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 CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Cancelled Systematic Investment Plans Tripled in April Following AMFI’s Implementation of SEBI Cancellation Norms   

• The number of Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) cancellations more than tripled to 162.3 lakh in April 2025 compared to the previous month.
• This surge in cancellations was primarily due to the implementation of SEBI norms rather than investor fears related to market volatility.

What is a Systematic Investment Plan?

• SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is a method of investing in Mutual Funds by investing a fixed amount periodically at regular intervals (e.g., monthly).
• SIP allows investors to invest small amounts, starting as low as ₹500 per month.
• It helps in rupee cost averaging by buying more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.
• SIP is a long-term investment strategy aimed at wealth creation through mutual fund schemes.

Key Highlights :

• According to a SEBI circular dated January 3, 2024, SIPs with:
• more than three consecutive failed instalment payments (for daily, weekly, monthly, and fortnightly SIPs) are to be accounted as invalid.
• quarterly and bimonthly SIPs will be invalid after missing payments for two consecutive periods.
• Asset Management Companies (AMCs) must process SIP cancellations within 10 days of investor requests as per SEBI norms.
• SEBI set a deadline of April 1, 2024, for AMCs and AMFI to provide more transparent data on cancelled SIPs.
• Before this circular, SIP data included inactive accounts, and the circular aimed to improve data dissemination.
• The clean-up of legacy invalid SIP accounts began in December 2024 - January 2025 and was completed by April 2025.
• The number of discontinued SIP accounts grew by:
• 56% in January 2025
• 21% in February 2025
• Declined by 15% in March 2025
• Then tripled in April 2025.
• From April 2024 onwards, AMFI started showing the number of contributing SIPs, which make up 70-80% of total outstanding SIP accounts.
• The new data reflects only active contributing SIPs and outstanding SIPs, allowing accurate calculation of monthly dips.

Recent News :

• In March 2025, The SEBI introduced a new regulation to expedite the capital-raising process for companies by reducing the timeline for completing rights issues to 23 days.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

International Monetary Fund to Release $1.3 Billion to Bangladesh   

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to release $1.3 billion to Bangladesh in June after completing the fourth review of its $4.7-billion loan program.
• The release of funds covers both the fourth and fifth tranches, which were delayed due to IMF’s demand for greater exchange rate flexibility.
• A key reform includes the adoption of a crawling peg mechanism for the exchange rate.
• The fourth review took place in Dhaka in April, followed by discussions during the Bank-Fund Spring Meetings in Washington.
• The focus of talks was on reforms in revenue management, fiscal policy, and the foreign exchange regime.
• Both Bangladesh and IMF have agreed on revenue management, currency exchange rate, and other reform frameworks.
• The IMF will release the fourth and fifth instalments together, totaling $1.3 billion by June.
• The Bangladesh government has dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and replaced it with two divisions under the finance ministry to comply with a key IMF condition.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, The IMF approved a $1 billion loan to Pakistan as part of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

About IMF :

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

Wholesale Price Index Inflation Falls to 9-Month Low in April Due to Moderate Food Prices    

• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation dropped to a nine-month low of 0.85% in April from 2.05% in March.
• The decline was mainly due to falling energy prices and moderation in food product prices.
• Among the three main WPI components:

1. Primary articles prices contracted by -1.44%,
2. Fuel and power prices declined by -2.18%,
3. Manufactured articles saw inflation at 2.62%.

Key Highlights :

• Retail inflation (CPI) eased to a 69-month low of 3.16% in April, driven by a further fall in food prices.
• This data increases the possibility of a third consecutive rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its June monetary policy review.
• Headline inflation has been trending downward for six consecutive months, staying below the RBI's target level of 4% for three months in a row.
• Food inflation, which has a 24.38% weight in WPI, moderated to 2.5% in April 2025 from 6.1% in April 2024.
• Significant corrections were observed in prices of vegetables (tomato, onion, potato) and pulses.
• Vegetable inflation dropped steeply by 18.3% in April 2025 compared to an increase of 23.6% in the same month last year.
• Cereal inflation also moderated, led by lower rice prices.
• Fuel and power inflation eased due to lower crude oil prices.
• Within the manufactured segment, inflation was visible in food products due to higher edible oil prices.
• Core inflation increased slightly to 1.2% in April 2025 compared to a decline of 0.2% in April 2024.
• Experts expect wholesale inflation to remain around 5% in the near term due to muted commodity prices and a favorable base effect for food.
• WPI inflation is forecasted to average close to 3% in FY 2026 according to CareEdge chief economist.

