Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs May 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs May 14th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs May 14th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of May 14th 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS :BANKING& FINANCE

India Provides Financial Assistance to Maldives by Rolling Over $50 Million Treasury Bill    

• India has extended financial support to the Maldives through the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for one more year.
• Purpose of the Move: This rollover will assist in their ongoing efforts to implement fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening economic resilience.

Definition of  Treasury Bill

• Treasury Bills are short term (up to one year) borrowing instruments of the Government of India or by a central authority of any country which enable investors to park their short term surplus funds while reducing their market risk.
• They are auctioned by the Reserve Bank of India at regular intervals and issued at a discount to face value.
• Treasury Bills were first issued in India in
• At present, the active T-Bills are 91-days T-Bills, 182-day T-Bills and 364-days T-Bills.
• Definition of T-bill Rollover: Treasury Bill rollover refers to the practice of reinvesting the proceeds from a maturing Treasury Bill into a new one, thereby extending the investment period.

Key Highlights :

• Role of State Bank of India (SBI): At the request of the Maldivian government, the SBI subscribed to the $50 million Government Treasury Bill issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Maldives.
• Historical Support: Since March 2019, India has been helping the Maldives by facilitating the subscription of Treasury Bills, rolling them over annually on an interest-free basis under a Government-to-Government
• India's Neighbourhood Policy: This move aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision 'MAHASAGAR', which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• India-Maldives Relations: The Maldives is considered an important maritime neighbor and strategic partner for India in the Indian Ocean region.
• Emergency Financial Assistance: The rollover of the Treasury Bill has been provided as emergency financial assistance to support the Maldives.
• Previous Financial Aid: Earlier this year, India also extended a special quota for the export of essential commodities to the Maldives, further solidifying bilateral ties.

About Maldives :

• President :Mohamed Muizzu
• Capital :Malé
• Currency :Maldivian rufiyaa

Reserve Bank of India Makes Reporting of Digital Lending Apps Mandatory Starting May 13,2025

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new regulations under the Reserve Bank of India (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the digital lending
• Objective:The new rules aim to clean up the digital lending space by enforcing uniform standards, offering better borrower protection, and addressing concerns over hidden charges and aggressive recovery practices.

Key Highlights :

• Centralised Reporting of Digital Lending Apps (DLAs):Allregulated entities (REs) must upload details of their DLAs on the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) portal by June 15, 2025.
• The CIMS portal will go live on May 13, 2025.
• Public Directory of DLAs:The RBI will publish a public directory of DLAs by July 1, 2025, available on its website.
• This will help users verify if an app is officially linked with an RBI-regulated lender.
• The directory will be updated automatically as REs add or remove apps.
• Transparency in Loan Aggregation:Lending service providers (LSPs) working with multiple REs must display all loan offers available to the borrower, including unmatched lender names.
• Stricter Due Diligence for Third-Party Partners:REs must assess third-party partners for technical capability, data privacy, and storage security before entering into agreements.

Recent News :

• In March 2025, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a $10 billion dollar-rupee buy-sell swap on February 21, 2025, to inject rupee liquidity for a longer duration.

About RBI :

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

Life Insurance Corporation of India Launches WhatsApp Premium Payment Service for Policyholders   

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced a WhatsApp-based premium payment facility for policyholders.
• This online facility allows registered customers to check policy details and pay premiums via WhatsApp bot.
• Payments can be made using UPI, net banking, or cards within the WhatsApp interface.
• The full customer journey — from identifying policies due for payment to payment and receipt generation — takes place within the WhatsApp bot.
• The service was launched by CEO and MD Siddhartha Mohanty and other senior officials of LIC.
• This service offers convenience, allowing customers to pay LIC premiums from anywhere at any time.
• More than 2.2 crore policyholders are registered on LIC’s customer portal, with over 3 lakh customers logging in daily for online services.

Recent News :

• In March 2025, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has reaffirmed the designation of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for the fiscal year 2024-25.

