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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

State Bank of India Partners with Land Ports Authority to Provide Banking Services at 26 Land Ports  

• State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to enhance banking services at 26 land ports across India's borders with neighboring countries.

Key Highlights :

• LPAI Operations:LPAI operates 15 land ports in 8 border states, including those bordering Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• 11 more ports are approved in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
• Trade and Passenger Movement:These land ports handle a trade volume of ₹70,952 crore and witness a 30.46 lakh passenger movement annually (as of 2023-24).
• Over the past decade, trade and passenger movement at these ports increased substantially by 15 times and 18 times, respectively.
• Role in Forex and International Trade:The land ports manage ₹71,000 crore in foreign exchange (forex) trade.
• Approximately 31 lakh people cross borders through these land ports every year.
• SBI’s Strategic Role:SBI's presence will strengthen India's border trade ecosystem and provide essential banking services like forex transactions, Bulk Cargo Insurance, digital banking products, etc.
• This collaboration aligns with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
• Employee Benefits:LPAI employees will receive a corporate salary package, including personal accident insurance and discounts on locker rent.
• Future Growth Plans:SBI aims to expand trade transactions at these land ports from ₹80,000 crore to ₹2 trillion by 2030.

About SBI :

• Founded : 1 July 1955
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty

About LPAI :

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman: Aditya Mishra
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
• Statutory Status:LPAI is a statutory body created through the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
• Came into effect on 1 March 2012.
• Responsibilities:Creation, upgradation, maintenance, and management of border infrastructure.
• Manages Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) across India’s international borders.

National Payments Corporation of India Issues Guidelines for application programming interfaces to Minimize Unified Payments Interface Outages  

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) issued two circulars giving guidelines on application programming interfaces (APIs) that aim at reducing outages in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• One of the two is on reducing the response time for four application programming interfaces (APIs) whereas the second lists directions to prevent the misuse of APIs associated with real-time payments.

Key Highlights :

• Changes to API Response Times:Check Transaction Status API:
• Old response time: 30 seconds
• New response time: 10 seconds
• Transaction Reversal API (debit/credit):
• Old response time: 30 seconds
• New response time: 10 seconds
• Request and Response Pay Function:
• Old response time: 30 seconds
• New response time: 15 seconds
• Validate Address Function:
• Old response time: 15 seconds
• New response time: 10 seconds
• Impact of Changes:These response time reductions aim to improve customer experience by making UPI transactions faster and more efficient.
• However, clarification is needed on whether these revised times apply to all transaction types, including high-risk transactions.
• Prevention of API Misuse/Overuse:Limit on API Requests:PSPs and acquiring banks can only initiate a maximum of 3 "check transaction status" APIs within 2 hours of initiating a transaction.
• Failed Transaction Handling:Consider a transaction failed if certain errors occur and avoid further status checks after receiving the failure error.
• API Check Timing:The first check transaction status API should be initiated after 90 seconds from transaction initiation/authentication.
• Subsequent checks must be made within 45 to 60 seconds of the previous attempt.
• Deadline for Implementation:Banks are required to implement the new response time guidelines by June 16, 2025.
• Objective of API Guidelines:Streamline UPI API functioning to enhance system reliability and reduce overloads by preventing excessive or redundant API requests.
• Cooperation between banks and NPCI is essential to achieve smooth implementation and system improvements.

About NPCI :

• Founded : 19 December 2008
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
• It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust payment and settlement infrastructure in India.

Reserve Bank of India Buys 57.5 Tonnes of Gold in FY25, Marking Second-Highest Annual Purchase in 7 Years   

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acquired 57.5 tonnes of gold in FY25, marking its second-largest annual gold purchase since 2017.
• This increase in gold reserves was driven by global market instability and a 30% rise in gold prices.