Canara Bank and Union Bank launch special deposit schemes to drive growth   

• State-owned Canara Bank and Union Bank of India have announced special deposit schemes to boost resource mobilisation amid slowing deposit growth.
• Deposit growth declined to 10.3% in FY25 from 13.5% in FY24.
• Most public sector banks project deposit growth of 9–11% for the current financial year.

Key Highlights:

• Union Bank's scheme offers an interest rate of 6.75% for deposits of 375 days, with a minimum deposit of ₹10 lakh and maximum up to ₹3 crore.
• The Union Bank scheme includes a 375-day Super Top-up Health Insurance cover with a sum insured of ₹5 lakh and cashless hospitalisation.
• Canara Bank launched Canara TruEdge, a current account and savings account (CASA) product designed to offer enhanced customer segmentation and tailored operational and financial solutions.
• Canara TruEdge features a flexible benefit system with charge waivers and concessions linked to the previous month’s Monthly Average Balance (MAB).
• Both banks aim to address challenges in deposit mobilisation through specialised schemes offering multiple benefits.
• Canara TruEdge provides personalised support through a designated relationship manager acting as a single point of contact for banking needs.
• Union Bank's scheme, called Union Wellness Deposit, combines wealth creation and health benefits in one platform, including lifestyle benefits via the RuPay Select Debit Card.
• The Union Wellness Deposit is available to resident individuals aged 18–75, individually or jointly; insurance benefits apply only to the primary account holder in joint accounts.
• The scheme allows premature closure and loans against the deposit.
• It offers an additional 0.50% interest for senior citizens on top of the base rate of 6.75%.

About Canara Bank:

• Founded: 1906
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Managing Director & CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju
• Tagline: "Together We Can"

About Union Bank of India (UBI):

• Founded Year: 1919
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: A. Manimekhalai
• Slogan: "Good People to Bank With"

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

India Launches First Cluster of CCU Testbeds to Decarbonize Cement Industry

• On National Technology Day 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched the first-ever cluster of five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds aimed at reducing emissions in the cement sector, a major contributor to industrial CO₂ emissions.
• This initiative supports India’s Net Zero target by 2070 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To develop and deploy CCU technologies in the cement industry and enable scalable, sustainable decarbonization solutions.
• Sector Focus: The cement industry, identified as a hard-to-abate sector, is the primary target due to its high carbon output.
• Technology Use: CCU enables capturing CO₂ from industrial processes and converting it into value-added products.
• Policy Alignment: The initiative aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2070.
• Public-Private Model: Each testbed is jointly developed by academic institutions and cement companies, fostering academia-industry collaboration.
• Key Research Features:
  • Translational R&D from lab-scale to industrial deployment.
  • Use of diverse technologies: catalysis, mineralization, vacuum swing adsorption, etc.
• Snapshot of the Five CCU Testbeds:
  • Ballabhgarh, Haryana (JK Cement + NCCBM): Captures 2 TPD CO₂ using oxygen-enhanced calcination for concrete blocks and olefins.
  • IIT Kanpur + JSW Cement: Focus on CO₂ mineralization, locking carbon into solid minerals.
  • IIT Bombay + Dalmia Cement: Catalyst-based CO₂ capture at an operational cement plant.
  • CSIR-IIP, IIT Tirupati, IISc + JSW Cement: Uses Vacuum Swing Adsorption to separate and reintegrate CO₂.
  • IIT Madras & BITS Pilani, Goa + UltraTech Cement: Trials carbon-reducing interventions with broad industrial applications.