About LIC :

• Founded : 1 September 1956
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty

International Monetary Fund Approves $1 Billion Loan for Pakistan

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion loan to Pakistan as part of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
• The EFF is designed to support countries with balance of payments issues caused by structural weaknesses, such as inadequate infrastructure, a poorly educated workforce, and excessive government borrowing.
• Pakistan’s economy has faced challenges such as GDP stagnation, high inflation (peaking at 29.1% in 2023), and low savings due to high population growth and insufficient investments in infrastructure.
• The IMF loan approval followed Pakistan’s policy and administrative reforms, with the government stabilizing the economy. Key achievements include
• Inflation reduction to 0.3% in April 2025.
• Improvements in foreign exchange reserves and reduced borrowings.
• Implementation of fiscal reforms, including the Agricultural Income Tax, enhancing policy credibility.
• India has expressed dissent due to concerns over Pakistan's use of IMF loans for military purposes.
• The long-term success of the EFF in addressing Pakistan’s structural issues is still uncertain.

Recent News :

• The global economy is projected to grow at a steady 3.3% in 2025 and 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

About IMF :

• Formation : 22 July 1944
• Headquarters :Washington, D.C., U.S
• Managing Director :Kristalina Georgieva
• Membership : 191 countries (190 UN countries and Kosovo)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States-China Trade Negotiations End with Positive Agreement in Geneva

• The United States and China reached a preliminary trade agreement after two days of high-level negotiations in Geneva.
• The agreement comes amid escalating global trade tensions and a prolonged trade dispute between the two countries.

Key Highlights :

• Impact on Global Markets: The ongoing tariff war has caused significant disruptions in global markets and supply chains, making the agreement a potential turning point.
• US Trade Deficit: The trade war began due to a $1.2 trillion US trade deficit with China, which led the US to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports.
• Details of the Geneva Talks:The talks were facilitated by the Swiss government and held over two days in Geneva, Switzerland.
• US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
• The China delegation included a vice premier and two vice ministers
• Key Objectives of the Agreement:Address the $1.2 trillion US trade deficit with China.
• Ease tensions arising from the imposed tariffs.
• Promote balanced and fair trade practices.
• Restore cooperative economic ties between the US and China.
• Significance of the Agreement:Couldrestore investor confidence in global markets.
• May ease inflationary pressures caused by the tariffs
• Represents a diplomatic success for both nations, especially in the US election year.

About United States :

• President :Donald Trump
• Capital :Washington, D.C
• Currency : U.S. dollar ($)

About China :

• Capital :Beijing
• Currency :Renminbi

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh Government Waives Property Tax for Defence Personnel’s Homes in Villages

• Andhra PradeshDeputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced 100% property tax exemption for residences of active defence personnel in gram panchayat areas.
• The announcement followed the martyrdom of Agniveer Murali Naik, a 23-year-old soldier from Sri Sathya Sai district, during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights

• Full property tax waiver for homes of active defence personnel in village areas.
• Extended benefit: Earlier limited to retired personnel or those posted in border regions—now applicable to all active service members.
• Covers: Personnel from Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, and paramilitary forces.
• Includes: Properties jointly owned with spouses.
• Based on recommendations from the Director of Sainik Welfare Department.

Background Context

• Previously, tax exemptions applied only to:
  • Retired defence personnel.
  • Those stationed in sensitive/border areas.
• Prompted by growing respect and empathy for Agniveers and active defence forces.
• Many rural personnel face delays and hurdles in accessing benefits.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• In a groundbreaking move, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the launch of ‘Creator Land’, India’s first transmedia entertainment city.
• In a major step towards equitable distribution of reservation benefits among Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a draft ordinance to implement sub-categorisation of SCs in the state.
• The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi

Bihar Leads in Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)Scheme Implementation for FY 2024-25

• Bihar’s Industries Minister, Nitish Mishra, announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, 10,296 applicants received loan approvals in FY 2024-25.
• Of these, 6,589 units (63%) have had their loans disbursed—an achievement poised to boost industry and employment in the state.

