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Daily Detailed Current Affairs 30th January 2025

1.Disaster Mitigation Projects

On 29th January 2025, a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister has approved Rs. 3,027.86 crore for various disaster mitigation projects focusing on lightning safety, drought resilience, and forest fire management.

Key Points

  • Lightning Risk Mitigation: The committee approved a Rs. 186.78 crore project to enhance lightning safety in 10 heavy lightning-prone states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
  • Drought Assistance: Rs. 2,022.16 crore was approved for catalytic assistance to 12 drought-prone states, with a central share of Rs. 1,200 crore aimed at improving resilience in regions like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Forest Fire Management: A scheme for forest fire risk management in 144 high-priority districts across 19 states was approved at a total outlay of Rs. 818.92 crore, with Rs. 690.63 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
  • Mitigation Focus: The projects aim to implement comprehensive mitigation strategies for lightning, drought, and forest fire, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery, including post-fire assessments and preventive activities.
  • State Proposals: States will submit proposals for forest fire mitigation, preparedness, and recovery activities as part of this initiative.

2.CCEA Approves Revision of Ethanol Procurement Prices

  • 30 Jan 2025

On 29th January 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the revision of ethanol procurement prices for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25.

Key Points

  • Ethanol Price Increase: The ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) will rise by 3%, from Rs. 56.58 to Rs. 57.97 per litre.
  • Ethanol Blending Programme: The revision aims to ensure adequate supply to meet the higher blending targets, stabilize prices, and provide fair rates for producers.
  • Progress in EBP Programme: Ethanol blending in petrol has increased significantly from 38 crore litres in ESY 2013-14 to 707 crore litres in ESY 2023-24, achieving a blending rate of 14.60%.
  • Environmental and Economic Impact: The programme has saved ₹1,13,007 crore in foreign exchange and substituted 193 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil. The government plans to achieve 18% blending by ESY 2024-25, advancing its 20% ethanol blending target to ESY 2025-26.
  • Infrastructure Enhancements: Measures include expanding ethanol distillation capacity, establishing Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs), promoting multi-feed distilleries, and launching flex-fuel vehicles.
  • Alignment with National Goals: These steps support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, enhance ease of doing business, and contribute to economic growth, including job creation in greenfield and brownfield sectors.

3.National Critical Mineral Mission

On 29th January 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs. 16,300 crore and an expected investment of ₹18,000 crore from public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other stakeholders.

Key Points

  • Mission Objective: The NCMM aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector, vital for high-tech industries, clean energy, and defense.
  • Budget Allocation: The mission will be supported with Rs. 16,300 crore in expenditure, with an anticipated Rs. 18,000 crore investment from PSUs and other stakeholders.
  • Value Chain Focus: NCMM will cover all stages, from exploration to recycling, to fast-track domestic exploration, simplify regulatory approvals, and provide financial incentives.
  • Strategic Expansion: The mission encourages PSUs and private companies to acquire mineral assets abroad, develop strategic stockpiles, and establish mineral processing parks.
  • Regulatory Reforms: Reforms include amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the auction of 24 strategic mineral blocks.
  • Exploration Initiatives: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has 195 ongoing exploration projects in FY 2024-25 and plans 227 for FY 2025-26.
  • Support for Innovation: The Ministry of Mines launched the S&T PRISM program to promote research and innovation in startups and MSMEs.
  • International Investments: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) acquired 15,703 hectares in Argentina for lithium exploration and mining.
  • Customs Duty Removal: The Union Budget 2024-25 removed customs duties on most critical minerals to promote domestic availability and local processing.

4.Nation Honors Mahatma Gandhi on 77th Death Anniversary

  • On 30th January 2025, India commemorated the 77th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Martyrs’ Day, with leaders paying tributes to his legacy and the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom.
  • A Sarva-Dharma Prarthana was held at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes at the memorial, reflecting on Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
  • Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Manohar Lal Khattar, and the Chiefs of all three services were present at the ceremony, marking the solemn occasion.
  • This day, observed annually on 30th January, also remembers the sacrifices made by martyrs in the fight for India’s independence.
  • Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire generations, guiding the nation with his values of peace, non-violence, and justice.

 

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