Current Affairs - May 29, 2025 Current Affairs

N Venu has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Hitachi India, effective from June 2, 2025. He succeeds Bharat Kaushal, who has been elevated to the role of Executive Chairman of Hitachi India from April 1, 2025. N Venu currently serves as the MD & CEO of Hitachi Energy India and the Region Head for South Asia. With nearly four decades of experience in the industry, Venu is expected to drive Hitachi's "Inspire 2027" growth strategy in India, focusing on digital innovation and value creation across 28 Hitachi group companies. His leadership is pivotal for strengthening Hitachi’s footprint in India’s rapidly evolving market.

Lokpal, the anti-corruption body, examined and dismissed allegations of impropriety and conflict of interest against former SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch. These allegations were linked to claims made in a report by Hindenburg Research. After thorough scrutiny, Lokpal concluded that the accusations were based on mere assumptions without any verifiable evidence. As an independent ombudsman established to tackle corruption at high levels, Lokpal's decision to clear the former SEBI chief reinforces its role in ensuring that only substantiated and credible claims are pursued in anti-corruption investigations.

The Njattadi Festival, also known as the sapling festival, is celebrated in Kerala and was inaugurated by the state's Agriculture Minister. The term “Njattadi” originates from “Njattuvela” in the Malayalam calendar, which designates an auspicious period for sowing rice seeds. The festival blends agricultural significance with cultural expressions, featuring folk songs like Vanchipattu and Njattu Pattu, along with traditional dance performances. It highlights Kerala’s agrarian roots and promotes the importance of sustainable and timely farming practices.

World Dugong Day is observed on May 28 to raise awareness about the conservation of dugongs, also known as "sea cows." These gentle, herbivorous marine mammals feed on seagrass and are found in Indian waters, including areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kutch. Dugongs play a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems, often referred to as the "farmers of the sea." Given their declining population and status as regionally endangered in India, this day emphasizes the urgent need to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.

SKUAST-K an Agricultural University at Shalimar, Srinagar, in Kashmir has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in animal biotechnology by developing India’s first gene-edited sheep. This advancement was accomplished using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a powerful tool for precise gene editing. The research team, led by Riaz Ahmad Shah, has previously made headlines for cloning India’s first Pashmina goat, 'Noori', back in 2012. This new development further cements the university’s position at the forefront of animal genetics research and showcases India’s growing capabilities in advanced biotechnological innovations.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season. This policy decision aims to ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers and is part of the broader strategy to double farmers’ income. The MSP revision includes significant increases for crops like nigerseed, ragi, cotton, and sesamum. This comprehensive coverage of 14 crops reflects the government’s continued commitment to agricultural sustainability, profitability, and nutrition security, particularly through support for climate-resilient and nutri-cereal varieties.

Karnataka has been selected as the site for India’s first private helicopter assembly line, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. The facility, located in the Vemgal Industrial Area of Kolar district, will assemble the Airbus H125 helicopters, making India only the fourth country in the world to house such a facility. Karnataka was chosen due to its established aerospace ecosystem, proximity to Bengaluru, policy incentives, and skilled workforce. This project marks a major milestone for the ‘Make in India’ initiative and signifies the growing role of the private sector in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29. It serves as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of UN peacekeepers who work in conflict zones worldwide, often risking and sacrificing their lives for global peace and stability. The day also honours those who have fallen in the line of duty, such as Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh from India, who were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal in 2024. With the 2025 theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” the observance reflects the evolving nature of peacekeeping operations and the global commitment to adapting to new security challenges.

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, has become the fourth northeastern capital to be connected to the national railway network through the Bairabi–Sairang line. This 51.38-km railway project, costing over ₹5,000 crore, features impressive infrastructure including 48 tunnels and a bridge taller than the Qutub Minar. Previously, Mizoram's railway access was limited to Bairabi near the Assam border. The project is a crucial component of India’s “Act East” policy and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, designed to boost regional connectivity, economic growth, and accessibility in remote and challenging terrains of the Northeast.

Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister for Science and Technology, launched the Battery Aadhaar Initiative aimed at tracking the entire life cycle of batteries. This includes details from the manufacturing stage to end-of-life recycling. The initiative assigns a unique digital identity to each battery, allowing for efficient monitoring of its manufacturing origin, chemistry, certifications, and performance throughout its lifecycle. This step is significant for enhancing battery traceability, safety, and sustainable recycling practices in India.