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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank of India Raised Concerns Over IndusInd Bank’s Weak Internal Audit System in FY23: Sources

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) flagged the ineffectiveness of IndusInd Bank’s Internal Audit Department (IAD) in its 2022-23 Annual Inspection Report.
• The IAD was understaffed, and its weak structure appeared deliberate.

Key Highlights :

• Accounting Discrepancies:Multiplediscrepancies in derivatives and micro loan portfolios were disclosed only in March 2025.
• An incorrect recording of ₹674 crore as interest income over three quarters of FY25 was later reversed on January 10, 2025.
• Estimated Losses:External agencies, including E&Y, estimated losses around ₹2,000 crore due to incorrect trading practices in the micro loan book.
• The derivative portfolio, under review in 2024, was valued at ₹1,530 crore with potential losses.
• Management Fallout:Former MD & CEO Sumant Kathpalia resigned, taking responsibility for issues.
• A former Deputy CEO was brought in April 2025 to address concerns.
• External Reviews Initiated:The bank appointed PwC to assess financial impact and Grant Thornton for a root-cause analysis.
• Disclosure Failures:The bank failed to disclose issues comprehensively and timely, even after the initial derivatives issue.
• Potential RBI Action: The RBI may appoint its own executive on the board (as done with RBL Bank in 2019).
• Future Assessment: The RBI will investigate whether the accounting discrepancies and derivative losses amount to fraud.

About RBI :

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

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Imposes ₹1 Crore Fine on Acko General Insurance    

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Acko General Insurance.
• Reason for Penalty:Violation of regulations on outsourcing activities.
• Breach of norms related to payment of commission, remuneration, or reward to insurance agents and intermediaries.
• Compliance Instructions:IRDAI ordered that the penalty order must be placed before Acko’s board in the upcoming board meeting.
• The insurer is required to provide a copy of the minutes of the discussion to IRDAI.
• Action Taken Report: Acko General Insurance must submit an action taken report within 90 days from the date of the penalty order.

Recent News :

• In March 2025, The IRDAI 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 IRDAI:

• Headquarters (HQ): Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Chairperson: Debasish Panda
• Founded: 1999

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

India Set to Become World’s Leading Potato Producer by 2050

• India is projected to overtake China and become the largest potato producer globally by 2050, with production expected to reach 100 million tonnes annually.
• This growth is being attributed to scientific innovation, government-backed reforms, and a long-standing partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP).

Key Highlights:

• Current and Projected Output: India currently produces 60 million tonnes of potatoes annually; this is projected to rise to 100 million tonnes by 2050.
• Global Recognition: The projection was made during the International Symposium on Root and Tuber Crops Research and Development in India and South Asia, highlighting India’s increasing global prominence in potato cultivation.
• Institutional Collaboration: India has a 50-year strategic partnership with the Peru-based CIP, which is credited for driving advances in potato farming.
• Government Support: The Indian government is focusing on investment in research and innovation, and promoting food and incomesecurity through agriculture.
• Climate Resilience: Tuber crops, including potatoes, are recognized for their low water requirement, climate adaptability, and nutritional value.
• Strategic Impact:

• Promoting rural development and farm-level employment.
• Supporting cooperative models and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
• Aligning with India’s nutrition and climate goals through expanded cultivation of tuber crops.

Centre Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Cases

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a new tech-based initiative called e-Zero FIR to strengthen India’s cybercrime response system.
• Announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah the project has been introduced as a pilot in Delhi and is designed to automatically convert high-value cyber financial fraud complaints into Zero FIRs, enabling quicker investigations.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To accelerate the registration and investigation of cyber financial frauds involving losses above ₹10 lakh.
• Automation via I4C: Under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the system will:

• Automatically convert complaints received via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930 into Zero FIRs.
• Route the FIRs to the appropriate cybercrime police station.
• Require the complainant to visit the police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.

Zero FIR Mechanism:

• A Zero FIR can be lodged at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction, and later transferred to the correct station.
• Ensures speed and flexibility in filing cybercrime cases.

Significance:

• Reduces delays in FIR registration caused by manual verification.
• Promotes real-time coordination between agencies.
• Enhances accountability and transparency in cybercrime handling.
• Part of the government’s broader vision to build a cyber-secure India.

Helpline & Portal:

• 1930: Dedicated helpline for financial cyber fraud.
• www.cybercrime.gov.in: National Cybercrime Reporting Portal for lodging complaints.