Key Highlights :

• Gold Reserves of RBI:As of March 2025, RBI’s total gold reserves reached 879.6 tonnes, up from 822.1 tonnes in the previous year.
• The largest purchase was made in FY22, with 66 tonnes bought, followed by 35 tonnes in FY23, and 27 tonnes in FY24.
• Global Market Influence:Dollar volatility post-Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024 boosted the appeal of gold, leading to increased purchases by RBI.
• India's Position in Global Gold Reserves:India ranks 7th globally in terms of gold reserves as of 2025, up from 10th position in 2015.
• India is the world’s 5th largest economy.
• Gold as a Percentage of Forex Reserves:The percentage of gold in India's total foreign exchange reserves increased from 6.86% in 2021 to 11.35% at the end of 2024.
• Understanding Forex Reserves:Forex reserves are reserve assets held by a central bank, usually denominated in foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills, or other government securities.
• The RBI is the custodian of India's foreign exchange reserves, derived from the RBI Act of 1934.
• Components of India’s Forex Reserves:Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) contribute the most to India's Forex reserves, followed by gold reserves as the second largest contributor.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDR):SDR is a reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and its value is based on a basket of five major currencies: US Dollar, Euro, Chinese Renminbi, Japanese Yen, and British Pound Sterling.
• Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) with the IMF:RTP represents a country’s quota-based access to IMF resources and is available for borrowing without strict conditions, primarily used for balance of payments (BoP) or financial stability.

About RBI :

• Founded : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Razorpay Launches India’s First Model Context Protocol Server for Instant AI-Powered Payment Integration

• Fintech firm Razorpay launched India’s first Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for a payment gateway, enabling AI-driven systems to integrate directly with payment infrastructure.
• Businesses can now automate payment processes without relying on traditional dashboards or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Key Highlights :

Key Features of MCP:Allows AI assistants (chatbots, automated systems) to perform tasks such as:

• Creating payment links
• Initiating refunds
• Managing transactions

• Simple Commands for Transactions: Businesses can initiate payments with easy commands like, "Send a payment link of ₹500 to Neha on WhatsApp."
• The system processes these actions in real-time, making the payment process faster and more efficient.
• Integration with AI Tools:AI tools (such as chat-based assistants) can be integrated with Razorpay’s backend to carry out payment operations.
• This integration eliminates the need for manual input and streamlines payments across various platforms (apps, websites, AI chat systems).
• Partnership with Airtel Payments Bank:Razorpay partnered with Airtel Payments Bank to provide Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure services through its UPI Switch.
• This partnership represents Razorpay’s expansion into the backend side of UPI services.
• Capabilities of UPI Switch:The UPI Switch can handle up to 10,000 transactions per second.
• The system resolves issues within 24 hours, making it seven times faster than the industry average.
• It offers under 100 milliseconds latency, improving transaction success rates by 4–5%.
• The system also enables near-instant refunds, reducing processing time from three days to near-instant.

BookMyForex Launches USD Global Forex Card with Zero Cross-Currency and ATM Withdrawal Charges

• BookMyForex has introduced a single-currency Global Forex Card in USD, designed to facilitate international transactions without cross-currency charges or ATM withdrawal fees.

Key Highlights :

• Target Audience: The card is primarily designed for international students, travelers, and professionals who frequently engage in global transactions.
• Global Usage: It enables transactions in over 200 countries, providing a convenient solution for users spending in currencies not directly supported by Indian banks.
• Visa-Powered and Lifetime-Free: The card is powered by Visa and comes with a lifetime-free offer, making it an attractive choice for users.
• Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) Model: The card uses the MDR model to fund fee waivers.
• MDR is a card processing fee that merchants pay to banks as a percentage of the transaction amount (typically 1-3%).
• No Hidden Markups: The card allows transactions globally without hidden markups, ensuring transparency in costs for users.
• Ideal for International Transactions: This card is particularly useful for individuals who need to make payments in currencies not directly supported by their home bank.

Asian Development Bank Commits $5 Billion in Loans and Assistance to India for Development in Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure   

• Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $5 billion in loans, grants, and assistance to India in 2024.
• An additional $2.2 billion in co-financing was allocated to support various developmental sectors.
• ADB's assistance focuses on key sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
• A significant $500 million loan was provided to the Maharashtra government to address pressing healthcare needs.
• A $64 million loan was given to Meghalaya to upgrade infrastructure in 65 secondary schools and 10 industrial training institutes.
• The project primarily focuses on improving opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

About ADB :

• Formation : 19 December 1966
• Headquarters : Philippines
• President : Masato Kanda
• Membership : 69 countries

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

GenomeIndia Project: Government Grants Access to India’s First National Genomic Dataset

• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has completed Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of over 10,000 individuals across India under the GenomeIndia Project, representing the country’s vast population diversity.
• The Government of India officially made the GenomeIndia dataset available to Indian researchers via the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC).
• The data was dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2025, during the Genomics Data Conclave.