‘Inclusive India Summit 2025’ Commemorates Global Accessibility Awareness Day

• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment hosted the Inclusive India Summit 2025 on May 15 at the India International Centre, New Delhi, in hybrid format to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
• The summit emphasized the importance of digital accessibility and inclusive development for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) through collaboration among key stakeholders.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To promote inclusive digital development and raise awareness about digital equity for persons with disabilities.
• Organizers: Hosted by DEPwD in partnership with:
  • SBI Foundation
  • National Association for the Blind (NAB), New Delhi)
  • Association of People with Disability (APD)
  • Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation)
• Chief Guest: Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD.
• Panel Discussion: Focused on inclusive technology design and digital accessibility solutions.
• Major Launches and Events:
  • Signing of MoUs with:
    • I for Humanity Foundation
    • Nipman Foundation
    • Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)
    • RampMyCity Foundation
  • Launch of an AI-enabled chatbot to assist beneficiaries of government schemes.
  • Release of Mission Accessibility’s Annual Accessibility Report Card, assessing nationwide accessibility standards.
  • Unveiling of a draft digital accessibility curriculum for computer science and design courses, developed by APD.
• Significance of GAAD:
  • Observed annually on the third Thursday of May.
  • Aims to spread global awareness on the need for accessible digital infrastructure.
• DEPwD Mandate: A central body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, working towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities in India.

India Ranks Among Top Six Patent Filers in 6G Technology

• At the Bharat 6G 2025 conference in New Delhi, Union MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani announced that India has secured a place among the top six nations globally for filing 6G technology patents, underscoring the country’s dedication to next-generation telecom innovation.

Key Highlights:

• Why in News?
  • India’s ranking reflects its rising prowess in cutting-edge telecom research and aligns with the Bharat 6G Vision to lead global 6G by 2030.
• Event Details:
  • Conference: Bharat 6G 2025 – 3rd International Conference & Exhibition
  • Date & Venue: May 14, 2025, New Delhi
  • Speaker: Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union MoS for Communications & Rural Development
• Bharat 6G Vision:
  • Aim: Establish India as a global 6G leader by 2030 via the Bharat 6G Alliance.
  • Goals: Achieve terabit-level speeds, sub-millisecond latency, self-healing intelligent networks, and seamless volumetric connectivity (from underwater to aerospace).
• Key Developments:
  • Research Projects: Over 111 funded initiatives worth ₹300 crore.
  • International Partnerships: Collaborations with Japan, Singapore, and Finland.
  • Technology Focus: Advancements in terahertz communication and AI-native networks.
• Background & Significance:
  • Builds on the momentum of India’s rapid 5G rollout and positions the nation to shape 6G standards, drive deep-tech R&D, and strengthen its role as a telecom innovation hub.

Union Cabinet Approves Sixth Semiconductor Unit under India Semiconductor Mission

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a sixth semiconductor fabrication unit—a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn—near Jewar airport in the YEIDA region.
• This plant, with an investment of ₹3,700 crore, will produce display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and other display-equipped devices.

Key Highlights:

• Unit Capacity: Designed for 20,000 wafers per month, yielding 36 million units monthly.
• Strategic Partners:
  • HCL: Established Indian hardware developer and manufacturer.
  • Foxconn: Global leader in electronics manufacturing.
• Location: Near Jewar airport, within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
• Industry Ecosystem:
  • Five semiconductor units already in advanced construction.
  • Applied Materials and Lam Research have set up equipment facilities in India.
  • Merck, Linde, Air Liquide, Inox, and other gas/chemical suppliers gearing up to support industry growth.
• Design & Innovation:
  • 270 academic institutions and 70 startups engaged in cutting-edge semiconductor design.
  • 20 student-developed products successfully taped out at SCL Mohali.
• Broader Impact:
  • Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
  • Meets rising demand across laptop, mobile, server, medical device, power electronics, defence, and consumer electronics sectors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia Sentences Prominent Election Monitor Grigory Melkonyants to Five Years in General Prison Colony   

• Russia sentenced Grigory Melkonyants, a high-profile election monitor, to five years in a general regime prison colony.
• Melkonyants is the co-chair of the Russian vote-monitoring NGO Golos, which documents alleged election fraud in Russia.
• He was arrested in August 2023 amid a crackdown by the Kremlin on independent critics and opponents, intensified due to Russia’s military offensive on Ukraine.
• Prosecutors accused Melkonyants of collaborating with the European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations, an "undesirable organisation" banned in Russia.
• Melkonyants denied the charges, and criticized harsh jail conditions, including being forced to change cells eight times and having over 100 cellmates.
• Russia had labelled Golos a "foreign agent", a term used to target and stigmatize independent civil society and media.
• Golos disbanded and reformed as a new entity but continues to run an online interactive map reporting election violations nationwide.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected in the previous year with 87% of the vote amid barring of genuine competitors.

