India’s Top News Highlights of the Day – January 31, 2025

As we wrap up the day, here are the key developments from across India that you should know. From economic shifts to national security updates, today’s news has been eventful.

India’s Business Growth Slows Amid Weaker Services Demand

India’s business activity in January 2025 recorded its slowest expansion in over a year due to declining demand in the services sector. The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped to 57.9 from December’s 59.2, marking the slowest growth rate since November 2023.

Key Highlights:

• The manufacturing sector maintained strong momentum with a PMI of 58.0.
• The services sector, a major contributor to India’s GDP, witnessed a significant decline, dropping to 56.8, the lowest in 26 months.
• Despite slower growth, hiring reached record levels, and international demand for exports improved.
• Inflationary pressures in services remain a concern, impacting monetary policy decisions.

Government Imposes Import Cap on Key Steelmaking Ingredient

To safeguard domestic steel producers, India has introduced a six-month restriction on the import of low-ash metallurgical coke, a crucial component in steel production.

Key Highlights:

• The import restriction is effective from January 1, 2025, for six months.
• The measure aims to curb excessive imports, which surged by over 61% in the past four years.
• New country-specific quotas have been set, limiting imports to 713,583 tonnes per quarter.
• The move is expected to boost local metallurgical industries but may also increase production costs for steelmakers.

Tragic Naxal Attack in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur District

A deadly attack in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, claimed the lives of eight security personnel and one civilian driver after a large-scale IED explosion by Naxalite insurgents.

Key Highlights:

• The improvised explosive device (IED) weighed between 60 and 70 kg.
• It was the biggest Naxal attack on security forces in Chhattisgarh in two years.
• Authorities have vowed to intensify counterinsurgency operations in the region.

Fatal Train Accident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon District

A tragic accident occurred near Maheji railway station when several passengers, panicked by rumors of a fire, jumped onto adjacent tracks and were struck by an oncoming train.

Key Highlights:

• 13 people lost their lives, and over 15 were injured.
• The panic was triggered by false reports of a fire in one of the train coaches.
• Authorities are conducting an official inquiry and have announced compensation for victims’ families.

Stock Markets Rally as Sensex and Nifty Surge

Indian stock markets had a strong opening for the new year, with the Sensex and Nifty witnessing significant gains.

Key Highlights:

• The Sensex surged by 1,367.54 points, closing at 79,874.95.
• The Nifty jumped by 439 points, settling at 24,181.90.
• Gains were led by the IT and financial services sectors, including companies like Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, and Maruti.
• Investors remain optimistic about India’s economic outlook in 2025.

Indian Armed Forces Execute ‘Exercise Devil Strike’

A large-scale joint military exercise, ‘Exercise Devil Strike,’ was conducted by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force to enhance operational preparedness and test key drills.

Key Highlights:

• The exercise took place from January 16 to 19, 2025.
• It focused on elite airborne operations, rapid deployment, and logistical planning.
• It showcased India’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence.

India Semiconductor Mission Partners with CG Power

India has taken a major step toward strengthening its semiconductor manufacturing sector through a new partnership between the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and CG Power & Industrial Solutions Ltd.

Key Highlights:

• The agreement will establish a semiconductor OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
• The project involves an investment of Rs 7,600 crore.
• It aligns with India’s vision of achieving $500 billion in electronics production by 2030.

FAQs

1. Why did India’s business growth slow down in January 2025?

The slowdown was mainly due to weaker demand in the services sector, which saw a sharp drop in activity, affecting overall economic expansion.

2. How will the new import restrictions affect India’s steel industry?

The six-month import cap on low-ash metallurgical coke aims to support domestic producers, but it could lead to higher production costs for major steel manufacturers.

3. What was the reason behind the train accident in Maharashtra?

The tragedy occurred after passengers mistakenly believed a fire had broken out in their coach, leading them to jump onto adjacent tracks, where they were struck by another train.

4. What is the significance of ‘Exercise Devil Strike’?

This military exercise was conducted to enhance operational preparedness, focusing on logistics, airborne deployment, and rapid-response strategies.

5. How will India’s semiconductor partnership benefit the economy?

The investment in semiconductor manufacturing will reduce import dependency, create jobs, and boost India’s position in the global electronics and semiconductor market.

Conclusion

Today’s top news reflects significant economic, security, and industrial developments shaping India’s future. From business slowdowns and stock market rallies to major military exercises and infrastructure advancements, the country remains at the center of dynamic changes.

What are your thoughts on today’s news? Share your views in the comments below!