As of April 9, 2025, several significant developments have unfolded across various sectors in India, impacting areas pertinent to aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations.

Politics & Governance
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has established a committee to review and enhance conflict of interest provisions for its members and officials. This initiative aims to bolster transparency and ethical standards within the regulatory framework. The committee is chaired by retired civil servant Pratyush Sinha, with Injeti Srinivas, former Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, serving as vice-chairman. Other notable members include Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, and G. Mahalingam, former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India.
In response to recent U.S. tariffs on Indian imports, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is anticipated to implement a second consecutive interest rate cut during its policy meeting from April 7-9, 2025. The U.S. imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff, raising concerns about India’s GDP growth, currently estimated at 6.7% for 2025-26. Economists now foresee an additional 50-75 basis points of cuts within the year to stimulate economic growth.
Concurrently, the Indian rupee declined by 0.4% to 86.65 against the U.S. dollar, influenced by a sharp depreciation in the Chinese yuan following severe U.S. tariffs. Market participants are closely monitoring the RBI’s policy decisions, with expectations of further rate cuts and insights into foreign exchange policies.
Defense and Security
India has approved a significant defense acquisition, involving the purchase of 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France. The deal, valued at over ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7 billion), aims to enhance India’s naval capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. The acquisition underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces.
At the Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2025, experts highlighted the alarming rise in extreme weather events in India, focusing on urban heat, warm nights, and their impact on public health and agriculture. The discussions emphasized the need for comprehensive climate action plans to mitigate these challenges.
Budget Highlights
The Budget Session of Parliament, held from January 31 to April 4, 2025, addressed several key legislative measures. The session included discussions on 12 pending bills and the introduction of four new bills, reflecting the government’s focus on economic reforms and policy initiatives.
Conclusion
These developments reflect India’s dynamic political, economic, and environmental landscape. For aspirants of government examinations, staying informed about such current affairs is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s evolving scenario.
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers
Question 1: Who has been appointed as the chairman of the committee formed by SEBI to review conflict of interest provisions?
Option 1: Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Option 2: Pratyush Sinha
Option 3: Injeti Srinivas
Option 4: Uday Kotak
Option 5: G. Mahalingam
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has established a committee to review and enhance conflict of interest provisions among its members and officials. This initiative aims to improve transparency and ethical standards within the regulatory body. The committee is chaired by retired civil servant Pratyush Sinha. Injeti Srinivas, former Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, serves as the vice-chairman. Other notable members include Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, and G. Mahalingam, former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India.
Question 2: What recent action did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) take in response to U.S. tariffs on Indian imports?
Option 1: Increased interest rates by 25 basis points
Option 2: Maintained the current interest rates
Option 3: Cut interest rates by 25 basis points
Option 4: Cut interest rates by 50 basis points
Option 5: Imposed reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: In response to the recent U.S. tariffs on Indian imports, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented a 25 basis point interest rate cut, bringing the rate down to 6.00%. This move, the second consecutive reduction, aims to stimulate economic growth amid global trade tensions. The U.S. imposed a 26% tariff on Indian exports, affecting sectors like gems, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, prompting the RBI’s action to support the economy.
Question 3: Which country’s currency depreciation influenced the recent decline of the Indian rupee?
Option 1: United States
Option 2: China
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: United Kingdom
Option 5: Germany
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Indian rupee experienced a decline, closing at 86.6875 against the U.S. dollar, influenced by the depreciation of the Chinese yuan. The yuan dropped to a 19-month low due to escalating trade tensions following the implementation of U.S. tariffs, including a 104% levy on China. This depreciation of the yuan had a cascading effect on other Asian currencies, including the Indian rupee.
Question 4: How many Rafale marine fighter aircraft has India approved to purchase from France?
Option 1: 12
Option 2: 18
Option 3: 24
Option 4: 26
Option 5: 30
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India has approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France. This deal, valued at over ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7 billion), aims to bolster India’s naval capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. The purchase reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces.
Question 5: During which period was the Budget Session of Parliament held in 2025?
Option 1: January 1 – March 31
Option 2: January 15 – March 15
Option 3: January 31 – April 4
Option 4: February 1 – April 30
Option 5: February 15 – May 15
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Budget Session of Parliament in 2025 was scheduled from January 31 to April 4. This session included a total of 27 sittings, during which 12 pending bills were listed for consideration and passing, and four new bills were introduced, reflecting the government’s focus on economic reforms and policy initiatives.
Question 6: What was a key focus of the discussions at the Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2025?
Option 1: Renewable energy advancements
Option 2: Urban heat and warm nights
Option 3: Marine biodiversity conservation
Option 4: Air pollution in rural areas
Option 5: Deforestation in the Western Ghats
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2025 highlighted the alarming rise in extreme weather events in India, with a particular focus on urban heat and warm nights. Experts discussed the impact of these phenomena on public health and agriculture, emphasizing the need for comprehensive climate action plans to mitigate these challenges.
Question 7: What was the primary reason behind the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut interest rates in April 2025?
Option 1: To control rising inflation
Option 2: To respond to U.S. tariffs on Indian imports
Option 3: To address a banking sector crisis
Option 4: To stabilize the housing market
Option 5: To increase foreign direct investment
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India decided to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 6.00% in April 2025 primarily in response to the economic risks posed by recent U.S. tariffs on Indian imports. The U.S. imposed a 26% tariff, raising concerns about India’s GDP growth outlook. The rate cut aimed to stimulate economic growth amid these global trade tensions.
Question 8: Which sector is expected to benefit directly from India’s approval to purchase Rafale marine fighter aircraft?
Option 1: Army
Option 2: Navy
Option 3: Air Force
Option 4: Coast Guard
Option 5: Paramilitary Forces
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The approval to purchase 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France is specifically aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy. This acquisition is part of India’s efforts to strengthen its naval forces amid growing regional security concerns.
Question 9: Which of the following individuals is not a member of the SEBI committee formed to review conflict of interest provisions?
Option 1: Pratyush Sinha
Option 2: Injeti Srinivas
Option 3: Uday Kotak
Option 4: G. Mahalingam
Option 5: Madhabi Puri Buch
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) established a committee to review and enhance conflict of interest provisions for its members and officials. The committee is chaired by retired civil servant Pratyush Sinha, with Injeti Srinivas serving as vice-chairman. Other notable members include Uday Kotak and G. Mahalingam. Madhabi Puri Buch, the former SEBI chief, is not a member of this committee.
Question 10: What was the primary objective behind SEBI’s formation of a committee to review conflict of interest provisions?
Option 1: To increase foreign investments
Option 2: To enhance transparency and ethical standards
Option 3: To regulate stock market volatility
Option 4: To introduce new financial products
Option 5: To oversee mergers and acquisitions
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) formed a committee to review and recommend enhancements to conflict of interest provisions among its members and officials. This initiative aims to improve transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within