About Russia :

• Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital : Moscow
• Currency : Ruble

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

ReNew Power to Build India’s Largest Renewable Energy Complex in Andhra Pradesh

• ReNew Power announced a ₹22,000 crore investment to develop the country’s largest single-site Renewable Energy (RE) complex at Bethapalle village, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
• The project will be inaugurated on May 16, 2025, marking a significant step in India’s clean energy transition.
• This major investment boosts India’s renewable energy ambitions and signals renewed investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh after the introduction of the Integrated Clean Energy Policy (ICEP) in October 2024.
• The project underscores Andhra Pradesh’s role in India’s clean energy future.

Key Project Details

Phase-I Capacity and Cost

• Solar Power: 587 MW
• Wind Power: 250 MW
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): 415 MWh
• Phase-I Investment: ₹7,000 crore

Planned Cumulative Capacity

• Solar: 1,800 MW (peak)
• Wind: 1,000 MW (1 GW)
• BESS: 2,000 MWh

Significance & Objectives

• Contributes to Andhra Pradesh’s 72 GW renewable energy target by 2029.
• Revives investor confidence after previous setbacks in the state’s RE sector.
• Supports India’s broader goal of sustainable and clean energy growth.
• Enhances grid stability and resilience with large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Creates employment opportunities in the region.

Background

• ReNew Power was Andhra Pradesh’s largest RE investor in 2019 with 777 MW capacity.
• Expansion was stalled due to Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) cancellations under the prior government.
• The project’s revival is attributed to the NDA-led government’s supportive policies and efforts by Minister Nara Lokesh, including engagements at WEF Davos 2024.

Other Major Recent RE Investments in Andhra Pradesh

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Mariangela Hungria Wins 2025 World Food Prize for Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

• Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria was awarded the 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking work in developing biological seed and soil treatments that significantly boost crop yields while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
• Her 40 years of research have been instrumental in transforming Brazil into a leading global agricultural powerhouse.

Key Contributions:

• Biological Treatments:
  Hungria’s research utilizes beneficial bacteria and natural biological processes to enhance nutrient uptake by crops, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers.
• Reduced Fertilizer Use:
  The biological seed and soil treatments help farmers decrease the use of synthetic fertilizers, leading to environmental benefits such as lower pollution and cost savings for agricultural producers.
• Impact on Brazilian Agriculture:
  Her innovations are credited with playing a vital role in Brazil’s rise as a top global producer of soybeans and other major crops, boosting productivity and food supply.
• Sustainable Farming Practices:
  By improving soil health and reducing the need for deforestation, Hungria’s work supports sustainable agriculture, balancing food production with environmental conservation.

About the World Food Prize:

• Often called the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture,” the World Food Prize honors individuals whose innovations and leadership have significantly advanced global food security and nutrition, helping millions worldwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ex-Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar named as new Union Public Service Commission Chairman   

• Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as Chairman of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
• The appointment was made official by the Union Personnel Ministry and cleared by President Droupadi Murmu.
• The UPSC chairman post fell vacant after the tenure of Preeti Sudan ended on April 29, 2025.

About Ajay Kumar:

• Ajay Kumar is a 1985-batch retired IAS officer from the Kerala cadre.
• He served as Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022.

About UPSC:

• The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to services like IAS, IFS, IPS, etc.
• UPSC is headed by a Chairman and can have up to 10 members.
• Currently, there are two vacant member posts in the commission.
• The term of a UPSC chairman is for 6 years or until reaching the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Harvansh Chawla Named Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry  

• Harvansh Chawla appointed as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
• As Chairman, he will lead policy advocacy, facilitate high-level trade delegations, and promote collaboration in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• He is a lawyer and expert in international trade law with over 30 years of experience.
• Has served as legal advisor to global corporations like Northrop Grumman, Singapore Airlines, Denso Corporation, and Alcatel.
• The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Cambodia and China Launch Largest-Ever Military Exercises Running Until May 28  