Key Highlights

• PMFME Scheme Overview
  • Launched: 2020-21 to 2025-26, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore
  • Objective: Formalise the unorganised micro food processing sector and enhance competitiveness
• Financial Assistance Structure
  • Individual Units: 35% subsidy on project cost, up to ₹10 lakh; beneficiary contributes 10%
  • Group Units (FPOs/SHGs): 35% subsidy, up to ₹3 crore; group contributes 10%
• Common Facility Centres
  • Support for FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives to establish shared processing infrastructure

About Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
• Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
• Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
• National Parks: Valmiki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Patna, Bihar.
• In preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in October-November 2025, the Election Commission has appointed IAS officer Vinod Kumar Gunjiyal, a 2007-batch officer of the Bihar cadre, as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar.
• In a significant push towards women’s empowerment, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the “Mahila Samvad” campaign, a state-wide initiative aimed at connecting women with welfare schemes and amplifying their voices in policy discussions.

Karnataka Government Greenlights B-Smile Special Purpose Vehicle for ₹7,000 Crore Bengaluru Infrastructure Drive

• The Karnataka government has approved the formation of Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-Smile), a special-purpose vehicle with an initial corpus of ₹7,000 crore to execute large-scale infrastructure projects across Bengaluru Urban district.

Key Highlights:

• Ownership Structure: Government holds 90% stake, with the remaining 10% allocated to the BBMP.
• Funding Model: Empowered to undertake government-funded and public-private partnership projects.
• Signature Projects:
  • 40 km of tunnel roads through central Bengaluru
  • Citywide network of flyovers and underpasses
  • New roads alongside stormwater drain buffer zones (rajakaluves)
  • A 250-metre skydeck
• Governance: A 10-member board chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development, with an IAS officer as full-time CEO, and includes the Bengaluru Mayor, BDA Commissioner, BWSSB Chairman, BBMP Engineer-in-Chief, one women infrastructure expert, and two independent experts. The BBMP Chief Commissioner will serve as Managing Director.
• Operational Focus: While the BBMP retains day-to-day road maintenance, B-Smile will deliver long-term, high-impact solutions aimed at enhancing citywide mobility.

RECENT NEWS

• In the latest CareEdge Ratings State Ranking 2025, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka have emerged as the top three states based on their overall performance across seven key pillars: economic, fiscal, infrastructure, financial development, social, governance, and environment.
• Karnataka has topped the 2024 Local Governance Performance Index, a significant milestone in the state’s growth and development. The Local Governance Performance Index evaluates various aspects such as local body management, finances, capacity building, and accountability.

About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Bhuwan Ribhu Becomes First Indian Lawyer to Receive World Law Congress Honour

• Bhuwan Ribhu was conferred the Medal of Honour by the World Jurist Association at the World Law Congress 2025, held in the Dominican Republic.
• He became the first Indian lawyer to receive this prestigious global legal award.
• The honour recognises his over two decades of work in child rights advocacy and legal reform.

About Bhuwan Ribhu

• A lawyer and child rights activist with more than 20 years of legal work focused on eradicating child labour, trafficking, child marriage, and sexual abuse.
• Founder of Just Rights for Children (JRC) – a global legal intervention network partnering with over 250 organisations across India, Nepal, Kenya, and the USA.

• Major Legal Achievements: Led 60+ Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to child rights in Indian courts.

About the Award

• The World Jurist Association Medal of Honour is one of the highest international recognitions for legal professionals.
• Presented by Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association.
• The award reflects India’s growing global influence in legal reform and child protection.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Secretary Assigned Additional Charge as Solar Energy Corporation of India Chairman & Managing Director   

• R K Gupta, the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), was terminated by the government, and Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has been given the additional charge of SECI CMD.
• R K Gupta, a former IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, took charge as SECI CMD in June 2023, with a tenure set to end in June 2025.
• His services were terminated unexpectedly.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet did not specify reasons for Gupta’s termination.
• Issues like pending power purchase agreements (PPAs), legal battles with Reliance Power and JSW Energy, and allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani are believed to be related to Gupta’s exit.
• The controversy surrounding Gupta's removal was raised by Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh, who criticized the government for allegedly trying to protect Gautam Adani.
• SECI, under the MNRE, is one of the Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) tasked with floating tenders for renewable energy sources (RES).
• JSW Renew Energy Five, a unit of JSW Energy, filed an appeal against the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) decision regarding a 500-megawatt BESS pilot project tariff dispute.