Key Highlights

Objective of the Project

• Build a national genetic database representing India’s diverse population
• Enable access to genomic data for Indian researchers
• Support precision medicine, healthcare innovation, and policy development
• Contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
• 27 phenotype variables including Hemoglobin, Cholesterol, Fasting Glucose
• Anthropometric data includes Age, Gender, Height, Weight, Body Fat Percentage
• Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) established in March 2020 to house and manage large-scale biological data
• Project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Centre Approves Greenfield NH-6 Corridor Connecting Meghalaya and Assam

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor on National Highway-06 (NH-06) to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in Northeast India.

Key Highlights

Project Name

• Development of Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor (NH-06)

Total Length

• 166.80 km (144.80 km in Meghalaya, 22.00 km in Assam)

Capital Cost

• ₹22,864 crore

Mode of Implementation

• Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

States Covered:

• Meghalaya and Assam

Districts Traversed

• Meghalaya: Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills
• Assam: Cachar District

Nearby Airports

• Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, Silchar Airport

Key Highway Connections

• NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37

Employment and Traffic Projections

Employment Generation

• Direct: 74 lakh man-days
• Indirect: 93 lakh man-days

Estimated Traffic by FY-2025

• 19,000–20,000 PCUs

RECENT NEWS

• In April 2025, Meghalaya was recognized by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as the best-performing state in two categories: mandatory biometric updates of children and verification of adult Aadhaar enrolment.
• The Government of India has officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional textile products from Meghalaya — Ryndia silk and Khasi handloom.
• The Assam government has launched its largest women entrepreneurship support initiative, the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, to promote self-employment among women.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹355 Per Quintal FRP for Sugarcane for 2025–26 Season

• The Union Cabinet has approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹355 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2025–26 season, effective from October 1, 2025.
  ● The decision is based on a basic recovery rate of 10.25% with additional premiums and protections for both high and low recovery percentages, aimed at supporting sugarcane farmers and stabilizing the agro-based sugar sector.

Key Highlights:

• FRP Fixed: ₹355 per quintal for a basic recovery rate of 10.25%.
  ● Incentive Clause: ₹3.46/qtl premium for every 0.1% increase in recovery above 10.25%.
  ● Deduction Clause: ₹3.46/qtl reduction for every 0.1% decrease in recovery below 10.25%.
  ● Protection for Low Recovery Farmers: No deductions for mills with less than 9.5% recovery, ensuring a minimum price of ₹329.05/qtl.
  ● Cost of Production: Estimated at ₹173/qtl (A2 + FL), making the FRP 105.2% higher than the production cost.
  ● Year-on-Year Increase: The FRP is 4.41% higher than the FRP for the 2024–25 season.
  ● Beneficiaries: Around 5 crore sugarcane farmers, 5 lakh sugar mill workers, and thousands in ancillary industries like transportation and labor.
  ● Implementation Date: The FRP will be effective from 1st October 2025.
  ● Dues Cleared: 99.92% of the dues for 2023–24 and 87% for 2024–25 have been paid as of April 2025.
  ● FRP Determination Process: The FRP is based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and consultations with State Governments and stakeholders.

WAVES 2025: The Ultimate Global Exhibition for Media, Entertainment, and Technology

• India’s Media & Entertainment industry is among the world’s fastest-growing sectors, and WAVES 2025 aims to position the country as a digital and cultural superpower by blending storytelling, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit kicked off on May 1, 2025 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, drawing over 100,000 registrations from 60+ countries.