• Cambodia and China began their largest-ever joint military exercises on May 14, 2025, which will continue until May 28, 2025.
• The drills involve advanced Chinese military hardware, including artillery, warships, helicopters, armored vehicles, reconnaissance drones, and robot battle dogs.
• Nearly 900 Chinese military personnel and more than 1,300 Cambodian soldiers are participating, according to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF).
• The exercises aim to develop deeper ties and cooperation between the two armies.
• A large Chinese naval vessel, Changbai Shan, docked at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which was renovated by China. Cambodia is also expected to receive two warships from China.
• Cambodia is a staunch ally of China, receiving billions of dollars in investments, raising concerns in Washington over China's growing influence in the region through the Cambodian naval base.
• The Golden Dragon drills began in 2016, replacing the earlier joint exercise with the US called Angkor Sentinel, which Cambodia scrapped in 2017.
• The drills follow a recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia in April 2025 to deepen bilateral ties.

About Cambodia :

• Prime Minister : Hun Manet
• Capital : Phnom Penh

About China :

• President : Xi Jinping
• Capital : Beijing
• Currency : Renminbi

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India, Japan to Begin Design Phase of Chandrayaan-5 Lunar Mission              

• Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) is a joint lunar exploration mission by ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan) focusing on deep exploration of the Moon's surface, especially for water and water-ice.
• The mission is entering the preliminary design phase for the lander and rover.
• The mission weight is approximately 6.5 tonnes and is planned to launch on a Japanese H3 rocket around 2027-28.
• The rover (350 kg) will explore lunar areas with water presence, drill the surface to collect soil or regolith samples, and perform in-situ measurements of water content and quality.

Key Highlights

• The Cabinet approved Chandrayaan-5 in March 2025, following the success of Chandrayaan-3 (India's first soft landing on the Moon’s south pole).
• Chandrayaan-4 (planned earlier) will be a sample return mission to bring lunar soil to Earth for mineral composition study.
• The mission duration is planned for about 5 months (100 days).
• ISRO is responsible for the lander development; JAXA is developing the rover.
• The mission will carry 7 scientific instruments, with contributions from ESA (mass spectrometer) and NASA (neutron spectrometers), both in the design phase.
• Spectrometers perform in-situ experiments by measuring energy and mass of samples to study hydrogen evolution and other elemental compositions.
• One large instrument with four sensors is under development; ISRO is developing one sensor and JAXA three sensors.
• The rover can travel on the lunar surface and climb slopes up to 25 degrees.
• Rover battery charging strategy involves charging before and after sample collection, indicating mission complexity.
• If successful, the mission may extend to the far side of the Moon and potentially extend mission life by up to one year.
• A JAXA team is currently visiting ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru for further collaboration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

DST–DRDO MoU to Boost India’s Space Surveillance Capabilities

• India has strengthened its ground-based space surveillance systems through a strategic partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ARIES (Nainital) and IRDE (Dehradun) to develop Space Situational Awareness (SSA) technologies and infrastructure.
• DST’s ARIES and DRDO’s IRDE signed an MoU to enhance space surveillance via joint research, development, and utilization of advanced observational tools.
• Marks a key step in India's efforts toward space security and satellite tracking.

Key Objectives of the MoU

• Use ARIES’ observational facilities for tracking space objects and debris.
• Joint development of Electro-Optical systems for astronomy and space surveillance.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in image and data processing.
• Promote technical collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint R&D programs.

Institutes Involved

• ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences), Nainital – Autonomous institute under DST:
  • Expertise: Astronomy, astrophysics, and atmospheric sciences.
  • Facilities: 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (one of Asia’s largest), ST Radar, and advanced atmospheric systems.
• IRDE (Instruments Research & Development Establishment), Dehradun – DRDO laboratory:
  • Specializes in Electro-Optics surveillance systems across land, air, sea, and space platforms.

Highlights of the Agreement

• Joint SSA application development using ARIES’s telescopic and radar assets.
• Integration of AI/ML algorithms for real-time space data analysis.
• Scientific and personnel exchange programs for capacity building.
• Strategic location proximity in Uttarakhand allows efficient collaboration and logistics.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Territorial Army

• Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been honoured with the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel title in the Territorial Army by the Indian Government
• This prestigious recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to Indian athletics and national pride.