Vineet Mahajan Appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Kuhoo Finance

• Vineet Mahajan has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kuhoo Finance.

Responsibilities:

• Strengthening financial governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with RBI regulations.
• Enhancing real-time financial reporting and fund utilization tracking
• Expanding debt partnerships with banks, NBFCs, and alternative lenders.
• Focusing on automating finance operations to increase efficiency and transparency.
• Leading strategies to build a robust liability franchise through co-lending models and securitization structures.
• Designing a roadmap for sustainable profitability and preparing Kuhoo for IPO readiness while maintaining a student-centric ethos.
• His appointment aligns with Kuhoo Finance's accelerated growth phase, which focuses on expanding affordable education loan solutions in India.

About Vineet Mahajan :

• Vineet brings over 25 years of experience in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, with expertise in finance, strategy, and education lending.
• He has worked with leading institutions like Aavas Financiers, Edelweiss, and Deutsche Postbank Home Finance, with a notable tenure as CFO at a leading education loan NBFC.

Bandhan Bank Appoints DK Das as Head of Digital Transformation and Excellence Unit

• Bandhan Bank appointed Dibyendu Kumar Das (DK Das) as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Transformation and Excellence Unit.
• This appointment aligns with Bandhan 2.0 vision, focusing on digital innovation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities at Bandhan Bank:

• Overseeing corporate transactions and solutions.
• Managing government solutions, payment products, and platforms.
• Leading retail digital banking and fintech partnerships.

About DK Das :

• DK Das brings over three decades of experience in banking and information technology.
• Previous leadership roles include positions at Axis Bank, Tata Consultancy Services, Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems, and Tata Elxsi.
• At Axis Bank, Das was Executive Vice President and Country Head for Government and Institution Business, leading digital transformation and driving business growth.

About Bandhan Bank :

• Founded : 23 August 2015
• Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
• MD &CEO : Partha Pratim Sengupta

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Pakistan Fired Chinese-Origin PL-15 Air-to-Air Missiles, Missed Target: Air Marshal Bharti   

• For the first time, India officially confirmed that Pakistan used Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles during its offensive against India.
• Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO), revealed visuals showing debris of a probable PL-15 missile, confirming its Chinese origin.
• The information was shared at a joint press conference by:
• Air Marshal AK Bharti (Indian Air Force)
• Lt General Rajiv Ghai (Director General of Military Operations)
• Vice Admiral AN Pramod (Director General Naval Operations)
• The officers presented:
• Visuals of destroyed Pakistani terror infrastructure
• Military installations
• Integrated air defence sensors
• Advanced weapons systems and counter-drone systems
• The conference ended with the declaration that “we brought them to their knees,” referring to Pakistan, signaling India's military preparedness and dominance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Sumitomo Likely to Merge India NBFC with YES Bank After Acquiring 20% Stake     

• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan has entered into an agreement to acquire a 20% stake in YES Bank through a secondary stake purchase valued at around Rs 13,483 crore.
• SMBC will purchase a 13.19% stake from SBI for Rs 8,889 crore.
• The remaining 6.81% will be acquired from other banks, including Axis Bank, Bandhan Bank, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Key Highlights :

• Background of YES Bank's Crisis:SBI and the seven investor banks invested in YES Bank as part of a Reconstruction Scheme approved by the RBI in March 2020.
• RBI had placed a moratorium on YES Bank in March 2020, restricting withdrawals due to its financial crisis.
• Significance of the Deal:This is the largest cross-border investment in the Indian banking sector.
• After the deal, SBI will continue to hold more than 10% stake in YES Bank.
• SMBC’s Global Profile:SMBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG), the second largest banking group in Japan with total assets of US $2 trillion as of December 2024.
• SMBC is one of the leading foreign banks in India, and SMFG's subsidiary, SMFG India Credit, is one of the largest diversified NBFCs in India.
• Future Plans:SMBC plans to increase its stake in YES Bank over time, eventually triggering an open offer for additional shares.
• SMBC's voting rights will be capped at 26% due to RBI regulations.
• Stake Distribution:SBI holds 23.99% of YES Bank, followed by other banks with smaller stakes:
• HDFC Bank: 2.75%
• ICICI Bank: 2.39%
• Kotak Mahindra Bank: 1.21%
• Axis Bank: 1.01%

