Daily News Digest: Key Current Affairs for April 9, 2025 from Odisha to global news

Stay informed with the latest developments from Odisha, India, and around the world as of April 8, 2025. This comprehensive digest covers essential topics across various sectors, providing insights into regional and national affairs, economy, politics, and more.

Odisha Affairs:

Odisha Becomes First State in India to Pilot AI Tool for Monitoring Child Growth: Odisha has launched an innovative AI-based program aimed at enhancing the accuracy of child growth monitoring.​

Odisha's Economic Growth: Odisha has been recognized as the 13th largest economy among Indian states, reflecting its significant economic growth and development.

National Affairs:

RBI Expected to Cut Interest Rates Amid U.S. Tariffs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is anticipated to implement a second interest rate cut during its April 7-9 policy meeting. This move aims to address economic risks arising from recent U.S. tariffs on Indian imports.

India's Stance on U.S. Tariffs: India's Trade Ministry has indicated that it does not plan to retaliate against the increased US tariffs. Instead, India seeks new opportunities for engagement, including reducing tariffs on several US products to enhance trade relations. ​

International Relations:

India's Efforts to Secure Trade Deals: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized India's push to secure bilateral trade agreements amid global uncertainties. During her visit to London, she expressed optimism about finalizing a free trade agreement with the UK.

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) Exercise: India, along with Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa, is set to conduct the maiden Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) naval exercise in April 2025.

Sports:

Suruchi and Vijayveer Secure Gold at Shooting World Cup: Indian shooters Suruchi, aged 18, and Vijayveer, aged 22, clinched gold medals at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires.