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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) nearly doubles to $6.8 billion in April 2025: RBI data

• India’s outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments nearly doubled to $6.8 billion in April 2025, compared to $3.58 billion in April 2024.
• Sequentially, outward FDI commitments increased from $5.9 billion in March 2025 to $6.8 billion in April 2025.
• Outbound FDI commitments are categorized into three components:

1. Equity commitments
2. Loan commitments
3. Guarantees

• Equity commitments rose significantly to $2.72 billion in April 2025 from $740 million in April 2024, and slightly from $2.53 billion in March 2025.
• Loan commitments increased more than three-fold to $1.16 billion in April 2025, compared to $687.33 million in April 2024, but were lower than $2.12 billion in March 2025.
• Guarantees for overseas units increased to $2.98 billion in April 2025, up from $2.16 billion in April 2024 and $1.23 billion in March 2025.
• All data is sourced from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

India’s Exports Rise by 9% in April 2025 Despite US Tariff Concerns

• India’s Merchandise exports rose by 9% YoY to $38.49 billion in April 2025, marking the highest in six months.
• Services exports increased to $35.31 billion in April 2025 from $30.18 billion in April 2024.
• Imports rose by 19.12% to $64.91 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $26.42 billion (five-month high).
• Exports to the United States surged by 27% YoY to $8.4 billion, driven by tariff-related uncertainty.
• The US had announced temporary reciprocal tariffs on April 2, 2025, later suspended for 90 days, prompting Indian exporters to accelerate shipments.

Top-performing export sectors:

• Electronics: Up by 39.51% to $3.69 billion.
• Engineering goods: Up by 11.28% to $9.51 billion.
• Other positive sectors include gems & jewellery, pharmaceuticals, marine products, ready-made garments, tea, and coffee.
• The growth reflects India’s resilience in key sectors amid global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties.
• India remains a major exporter of engineering goods, software services, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, with the US as a significant export destination.

Bill Gates to Give Away Entire Fortune and Wind Up Foundation by 2045

• Bill Gates announced his plan to donate nearly all of his estimated US$200 billion fortune over the next two decades.
• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to shut down by December 31, 2045.
• The announcement came on the 25th anniversary of the foundation, which was established in 2000 by Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda French Gates, later joined by Warren Buffett.
• The decision follows the Trump administration’s move to cut funding for health, foreign aid, and public assistance programs—key areas supported by the foundation—raising concerns about potential global health setbacks.
• Since its inception, the foundation has donated US$100 billion, contributing to saving millions of lives and supporting major global health programs like:
• Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance
• The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

President Murmu Invokes Article 143 on Governor’s Assent Powers

• President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 143 of the Indian Constitution to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion.
• This move was triggered by an April 8, 2025 Supreme Court judgment which held the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in assenting to Bills as unconstitutional.
• The President referred 14 key constitutional questions concerning the powers of Governors and the President in dealing with State legislation under Articles 200 and 201.

Background and Trigger

• The Tamil Nadu government had petitioned against Governor R.N. Ravi for delaying action on 10 re-passed Bills.
• The Supreme Court, invoking Article 142, declared the Governor’s inaction illegal and deemed that the Bills had received assent.
• The Presidential Reference aims to clarify the scope of Article 142, the discretionary powers of constitutional authorities, and judicial limitations.

Key Constitutional Questions Referred

1. What are the Governor’s constitutional options under Article 200 when a Bill is presented?
2. Is the Governor bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers?
3. Is the Governor’s discretion under Article 200 subject to judicial review?
4. Does Article 361 (immunity for President/Governors) bar judicial review of actions under Article 200?
5. In the absence of a time limit, can courts impose deadlines or direct how Governors exercise power?
6. Is the President’s discretion under Article 201 justiciable?
7. Can judicial orders prescribe timelines and directions for the President’s actions under Article 201?
8. Is the President required to consult the SC before assenting to a Bill reserved under Article 201?
9. Can courts intervene in the legislative process before a Bill becomes law?
10. Can the President’s or Governor’s constitutional powers be overridden by courts using Article 142?
11. Is a State Bill valid law without the Governor’s formal assent?
12. Should such cases be automatically referred to a Constitution Bench under Article 145(3)?
13. Does Article 142 allow issuing directions that contradict substantive constitutional provisions?
14. Can disputes between the Centre and States be resolved by the SC other than via Article 131 (original suits)?

