Current Affairs of 19 April 2025

National and International Current Affairs - April 19, 2025

National News

• PM Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam International Seaport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in India's maritime infrastructure development. The port is expected to enhance trade connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.
• PM Modi Flags Off Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the first Vande Bharat train service in Jammu and Kashmir. The train will operate six days a week, covering the 272 km distance in approximately three hours, enhancing connectivity in the region.

Economy

• RBI Governor Warns of Dwindling Money Market Liquidity: Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra raised concerns about declining liquidity in India's call money market, which could impede effective monetary policy transmission. He emphasized the need for banks to ensure that central bank liquidity measures reach the broader financial system efficiently.

International Relations

• India and 62 Other Countries Agree to Global Carbon Tax in Shipping Industry: India, along with 62 other countries, agreed to implement the world's first global carbon tax targeting the shipping industry. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector and combat climate change.
• India Pursues Trade Liberalization with U.S.: India initiated negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the U.S., aiming to achieve $500 billion in trade by 2030. The discussions include potential tariff reductions on over half of $23 billion worth of U.S. imports, marking India's largest tariff cut in years.

Science & Technology

• Elon Musk Plans Visit to India After Talk with PM Modi: Elon Musk announced plans to visit India later this year following a discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about technological collaboration and innovation. The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation in technology sectors.

Environment

• India Forecasts Above-Average Monsoon Rains: India is forecasted to receive above-average monsoon rainfall for the second consecutive year in 2025, with expectations at 105% of the long-term average. This favorable outlook is anticipated to boost agricultural output and support economic growth.

Defense

• European Union Naval Force Proposes Joint Exercise with Indian Navy: The European Union Naval Force, under Operation ATALANTA, proposed a joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy. The exercise is planned to take place around the end of May 2025 in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation amid rising piracy and instability in the region.