Daily Current Affairs- 15th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 15th April 2025

March 2025 Retail Inflation Falls to Lowest Since August 2019

In the News: India's retail inflation rate declined to 3.34% in March 2025, marking its lowest level since August 2019. This decrease was primarily driven by a significant reduction in food prices, particularly vegetables, eggs, and pulses. The decline in inflation has opened the door for potential further interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to support economic growth amid global uncertainties.  

Inflation Figures

• Overall Retail Inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped to 3.34% in March 2025, down from 3.61% in February. This rate is below the RBI's target of 4% and represents the lowest inflation rate since August 2019.
• Food Inflation: Food inflation eased to 2.69% in March from 3.75% in February. Vegetable prices declined by 7.04% year-on-year, contributing significantly to the overall decrease in food prices.
• Core Inflation: Excluding volatile items like food and energy, core inflation edged up slightly to 4.1% in March, indicating moderate underlying price pressures.

Contributing Factors

• Agricultural Output: Strong agricultural production has led to a surplus in food supply, contributing to the decline in food prices.
• Monsoon Forecast: The India Meteorological Department has forecasted above-average monsoon rainfall for 2025, which is expected to further boost agricultural output and stabilize food prices.

Monetary Policy Implications

• RBI's Stance: In response to the declining inflation, the RBI has adopted an accommodative monetary policy stance, reducing the key policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.00% in April 2025.
• Future Rate Cuts: Economists anticipate at least two more rate cuts in 2025, contingent upon continued low inflation and global economic conditions.

Economic Outlook

• GDP Growth: The RBI has revised its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year to 6.5%, down from the previous estimate of 6.7%, citing global uncertainties and domestic factors.
• Inflation Projections: The central bank expects retail inflation to average around 4% for the fiscal year, assuming normal monsoon conditions and stable global commodity prices.  

Rome to Host New Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks: Italian FM

In the News: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Rome will host the next round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. This development follows a request from both negotiating parties and Oman, which continues to serve as a mediator in the discussions. The announcement was made during Tajani's visit to the Italian pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

• Background and Venue Selection: The initial round of indirect talks between US and Iranian officials took place in Muscat, Oman, on April 12, 2025. These discussions marked the first such engagement since the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
• Following the Muscat talks, both parties agreed to continue negotiations, leading to the selection of Rome as the next venue. Italy's willingness to host underscores its commitment to facilitating dialogue aimed at resolving the nuclear issue and promoting peace.
• Mediation and Diplomatic Roles: Oman has played a consistent mediating role in US-Iran nuclear discussions, including the recent talks in Muscat.
• While Italy is providing the venue for the upcoming round, Oman is expected to maintain its position as a mediator, ensuring continuity in the negotiation process.
• Core Issues and Objectives: The negotiations aim to address concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program, particularly its uranium enrichment activities.
• The United States seeks to ensure that Iran's nuclear endeavours remain peaceful and verifiable, while Iran desires relief from economic sanctions and assurances against future unilateral withdrawals from agreements. 

Maldives Bans Israeli Tourists, Expressing ‘Resolute Solidarity’ with Palestine

In the News: On April 15, 2025, the Maldives officially prohibited the entry of Israeli passport holders into the country. This decision, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu following parliamentary approval, was enacted as an expression of "resolute solidarity" with the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The ban applies to all Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, and will remain in effect until Israel ceases its military operations in Gaza.  

Legal and Political Context

• Legislative Action: The Maldivian Parliament passed an amendment to the Immigration Act, which was subsequently ratified by President Muizzu, to enforce the ban on Israeli passport holders.
• Implementation Measures: The government has established a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee the enforcement of the ban and to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Diplomatic Stance and Solidarity Initiatives

• Support for Palestine: The Maldivian government has consistently expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause. In addition to the travel ban, President Muizzu announced the appointment of a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs and the initiation of a national fundraising campaign in collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). A nationwide rally under the slogan "Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin" ("Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine") is also planned to demonstrate public support.
• International Legal Actions: The Maldives has expressed its intention to join the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.  

Relocation of Cheetahs from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar Approved

In the News: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has approved the relocation of some cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This decision aims to expand the cheetah population across a larger landscape and address challenges faced in Kuno. 

Project Overview

• Initiation: Project Cheetah commenced in 2022 with the translocation of 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa to Kuno National Park.
• Current Status: As of April 2025, Kuno houses 26 cheetahs—17 in the wild and 9 in enclosures.
• Challenges: The project has faced setbacks, including the deaths of 8 adult cheetahs and 5 cubs.  

