Current affairs 06 April 2025

China retaliates by announcing 34 % additional tariffs on US goods.

• China announced additional tariffs of 34 per cent on U.S. goods, the most serious escalation in a trade war.
• In the standoff between the world’s top two economies, China also announced controls on exports of some rare earth elements and filed a complaint at the World Trade Organisation.

Bangladesh assumes Chairmanship of BIMSTEC for next two years.

• Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of the regional grouping – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) – for the next two years.
• The Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Maharashtra Sets Up Dedicated Cell for Mercy Petitions.

• The Maharashtra government formed a dedicated cell under the Additional Secretary (Home) for dealing with mercy petitions filed by death row convicts.
• It was established on the direction of SC that all states set up such cells to avoid delays in the execution of death penalties, which it observed can have a dehumanising effect on convicts.

PM Modi gifts Brass Dokra Peacock-themed boat to Thai PM.

• PM Modi gifted a Dokra Brass Peacock Boat with a Tribal Rider to PM Shinawatra.
• The boat is a stunning example of traditional Indian metal craftsmanship, originating from the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh.
• PM Modi’s gift to the spouse of the Thai PM was a pair of gold-plated tiger motif cufflinks with pearls, blending tradition, artistry, and modern sophistication.

Sri Lanka confers its highest honour for global leaders on PM Modi.

• In a grand recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the island nation’s highest civilian honour for Heads of State and Government.
• The prestigious award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
• This award marks the 22nd international recognition by a foreign country.