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Top Current Affairs 17 January 2025
National Affairs

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

  • PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 17, 2025, focusing on the automotive industry's "Make in India, Make for the World" theme.
  • Central Government has allocated ₹11 lakh crore for National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti to enhance India's mobility industry.
  • India is promoting green mobility through National Electric Mobility Mission and Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its first battery-electric car, the E Vitara, with a 500 km range and production starts in Gujarat by 2025.
  • Hyundai revealed first domestic EV SUV, with a starting price of ₹17.99 lakh and two battery options: 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh.
  • Tata Motors showcased hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles, including Intercity EV 2.0 bus and Prima H.28 H2 ICE truck.
  • Maruti Suzuki to install 1500 EV-enabled service workshops in 1000 cities and a fast-charging stations in top 100 cities.

 

SVAMITVA Property Card Distribution program

  • On January 17, 2025, PM Narendra Modi distributed 65 lakh property cards electronically to over 50,000 villages in 10 states & 2 UT’s.
  • SVAMITVA Scheme utilizes advanced technology like drones and GIS to provide rural property owners with a "Record of Rights."
  • Program spans across 10 states and 2 Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh etc.
  • The program produced 2.25 crore property cards by January 2025, conducted drone surveys in 3.17 lakh villages.
  • Program achieved 100% completion in areas like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The 67000 sq. km. of rural land under survey is projected to have an economic value of 132 lakh crores.
  • Program improved rural development by increasing access to bank loans, empowering women property owners etc.

 

The registration process for Local Cable Operators (LCOs)

  • Union Information & Broadcasting Ministry has amended Cable Television Network Rules on January 17, 2025.
  • Local Cable Operators (LCO) registrations will now be completed online to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
  • The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is the registered authority for LCOs.
  • LCO registration certificates will be issued immediately after successful data verification.
  • The recent addition to the Appeals Procedure allows for appeals against the refusal of LCO registrations or their renewals.
  • The changes aim to streamline the procedure, reduce hold-ups, and enhance the accessibility of LCO registration.
  • The government is implementing this action as part of its larger strategy to streamline governance using digital platforms.

 

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) Revival Package

  • Central Government approved ₹11440 crore revival package for RINL, which includes operating capital and equity investment on January 17, 2025.
  • RINL located in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, also called Vizag Steel, has a 7.3-million-ton annual production capacity.
  • Working capital of ₹1140 crore will be converted into non-cumulative preference shares that can be redeemed after 10 years.
  • RINL's debt of over ₹25000 crore as of March, 2024 has resulted in loan defaults and financial distress due to overdue.
  • The regeneration package is expected to safeguard the jobs of between 30000 and 35000 individuals.
  • The package aims to operationalize all three blast furnaces within 18-24 months, enhancing capacity utilization to 92.5%.
  • Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy's contributed to the project's acceptance.
International Affairs

China's population has experienced 3rd consecutive year of decline

  • According to the latest government figures on January 17, 2025, China's population decreased by 1.39 million from the previous year, reaching 1.408 billion people at the end of 2024.
  • China's population has been declining for the third consecutive year.
  • China is among countries like South Korea, Japan, and Eastern Europe experiencing population declines due to decreased birth rates.
  • China faces significant demographic challenges due to a rapid decrease in birth rates and a rapidly aging population.
  • China's reported sex ratio is 104.34 men for every 100 women but independent assessments indicating a larger imbalance.
  • In 2023, India became the most populous country globally, surpassing China.

 

Sri Lanka to receive the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) from China

  • Sinopec is set to make $3.7 billion, Sri Lanka's largest FDI, in the construction of an oil refinery declared on January 17, 2025.
  • Refinery, with a daily output capacity of 200,000 barrels, can meet domestic fuel demand and generate foreign exchange through exports.
  • The refinery's strategic location near China's 99-year-leased Hambantota port is causing geopolitical concerns.
  • Sri Lanka's 2023 financial crisis led to a $46 billion foreign loan default, illustrating a "debt trap" due to its reliance on Chinese.
  • India has resisted China's by constructing a $1.2 billion fuel pipeline to Trincomalee which accounts for 20% of Sri Lanka's fuel.
  • Sinopec plans to establish a gasoline import and distribution company in Sri Lanka, prioritizing local sales over exports.
Science and Technology

‘Swachh Survekshan Toolkit’ and ‘Super Swachh League’ launched

  • 9th edition of survey launched Super Swachh League on January 17, 2025 to identify cities renowned for cleanliness.
  • Swachh Survekshan, launched in 2016, is the largest global urban cleanliness survey aimed at enhancing sanitation by involving citizens.
  • Super Swachh League cities encompass a wide range of sizes, including cities like Panchgani, Patan, Ambikapur, Tirupati etc.
  • Cities must maintain a minimum score of 85% to stay in the top three for at least two of the previous three years.
  • The assessment parameters include additional aspirational indicators specific to each demographic type.
  • Indore has consistently been named the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years.
  • Swachh Survekshan fosters cooperation between local and citizen governments, elevates cleanliness as a national goal.

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