Key Highlights:

• Announcement by Ministry of Defence: The Department of Military Affairs issued the notification on May 13, 2025, stating that Neeraj Chopra would receive the honorary rank effective from April 16, 2025.
• Legal Basis: The rank was conferred under Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, reserved for individuals contributing to national prestige.
• Neeraj Chopra's Achievements:
  • Olympic Gold Medal at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021).
  • Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
  • World Champion at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships.
  • Previously held the rank of Subedar Major in the Indian Army.
• Territorial Army Overview:
  • Established on October 9, 1949 as a part-time volunteer force.
  • Supports the regular army in war support, disaster relief, and nation-building.
  • Celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024.
• Other Honorary Rank Recipients: M.S. Dhoni was awarded the honorary Lt. Colonel rank in 2011, highlighting a tradition of honouring sports icons.
• Symbolic Significance: The recognition enhances civil-military relations, encourages youth participation in national service, and underscores India’s respect for excellence beyond the battlefield.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month – April 2025

• Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2025, following a series of standout performances in the Test series against Zimbabwe.
• This marks his first win of the prestigious award and places him among the top cricketers from Bangladesh, becoming the third to achieve this honor.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named the April 2025 Player of the Month for his exceptional all-round performance in the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
• Miraz triumphed over Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) and Ben Sears (New Zealand) for the award, after producing match-winning contributions with both bat and ball.

Key Highlights of Performance

• Runs Scored: 116 runs across 2 Tests, with an average of 38.66.
• Wickets Taken: 15 wickets, at an impressive average of 11.86.
• Displayed consistent all-round skills, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s victory in the series.

Static Information

• Award: ICC Men’s Player of the Month
• Announced by: International Cricket Council (ICC)
• Country Represented: Bangladesh
• Age: 27 years

Pakistan’s Participation in Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Doubt Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

• The National Federation is awaiting a government advisory, but Pakistan’s spot at the Hero Asia Cup (Rajgir, Bihar | Aug 27–Sep 7, 2025) is uncertain due to heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor retaliatory strikes.

Key Highlights:

• Government Directive Pending: HI will adhere strictly to government advice, as in past crises.
• Tournament Details:
  • Dates & Venue: August 27–September 7, 2025, Rajgir, Bihar.
  • Teams Scheduled: India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman, Chinese Taipei.
  • Stakes: Asia Cup winner earns a direct World Cup qualifier berth for Netherlands & Belgium, Aug 14–30, 2026.
• Security Flashpoint:
  • Pahalgam Attack: Claimed 26 lives, prompting visa revocations and expulsion of Pakistani nationals.
  • Operation Sindoor: India’s missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan/PoK, followed by mutual drone/missile exchanges.
  • Ceasefire: Agreed May 10 after DGMO-level talks.
• Political Conditions:
  • PM’s Stance: Engagement hinges on “clear evidence of action against terrorism” by Pakistan.
  • Federation Source: “If no all-clear from government, Pakistan will not travel to India.”
• Contingency Plans:
  • Six-Team Format or Replacement: Asian Hockey Federation to decide if the event proceeds with six teams or invites a replacement (last done in 2016 Junior World Cup, when Malaysia filled Pakistan’s spot).
• Broader Implications:
  • Puts Junior World Cup (Chennai/Madurai, Nov 28–Dec 10) Pakistan participation in question.
  • Intensifies the India-Pakistan sporting rivalry, with both nations vying for their fourth Asia Cup title (South Korea holds five).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Jose Mujica, Former President of Uruguay and Rebel Leader, Passed away    

• Jose Mujica was a former guerrilla leader and President of Uruguay (2010-2015).

About Jose Mujica :

• Nicknamed "Pepe", Mujica was known for his modest lifestyle, famously driving a beat-up VW Beetle and living in a small farmhouse rather than the presidential residence.
• Mujica led the leftist government and enacted progressive reforms that gained global attention.

Key reforms during his presidency

• Legalized gay marriage
• Legalized early pregnancy abortions
• Supported legalization of marijuana sales
• These reforms were pioneering in Latin America, especially in a largely Catholic region.
• Mujica was elected president at age 74, despite concerns about his age and radical past.
• He was a former leader of the Tupamaros, a leftist guerrilla group active in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Mujica spent nearly 15 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement, including harsh conditions such as lying in an old horse trough.
• After democracy was restored in 1985, Mujica was released and returned to politics.
• He later served as Agriculture Minister in the government of President Tabaré Vázquez (before Mujica’s presidency).
• Mujica was married to Lucia Topolansky, his long-term partner and fellow former Tupamaro, who served as Vice President of Uruguay (2017-2020).

