Important News Articles 18 April

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump initiated aggressive tariff policies.
• He aimed to revive American manufacturing and reduce trade deficits.
• These ideas are rooted in concerns over job losses, national security, and economic independence.
• Many towns faced decline due to globalization and offshoring.

• Trump’s economic strategy, “Trumponomics,” is based on:
  • Reviving domestic manufacturing.
  • Addressing unfair trade practices, especially by China.
  • Reducing America’s trade deficit, which ranges from $500B to $1T annually.
• Tariffs are seen as tools to curb imports, protect industries, and create jobs.
• Critics worry about inflation and inefficiency, but advocates cite long-term benefits.
• The dollar's role as a global reserve currency complicates typical trade corrections.

• Trumponomics proposes a 4-pronged approach:
  • Tariffs to encourage local manufacturing.
  • Tax increase for higher import costs.
  • Deregulation to reduce compliance burden.
  • Expanded oil drilling to control inflation.
• The philosophy prioritizes national strength over pure efficiency.
• The world may need to adapt to this evolving economic model if it returns to the spotlight.

📰 3. Delhi’s Waste Problem being resolved

Background

• India’s capital has been suffering with mounting waste levels and pollution challenges.

• In Delhi, over 4,900 lakh tonnes of waste have been processed so far.
• The city’s environment ministry is considering hiring more agencies to accelerate the cleanup of massive garbage mounds.

• Delhi’s ambitious goal to eliminate garbage dumps within five years will require consistent oversight, citizen participation, and sustainable waste management practices.
• Integrated recycling programs and investment in eco-technology can turn Delhi’s waste problem into a green opportunity.

Sure! Here are all the articles rephrased and structured into three parts with bullet points, as requested:

4. India Responds to Pakistan's Kashmir Remarks

Background

• India reaffirmed its authority over Jammu and Kashmir following controversial statements by Pakistan’s Army Chief.
• The remarks came shortly after the U.S. extradited Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The Situation Now

• The External Affairs Ministry reminded Pakistan to vacate territories it occupied in 1948.
• India's spokesperson refuted the claim of Kashmir being Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” stating it’s an inseparable part of India.
• New Delhi criticized Pakistan’s global reputation for sheltering terrorism.

Way Forward

• India demands accountability from Pakistan regarding terror activities.
• Continued diplomatic efforts to present India’s stance at international platforms.
• Efforts to expose Pakistan’s duplicity in terrorism-related matters.

5. Healthcare Crisis in Indian Prisons

Background

• Indian prisons operate at over 131% occupancy, severely straining infrastructure.
• The number of inmates with mental health issues has doubled in the last decade.

The Situation Now

• Only 25 psychologists are available nationwide for all inmates.
• No state meets the requirement of one mental health specialist per 500 inmates.
• 43% vacancy in medical positions continues to affect prison healthcare delivery.

Way Forward

• Recruit more mental health professionals and fill vacancies urgently.
• Prioritize funding to improve prison healthcare infrastructure.
• Implement recommendations of India Justice Report 2025 effectively.

6. India Urges Review of Coal Desulphurisation Mandate

Background

• A 2015 mandate required thermal plants to install Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to reduce SO₂ emissions.
• Concerns arose about the high cost and resource intensity of these installations.

The Situation Now

• Studies show SO₂ levels in India don’t critically harm local air quality.
• Only 8% of coal plants have complied due to financial and operational constraints.
• Experts warn of reduced energy output and increased costs if mandates are not revised.

Way Forward

• Apply the FGD requirement selectively to high-emission plants.
• Reassess norms based on newer scientific studies and environmental realities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure balanced and practical environmental regulations.

7. Global Supply Chains at Risk Due to Tariff Wars and Protectionism

Background

• The rise in protectionist measures and trade wars is causing global trade disruption.
• Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the issue during BSE’s 150-year event.

The Situation Now

• Trade recalibration has become increasingly complex and uncertain.
• Costs and investment risks have risen across borders due to tariff fluctuations.
• VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) defines current trade dynamics.

Way Forward

• India to maintain policy consistency and economic resilience.
• Encourage multilateral cooperation to resolve trade tensions.
• Promote stable regulatory environments to attract investment.

8. Xi Jinping Strengthens Ties with Cambodia Amid US Trade Tensions

Background

• China seeks stronger regional influence amid rising tensions with the U.S.
• President Xi Jinping toured Southeast Asia, with a key stop in Cambodia.

The Situation Now

• Xi met PM Hun Manet to reinforce trade and development ties.
• Cambodia received assurances of support from China.
• The visit aimed to balance Western economic pressures through regional unity.

Way Forward

• India should keep an eye on strengthening bilateral ties to mitigate trade shocks.
• Expand regional trade agreements and development projects.

9. IMF Urges Global Consensus on Trade Reforms

Background

• The IMF called for trade stability ahead of its Spring Meetings amid slowing global growth.
• New projections highlighted the need for collaboration on trade reforms.

The Situation Now

• IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva emphasized reducing protectionism and encouraging digitization.
• India was praised for reducing tariffs and pursuing reforms.
• Rising trade barriers threaten productivity and investor confidence.

Way Forward

• Nations must adopt fiscal reforms and flexible exchange policies.
• Strengthen international economic cooperation to rebuild trust.
• Global institutions like the IMF should guide multilateral fairness and openness.

10. James Webb Telescope Detects Possible Signs of Life Beyond Earth

Background

• The James Webb Telescope observed exoplanet K2-18 b in a major scientific breakthrough.
• Scientists searched for biosignatures—indicators of potential life.

The Situation Now

• Detected gases Dimethyl sulfide, Dimethyl disulfide (DMS, DMDS) typically produced only by life on Earth suggest biological activity.
• Findings indicate microbial life could exist, though not yet confirmed.
• K2-18 b is 8.6 times Earth's mass and may have habitable conditions.

Way Forward

• Additional observations and data verification are crucial.
• The discovery marks the beginning of a new era in space research.
• Future missions may expand our understanding of life beyond Earth.

11. CRPF’s Key Role in Combating Maoist Insurgency

Background

• CRPF has been central in countering Maoist threats across India.
• Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged their pivotal role during their Raising Day event.

The Situation Now

• Maoism is now restricted to four districts, from Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma) due to CRPF operations.
• Plans are underway to deploy a special CoBRA battalion in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Over 400 operational bases have been established in naxal-hit regions in the last five years.

Way Forward

• Continue expanding CRPF’s strategic footprint and intelligence operations.
• Leverage specialized units like CoBRA for targeted actions.
• Aim for complete elimination of Maoist violence through consistent policy and enforcement.