About SMFG :

• Founded : December 2, 2002
• Headquarters : Tokyo, Japan
• Chairman : Takeshi Kunibe
• CEO : Toru Nakashima

About YES Bank:

• Founded: 2004
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Prashant Kuma
• Tagline : "Life Ko Banao Rich"

Taiwan Conducts First Live-Fire Drill Using U.S.-Made Advanced Rocket Systems     

• Taiwan conducted its first live-fire exercise of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on May 12, 2025, purchased from the United States.
• The exercise is part of Taiwan's efforts to upgrade its defense capabilities against a potential Chinese attack.
• China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.
• Taiwan has been purchasing S. military weapons for decades as a deterrence against Beijing's military threats.
• The first batch of 11 HIMARS was delivered to Taiwan in November 2024.
• HIMARS are truck-mounted systems capable of launching multiple precision-guided rockets at the same time and have been used by Ukraine in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• The exercise took place at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung County, Taiwan.
• S. technical personnel were present to assist in resolving a signal error during the exercise, as three launchers failed to fire simultaneously.
• Washington severed official diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979, but has remained Taiwan's most important military backer and arms supplier.
• Over the past five decades, the U.S. has sold billions of dollars worth of military equipment to Taiwan, including F-16 fighter jets and warships, angering China.

About Taiwan :

• President :Lai Ching-te
• Capital :Taipei
• Currency :New Taiwan dollar

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FaceAge: AI Tool Estimates Biological Age and Cancer Survival from Selfies

• FaceAge is a deep learning AI tool developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School to estimate biological age from a simple face photograph.
• Biological age reflects how a person's body is aging due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, disease, and environment, as opposed to chronological age, which is just the number of years since birth.
• FaceAge uses face detection and feature extraction techniques to predict how old someone looks biologically, rather than relying on their actual age.
• The AI was trained on 58,000 face images of healthy individuals and tested on 6,196 cancer patients across hospitals in the US and Europe.
• FaceAge was found to predict cancer survival rates more accurately than doctors in certain patient groups:
• Curative patients (receiving curative treatments like radiation therapy)
• Thoracic patients (with cancers in the chest area)
• Palliative patients (advanced-stage cancer)
• For curative patients, higher FaceAge scores correlated with worse survival outcomes.
• For palliative care patients, adding FaceAge data improved predictions of six-month survival when combined with existing tools like the TEACCH model.
• Biological age is more useful than chronological age because it reflects internal health. A 65-year-old with a healthy lifestyle may have a lower biological age than a 28-year-old who smokes and eats poorly.
• Cancer patients in the study looked, on average, five years older than their chronological age, correlating with poorer survival outcomes.
• FaceAge was found to be associated with senescence genes, which play a role in aging and cancer development. This was not seen with chronological age.
• FaceAge could potentially transform cancer treatment and personalized medicine by offering a consistent measure of patient health, but it requires further validation in diverse populations before widespread clinical adoption.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Bhutan Becomes First Country to Integrate Crypto Payments in Tourism

• Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch a cryptocurrency-based payment system for its tourism sector, making it the world’s first sovereign nation to embed crypto transactions into national tourism services.
• Rolled out in May 2025, this initiative enhances the visitor experience and promotes financial inclusion across the kingdom.

Key Highlights

• Launch Partners: Royal Government of Bhutan, Binance Pay, and DK Bank
• Accepted Cryptocurrencies: Over 100 major tokens, auto-converted to Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) at payment
• Payment Channels: Static and dynamic QR codes, eliminating the need for traditional card terminals
• Use Cases:
  • Flight and tour bookings
  • Hotel reservations
  • Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Monument entry tickets
  • Local purchases, including rural vendors

RECENT NEWS

• India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing customs collaboration and trade facilitation during the 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 24th–25th April 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana Lead State Growth Over Decade: ICRA Report

• India’s states have displayed significant economic growth disparities over the past decade, with states like Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana emerging as top performers in various economic sectors, according to a report by Icra.