Relevant Constitutional Provisions

Amit Shah Inaugurates Upgraded ₹500 Crore Multi-Agency Centre

• Union Home Minister shri Amit Shah unveiled the modernised Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in New Delhi.
• Developed at a cost of ₹500 crore under the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the revamped MAC integrates 28 security and intelligence agencies into an AI-powered, real-time information-sharing grid to counter terrorism, organised crime, and cyber threats.

Key Highlights:

• Participating Agencies:
  • Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
  • Armed Forces
  • State Police & Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
  • Border Security Force (BSF)
• Technological Capabilities:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for advanced analytics.
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) integration enabling hotspot mapping and spatial analysis.
• Core Objectives:
  • Strengthen India’s response to terrorism, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), cyber threats, and organised crime.
  • Enhance coordination and data sharing across multiple agencies.
• Related Initiatives:
  • Operation Sindoor 2025 showcased in-field synergy between intelligence and armed forces.
  • Recent anti-Naxal operations along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border highlight MAC’s role in operational coordination.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a series of development projects and welfare schemes worth over Rs 800 crore in Bihar on the occasion of International Cooperative Day.
• On March 31, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, unveiled a grand statue of Maharaja Agrasen, inaugurated a new ICU facility, and laid the foundation stone for a PG hostel in Hisar, Haryana.

Honduras Inaugurates Embassy in New Delhi, Strengthening India–Central America Relations

• The Republic of Honduras officially opened its Embassy in New Delhi, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Honduran counterpart Eduardo Enrique Reina García presiding over the ceremony.
• The new diplomatic mission marks a milestone in bilateral ties, paving the way for enhanced trade, development cooperation, and strategic partnership.

Key Highlights:

• Solidarity Against Terrorism: Honduras publicly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, a gesture appreciated by India’s leadership.

• Diplomatic Milestone: Embassy opening reflects a shared vision since the establishment of ties on September 28, 1994, and signals India’s outreach to Latin America.
• Bilateral trade at USD 310 million, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and machinery.
• Imports include coffee, wood, and leather.
• Identified growth sectors: agribusiness, renewable energy, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.
• Recent 5G partnership between Hondatel and Reliance Jio enhances digital connectivity and innovation.
• India’s assistance during Tropical Storm SARA (2024) and COVID-19 relief underscores humanitarian support.
• Ongoing technical projects include climate-resilient sanitation (India-UNDP Fund) and agricultural irrigation via Indian lines of credit.
• Honduras serves as India’s gateway to Central America, while India provides a bridge to Asia.
• Both countries share a commitment to South–South cooperation under frameworks like CELAC.

Shri Amit Shah Inaugurates ₹708 Crore Development Works in Gandhinagar and Highlights ‘Operation Sindoor’ Success

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth ₹708 crore in Gandhinagar alongside a benefit-distribution programme of the Department of Posts.
• In his address, he also celebrated the decisive victory of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s retaliatory strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Highlights:

• Postal Benefit Distribution: Certificates and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) handed out to postal-scheme beneficiaries, underscoring commitment to inclusive welfare.
• Terrorism Response History:
  • Uri (2016): Surgical strikes as a symbolic response.
  • Pulwama (2019): Air strike warning.
  • Pahalgam (2025): Prompted Operation Sindoor to destroy terror camps.
• Operation Sindoor Achievements:
  • 100 km incursion into Pakistan territory—first since independence.
  • Nine terrorist hideouts (Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba) razed.
  • Multiple Pakistani airbases struck (15 locations), neutralising aerial attack capability.
• Air Defence Excellence: India’s perfected air-defence systems intercepted all incoming missiles and drones, preventing damage on Indian soil.
• Global and Political Impact:
  • Operation Sindoor named to symbolize India’s cultural heritage (“sindoor” as a mark of respect).
  • Demonstrated strong political will and military precision, earning international acclaim.
• Tribute to Armed Forces: Shri Shah congratulated the Army, Navy, and Air Force, affirming national pride in their valour, restraint, and operational excellence under PM Modi’s guidance.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, will launch the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on January 7, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal to Attend BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil

• Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal will represent India at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília on 19 May 2025, under the theme “Empowering Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance.”

Key Highlights:

• Discussion Agenda: Energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability among BRICS nations.
• India’s Showcase:
  • 90% increase in power generation capacity over the past decade.
  • Global leadership in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels.
  • Innovations in smart grids, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.
• Commitment Reaffirmed: Ensuring equitable access to energy and accelerating the energy transition in line with national and global climate goals.
• Strategic Collaboration: Strengthening India’s role in building a future-oriented, sustainable energy framework through active cooperation with fellow BRICS members.

RECENT NEWS

• Harvansh Chawla, Founder and Managing Partner of K.R. Chawla & Co. Advocates, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI).
• The 11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting, held on April 25, 2025, in Brasília under Brazil’s Presidency, has garnered significant attention for addressing crucial issues related to the future of work.
• India played a leading role at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil, on April 3, 2025, calling for stronger climate cooperation among BRICS nations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Himalayan Yala Glacier in Langtang, Nepal, Officially Declared Dead

• The Yala Glacier in Langtang, Nepal has been officially declared dead, marking a significant loss in the global climate crisis.
• The declaration took place on May 12, 2025, with a memorial ceremony attended by scientists, local communities, and monks.
• This is the first glacier in Asia to receive a memorial plaque.

Key Highlights :

• The Yala Glacier has lost 66% of its mass and retreated 784 meters since the 1970s.
• The memorial plaque features messages in English, Nepali, and Tibetan, authored by Andri Snaer Magnason and Manjushree Thapa.
• Over 50 people attended the glacier funeral, including representatives from Nepal, India, China, and Bhutan.
• Yala Glacier is the third glacier worldwide to be memorialized after OK Glacier (Iceland) and Ayoloco Glacier (Mexico).
• It served as a crucial training site for over 100 glaciologists and provided in-situ data for cryosphere research.
• The glacier is one of 38 glaciers with detailed measurement records and one of 7 glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) with decadal monitoring.
• The ceremony was coordinated by ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development).
• Since 1975, Earth's mountain glaciers have lost approximately 9 trillion tonnes of ice.
• CO₂ levels reached 426 ppm in May 2025, correlating with rising global temperatures.
• 2025 marks the third consecutive year of below-normal snow cover in the HKH region.
• Snow persistence in the Ganga basin is 24.1% below normal, the lowest in 23 years, threatening water availability in South Asia.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban Coffee Table Book Released in Kohima

• Government of Nagaland released a Coffee Table Book titled “Transforming Lives: A Glance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission in Nagaland”.
• The event aimed to highlight the achievements and impact of the PMAY-U scheme in the state.

Highlights of the Launch Event

• Date & Venue: at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
• Released by: Zhaleo Rio, Advisor, Municipal Affairs & Urban Development.
• Chaired by: Kekhrievor Kevichusa, Commissioner & Secretary, MAUD.
• Special Features:
  • Opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha.
  • Musical performance by the band TRUISM.
  • Vote of thanks by Temjenrenla Kichu, Joint Director, Municipal Affairs Department.

About the Coffee Table Book

• Title: Transforming Lives: A Glance of PMAY (Urban) Mission in Nagaland.
• Purpose: To document success stories, community impact, and the progress made under PMAY-U in urban Nagaland.
• Content:
  • Visual and narrative presentation of beneficiary stories.
  • Insights into implementation challenges and urban transformation.

About PMAY-U (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban)

• Launched: June 25, 2015.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Objective: To ensure “Housing for All” in urban areas by 2022.

Key Components of PMAY-U

• In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR)
• Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)
• Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)
• Beneficiary-led Individual House Construction (BLC)

RECENT NEWS

• The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) has been honored with the SKOCH Award 2024, a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding contributions to national development. The award was presented during the 100th SKOCH Summit held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on February 15, 2025.

