Current Affairs of 5 April 2025

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National and International Current Affairs - April 5, 2025

International Relations

• India and Sri Lanka Sign Defense and Energy Agreements: During his visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the signing of significant defense and energy agreements with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. These agreements aim to bolster India's strategic and economic influence in Sri Lanka, particularly amidst concerns over China's expanding presence through development loans and infrastructure projects. Modi also inaugurated the construction of a 120-megawatt solar power plant and was honored with Sri Lanka's highest award for foreign leaders, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. However, the visit sparked protests in Colombo, with critics accusing the government of compromising national sovereignty in favor of Indian influence.

Economy

• India Seeks Exemptions from U.S. Tariffs: In response to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, which have caused significant global economic disruption, India, along with Vietnam and Israel, has initiated talks with the U.S. administration for possible exemptions. The tariffs have led to major U.S. stock indices plunging and have raised concerns among U.S. farmers and corporations about rising costs.
• Rupee Expected to Weaken Amid U.S. Tariffs: The Indian rupee is anticipated to weaken due to broader declines in Asian markets following the U.S. implementation of extensive new tariffs. The rupee is predicted to open weaker at 85.70-85.75 to the dollar compared to its previous close of 85.4975. Market sentiment is further dampened by declines in U.S. equity futures and Japanese equities, as well as concerns over economic growth amid escalating trade tensions.

National News

• British Activist Jagtar Singh Johal in Solitary Confinement Despite Acquittal: Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in an Indian jail for seven years, has been placed in solitary confinement and under 24-hour surveillance despite being acquitted of all terrorism charges by a Punjab court. Johal still faces the same charges in a parallel case, which his family claims is an act of double jeopardy. His family has expressed concerns for his physical and mental well-being and is urging the UK government to take urgent action.

Government Initiatives

• Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches RSMS Portal and Water Resource Census App: On April 3, 2025, Union Minister C.R. Patil of the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched three key digital initiatives: the web-based 'Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS)' portal, a Water Resource Census Application, and a related portal. These initiatives aim to improve water resource management, accessibility, and transparency.

Sports

• Bihar to Host Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Bihar has been announced as the host state for the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, scheduled to take place in May 2025. This initiative aims to promote sports and engage youth nationwide.

Defense

• India and African Nations to Conduct Joint Naval Exercise: India, along with Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa, is set to conduct the maiden edition of the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) naval exercise in April 2025. The exercise will take place off the coast of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania and aims to enhance maritime cooperation among the participating nations.

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