Here is a comprehensive and engaging article covering the latest current affairs as of April 11, 2025, tailored for aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations. This article draws upon credible sources such as The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, PIB, PRS Legislative Research, BBC News, Reuters, and Down To Earth to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Politics & Governance
India-U.S. Trade Relations
India and the United States have finalized the terms of reference for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. This development follows President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily pause reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India. Despite the announcement of a 26% tariff on Indian goods by the U.S. last week, India has indicated it does not plan to retaliate. The U.S. remains India’s largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries surpassing $118 billion in the 2023-24 period. Regular virtual engagements are planned to advance the talks, highlighting the importance both nations place on deepening trade ties.
E-Waste Policy Dispute
Global electronics manufacturers, including Daikin, Hitachi, and Samsung, are contesting India’s new e-waste policy. The policy mandates a minimum price that producers must pay to recyclers for the environmentally sound disposal of electronic appliances. Companies argue that the new rates have tripled their compliance costs, leading to several lawsuits challenging the measure’s constitutionality and impact on business. The government defends the policy as essential for formalizing the predominantly informal e-waste sector, where unregulated practices pose health and environmental risks.
Economy & Finance
RBI’s Monetary Policy Adjustment
In response to mounting risks to economic growth and favorable inflation trends, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% and shifted its policy stance to “accommodative.” Economists suggest that factors such as weakening urban consumption, sluggish private investment, and the intensifying U.S.-China trade war pose significant threats to India’s economy. Nomura economists predict the terminal rate could decline to 5.00%, anticipating four additional rate cuts of 25 basis points each throughout the year.
Industrial Output Slowdown
India’s industrial output in February 2025 recorded its slowest growth in six months, expanding by just 2.9% year-on-year, significantly below economists’ expectations of 4% growth. This marked a decline from January’s revised output growth of 5.2% and was primarily dragged down by sluggish growth in manufacturing and mining sectors. Specifically, manufacturing rose by 2.9%, electricity generation increased by 3.6%, and mining activity grew by 1.6%, all showing slower performance compared to January’s figures.
Science & Technology
India-Italy Research Collaboration
India and Italy have initiated a collaborative program encompassing 10 research initiatives and 10 collaborative projects. This partnership aims to strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, supercomputers, space technology, and defense. The program reflects a mutual commitment to advancing technological cooperation and fostering joint research endeavors.
Environment & Climate
Namami Gange Mission 2.0 Progress
Under the Namami Gange Mission 2.0, seven major sewerage infrastructure projects have been completed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi in the second half of FY 2024-25. These projects are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River and improve water quality through enhanced sewage treatment capabilities. The completion of these projects marks a significant step towards achieving the mission’s objectives of pollution abatement and river conservation.
Defense & Security
Defense Exports Surge
India’s defense exports have reached a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the financial year 2024-25, marking a growth of 12.04% over the previous year. This surge reflects the country’s increasing capabilities in defense manufacturing and its growing footprint in the global defense market. The government attributes this growth to policy reforms, ease of doing business, and active engagement with international partners.
Sports
India’s Performance in International Tournaments
India continues to make strides in international sports, with notable performances across various disciplines. Athletes have showcased exceptional talent and determination, contributing to the country’s growing reputation on the global sports stage. These achievements not only bring pride to the nation but also inspire aspiring sportspersons across the country.
This detailed overview of current affairs as of April 11, 2025, is designed to provide aspirants with a comprehensive understanding of significant developments across various sectors. Staying informed on these topics is crucial for success in competitive examinations.
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers
Question 1: Which country has recently finalized the terms of reference with India for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement?
Option 1: United Kingdom
Option 2: Australia
Option 3: United States
Option 4: Japan
Option 5: Germany
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India and the United States have finalized the terms of reference for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. This follows the U.S. decision to pause reciprocal tariffs, emphasizing stronger trade ties.
Question 2: What is the new repo rate set by the Reserve Bank of India in its recent monetary policy update?
Option 1: 6.25%
Option 2: 5.75%
Option 3: 6.00%
Option 4: 5.50%
Option 5: 6.50%
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India revised the repo rate to 6.00% by cutting 25 basis points. This rate adjustment reflects a policy shift to stimulate economic activity amid growth concerns.
Question 3: Which of the following sectors recorded the slowest year-on-year growth in India’s industrial output for February 2025?
Option 1: Electricity
Option 2: Construction
Option 3: Manufacturing
Option 4: Infrastructure
Option 5: Mining
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Mining registered the lowest year-on-year growth among industrial sectors in February 2025, with only a 1.6% increase, falling behind manufacturing and electricity.
Question 4: Under the India-Italy research collaboration, how many total projects were initiated?
Option 1: 5
Option 2: 20
Option 3: 10
Option 4: 15
Option 5: 25
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The India-Italy partnership launched a total of 20 initiatives, including 10 research and 10 collaborative projects, covering innovation, AI, and defense-related technology.
Question 5: What is the primary concern raised by global electronics manufacturers against India’s new e-waste policy?
Option 1: Environmental sustainability burden
Option 2: Increased compliance costs
Option 3: Policy delays by the government
Option 4: Complex licensing procedure
Option 5: Lack of technology infrastructure
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Electronics companies have opposed India’s new e-waste policy due to increased compliance costs. The mandatory minimum price to be paid to recyclers significantly raised their operational expenses.
Question 6: Which of the following statements best describes the Namami Gange Mission 2.0 progress reported recently?
Option 1: Seven sewerage infrastructure projects completed
Option 2: Seven hydroelectric plants commissioned
Option 3: Seven wildlife conservation areas protected
Option 4: Seven bridges constructed across the river
Option 5: Seven plastic recycling hubs launched
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: As part of the Namami Gange Mission 2.0, seven major sewerage infrastructure projects were completed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi to support river cleaning and conservation.
Question 7: What was the total value of India’s defense exports recorded for the financial year 2024–25?
Option 1: Rs 19,800 crore
Option 2: Rs 21,930 crore
Option 3: Rs 23,622 crore
Option 4: Rs 15,420 crore
Option 5: Rs 26,410 crore
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
Check out this related article: Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English 11 April 2025
India achieved record defense exports worth Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, marking over 12% growth compared to the previous fiscal year due to supportive reforms and global demand.Question 8: Which economic trend has led economists to predict more rate cuts from the RBI during the year?
Option 1: Surplus trade balance
Option 2: Weakening urban consumption
Option 3: Increase in FDI
Option 4: Rise in inflation
Option 5: Strengthening rupee
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Weakening urban consumption, combined with slow private investment and global trade uncertainties, has prompted economists to predict further repo rate cuts by the RBI.
Question 9: Which river is being rejuvenated under the Namami Gange Mission 2.0?
Option 1: Narmada
Option 2: Brahmaputra
Option 3: Ganga
Option 4: Godavari
Option 5: Yamuna
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Namami Gange Mission 2.0 focuses on cleaning and conserving the Ganga River through large-scale sewage and infrastructure development projects across multiple states.
Question 10: What has been India’s approach to the newly imposed 26% tariff on its goods by the United States?
Option 1: Imposed retaliatory tariffs
Option 2: Suspended trade talks
Option 3: Chose not to retaliate
Option 4: Filed complaint at WTO
Option 5: Imposed export bans
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Despite the 26% U.S. tariff, India has not retaliated and remains committed to continuing trade dialogue, reflecting a strategic and diplomatic approach to trade tensions.