Key Insights from the Report

• Growth Analysis (FY2015-FY2024):
  • Karnataka achieved the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% in Gross State Value Added (GSVA), making it the fastest-growing state.
  • The state's services sector saw remarkable growth with an 8.3% CAGR, driven by real estate, ownership of dwellings, and professional services.
• National Economic Overview:
  • India's national economy grew at a CAGR of 5.8% in Gross Value Added (GVA) from FY2015 to FY2024.
  • Services dominated the national economy in FY2024, comprising 55% of GVA, followed by industry at 31% and agriculture at 15%.
• State-Specific Trends:
  • Madhya Pradesh had the highest share of agriculture in its GSVA, accounting for 33%.
  • Karnataka had the highest share of services, with 66% of its GSVA from this sector.
  • Gujarat and Odisha were more industry-oriented, with industry contributing 51% to their respective GSVAs.
• Sectoral Performance:
  • Odisha saw the highest industrial growth, with a 10% CAGR in industrial GSVA, driven by the manufacturing sector.
  • Andhra Pradesh led in agriculture, with the highest CAGR of 7.2%, fueled by fishing and aquaculture.
• Income Levels (FY2024):
  • The states leading in per capita GSVA were Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, overtaking earlier leaders like Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Kerala.
  • This shift highlights a reconfiguration in economic leadership, driven by sectoral growth and changing income distribution.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Bandaru Dattatraya’s Autobiography ‘Janta Ki Kahani’ Released

• Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar released the autobiography ‘Janta Ki Kahani – Meri Aatamkatha’ authored by Bandaru Dattatraya, the Governor of Haryana, at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi.

• Purpose:
  • Narrates his personal and political journey.
  • Reflects experiences as a Union Minister and Governor.
  • Aims to inspire youth with stories of struggle, humility, and public service.

About Bandaru Dattatraya

• Born in: Hyderabad
• Political Career:
  • Former Union Minister for Labour and Employment
  • MP from Secunderabad
  • Governor of Haryana (current)
• Social Work:
  • Active in slum development, disaster relief, and voluntary initiatives.

PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years – Book by Himanshu Roy

• A non-fiction book titled “PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years” by Himanshu Roy was released.
• The book provides an in-depth study of the evolution, structure, and influence of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Indian governance.

• Publisher: Rupa Publications

Objectives of the Book

• To trace the historical and institutional evolution of the PMO since independence.
• To examine the structure, administration, and functioning of the PMO.
• To study the contributions of various Prime Ministers in shaping the PMO.
• To understand the relationship between the PMO, ministries, and bureaucracy.
• To promote academic understanding of India’s executive framework.

Background of the PMO

• The PMO began as the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and gradually transformed into a key decision-making centre.
• Initially meant to assist the Prime Minister, it now plays a central role in policy planning, national security, and strategy.
• Prime Ministers such as Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi have each left a unique imprint on the PMO's structure and authority.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Jeeno Thitikul Wins Fifth LPGA Tour Title at Americas Open

• Thailand’s JeenoThitikul captured her fifth LPGA Tour title with a victory at the Americas Open at Liberty National.
• The 22-year-old shot a three-under-par 69 to secure a four-stroke win over Celine Boutier.

Key Highlights

• Victory Margin: Jeeno finished 17-under for the tournament, winning by four strokes.
• Final Round Performance: Her bogey-free round included birdies on the 1st, 9th, and 17th holes.
• Other Contenders: Celine Boutier finished second after a round with three birdies and three bogeys. Carlota Ciganda and Andrea Lee tied for third. Nelly Korda struggled with four bogeys, finishing with a one-over 73.

Indian Shuttlers Shine at 6th Fazza Para Badminton International Tournament in Dubai

• Indian shuttlers made an impressive performance at the 6th Fazza Para Badminton International tournament, securing 19 medals—including 1 gold, 4 silver, and 14 bronze—in Dubai.