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan, the sanctuary spans 368 sq km and features diverse ecosystems like savanna, grasslands, and dry deciduous forests.
• Habitat Suitability: The sanctuary's ecosystem resembles the Maasai Mara in Kenya, making it conducive for cheetahs.
• Conservation Goal: The relocation is part of a broader strategy to establish a metapopulation of 60–70 cheetahs across the Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape.  

Relocation Plan

• Initial Phase: Plans involve releasing 4–5 cheetahs into a 64 sq km fenced area in Gandhi Sagar's western zone. Leopards have been relocated to prevent interspecies conflict.
• Prey Base Concerns: Efforts are underway to augment the prey base by introducing species like chital, chinkara, chousingha, and nilgai from other forests.  

Implementation and Oversight

• Committee Role: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee, established in May 2023, oversees the project's implementation and advises on best practices.
• Recent Developments: The committee emphasized the need for proper training of ground staff and involvement of 'cheetah mitras'—local wildlife volunteers—to ensure responsible interaction with the animals. 

India Votes in Favour of First Global Carbon Tax on Shipping

In the News: In a landmark decision, India joined 62 other nations in supporting the world's first global carbon tax on the shipping industry. This measure, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in April 2025, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport and promote cleaner technologies. The tax is scheduled to take effect in 2028, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing a sector that contributes approximately 3% of global emissions.  

Policy Overview

• Implementation Timeline: The carbon tax is set to be formally adopted in October 2025 and will come into force in 2028.
• Emission Charges: Ships exceeding emission thresholds will be required to pay fees ranging from $100 to $380 per tonne of CO₂, depending on their level of emissions.
• Revenue Utilization: The tax is projected to generate up to $40 billion by 2030. All revenues will be exclusively allocated to decarbonizing the maritime sector, without contributions to broader climate finance initiatives.

Global Participation and Opposition

• Supporting Nations: Countries backing the measure include India, China, Brazil, the European Union, Japan, South Africa, and Singapore.
• Opposing Nations: Oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Venezuela opposed the tax. Notably, the United States abstained from both the negotiations and the final vote.

Expected Impact and Criticisms

• Emission Reduction Goals: The carbon pricing mechanism is anticipated to reduce shipping emissions by approximately 10% by 2030, which falls short of the IMO's target of at least a 20% reduction within the same timeframe.
• Equity Concerns: Developing and vulnerable nations, particularly small island states, have expressed disappointment that the generated revenues will not be directed toward broader climate adaptation or loss and damage efforts. Countries like Tuvalu and Vanuatu criticized the lack of transparency in the negotiations and the limited scope of the agreement. 

Logo and Mascot for Khelo India Youth Games 2025 

In the News: On April 14, 2025, the State of Bihar officially unveiled the logo and mascot for the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, marking the first time the state will host this prestigious national sporting event.

• The unveiling ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Patna and was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• The games are scheduled to take place between May 4 and May 15, 2025, and will be conducted across five major districts of Bihar, namely Patna, Gaya, Nalanda (Rajgir), Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.  

Event Overview: The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 will see participation from approximately 8,500 athletes and around 1,500 technical officials from across the country.

• The event will feature competitions in 28 sports disciplines, including traditional Indian sports such as Malkhamb.

Mascot – Gajasimha:

• The official mascot for the games is named Gajasimha, which is a mythical creature that combines the strength and stability of an elephant with the courage and agility of a lion.
• The design and concept of the mascot are inspired by ancient temple carvings from the Pala period found in historical sites such as Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.

Logo Design:

• The logo for the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 has been thoughtfully designed using a vibrant color scheme of orange and green, symbolizing enthusiasm, energy, and harmony with nature.
• The design incorporates several iconic cultural and ecological symbols from Bihar. These include depictions of the Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda University, representing the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the state.
• Additionally, elements such as the Peepal tree, the Sparrow, and the Gangetic Dolphin have been used to highlight the region’s environmental richness. The inclusion of traditional art forms like Madhubani painting and references to the Chhath Puja festival further enhance the logo’s reflection of Bihar’s cultural identity.

Torch Relay – Gaurav Yatra

• A special torch relay, titled Gaurav Yatra, will be conducted in the run-up to the games. This relay will be held from April 15 to May 2, 2025, and will cover all 38 districts of Bihar.
• The primary purpose of this relay is to generate enthusiasm among the citizens, build momentum for the games, and ensure grassroots participation by involving local communities throughout the state.

Theme Song – “Khel ke Rang, Bihar ke Sang”

• The official theme song for the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is titled “Khel ke Rang, Bihar ke Sang”, which translates to “In the Colors of Sports, Along with Bihar.”
• The song has been composed to celebrate the spirit of youth, the vibrancy of sport, and the pride of Bihar hosting a national sporting event for the first time.