- GROWTH PUSH : RBI CUTS RATE BY 0.25%
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Repo rate cutby25 bps to 6.25%, first cut in57 months.
- Objective: Boost economic growth, moderate inflation (expected4.4% this quarter, 4.2% in 2025-26).
- Follows Union Budget 2025-26, which provided ₹1 lakh crore in income tax cuts.
- Impact on Economy
- Cheaper loans→ Increased home, car, and business borrowing.
- Stimulus for consumption & investment, aiding economic growth.
- Macroeconomic Trends
- GDP forecast for 2025-26:6.7%(down from6.4% in 2024).
- Inflation moderation:
- Q1: 4.5%|Q2: 4%|Q3: 3.8%|Q4: 4.2%
- Liquidity management: RBI to maintain market stability& ensure smooth liquidity flow.
- Challenges & Risks
- Geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and financial instability.
- Liquidity crunch in Dec-Jan→ RBI plans measures to ease liquidity
2. A SURGE OF DEAD SEA TURTLES IN THE SAND
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles washed ashore in Chennai & Chengalpattu since January.
- 3X higher deaths than usual during mating season
- Causes of Turtle Deaths
- Bottom trawling & illegal fishing nets trapping turtles.
- Plastic pollution & marine debris choking marine species.
- Climate change affecting habitats.
- Conservation Efforts & Challenges
- Tamil Nadu Forest Dept. & NGOs monitoring nesting sites.
- Weak enforcement of fishing regulations leading to turtle fatalities.
3. MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO BE MADE DURING PM’S FRANCE VISIT
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Defense Deals:
- 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for Navy.
- 3 additional Scorpene-class submarines discussions ongoing.
- AI & Technology: Bilateral roadmap for AI development& governance.
- Launch of AI foundation for ethical AI.
- Nuclear Energy: Talks on small modular reactors (SMR)for clean energy.
4. TRUMP SANCTIONS ICC FOR ILLEGITIMATE PROBE TARGETED AGAINST ISRAEL U.S
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC)over its arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Sanctions include asset freezes & travel banson ICC officials and anyone aiding the probe.
- Trump accused ICC of“illegitimate” actions targeting the U.S. and Israel.
- Global Response
- ICC condemned the sanctions, reaffirming its commitment to justice.
- United Nations and European Union criticized the U.S. action, calling it a threat to judicial independence.
- Israel supported Trump’s decision.
5. NINE SUBMARINES 65 SHIPS TAKING PART IN TROPEX EXERCISE
SUBJECT: DEFENSE
- TROPEX2025: Indian Navy’s Theatre-Level Operational Exercise Biennial Capstone Exercise of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Involves65 Indian Navy ships, 9 submarines, and 80+ aircraft.
- Includes Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard assets for joint operations.
- Objectives of TROPEX-25
- Validates warfighting skills of the Indian Navy.
- Ensures asynchronized, integrated response to maritime security threats.
- Tests capabilities against conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats
- Strategic Significance
- Strengthens maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean.
- Enhances joint interoperability among defense forces.
- Improves readiness against regional threats & emerging challenges
