Current Affairs of 7 April 2025

National and International Current Affairs - April 7, 2025

Economy

• India Maintains Growth Projection Despite U.S. Tariffs: Despite new U.S. tariffs, India expects to maintain its projected economic growth of 6.3%-6.8% for the 2025/26 fiscal year, provided oil prices remain below $70 per barrel. However, private economists, including those from Goldman Sachs, have lowered their forecasts by 20-40 basis points, anticipating growth around 6.1%. The 26% U.S. tariff on Indian imports has intensified global trade tensions, significantly affecting sectors such as diamond exports, which heavily rely on the U.S. market, thereby posing risks to employment. Indian officials are assessing the impact in coordination with ministries and exporters' associations. The finance ministry is reviewing support proposals, including interest subsidies, credit provision, and diversification aid. While officials state that the tariffs are unlikely to disrupt India's core fiscal parameters, the government is prepared to enhance existing export assistance schemes if needed. India does not intend to retaliate against the tariffs, opting instead for diplomatic negotiations. Labor-intensive sectors like textiles, footwear, and agriculture are identified as particularly vulnerable, prompting further scrutiny and potential policy responses.
• India Pursues Bilateral Trade Agreements Amid Global Uncertainties: India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that global uncertainties are prompting India to pursue more bilateral trade agreements, including a long-anticipated free trade deal with the UK. Speaking in London ahead of talks with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Sitharaman emphasized India's shift toward broader international engagement, citing recent trade deals with Australia, the UAE, and Oman, and ongoing negotiations with the EU. The potential UK agreement, in discussion since January 2022, may be accelerated due to increasing global economic pressures and concerns about U.S. tariffs. Key issues under negotiation include mutual recognition of professional qualifications, science and technology collaboration, and higher education ties. The UK seeks tariff reductions on exports like cars and whisky, and greater market access for legal and financial services, while India requests streamlined visa processes for temporary workers. Indian concerns include the obligation for workers on UK business visas to pay national insurance without accessing associated benefits. Despite India’s historically protectionist stance, Sitharaman highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s push for economic liberalization and global integration.

Defense

• India and U.S. Conduct Fourth Edition of 'Tiger Triumph' Exercise: The fourth edition of the 'Tiger Triumph' exercise, a bilateral tri-service amphibious military exercise between India and the United States, commenced on April 1, 2025. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from April 1 to 7 in Visakhapatnam, and the Sea Phase from April 8 to 13 off the coast of Kakinada. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both nations, focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Notably, the United States Space Force is participating in the exercise for the first time, alongside approximately 3,000 personnel, at least four ships, and seven aircraft from both countries.

National News

• Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates New Pamban Rail Bridge in Tamil Nadu: On April 7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu to inaugurate the New Pamban Rail Bridge. This bridge connects the town of Mandapam on the mainland to Rameswaram on Pamban Island, replacing the old Pamban Bridge. The new bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region.
• President Droupadi Murmu Embarks on State Visits to Portugal and Slovakia: President Droupadi Murmu commenced her state visits to Portugal and Slovakia from April 7 to 10, 2025. These visits aim to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation between India and the two European nations.

Science & Technology

• Commerce Minister Highlights India-China Start-Up Ecosystem Divide: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the differences between Indian and Chinese start-up ecosystems, noting that Indian start-ups largely focus on areas like online delivery and betting apps, while Chinese counterparts advance in strategic sectors such as electric mobility and artificial intelligence. His comments underscore the need for India to prioritize innovation in deep tech sectors to enhance global competitiveness.

Sports

• India's Historic Debut at 2025 World Boxing Cup: India made a historic debut at the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil, with Hitesh Gulia becoming the first-ever Indian boxer to win a medal at the event. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing on the international stage.

Environment

• India Braces for Hotter April with Above-Normal Temperatures: India is predicted to experience a significantly hotter April, with temperatures expected to be above normal across most of the country. This forecast was shared by Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department, during an online news conference. The increased temperatures could potentially impact various aspects of life and the environment across India.