Union Minister Lays Foundation for ₹42.4 Crore Integrated Aquapark & Inaugurates Fish Festival in Tripura

• Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (MoFAH&D & Panchayati Raj) will inaugurate a one-day Fish Festival at Agartala and lay the foundation for a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura—both under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Key Highlights:

• Distribution of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) to eligible fishers and fish farmers.
• Recognition of Best Cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and fisheries start-ups under PMMSY.
• Integrated hub offering hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing, training, and marketing.
• Operates on a hub-and-spoke model, tailored to regional needs.
• Value-chain development and livelihood generation, with a focus on youth and women.
• Modernizes fish production, processing, and market access in Tripura.
• Tripura’s high per-capita fish consumption (29 kg/year) and PMMSY support of ₹319 crore over the past decade.
• Underlines the state’s role as a front-runner in India’s Blue Revolution.

Dignitaries Present:

• Shri George Kurian, MoS MoFAH&D & Minority Affairs.
• Shri Sudhangshu Das, Tripura Fisheries Minister.

RECENT NEWS

• In a landmark development on January 28, 2025, Tripura became the first northeastern state to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Every year on January 21, the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura celebrate their Statehood Day, marking the historic moment they attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act of 1971.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Anurag Bhushan Named India’s New Envoy to Sweden

• Anurag Bhushan, a 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden.
• Currently, he is serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), heading the Emigration Policy and Welfare (EP&W) Division.
• His posting to Stockholm is considered important due to the growing ties between India and Sweden in the areas of innovation, sustainability, and education.
• The appointment order was issued by the MEA on May 15, 2025.
• Bhushan has been actively involved in India’s labour and migration diplomacy, notably co-chairing the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee Meeting on Labour Cooperation.
• He served as Regional Passport Officer (RPO) between 2010 and 2013, showcasing his administrative acumen.
• His academic excellence and experience equip him with the ability to navigate complex diplomatic challenges with clarity and strategic foresight.

HPE India names Bhawna Agarwal as Senior Vice President and Managing Director   

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has appointed Bhawna Agarwal as the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD) of HPE India, effective immediately.
• Bhawna Agarwal will report to Heiko Meyer, who is the Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer.
• She succeeds Som Satsangi, who is retiring after more than 27 years of service at HPE.
• Som Satsangi will remain with HPE until July 2025. He became the Managing Director of HPE India in 2016.
• Bhawna Agarwal joined HPE in 2019, initially to lead the Compute Business Unit and Growth team.
• For the past year, Agarwal has been heading Account Management and Industry Verticals for India.

About HPE :

• Founded : November 1, 2015
• Headquarters : Texas, United States
• President & CEO : Antonio Neri
• Chairwoman : Patricia Fiorello Russo

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Punjab National Bank to divest entire stake in Isarc for ₹34 crore to streamline its portfolio   

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed an agreement to sell its entire stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (Isarc) for ₹34.04 crore.
• The deal involves the sale of 2.09 crore shares at ₹16.29 per share.
• The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of the 2025–26 financial year.
• This move is part of PNB’s strategy to streamline its investment portfolio by focusing on its core banking operations and exiting non-core investments.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a change in sponsor and equity infusion from Authum Investment and Infrastructure Limited, which will take over PNB’s shareholding in ISARC.
• Isarc is jointly promoted by SIDBI, Bank of Baroda, PNB, and SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd.
• Isarc’s main focus is on reviving distressed assets in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
• In FY24, Isarc reported:
• Capital base: ₹129.68 crore
• Assets: ₹130.11 crore
• Income: ₹18.08 crore
• Profit before tax: ₹10.65 crore
• Profit after tax: ₹9.37 crore

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Minister to Head Indian Delegation at 17th Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia

• Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth will lead the Indian delegation at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025).
• The event is being held at Langkawi, Malaysia, from May 20 to 24, 2025.
• An Indian Pavilion will be set up at LIMA 2025 and will be inaugurated by the Raksha Rajya Mantri.
• Major Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) participating include:
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
• Bharat Dynamics Limited
• BEML
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
• Gliders India Limited
• Private defence companies will also participate, showcasing the prowess of the Indian defence industry.
• Indian defence assets such as the Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship will be part of the exhibition.
• On the sidelines, Raksha Rajya Mantri will meet Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established during the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to India in 2024.

