*Current affairs* *February 9, 2025* - *Union Budget 2025*: The government's annual budget announcement has been made, with a focus on urban middle-class consumers and measures to boost consumption ¹. - *Rate Cuts Expected*: Economists expect the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates for the first time in over four years to boost growth ¹. - *Trade War Fears*: The U.S.-China trade war continues to impact Indian markets, with the rupee weakening past 87-per-dollar mark ². - *Indian Shares Rise*: Indian shares have risen after the U.S. paused its planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico, easing concerns over a potential worldwide trade war ². - *Energy Stocks Gain*: Energy stocks, including ONGC and oil marketing companies, have gained due to an improved earnings outlook ³. - *Consumer Stocks Fall*: Consumer stocks have shed around 3% in three sessions, erasing gains made after the budget announcement ³. - *RBI Rate Cut*: The RBI is expected to deliver a 25 basis-point rate cut to support a growth revival ³. - *Personal Tax Cuts*: The government has announced personal tax cuts to boost consumption ¹. - *GDP Growth*: GDP growth is expected to be around 6.4% in the current financial year, below the RBI's original estimate of 7.2% ¹. - *Inflation*: Inflation is expected to fall, giving the RBI room for significant rate easing ¹. - *Cryptocurrency Regulation*: The Indian government is reviewing its approach to cryptocurrencies amid changes in policy globally ¹. - *Trade Deficit*: India's trade deficit has widened due to a surge in imports ¹. - *Fiscal Deficit*: The government aims to trim the fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP in 2025-26 from 4.8% this year ¹. Follow us—👇🏻 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKhhRHFMqrcAHbRBl2w