Daily Current Affairs- 22nd January 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 22nd January 2025

NATIONAL

GAIL and BPCL to set up plants to produce compressed biogas in Chhattisgarh

• The Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA) has inked an agreement with GAIL (India) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) for producing compressed biogas (CBG) from urban solid waste of six municipal corporations across the state. 

The 18th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival is to begin on January 30

• The Jaipur Literature Festival, the world’s largest literary event, is set to mark its 18th edition from January 30 to February 3, 2025, this year, the festival will focus on the special theme of crime fiction, with notable writers from the genre participating. Additionally, poetry remains an integral part of the program”. 

Chhattisgarh launched ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana

• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana' in Raipur.
• Under this scheme, more than 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, Baigas and Gunias of the state will receive the financial assistance of Rs.10,000 annually. 

3rd National Mining Ministers Conference and more

• The third National Mining Ministers Conference concluded in Konark, Odisha on 21 January 2025 with a focus on critical minerals mining. Rajasthan won the award for outstanding contribution in conducting the highest number of auctions in 2023-24. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance

• Alok Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Kotak General Insurance, effective January 1, 2025. He succeeds Suresh Agarwal in this role. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

Maharashtra Signs MoUs Worth ₹38,750 Crore with Kalyani Group

• Maharashtra has signed multiple MoUs worth 38,750 crore rupees at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The maiden MoU, signed between the Government of Maharashtra and the Kalyani Group, covers the defence, steel, and electric vehicle sectors. 

RANKING 

Forbes Billionaires List 2025

• Global business leaders and entrepreneurs have experienced an extraordinary rise in wealth, significantly increasing their net worth through innovation and strategic foresight.

Top 10 Richest People in the World, Forbes Billionaires List 2025 =

1. Elon Musk
2. Jeff Bezos
3. Mark Zuckerberg
4. Larry Ellison
5. Bernard Arnault & Family
6. Larry Page
7. Sergey Brin
8. Warren Buffett
9. Steve Ballmer
10. Jensen Huang 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tops HSBC Hurun Global Indians List 2024

• Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has claimed the top spot in the inaugural HSBC Hurun Global Indians List 2024, which ranks 226 leaders of Indian origin heading the world’s most valuable companies, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan secured the second and third spots, respectively. 

India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Rankings

• The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, revealed key insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs.

The top three positions were as follows:

1. China
2. Indonesia
3. India 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

IDFC FIRST Bank launches FIRST EA₹N RuPay credit card 

• IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of the UPI enabled RuPay Credit Card called – FIRST EA₹N. The new card, which is the result of the bank's partnership with RuPay is backed by fixed deposit (FD), enabling everyone to instantly avail the service online.