Key Highlights

• Global Showcase: Positions India as a hub for digital content, animation, gaming, and cinematic arts
• Create in India Challenge: 32 contests spanning animation, comics, AI avatars, drone videos, XR, music, fashion, VFX, and game development
• International Participation: Delegates from more than 60 countries, underlining India’s creative reach
• Star Speakers: Industry icons such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Satya Nadella, and Sundar Pichai
• Esports Tournament: Over 35,000 registrations in eFootball and World Cricket Championship
• Cultural Events: Symphony of India, Wah Ustad, Battle of the Bands showcasing India’s musical heritage
• WAVES Creator Awards: Red-carpet ceremony recognizing top innovators and talents
• Startup Pitches & Exhibitions: Platform for India’s creative startups to connect with global investors

Election Commission of India Launches Training for Grassroot Election Officials

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) began a two-day capacity-building training programme for 369 grassroots-level election officials from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.
• This initiative is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls and enhancing poll preparedness, particularly in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.

Key Details and Significance

• Objective: To train Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for efficient execution of electoral duties
• Aim: To ensure error-free electoral rolls and educate officials on voter registration protocols using digital tools like the BLO and Voter Helpline apps
• Importance: Strengthens electoral integrity, boosts voter trust, and prepares frontline election officials to effectively implement election procedures
• Training Topics: Legal provisions, including appeal under Section 24(a) and 24(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and usage of forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8
• Participants: 369 officials, including ERO, BLOs, and supervisors from the four states
• Previous Training: In April 2025, 280 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from 10 political parties in Bihar were also trained.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Miss Moscow WW2 Victory Day Celebrations; Rajnath Singh to Represent India

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations scheduled for May 9, 2025, in Moscow, Russia.
• Possible Reason: While the Russian officials did not specify the reason for Modi's absence, reports suggest that it might be due to the security situation after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights :

• Russian Officials Expected to Attend: Despite PM Modi's absence, other international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
• Rajnath Singh to Represent India: It is reported that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may represent India at the Victory Day parade in Moscow, as confirmed by Indian government sources.
• Historical Significance: May 9 marks the victory of allied nations over Nazi Germany in 1945.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin will lead the commemorations, highlighting the importance of the victory and the decisive role of Soviet troops in halting the Nazi advance.
• India's Diplomatic Engagement with Russia: Prime Minister Modi had last visited Russia in July 2024 for bilateral talks with President Putin.
• India has invited President Putin to visit India, a request accepted by the Kremlin.
• Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam: On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in the Barisan Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the death of 26 people, mostly tourists.
• PM Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India due to the attack.
• India's Participation: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had confirmed earlier that PM Modi received an invitation from President Putin, but no official statement on India's participation was released at that time.

About Russia :

• President : Vladimir Putin
• Prime minister: Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital: Moscow
• Currency: Russian Ruble

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sunil Bharti Mittal Joins New Members in World Bank’s Investment Lab Initiative   

• The World Bank has inducted Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, into the Private Sector Investment Lab.
• Other inductees include:
• Bill Anderson (CEO, Bayer AG)
• Aliko Dangote (CEO, Dangote Group)
• Mark Hoplamazian (CEO, Hyatt Hotels)
• These leaders are part of the next phase of the Lab’s operations.
• Purpose of the Private Sector Investment Lab:The Lab’s objective is to implement scalable solutions that aim to boost private sector investments in developing economies.
• A key focus of the Lab is to enhance job creation in these regions.
• Five Priority Focus Areas:The World Bank has consolidated its work into five priority focus areas that are being integrated into Bank Group operations:

1. Regulatory and Policy Certainty
2. Political Risk Insurance
3. Foreign Exchange Risk
4. Junior Equity Capital
5. Securitisation

• Impact on Developing Economies:The Lab aims to enhance the private sector’s role in supporting the economic growth of developing countries.
• A major goal is to help create jobs and improve the investment climate in these regions.