Key Highlights

• Gold Medalists: Sivarajan Solaimalai and Sudarsan Saravanakumar Muthusamy won the only gold for India, after their top-seed Hong Kong opponents, Chu Man Kai and Wong Chun Yim, gave a walkover in the men’s doubles SH6 final.
• Silver Medalists: Umesh Vikram Kumar earned two silver medals in the SL3 singles and men’s doubles finals.
• Hard-Fought Loss: Hardik Makkar and Ruthick Ragupathi lost to top-seeded Malaysian pair Cheah Like Hou and Muhammad Fareez Anuar in the SU5 men’s doubles final.
• Bronze Medal for Krishna Nagar: Tokyo Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar won bronze in the men’s singles after a semifinal loss to Brazil’s Vitor Tavares. He dedicated his medal to India’s defence forces, expressing gratitude for their efforts in safeguarding the country.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Plant Health – May 12

• The United Nations observes May 12 annually as the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH).
• The day aims to raise global awareness on the importance of healthy plants for food security, biodiversity, and economic development, especially amidst threats like climate change and invasive species.
• International Day of Plant Health 2025THEME :“The importance of plant health in One Health”

History

• Established by UNGA Resolution A/RES/76/256.
• Co-sponsored by Bolivia, Finland, Pakistan, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Zambia.
• It builds on the legacy of the International Year of Plant Health (2020).
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) coordinates global observance and initiatives.

Objectives of IDPH

• Highlight the role of plant health in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
• Promote adherence to international plant health standards in global trade and travel.
• Strengthen surveillance and early-warning systems for pest and disease outbreaks.
• Advocate for sustainable pest and pesticide management.
• Encourage research, capacity-building, and innovation in plant health.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 14

• Andhra PradeshDeputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced 100% property tax exemption for residences of active defence personnel in gram panchayat areas
• Bihar’s Industries Minister, Nitish Mishra, announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, 10,296 applicants received loan approvals in FY 2024-25
• The Karnataka government has approved the formation of Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-Smile), a special-purpose vehicle with an initial corpus of ₹7,000 crore to execute large-scale infrastructure projects across Bengaluru Urban district
• Bhuwan Ribhu was conferred the Medal of Honour by the World Jurist Association at the World Law Congress 2025, held in the Dominican Republic
• Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch a cryptocurrency-based payment system for its tourism sector, making it the world’s first sovereign nation to embed crypto transactions into national tourism services
• India’s states have displayed significant economic growth disparities over the past decade, with states like Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana emerging as top performers in various economic sectors, according to a report by Icra
• Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar released the autobiography ‘Janta Ki Kahani – Meri Aatamkatha’ authored by Bandaru Dattatraya, the Governor of Haryana, at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi
• A non-fiction book titled “PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years” by Himanshu Roy was released.
• Thailand’s JeenoThitikul captured her fifth LPGA Tour title with a victory at the Americas Open at Liberty National
• Indian shuttlers made an impressive performance at the 6th Fazza Para Badminton International tournament, securing 19 medals—including 1 gold, 4 silver, and 14 bronze—in Dubai.
• India has extended financial support to the Maldives through the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for one more year.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new regulations under the Reserve Bank of India (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025, aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the digital lending sector.
• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has introduced a WhatsApp-based premium payment facility for policyholders.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion loan to Pakistan as part of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
• The United States and China reached a preliminary trade agreement after two days of high-level negotiations in Geneva.
• R K Gupta, the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), was terminated by the government, and Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has been given the additional charge of SECI CMD.
• Vineet Mahajan has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kuhoo Finance.
• Bandhan Bank appointed Dibyendu Kumar Das (DK Das) as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Transformation and Excellence Unit.
• For the first time, India officially confirmed that Pakistan used Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles during its offensive against India.
• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan has entered into an agreement to acquire a 20% stake in YES Bank through a secondary stake purchase valued at around Rs 13,483 crore.
• Taiwan conducted its first live-fire exercise of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on May 12, 2025, purchased from the United States.
• FaceAge is a deep learning AI tool developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School to estimate biological age from a simple face photograph.
• The United Nations observes May 12 annually as the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH).