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THE HEADLINES :-

India to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft from France.
Government approves doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
President Droupadi Murmu and her Solvakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini discuss bilateral ties and key global issues in Bratislava.
India carefully examining US reciprocal tariffs, says, MEA.
China retaliates with 84 per cent tariff on US imports amid escalating trade war; European Union also votes for new tariffs on American goods.
Death toll in nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic reaches 124.
Indian Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kiran George sail into Singles pre-quarterfinals of Badminton Asia Championships in China.

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India is set to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft from France. The deal will be formalized in coming weeks. According to the Defence sources, out of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, 22 will be single seater and four double seater and these will be designed and prepared as per the requirement of the Indian Navy. With the induction of Rafale Marine aircraft, the strength of the Navy will increase manifold and these fighter aircraft will be deployed in aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Rafale will be equipped with advanced weapon systems and missiles.

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The Government has approved the doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi single railway line section across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Briefing media in New Delhi today about the decisions taken during the Union Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the project will enhance connectivity to educational and medical hubs of Vellore and Tirupati.

The Centre also cleared the proposal for the construction of six lane Zirakpur bypass spreading in Punjab and Haryana with an estimated cost of over one thousand 878 crore rupees. In a social media post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the project will reduce travel time and improve connectivity to Himachal Pradesh and National Capital region.

The Cabinet also gave nod to the modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana with an initial total outlay of one thousand 600 crore rupees. Prime Minister Modi in a social media post said, the project will boost water use efficiency, improve productivity, and also raise farmer incomes.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized that the world’s trust in India is deepening, asserting that country’s efforts and results are becoming a source of inspiration. The Prime Minister was addressing a function on the occasion of Navkar Mahamantra Divas in New Delhi. He connected this to Jain philosophy, emphasizing that life thrives on mutual cooperation.

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President Droupadi Murmu and her Solvakia counterpart Peter Pellegrini held one on one meeting and delegation level talks in Bratislava today. During the meetings, the two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and issues of shared global and regional interests.

Following the talks, both leaders also witnessed the exchange of two MoUs, one on cooperation in the field of MSMEs between India’s National Small Industries Corporation Limited and the Slovak Business Agency and another on cooperation between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

In a joint press statement after the meeting, President Murmu highlighted the immense potential for the two countries to collaborate more closely in various sectors to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The President also invited Slovakia to take part actively in the upcoming WAVE Summit being hosted by India in Mumbai from 1st to 4th of May.

On the first day of her visit to Slovakia, President Murmu also met Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. President Murmu also met Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia, Richard Rasi.

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The External Affairs Ministry has said that India is carefully examining the implications of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US. Briefing media in New Delhi, the Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Indian and the US side are working for mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement.

Mr. Jaiswal also spoke on the withdrawal of the transshipment facility for Bangladesh.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today reduced its policy repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 6 per cent from 6.25 per cent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision of the apex bank in Mumbai.

The policy repo rate, or repurchase rate, is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks, serving as a key tool for managing liquidity, inflation, and economic growth. A lower rate spurs growth as loans are expected to become cheaper. This was the second successive rate cut by the RBI following a similar reduction in February this year after a five-year pause.

Talking to Akashvani News, Economic Analyst, AK Bhattacharya said, RBI’s approach to economy reflect concerns and opportunities that might arise in a world where uncertainties are on the rise.

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China today retaliated with an 84 percent tariff on all goods imported from the US which will come into effect from midnight tonight. The country said, it is raising its retaliatory tariff on the US to 84 percent, up from 34 percent. It comes after Biejing accused Washington of bullying practices earlier in the day following imposition of 104 percent duties by US President Donald Trump on Chinese goods. In a White Paper published today, China alleged that the White House has seriously damaged the global trade order and the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.

The European Union has voted in favor of imposing tariffs on some US imported goods. EU member states approved 25 percent tariffs on various American products in retaliation for the US imposing similar tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports. The new tariffs will affect goods worth 20.9 billion euros.

The Commission, in a statement, said that the new tariffs will come into effect on the 15th of this month.

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The benchmark domestic equity indices declined over half per cent today, tracking losses in global markets amid escalating trade tensions despite Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the policy repo rate by 25 basis points. We have a report:

“The 30-share index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, dropped 380 points to close at 73,847. The National Stock Exchange Nifty-50 slipped 137 points to settle at 22,399. In the Forex market, the rupee today depreciated by 43 paise to close at 86 rupees and 69 paise against the US dollar. In the Indian Bullion Market, 24 Karat Gold was trading at 89,750 rupees per 10 grams, a short while ago. Brent Crude was trading at 59 dollars and a cent per barrel. Lalima Aneja Dang For AKASHVANI News.”

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The unemployment rate in rural area has marginally declined from 4.3 per cent to 4.2 per cent. The latest Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey, from January to December 2024, shows that the Labour force participation rate in urban areas has increased from 50.3 per cent to over 51 per cent. The worker population ratio has slightly improved across all categories, particularly in the overall worker population ratio from 47 per cent to 47.6 per cent in Urban areas.

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BJP today criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for their stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Briefing media in New Delhi today, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned Rahul Gandhi on his silence over the eight lakh properties of Waqf accusing that not a single school, hospital or skill center has been made on these lands.

On the violence in Murshidabad on Waqf (Amendment) Act, Mr. Prasad questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not taking any action on the inflammatory speeches given there.

BJP also described the uproar in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on the Waqf (Amendment) Act and protests in some areas in the country against the new law as unfortunate.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has announced important changes in the Party’s organization structure, stating that district presidents will be made the foundation of the party organization. Mr. Gandhi was addressing the 84th AICC Session in Ahmedabad.

More than 3,000 delegates from across the country – including National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states, attended the session.

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In Dominican Republic, at least 124 people have been killed and more than 150 injured after a roof collapsed at a nightclub in capital, Santo Domingo. The incident happened in the early hours yesterday at a concert of the popular singer Rubby Pérez at the nightclub. The Singer and a provincial governor and former Major League Baseball pitcher, Octavio Dotel were among the victims. Rescuers are still searching for survivors. There are fears the death toll will rise further.

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Indian Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kiran George sailed into the Singles pre-quarterfinals of Badminton Asia Championships at Ningbo in China today. Two time Olympic medallist, Sindhu defeated Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo of Indonesia 21-15, 21-19 in opening round of Women’s Singles.

In Men’s Singles, George registered victory over Dmitriy Panarin of Kazakhstan 21-16, 21-8 in the opening match. However, HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen made early exit after losing respective Men’s Singles matches.

India’s Men’s Doubles pair of Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi and Hariharan Amsakarunan have also advanced to the Round of 16.

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In IPL Cricket, Hosts Gujarat Titans were 187 for 5 in 18.2 overs against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to field.

Last night, Hosts Punjab Kings defeated Chennai Super Kings by 18 runs in Chandigarh. In another match yesterday, Lucknow Super Giants beat Hosts Kolkata Knight Riders by four runs at Eden Gardens.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-

India to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft from France.
Government approves doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi railway line in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
President Droupadi Murmu and her Solvakian counterpart Peter Pellegrini discuss bilateral ties and key global issues in Bratislava.
India carefully examining US reciprocal tariffs, says, MEA.
China retaliates with 84 per cent tariff on US imports amid escalating trade war; European Union also votes for new tariffs on American goods.
Death toll in nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic reaches 124.
Indian Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kiran George sail into Singles pre-quarterfinals of Badminton Asia Championships in China.