Daily Current Affairs Quiz: April 22, 2025

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking part in Exercise Desert Flag-10 from April 21 to May 8, 2025, at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Exercise Desert Flag is a major multinational air combat exercise that trains different air forces under realistic war-like conditions. IAF has deployed two powerful aircraft: MiG-29, an air superiority fighter, and Jaguar, a deep strike ground attack aircraft. This year is special as it marks 50 years since the MiG-29 was first launched. Air forces from 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, are also participating. The goal is to share knowledge, improve tactics, and boost coordination in complex air combat missions.

Notes:
India’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu is expected to be commissioned next year. It marks a major step in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. The PFBR is a 500 Megawatt electric (MWe) sodium-cooled reactor that uses fast neutrons instead of slow neutrons. It was developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), set up in 2003 under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has predicted that wheat production from eight major states will reach 122.724 million tonnes by March 31, 2025. This estimate was made using satellite-based remote sensing technology for better accuracy and timely updates. ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has developed a system called CROP, which stands for Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress. CROP is a semi-automated and scalable system that monitors crop sowing, growth, and harvesting in near real-time. It mainly supports agricultural planning during the Rabi season. This comes as remote sensing in agriculture marks 50 years of global use.

Notes:
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 and is one of the largest global movements for environmental protection. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET,” calling for a major shift to renewable energy. It urges individuals, businesses, and governments to triple clean energy production by 2030. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, led by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about environmental issues. Around 20 million Americans joined that day, making up 10% of the U.S. population. In 1990, Earth Day became a global event with over 200 million people from 141 countries participating. It reminds us of our shared duty to care for nature and tackle climate change.

Notes:
Indian Navy ships INS Chennai and INS Kesari successfully performed manoeuvring exercises and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills during the sea phase of Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025. INS Chennai is the third and final ship of the Kolkata-class stealth-guided missile destroyers under Project 15A. The first two ships of this class were INS Kolkata and INS Kochi. INS Chennai was built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 21, 2016. It operates under the Western Naval Command, ensuring security in the Arabian Sea region.