About LIMA :

• LIMA was established in 1991 and is held biennially.
• It is one of the largest and most significant maritime & aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India’s First Human Deep Sea Mission ‘Samudrayaan’ Set for Launch by 2026

• Samudrayaan is India’s first manned deep ocean mission, scheduled for launch by 2026.
• The mission uses the indigenously developed submersible vehicle, MATSYA 6000, capable of exploring depths up to 6,000 meters.

Objectives of Samudrayaan:

• Developing a manned submersible for deep ocean exploration.
• Collecting deep-sea samples related to marine biodiversity, ocean geology, and chemistry.
• Exploring living and non-living marine resources, including minerals and polymetallic nodules.
• Demonstrating India’s engineering capabilities in high-pressure underwater vehicles.
• Potentially enabling deep-sea tourism in the future.
• Strengthening India’s strategic position in global ocean research and diplomacy.

Key Highlights :

• Background : The mission is part of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• DOM has a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
• The mission is led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.

Key Features of MATSYA 6000 :

• MATSYA 6000 is a fourth-generation, indigenously developed manned submersible:
• Carries three crew members.
• Has an operational endurance of 12 hours and an emergency endurance of 96 hours.
• Deployment and recovery are managed by the research vessel Sagar Nidhi.

Significance:

• Enhances scientific research of deep-sea ecosystems and geology.
• Boosts resource exploration of minerals and polymetallic nodules.
• Demonstrates India’s technological advancement in ocean engineering.
• Strengthens India’s strategic and diplomatic position in global maritime affairs.
• Joins India with countries like the US, Russia, France, Japan, and China with manned deep-sea exploration capabilities.

About DOM :

• Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) includes six components:

1. Manned submersible development
2. Biodiversity exploration
3. Mining
4. Climate advisory services
5. Marine biology research
6. Advanced ocean observation

• DOM supports India’s Blue Economy by promoting sustainable exploration and utilization of ocean resources.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Collaborates with Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet P to Boost Climate-Tech Entrepreneurship in India

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s clean energy and manufacturing sectors.

Key Details:

• Duration: 2-year partnership, extendable based on progress.
• Objective: Support early-stage climate-tech startups by providing:
  • Access to funding
  • Mentorship
  • Pilot project opportunities
  • Market linkages
• Goal: Build a strong pipeline of scalable and investable ventures that align with India’s net-zero emission targets.

Major Initiatives under the MoU:

• Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE):
  • A competitive platform launched by GEAPP offering up to $500,000 in rewards for impactful climate-tech solutions.
  • Investment facilitation through partners like Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital.
• DPIIT’s Role:
  • Connect ENTICE with Startup India network.
  • Anchor outreach through key government schemes to maximize impact.

RECENT NEWS

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Mercedes-Benz India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance manufacturing, road safety, and sustainability in India.
• India’s DPIIT and South Korea’s KOTI signed an MoU on February 10, 2025, to enhance logistics and infrastructure collaboration. The partnership focuses on knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and master planning under PM GatiShakti.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Neeraj Chopra Crosses 90 m Mark but Finishes Second in Doha Diamond League 2025

• In a landmark performance, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian and only the third Asian to breach the 90 m barrier in men’s javelin, recording 23 m at the Doha leg of the Diamond League.
• Despite leading for most of the competition, he was overtaken in the final round by Germany’s Julian Weber, who threw 06 m.

