Key Highlights of April 23, 2025
On April 22, 2025, militants launched a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 tourists and injuring 17, marking the worst civilian assault in the region since 2008.
Simultaneously, India’s benchmark indices—Nifty 50 and Sensex—closed at their highest levels of 2025, powered by a surge in IT and financial stocks amid hopes of easing US–China trade tensions.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
Attack Overview
Four gunmen opened fire on tourists in the scenic town of Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 people—25 Indians and one Nepalese—and wounding 17 others.
The militant group “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility via social media, accusing the victims of being undercover agents of Indian security forces.
Government Response & Impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia trip to chair an emergency meeting with defence and intelligence chiefs.
The Union Home Ministry has pledged a “strong, visible retaliation” against both the attackers and their alleged Pakistani backers.
Tourism Sector Shock
Pahalgam’s crucial tourism industry—recently booming after the 2019 autonomy revocation—faced an immediate downturn, with hotels reporting mass cancellations.
Local businesses and pilgrimage operators have expressed grave concerns over long-term recovery amid heightened security fears.
Heightened Security Measures
Thousands of additional troops and paramilitary forces have been deployed across Kashmir, with new checkpoints and aerial surveillance initiated.
Authorities have also canceled SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals, ordering those in India to leave within 48 hours.
India Stock Market Rally
Market Overview
On April 23, 2025, the Nifty 50 soared over 1.2%, closing at a fresh 2025 high of 24,350, while the BSE Sensex hit 80,200—its best level in over four months.
Investor optimism was fueled by signs of monetary easing from the Reserve Bank of India and positive global cues.
Sector Performance
IT giants led the rally, with Infosys and TCS each gaining over 2%, as hopes rose for renewed US–China trade dialogue.
Financial stocks—especially banking and insurance names—also outperformed, reflecting expectations of fresh liquidity injections.
Investor Sentiment & Outlook
Foreign portfolio investors returned after months of cautious selling, contributing to the upswing.
Analysts warn that while the near-term outlook remains positive, geopolitical risks and inflation data will be closely watched.
What’s Next?
Market participants will monitor the upcoming RBI policy meeting and key US economic indicators for further direction.
0 Comments