Current affairs 04 April 2025

India’s CAD to Stay in Safe Zone in 2025-26: Report.

• India's current account deficit (CAD) is projected to remain in the safe zone at 1.3% of GDP in 2025-26, supported by robust services exports and remittance inflows.
• Despite pressure on merchandise trade, the CAD remained stable at 1.1% of GDP in Q3 FY2024-25, aided by higher services surplus.
• A worsening oil trade balance and foreign capital outflows contributed to rupee depreciation in Q3.

NHAI Achieves Record Growth in Highway Construction and Expenditure.

• NHAI exceeded its target by constructing 5,614 km of national highways in FY 2024-25, surpassing the 5,150 km target.
• The authority's capital expenditure reached a record ₹2.5 lakh crore, up 21% from the previous year, marking the highest-ever annual investment.
• NHAI monetized assets worth ₹28,724 crore, including a record ₹17,738 crore from InvIT, boosting infrastructure development.

98.21% of ₹2000 Notes Returned; Legal Tender Status Remains.

• RBI announced that 98.21% of ₹2000 notes have been returned to the banking system after their withdrawal in May 2023.
• The total value of ₹2000 notes in circulation declined from ₹3.56 lakh crore to ₹6,366 crore by March 31, 2024.
• ₹2000 notes continue to remain legal tender, with deposit/exchange facilities available at RBI offices.

UPI Transactions Hit Record ₹24.77 Lakh Crore in March.

• UPI transactions surged 13.5% in March, reaching a record 18.3 billion transactions with a total value of ₹24.77 lakh crore.
• Daily average transactions exceeded 590 million, amounting to ₹79,910 crore, reflecting a 36% increase in volume and 25% rise in value year-on-year.
• New guidelines, effective from April 1, will ensure UPI IDs linked to inactive mobile numbers are deactivated.

Manufacturing Sector Growth Hits 8-Month High in March.

• India’s manufacturing PMI surged to 58.1 in March, its highest in 8 months, driven by increased sales and output.
• Demand growth led to a rapid decline in finished goods stocks, prompting firms to acquire inputs at the fastest pace in seven months.
• Optimistic business expectations and strong domestic and export orders boosted production despite a slight slowdown in international demand.