Daily Current Affairs – 01-02-2025

Tamil Nadu

Mineral production growth in FY24-25

® Iron ore production saw a 5.5% rise , from 128 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY24 to 135 MMT in FY25. ® Iron ore contributes 70% of total mineral production value. ® Manganese ore production increased by 6.2% to 1.7 MMT in FY25 from 1.6 MMT in FY24. ® According to Non-ferrous metal sector, Primary aluminium production increased by 1.2% to 20.9 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY25 and refined copper production increased by 4.6% to 2.5 LT in FY25 from 2.39LT in FY24. ® India is the second largest aluminium producer next to China ® India ranks 4 th place in Iron ore producer [Australia, Brazil, and China]. ® In Refined copper , India is among the top 10 producer .

GST Council Meeting

® The 55th GST Council meeting was held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan . ® Several key decisions were taken in the meeting, including changes to GST rates and exemptions.

India’s Capital Account Deficit

® According to RBI data, India’s current account deficit (CAD) moderated to $11.2 billion (1.2% of GDP) in Q2 FY25 . ® The merchandise trade deficit increased to $75.3 billion . ® Net services receipts increased to $44.5 billion . ® Private transfer receipts also rose to $31.9 billion . ® Net FDI registered an outflow of $2.2 billion . ® Net FPI inflows increased to $19.9 billion . ® Net invisible receipts totalled $119 billion . ® Net FDI inflows reached $4.4 billion . ® Net FPI inflows were $20.8 billion . ® Foreign exchange reserves increased by $23.8 billion .

India hits $1 trillion FDI mark

® According to a report by the RBI , the gross foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India has crossed $1 trillion since April 2000. ® FDI inflows rose by nearly 26% to $42.1 billion in the first half of the FY24. ® In the last decade (April 2014 to September 2024), total FDI inflows reached $709.84 billion , which is 68.69% of the total inflows in the past 24 years.

Namma School Namma Ooru Palli (NSNOP) Initiative

® District-level conference held in Trichy for the NSNOP initiative. ® This was the 4th regional conference after similar events held in Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. ® In this event School Education Department launched the Palli Chaalaram web page to connect government school alumni and encourage their support for school development. ® Also ₹141 crore was pledged by 31 companies for the Trichy region. ® Trichy region Includes Trichy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, and Karur districts.

Planting Conocarpus Trees – Tamil Nadu Government Advisory

® Government Advisory: Tamil Nadu has issued an advisory to restrict the planting and sale of Conocarpus trees. ® Tree Characteristics: Known for fast growth and evergreen foliage. Commonly used in greening initiatives along roadsides, road medians, and public gardens. ® Adaptability: Thrives in various soil and climatic conditions, making it suitable for urban development. ® Health Concerns: Pollen-related illnesses have frequently reported. ® Reconsideration of Use: Growing concerns over its impact on public health and environment have led the government to reconsider its use .

Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River Linking Scheme

® Tamilnadu Chief Minister inaugurated this scheme. ® Aim: To divert surplus water from Tamirabharani to arid regions in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. Objective: ® To benefit over 15,000 acres in the rain-shadow regions of Tamil Nadu, especially Nanguneri, Thisaiyanvilai, and Sattankulam. ® Part of a broader strategy to address water scarcity in the state’s drier areas. ® Project Details: Involves constructing a 73 km long flood carrier channel.

T.N.’s Idhayam Kappom Scheme – Improving Survival Rates

® Scheme Objective: Launched in 2023 to improve survival rates of cardiac patients. ® Key Intervention: Provides cardiac loading doses (aspirin, clopidogrel, atorvastatin) at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health Sub-Centres (HSCs). ® Goal : Prevent deaths due to cardiac illnesses. ® Study Demographics: Most patients were men, with nearly 50% aged 45-60 years.