18th February, 2025 Current Affairs

daily Current Affairs

NATIONAL

Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner

• The Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, was officially appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by the Law Ministry. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as he is the first CEC to be appointed under the new law governing the selection of Election Commission (EC) members. His tenure will last until January 26, 2029, positioning him at the helm of the Election Commission of India (ECI) during crucial electoral events, including the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
• Gyanesh Kumar was appointed following a three-member committee meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The appointment was confirmed two days before his official assumption of office on February 19, 2025. Interestingly, his selection coincides with an upcoming Supreme Court hearing challenging the new law governing EC appointments.
• Before his promotion to CEC, Gyanesh Kumar was the senior-most Election Commissioner after CEC Rajiv Kumar. His vast experience in administrative and governance roles made him a suitable candidate for leading the Election Commission.

Union Government Releases Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants

• The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants during Financial Year 2024–25 for Rural Local Bodies in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. These grants provided to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) play a crucial role in strengthening grassroot democracy.
•  For the Rural Local Bodies of Punjab, the 1st installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.225.1707 crores have been released. These funds are for eligible 13144 Gram Panchayats, eligible 146 Block Panchayats and all eligible 22 District Panchayats in the state.
•  While the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants released during Financial Year 2024–25, for Rural Local Bodies in Chhattisgarh are, 2nd installment of Untied Grants of the Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.237.1393 crore along with the withheld amount of 1st installment of Untied Grants for Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.6.9714 crore. These funds are for 11548 eligible Gram Panchayats, all eligible 146 Block Panchayats and all eligible 27 Zila Panchayats of the State.
•  While for Rural Local Bodies in Uttarakhand, 1st installment of Untied Grants for the Financial Year 2024–25 amounting to Rs.93.9643 crore have been released. These funds are for eligible 7769 Gram Panchayats, all eligible 995 Block Panchayats and all eligible 13 Zila Panchayats of the State. 
• Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by the Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 installments in a Financial Year. The Untied Grants will be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for location-specific felt needs, under the Twenty-Nine (29) Subjects enshrined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment costs. The Tied Grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, and this should include management and treatment of household waste, and human excreta and fecal sludge management in particular and (b) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling.

 

Programme Agreement Signed with Reliance New Energy Battery Limited

• In a major step forward for India’s advanced battery manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), Government of India, signed a Programme Agreement with Reliance New Energy Battery Limited (a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited) under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) on February 17, 2025. This agreement awards Reliance New Energy Battery Limited a 10 GWh ACC capacity, following a competitive global tender process and makes it eligible to receive incentives under India's ₹ 18,100 crore PLI ACC scheme.
• This signing is another critical milestone in the implementation of the technology agnostic PLI Scheme on the “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage,” approved by the Cabinet in May 2021 with a total outlay of Rs.18,100 crore aimed at achieving a total manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh. With this signing, a cumulative capacity of 40 GWh has been awarded to four selected beneficiary firms out of 50 GWh capacity. In the first round of bidding conducted in March 2022, three beneficiary firms were allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh, and the Programme Agreements for that round were signed in July 2022.
• During the ceremony, senior officials from MHI emphasized that the PLI ACC Scheme is designed to boost local value addition while ensuring that the cost of battery manufacturing in India remains globally competitive. The scheme allows the beneficiary firm the flexibility to adopt the most suitable technology and associated inputs for establishing state-of-the-art ACC manufacturing facilities, thereby supporting mainly the EV and renewable energy storage sectors.
• In tandem with the PLI ACC scheme, the Union Budget for FY2025-26 introduced several transformative measures aimed at accelerating domestic battery manufacturing and supporting the growth of the e-mobility ecosystem in the country. Notably, the Budget exempted 35 additional Capital Goods for EV battery manufacturing from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), a targeted initiative designed to boost the production of lithium-ion batteries within India. Moreover, its emphasis on reinforcing domestic manufacturing and promoting value addition, further underscores vision of establishing a robust, self-reliant advanced battery ecosystem.
• The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation, fostering a robust domestic supply chain, and attracting significant Foreign Direct Investment—all crucial elements in advancing India’s strategic vision for sustainable development and self-reliance. This initiative of Government of India has acted as a catalyst for Indian cell manufacturers to setup cell manufacturing facilities. Apart from the PLI beneficiary, 10+ companies have already started setting up 100+ GWh additional capacity.

 

INTERNATIONAL

Philippines Set to Acquire $200 Million Akash Missile System from India.

• India is making strides in its defense exports, with a potential $200 million deal on the table for the supply of its Akash missile system to the Philippines. This deal, which is expected to be finalized in the current fiscal year, highlights India’s growing presence in the global defense market and strengthens ties with the Philippines, a nation that is actively enhancing its military capabilities. The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has attracted international attention due to its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
• The Akash missile system is a versatile, medium-range surface-to-air missile that can target a range of threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. It has a range of up to 25 kilometers and is equipped with a 60 kg high-explosive warhead with a proximity fuse. One of its key strengths is its mobility, as the system is designed to protect moving convoys, providing vital defense in dynamic situations. The Akash system has been operational with the Indian Army and Air Force since 2009, and it has proven its reliability and effectiveness in real-world applications. This combination of advanced technology and mobility makes it an attractive option for nations looking to bolster their air defense capabilities.

 

SPORTS

Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games 2027

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a groundbreaking decision to introduce the Olympic Esports Games, marking a significant step in bridging the gap between esports and traditional sports. In this historic move, Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
• The IOC has partnered with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) to bring this vision to life, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has been named as the Founding Partner of the event.
•  This collaboration aims to innovate esports, expand opportunities for global players, and create a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

Published date : 19 Feb 2025 10:43AM