Wed Apr 09 12:23:10 UTC 2025: ## India Approves $7 Billion Rafale Jet Deal; Rate Cut Announced

**New Delhi, April 9, 2025** – The Indian government has approved a major defense deal, greenlighting the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France for over $7 billion. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its final approval for the government-to-government deal, which is expected to be formally signed later this month during the French Defence Minister’s visit. This follows another pending mega-deal for three Scorpene-class submarines which also awaits CCS approval.

In other news, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,878.31 crore project for a 19.2-km Zirakpur Bypass road in Punjab and Haryana. The six-lane bypass will connect NH-7 and NH-5.

Escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue, with China imposing 84% tariffs on U.S. goods in response to similar tariffs imposed by the U.S. China stated it will continue to retaliate if the U.S. further escalates trade restrictions.

Domestically, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government for its handling of bills stalled by the Tamil Nadu Governor and accused the ruling party of electoral fraud in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, in West Bengal led to 22 arrests following violence and arson.

Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan condemned caste and religious discrimination in housing, while a Madhya Pradesh court granted a five-day police remand to Narendra John Camm, accused of posing as a doctor and performing potentially fatal surgeries. The extradition of Mumbai terror attack suspect Tahawwur Rana from the U.S. is expected shortly.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar has been appointed acting Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unexpectedly cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, its second consecutive cut, signaling a more accommodative monetary policy stance. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoted India as a lucrative investment destination for U.K. investors.

In international news, U.S. President Donald Trump boasted about his negotiating skills amidst ongoing trade disputes, while China denied Ukraine’s claims of significant Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces. Finally, in sporting news, Ravichandran Ashwin became the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

Read More