer products. In his new role, Sameer will focus on driving Livguard’s growth, innovation, and market expansion strategies. The company believes his vision and expertise will help strengthen its position in the energy solutions sector. Sameer expressed his enthusiasm about leading Livguard at a time of rapid transformation and opportunity. His appointment marks a significant step in Livguard’s journey toward becoming a leading brand in the energy and battery solutions market.
Foot notes:
  • Experience: Nagpal brings over three decades of experience across industries, having held key leadership roles at renowned organizations such as Dalmia Bharat Ltd., Shalimar Paints, Trane Technologies, ZICOM Electronic Security Systems, and Carrier Corporation.
  • Role: As MD & CEO, Nagpal will help accelerate Livguard's position in the energy storage and solar solutions industry, driving the company's next phase of growth and innovation.
  • Vision: Nagpal's vision for Livguard is rooted in the company's core values of innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity. He aims to build strong teams that will make Livguard's innovative solutions more accessible to Indian households and businesses.
  • Leadership Style: Nagpal is a strong advocate of people-first leadership, focusing on nurturing a culture that inspires excellence, collaboration, and a shared purpose. This approach aligns with Livguard's vision of fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and long-term value creation.
6 likes | 0 comment
Like Comment Share
IBT's Classroom Study Materials
arrow