Former Cricketer Kapil Dev Appointed as Brand Ambassador of Sobo Mumbai Falcons for T20 Mumbai League

• Kapil Dev, former cricketer and captain of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, has been unveiled as the official brand ambassador of Sobo Mumbai Falcons.
• This partnership highlights the franchise’s commitment to excellence, legacy, and the cricketing spirit of Mumbai.
• Kapil Dev's leadership is seen as crucial for guiding the team through its debut season.
• His reputation as a World Cup-winning captain will help inspire players and fans, setting new benchmarks of excellence for the team.
• Omkar Salvi, known for his expertise in player development, has been appointed as the head coach of Sobo Mumbai Falcons.
• Salvi, who is also the bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and head coach of Mumbai’s senior men’s team, will help the team build a competitive squad.
• Vikrant Yeligeti has been appointed as the team principal, playing a key role in steering the franchise towards growth and success.
• The third edition of the T20 Mumbai League will take place from 26 May to 8 June at the Wankhede Stadium.
• Eight teams will compete in the league across 20 matches.
• The tournament will showcase Mumbai's cricketing depth and emerging talent.
• All matches of the T20 Mumbai League will be broadcast live on Jio Hotstar and Star Sports.

Senior IPS Officer, Deven Bharti Named New Commissioner of Police for Mumbai

• Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Mumbai on April 30, 2025.
• He will take charge from Vivek Phansalkar, who is retiring after 35 years of service.
• Vivek Phansalkar, the incumbent Mumbai Police Commissioner, is retiring after 35 years of service in the police force.
• The post of Mumbai Police Commissioner has been downgraded to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP).
• Previously, the post was upgraded to the DG rank in certain instances, but the current appointment reflects the ADGP rank.

About Deven Bharti :

• Deven Bharti has held several important positions in the Mumbai police force, including:
  • Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order)
  • Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime)
  • Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime)
• He also served as the Head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and as the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) at the state police headquarters.
• Before his Mumbai posting, Bharti had served on central deputation in various capacities.
• Known for his investigative expertise, Bharti has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, where 166 people were killed.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Bloomberg’s 2025 List of Asia’s Wealthiest Families:

• Bloomberg has revealed its 2025 list of the Top 20 Wealthiest Families in Asia, with six Indian families featuring prominently.
• The Ambani family leads the list with a wealth of $90.5 billion (₹7.85 lakh crore), highlighting the significant economic influence of multi-generational family-run businesses in Asia, particularly in India.

Key Highlights:

Indian Families in Bloomberg’s Top 20 Wealthiest Families in Asia (2025)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Pankaj Advani Dominates Opening Match at CCI Billiards Classic

• Pankaj Advani began his campaign with a commanding 860–170 victory over Tathya Sachdev in Mumbai, constructing three century-plus breaks to assert his supremacy.
  ● The first round also saw Rishabh Thakkar defeat Hitesh Kotwani 495–313, and Rohan Jambusaria overcome Anurag Bagri 611–294.

Key Highlights

• Advani’s Performance: Three breaks of 100+ points underlined his control and precision.
  ● Sachdev’s Score: Managed 170 points but couldn’t counter Advani’s momentum.
  ● Thakkar vs Kotwani: Thakkar pulled ahead early and maintained a 182-point margin.
  ● Jambusaria vs Bagri: A strong mid-match surge gave Jambusaria a 317-point lead.
  ● Tournament Context: These matches were part of the group stage in the CCI Billiards Classic, setting the tone for the knockout rounds.
  ● Venue: All matches played at the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai.

RECENT NEWS

• In March 2025, India’s ace cueist Pankaj Advani secured the 2025 Asian Snooker Championship men’s title, defeating Amir Sarkosh of Iran in the final. This marks his 14th Asian title across snooker and billiards events.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Professor Sunny Thomas, National Shooting Coach During India's Golden Era, Passed Away at 83 

• Professor Sunny Thomas, the national shooting coach during India’s golden era in shooting, passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Uzhavoor, Kottayam.

About Sunny Thomas :

• Sunny Thomas was a multiple State champion and won the National Shooting Championship in 1976.
• He started his shooting career at the Kottayam Rifle Club.
• Thomas served as the national shooting coach for 19 years from 1993 to 2012.
• Under his guidance, Indian shooters won four Olympic medals, including:
• Abhinav Bindra's gold in Beijing 2008 (India’s first-ever individual Olympic gold).
• Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's silver in Athens 2004.
• Vijay Kumar's silver and Gagan Narang's bronze in London 2012.
• In total, India won hundreds of medals in various international competitions, including:
• Five Olympic Games
• Six World Championships
• Over 50 World Cups
• Six Asian Games
• Five Commonwealth Games
• In addition to his sports career, Thomas was also a professor and the head of the English department at St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor, for nearly 30 years.
• Awards and Recognition:Thomas was honored with the Dronacharya Award in 2001 for his exceptional contribution to Indian sports coaching.

Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarikal, Father of Angioplasty in India, Passed Away at 77 in Chenna

• Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarikal, renowned as the father of angioplasty in India, passed away at the age of 77 at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
• He was a pioneer in interventional cardiology and played a pivotal role in transforming heart disease treatment in India.

About Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarikal :

• Kalarikal had a 50-year career in cardiology, during which he treated thousands of patients.
• He was known for his expertise in angioplasty, a procedure that revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease.
• He mentored several generations of doctors, contributing to the development of the field in India.
• Kalarikal was the founder-convenor of the National Angioplasty Registry of India.
• He advocated for standardized cardiac protocols and promoted technological innovation in the field of cardiology.
• Awards and Recognition: Kalarikal was honored with the Dr. B C Roy Award in interventional cardiology in 1996 for his exceptional contributions to the field.
• He was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2000 for his work in medicine.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Tuna Day 2025 - May 2

• World Tuna Day is observed every year on May 2.
• This day was established by the United Nations(UN) General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of Tuna Day.
• The main aim of this day was to preserve the tuna fish from crashing and to spread awareness about tuna fish regarding sustainable fishing practices and how they become an endangered practice due to the high demand for their meat.
• The theme for World Tuna Day 2025 is "Our Ocean, Our Tuna, Our Future". 

History:

• Tuna is a species of food and is economically very important. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) celebrated Tuna Day on May 2.
•  It was first observed in the year 2016. Tuna is a large wild animal.
• The population of Tuna fish has declined by more than 97 percent due to overfishing and illegal fishing.
• The UN has announced May 2 as World Tuna Day to preserve Tuna from becoming extinct.
• Thailand is one of the largest tuna producing countries in the world.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 2

• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has completed Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of over 10,000 individuals across India under the GenomeIndia Project, representing the country’s vast population diversity.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor on National Highway-06 (NH-06) to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in Northeast India
• The Union Cabinet has approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹355 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2025–26 season, effective from October 1, 2025
• India’s Media & Entertainment industry is among the world’s fastest-growing sectors, and WAVES 2025 aims to position the country as a digital and cultural superpower by blending storytelling, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) began a two-day capacity-building training programme for 369 grassroots-level election officials from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana
• Bloomberg has revealed its 2025 list of the Top 20 Wealthiest Families in Asia, with six Indian families featuring prominently
• Pankaj Advani began his campaign with a commanding 860–170 victory over Tathya Sachdev in Mumbai, constructing three century-plus breaks to assert his supremacy.
• State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to enhance banking services at 26 land ports across India's borders with neighboring countries.
• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) issued two circulars giving guidelines on application programming interfaces (APIs) that aim at reducing outages in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acquired 57.5 tonnes of gold in FY25, marking its second-largest annual gold purchase since 2017.
• Fintech firm Razorpay launched India’s first Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for a payment gateway, enabling AI-driven systems to integrate directly with payment infrastructure.
• BookMyForex has introduced a single-currency Global Forex Card in USD, designed to facilitate international transactions without cross-currency charges or ATM withdrawal fees.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $5 billion in loans, grants, and assistance to India in 2024.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations scheduled for May 9, 2025, in Moscow, Russia.
• The World Bank has inducted Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, into the Private Sector Investment Lab.
• Kapil Dev, former cricketer and captain of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, has been unveiled as the official brand ambassador of Sobo Mumbai Falcons.
• Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Mumbai on April 30, 2025.
• Professor Sunny Thomas, the national shooting coach during India’s golden era in shooting, passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Uzhavoor, Kottayam.
• Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarikal, renowned as the father of angioplasty in India, passed away at the age of 77 at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
• World Tuna Day is observed every year on May 2.