Current Affairs - January 30, 2025 Current Affairs

The Cabinet has approved a 3% increase in ethanol procurement prices for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), effective from November 1, 2024, under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. This revision raises the price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre. The move is aimed at enhancing ethanol supply, supporting India’s ethanol blending targets, and providing economic benefits to ethanol producers and sugarcane farmers while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

The Himachal Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhu, has approved the Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases Resolution Scheme 2025. This initiative aims to settle around 3,500 pending cases and generate revenue of approximately Rs 10 crore. Additionally, the scheme clarifies that petroleum products like diesel and petrol, which fall under the State VAT Act, will remain outside the purview of GST. This move is expected to streamline tax administration and resolve longstanding disputes efficiently.

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has collaborated with Visa to launch a real-time payment system, aligning with Musk's goal of transforming X into an "everything app." The new "X Money Account" service will enable digital wallets, peer-to-peer transactions, and bank transfers, allowing users to link their debit cards for seamless payments. This partnership with Visa is a significant step toward integrating financial services within the platform, with the service expected to roll out later this year.

Hisashi Takeuchi has been re-appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki for a three-year term. He initially took over the role in April 2022 after Kenichi Ayukawa's tenure ended. Before becoming MD and CEO, Takeuchi joined Maruti Suzuki in 2021 as Joint MD (Commercial). His leadership is expected to drive Maruti Suzuki’s growth and expansion in the coming years. Additionally, the Maruti Suzuki Board has also approved the reappointment of Maheswar Sahu as an Independent Director for five years, starting in May 2025.

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has entered into a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Haryana Power Purchase Centre to supply 800 MW of electricity starting from 2028-29. The power will be sourced from DVC's Raghunathpur, Koderma, and Durgapur Thermal Power Stations. This agreement strengthens DVC’s existing collaboration with Haryana, which is already receiving 300 MW from its operational units. This long-term deal is expected to support Haryana’s growing energy needs and enhance power security in the state.

The Government has appointed Rajesh Nirwan, a 1992-batch IPS officer from Rajasthan, as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and is effective from the date he assumes charge. With extensive experience in law enforcement and security management, he is expected to enhance aviation security in India and oversee critical measures to ensure safe air travel.

OCF Avadi, a unit under Defence PSU Troop Comforts Limited, successfully carried out India's first defence export order to Suriname on January 28, 2025. The shipment included 4,500 army uniforms valued at ₹1.71 crore, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Suriname. The factory is optimistic about future orders worth ₹5 crore, reinforcing the reputation of "Made in India" defence products on the global stage.

The Nagoba Jatara, a major tribal festival, is celebrated annually in the village of Keslapur in Indervelli mandal. This seven-day-long event is dedicated to the Nagoba temple and is a significant religious and cultural gathering for the Mesram clan and other aboriginal tribes. The festival attracts devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. Along with religious rituals, the Jatara also features cultural performances, a bustling market, and various social activities, making it one of the largest tribal gatherings in India.

Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) has appointed Deshnee Naidoo as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 20, 2025. With over two decades of experience in the resources industry, Naidoo previously held leadership roles at Vedanta, including CEO of Africa Base Metals and CEO of Vedanta Zinc International. She also served as CEO of Vale Base Metals. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as Vedanta undergoes a major restructuring, demerging into six independent entities to unlock greater value. Under her leadership, the company aims to become a $100-billion global player in critical minerals, energy, and technology.

Martyrs' Day is observed on January 30 each year to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s nonviolent freedom struggle. This day commemorates his tragic assassination in 1948 by Nathuram Godse. It also honours the sacrifices made by other freedom fighters who gave their lives for India's independence. In 2025, the day will mark the 77th year since his death. Martyrs' Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s gratitude and commitment to the values of freedom and patriotism.