Key Highlights:

• Historic Throw: Chopra’s 90.23 m (3rd attempt) surpassed his previous best of 89.94 m, marking a major career milestone.
• Final Standing: Finished 2nd, edged out by Julian Weber’s 91.06 m world-leading throw in the last round.
• Diamond League Consistency: Following his 2023 Doha win (88.67 m) and 2024 runner-up finish (88.36 m), Chopra once again secured a podium spot.
• Other Podium Finishers: Julian Weber (GER) – 91.06 m; Anderson Peters (GRN) – 84.65 m. Fellow Indian Kishore Jena placed 8th with 78.60 m.
• Outlook: This performance underscores Chopra’s technical excellence and bolsters his confidence for achieving consistent 90 m+ throws in upcoming meets.

RECENT NEWS

• In a proud moment for Indian sports and defence, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.

Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic

• Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa won his first-ever Grand Chess Tour event by taking the Superbet Classic 2025 crown in Bucharest, Romania.
• In a dramatic playoff, the 18-year-old prevailed in a blitz tiebreak to outclass top rivals after all three leaders finished the classical rounds on 5.5 points.

Key Highlights:

• Historic Milestone: First Grand Chess Tour title for Praggnanandhaa, joining India’s elite in global chess.
• Tiebreak Details:
  • Format: Blitz (5 min + 2 sec increment).
  • Sequence: Two drawn games followed by Praggnanandhaa’s win against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the final blitz.
• Prize Money: $77,667 (~₹66 lakh) awarded to the champion.
• Coaching & Preparation: Acknowledged support from GM R.B. Ramesh and GM Vaibhav Suri for his tactical readiness under blitz pressure.
• Significance: Reinforces Praggnanandhaa’s emergence as a serious world-class contender and elevates India’s standing on the elite chess circuit.

RECENT NEWS

• R Praggnanandhaa emerged as the champion of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament held in the Netherlands on February 2, 2025. He defeated D Gukesh 2-1 in a thrilling tie-breaker, claiming his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Metrology Day 2025 - May 20

• World Metrology Day is celebrated on May 20
• This day is observed to raise the importance of Metrology. Metrology Day is prompted by the Measurements Standards Laboratory (MSL).
• The theme for World Metrology Day 2025 is "Measurements for all times, for all people." 

History

• The first World Metrology Day was held in 1961.
• The World Metrological Organization came into force in 1950.
• World Metrology Day commemorates the renowned meter convention in Paris, France in the year 1875.
• After the convention, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures(BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology(OIML) were established to ensure the importance of metrology.
•  The function of the World Metrological Organization is important to people’s health and safety.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 18 & 19

• President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 143 of the Indian Constitution to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the modernised Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in New Delhi.
• The Republic of Honduras officially opened its Embassy in New Delhi, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Honduran counterpart Eduardo Enrique Reina García presiding over the ceremony.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth ₹708 crore in Gandhinagar alongside a benefit-distribution programme of the Department of Posts
• Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal will represent India at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília on 19 May 2025, under the theme “Empowering Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance.”
• Government of Nagaland released a Coffee Table Book titled “Transforming Lives: A Glance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission in Nagaland”.
• Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (MoFAH&D & Panchayati Raj) will inaugurate a one-day Fish Festival at Agartala and lay the foundation for a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura—both under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s clean energy and manufacturing sectors.
• In a landmark performance, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian and only the third Asian to breach the 90 m barrier in men’s javelin, recording 90.23 m at the Doha leg of the Diamond League.
• Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa won his first-ever Grand Chess Tour event by taking the Superbet Classic 2025 crown in Bucharest, Romania.
• India’s outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments nearly doubled to $6.8 billion in April 2025, compared to $3.58 billion in April 2024.
• India’s Merchandise exports rose by 9% YoY to $38.49 billion in April 2025, marking the highest in six months.
• Bill Gates announced his plan to donate nearly all of his estimated US$200 billion fortune over the next two decades.
• The Yala Glacier in Langtang, Nepal has been officially declared dead, marking a significant loss in the global climate crisis.
• Anurag Bhushan, a 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden.
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has appointed Bhawna Agarwal as the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD) of HPE India, effective immediately.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed an agreement to sell its entire stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (Isarc) for ₹34.04 crore.
• Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth will lead the Indian delegation at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025).
• Samudrayaan is India’s first manned deep ocean mission, scheduled for launch by 2026.
• World Metrology Day is celebrated on May 20