Padma Shri awardee scientist Subbanna Ayyappan found dead in a river in Karnataka

• Subbanna Ayyappan, renowned fisheries expert and Padma Shri awardee, was found dead in the Cauvery river on May 10, three days after going missing from his Mysuru residence.
• His body was recovered near Sai Ashram in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka. He was 70 years old.

About Subbanna Ayyappan:

• Ayyappan was known as the architect of India’s Blue Revolution, a movement that significantly increased fish production through scientific aquaculture.
• His leadership contributed to improving rural livelihoods and ensuring food security in India's coastal and inland regions.
• He was the first fisheries scientist to serve as Director General of ICAR, a position typically held by crop scientists.

He held several prestigious positions:

• Director of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar.
• Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai.
• Founding CEO of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.
• Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
• Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal.
• At the time of his death, he was the Chairman of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
• He received the Padma Shri in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to fisheries and agricultural research.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day Of Families 2025 - May 15

• International Day of Families is celebrated every year on May 15.
• This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of Family. Family is a basic thing that every human needs nowadays.
• This day was announced by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) in 1993.

History 

• International Day Of Families 2025 was first observed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the year 1994. International Day Of Families 2025 was observed as a global observance.
• The United Nations focuses on the importance of families like health, wealth, work-life balance, women’s rights, etc.
• International Day Of Families 2025 is celebrated as the thirtieth anniversary of International Day Of Families by the United Nations.
• In 1985, the Economic and Social Council invited the General Assembly to conduct the forty-first session named “Families in the Development Process”.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 16

• On National Technology Day 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched the first-ever cluster of five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds aimed at reducing emissions in the cement sector, a major contributor to industrial CO₂ emissions
• The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment hosted the Inclusive India Summit 2025 on May 15 at the India International Centre, New Delhi, in hybrid format to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
• At the Bharat 6G 2025 conference in New Delhi, Union MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani announced that India has secured a place among the top six nations globally for filing 6G technology patents, underscoring the country’s dedication to next-generation telecom innovation
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a sixth semiconductor fabrication unit—a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn—near Jewar airport in the YEIDA region
• ReNew Power announced a ₹22,000 crore investment to develop the country’s largest single-site Renewable Energy (RE) complex at Bethapalle village, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
• Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria was awarded the 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking work in developing biological seed and soil treatments that significantly boost crop yields while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
• India has strengthened its ground-based space surveillance systems through a strategic partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been honoured with the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel title in the Territorial Army by the Indian Governmen
• Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2025, following a series of standout performances in the Test series against Zimbabwe
• The National Federation is awaiting a government advisory, but Pakistan’s spot at the Hero Asia Cup (Rajgir, Bihar | Aug 27–Sep 7, 2025) is uncertain due to heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor retaliatory strikes
• The number of Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) cancellations more than tripled to 162.3 lakh in April 2025 compared to the previous month.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to release $1.3 billion to Bangladesh in June after completing the fourth review of its $4.7-billion loan program.
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation dropped to a nine-month low of 0.85% in April from 2.05% in March.
• State-owned Canara Bank and Union Bank of India have announced special deposit schemes to boost resource mobilisation amid slowing deposit growth.
• On May 14, 2025, Russia sentenced Grigory Melkonyants, a high-profile election monitor, to five years in a general regime prison colony.
• Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as Chairman of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
• Harvansh Chawla appointed as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
• Cambodia and China began their largest-ever joint military exercises on May 14, 2025, which will continue until May 28, 2025.
• Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) is a joint lunar exploration mission by ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan) focusing on deep exploration of the Moon's surface, especially for water and water-ice.
• Jose Mujica was a former guerrilla leader and President of Uruguay (2010-2015).
• Subbanna Ayyappan, renowned fisheries expert and Padma Shri awardee, was found dead in the Cauvery river on May 10, three days after going missing from his Mysuru residence.
• International Day of Families is celebrated every year on May 15.