Centre Launches Special Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has introduced a pilot apprenticeship scheme to enhance employment-linked skill training for youth in the northeastern region.
• Launched in Aizawl in partnership with the Mizoram government, the scheme provides an additional ₹1,500 monthly stipend on top of the existing National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) allowances, benefiting 26,000 youth over a 12-month
• The program focuses on overcoming mobility barriers, promoting female participation, and aligning regional talent with industry demands.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To promote industry-based apprenticeship training and provide financial support to overcome logistical challenges.
• Beneficiaries:26,000 youth from northeastern states.
• Financial Support: Additional ₹1,500 per month besides the existing ₹1,500 under NAPS, totaling ₹3,000 monthly stipend.
• Duration & Funding: The scheme runs for 12 months with a total outlay of ₹43.94 crore, including ₹4 crore for outreach and implementation.
• Implementing Agencies: Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Guwahati, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), supported by State Skill Missions and local institutions.
• Significance: Addresses regional challenges like mobility and employment access, fosters female apprenticeship participation, and creates a clear skill-to-employment pipeline in the northeast.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Ash Plume Soars 6 Km Above Summit

• Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the tourist island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, erupted, spewing an ash cloud 1.2 kilometres high.
• The volcano erupted twice — shortly after midnight and again.
• The alert level for the volcano was raised to the highest level in Indonesia’s four-tiered alert system on Sunday evening.
• The volcano's height is 1,584 metres (5,197 feet) and it is part of a twin-peaked volcano:
• Lewotobi Laki-Laki (means “man”)
• Perempuan (means “woman”, taller at 1,703 metres (5,587 feet))
• The Indonesian geological agency head, Muhammad Wafid, warned that the volcano's activity remains high, with potential for a larger eruption.
• Previous eruptions sent ash clouds as high as 6 kilometres above the peak.
• Residents were advised to wear face masks to protect against volcanic ash and to avoid any activity within 6 kilometres of the crater.
• There is a risk of hazardous lahar floods (mud and debris flows), especially if heavy rains occur near rivers originating from the volcano.
• In November, 2024 multiple eruptions from Lewotobi Laki-Laki caused 9 deaths, flight cancellations to Bali, and the evacuation of thousands.
• Indonesia lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", making it prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

About Indonesia :

• President :Prabowo Subianto
• Capital :Jakarta
• Currency :Indonesian rupiah

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Mizoram Declared India’s First Fully Literate State

• Mizoram achieved the milestone of becoming the first state in India to attain 100% literacy, as formally announced by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma in Aizawl.
• This success is attributed to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram, which mobilized volunteers, educators, and government agencies to educate every remaining non-literate adult.

Key Highlights:

• Official Declaration: Made by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma at Mizoram University auditorium on 20 May 2025.
• Scheme Driving Success: Under the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme) launched in 2022, targeting adults 15 years and above with a volunteer-based model.
• Literacy Achievement: State-wide literacy rate reached 98.20% according to the PFLS 2023–24 survey, up from 91.33% in the 2011 Census.
• Community Engagement: 1,692 learners brought into education through identification of 3,026 non-literate individuals; supported by 292 volunteer teachers.
• National Footprint: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteers registered on the ULLAS mobile app, reflecting the programme’s scalability.
• Strategic Significance: Aligns with NEP 2020 goals and UN SDG-4 (Quality Education), showcasing a community-driven model for adult functional literacy.

RECENT NEWS

• In a major milestone for India’s floriculture sector, particularly from the North Eastern Region (NER), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever export of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore. The consignment, consisting of 1,024 cut flowers (70 kg) in 50 corrugated boxes, was exported via Kolkata.
• Mizoram Foundation Day is observed annually on February 20 to commemorate the northeastern state’s attainment of statehood in 1987.
• Mizoram has become the first state in Northeast India to distribute property cards under the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Banu Mushtaq Wins 2025 International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp

• Banu Mushtaq, an Indian author, lawyer, and activist, has become the first writer in Kannada to win the International Booker Prize.
• Her short story collection, Heart Lamp, translated into English byDeepa Bhasthi, offers a powerful exploration of the struggles and resilience of Muslim women in southern India.

Key Highlights:

• Historic Win: Heart Lamp secured the International Booker Prize 2025 in London—the first-ever Kannada-language work to receive this award.

Book Details:

• Format: Compilation of 12 short stories (1990–2023)
• Translation: Rendered into English by Deepa Bhasthi
• Focus: Nuanced portrayal of religious orthodoxy, patriarchy, and women’s agency in Karnataka

About the Author:

• Background: Grew up bilingual in Urdu and Kannada
• Life Experience: Overcame domestic conflict and postpartum depression, transitioned from journalism to law
• Activism: Associated with the Bandaya Movement, promoting literature-driven social change

Additional Honors:

• Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award
• Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Award
• PEN Translation Prize 2024 for Haseena and Other Stories

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Senior lawyer Vikas Singh chosen as new president of Supreme Court Bar Association    

• Senior advocate Vikas Singh was elected president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
• This is Singh’s fourth term as SCBA president; he previously held the position in 2018, 2021, and 2022-23.
• Singh defeated senior advocates Adish C Aggarwala and Pradeep Kumar Rai in the elections.
• Senior advocate Kapil Sibal was the SCBA president in the previous year (2023).
• The Supreme Court had fixed May 20, 2025, for holding the SCBA Executive Committee elections based on the 2024 voter list.
• The Supreme Court directed that the SCBA secretary post be exclusively reserved for women lawyers, in addition to the one-third reservation for women members in the Executive Committee.
• Lawyers eligible as of February 28, 2025, were included in the voter list for the 2025 SCBA polls.

Sudan’s Army Chief General Abdel-Fattah Burhan Names Kamil al-Taib Idris as First Prime Minister Since April 2023 Civil War Outbreak    

• Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, appointed Kamil al-Taib Idris as the country’s first prime minister since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.
• Kamil al-Taib Idris is tasked with forming the transitional government, following the army’s regain of control of Khartoum in March 2025, ousting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the capital.
• The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, spreading across the country.
• The conflict has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths, displacement of nearly 13 million people, and a humanitarian crisis with half the population (approx. 50 million) facing hunger.
• The last prime minister, Abdalla Hamdok, resigned in 2022 amid a political deadlock and pro-democracy protests.
• Kamil Idris is a career diplomat, former director general of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization (1997–2008), and has served as Sudan’s foreign affairs minister and UN permanent representative.
• Idris also contested the 2010 Sudanese presidential election as an independent candidate against Omar al-Bashir.
• The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has announced a rival administration following a charter signed in Nairobi, Kenya, calling for a "secular, democratic, and decentralized state".
• The Sudanese army controls central, eastern, and northern Sudan, while the RSF holds western Darfur and southern regions.
• The war has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis with mass displacement and widespread violence continuing as of 2025.
• Prior to Idris' appointment, Salma Abdel Jabbar Almubarak and Nowara Abo Mohamed Mohamed Tahir were re-appointed to the ruling sovereign council by army chief Burhan.

Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Kumar Deka Granted One-Year Extension

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure of Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), for one more year.
• Tapan Kumar Deka is a 1988 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
• He was first appointed as IB chief in 2022 and this is his second extension.
• The extension is related to the evolving security situation following Operation Sindoor.
• Intelligence Bureau’s precise information helped the Indian armed forces destroy terror camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
• Deka’s original term was set to end on June 30, 2025.
• The extension was approved by the ACC, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The extension was granted under relaxation of FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of All India Services (Death cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
• These rules allow the government to extend the service of key officials, including the IB chief, RAW chief, Cabinet Secretary, and Home Secretary, beyond the superannuation age of 60 years“in public interest.”

About Intelligence Bureau :

• Formed : 23 December 1887
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Parent Agency :Ministry of Home Affairs

President appoints Karnataka High Court judge K. Somashekar as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court

• On May 20, 2025, the President of India appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a Judge of Karnataka High Court, as the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.
• The appointment was announced by Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on X (formerly Twitter).
• The appointment was made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), as per the Constitution of India.
• The three-member collegium, headed by CJI B.R. Gavai, recommended Justice Somashekar’s appointment.
• This appointment follows the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar on May 21, 2025.
• Justice Krishnakumar had been appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court in December 2024.

About Justice Somashekar :

• Justice Somashekar began his legal practice in 1990 in Mysore and Chamarajanagar Districts, handling both Civil and Criminal cases.
• He was directly appointed as District and Sessions Judge in 1998.
• He became an Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court in July 2016 and was made a permanent Judge in July 2018.

Pakistan government elevates Army Chief General Asim Munir to Field Marshal rank

• General Asim Munir, Pakistan Army Chief, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal on May 20, 2025.
• The promotion was made by the Pakistan government during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• The ceremonial five-star rank was conferred in recognition of General Munir’s leadership during the recent conflict with India.
• The promotion acknowledges his "strategic brilliance" and "courageous leadership" in ensuring national security and defeating the enemy.
• This is the first time in almost 60 years a general has been elevated to Field Marshal, after General Ayub Khan in 1965.
• The Field Marshal rank is ceremonial and signifies extraordinary wartime achievement.
• Despite the promotion, General Munir will remain the Army Chief.
• State-run PTV confirmed the decision to promote General Munir as Field Marshal.
• Alongside this, the cabinet extended the tenure of Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.
• However, the duration of the extension or the retirement implications for General Munir were not disclosed.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Develops CATS Warrior, a Combat Air Teaming System with One Fighter Pilot Controlling Two Armed Drones (UCAVs)

• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a Maharatna Defence PSU, is developing the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, featuring a single fighter pilot commanding two armed drones (UCAVs) in combat.
• The project aims to enhance India’s air combat capabilities by teaming a manned “mothership” aircraft with two unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
• This concept is being developed only by a few countries including the US, Russia, China, UK, and Australia.
• HAL is converting a Kiran jet trainer into an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) testbed to conduct data-linking trials and ensure seamless coordination with manned aircraft.
• The second cockpit of the Kiran, originally for a trainer pilot, is being equipped with complex systems to control the two UCAVs.

Key Highlights :

• CATS Warrior Concept and CapabilitiesThe manned mothership, likely a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), will take off with two next-generation UCAVs from different locations.
• Each UCAV will weigh around 3 tonnes and carry 100-150 pounds of bombs.
• The LCA pilot will maintain full control over the two UCAVs from start to finish, enhancing operational reach, lethality, and firepower.
• The project gains significance from recent conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, highlighting drone effectiveness in modern warfare.
• Project Timeline and Development: The first flight of the Kiran testbed is expected in early next year (Q1).
• About one year will be dedicated to refining the data link for seamless communication and coordination.
• The project is a public-private partnership between HAL, DRDO, and NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT).
• Testing will involve a “pilot in loop” (ground pilot) flying the testbed remotely after initial manned flights.
• The UCAVs’ engine ground test was successfully completed on January 11 at HAL’s Bengaluru facility.
• HAL plans to co-develop the final engine; Rolls-Royce has shown interest in partnering for the small engine development.

Recent News :

• In March 2025, GE Aerospace has delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 aircraft engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd :

• Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Chairman &MD : DK Sunil

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India approves acquisition of Bajaj Allianz Life, General Insurance, and Financial Distributors by Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Holdings &Jamnalal Sons

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition of:
• Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC)
• Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited (BAGIC)
• Bajaj Allianz Financial Distributors Limited (BAFDL)
  by Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS), Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited (BHIL), and Jamnalal Sons Private Limited (JSPL).

The acquisition involves:

• 26% paid-up equity share capital of BALIC and BAGIC by BFS, BHIL, and JSPL from Allianz SE.
• 50% paid-up equity share capital of BAFDL by BFS from Allianz.

About Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS):

• A listed public limited company under the Companies Act, 1956.
• Promoter of financial services and healthcare aggregator through subsidiaries.
• Operates in consumer and SME finance, housing finance, general and life insurance, broking, mutual funds, and venture investing.
• Classified as an unregistered Core Investment Company (CIC) under RBI directions.

About Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited (BHIL):

• A listed public limited company.
• Registered with Reserve Bank of India as a Non-Banking Financial Company - Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC).
• Functions as a holding and investment company.

About Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC):

• A joint venture between BFS and Allianz.
• BFS holds 74% equity.
• Registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) since 2001.
• Provides life insurance

About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited (BAGIC):

• A joint venture between BFS and Allianz.
• BFS holds 74% equity.
• Registered with IRDAI since 2001.
• Provides general / non-life insurance

About Bajaj Allianz Financial Distributors Limited (BAFDL):

• A 50:50 joint venture between BFS and Allianz.
• Registered with IRDAI as a corporate agent (composite) for life and general insurance.
• Provides manpower and recruitment support services via its subsidiary.

About Jamnalal Sons Private Limited (JSPL):

• A private limited company.
• Classified as an unregistered Core Investment Company (CIC).

CCI approves acquisition of majority stake in Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, Plutus Wealth Management LLP, and JunomonetaFinsol Private Limited

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of majority stake/control over Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, Plutus Wealth Management LLP, and JunomonetaFinsol Private Limited (JFPL).
• The proposed combination involves acquisition of majority stake/control in Nazara Technologies Limited by the three entities:

1. Axana Estates LLP (Axana)
2. Plutus Wealth Management LLP (Plutus)
3. Junomoneta Finsol Private Limited (JFPL).

• Axana Estates LLP is an LLP incorporated in India, currently non-operational but proposes to engage in real estate, investments, and dealing in shares and securities.
• Plutus Wealth Management LLP is an LLP incorporated in India engaged in stock and commodity broking, trading, and investments.
• Junomoneta Finsol Private Limited (JFPL) is involved in proprietary stock broking and trading in equity, commodity, and derivatives markets.

About CCI:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act of 2002.
• Founded: October 14, 2003
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Shivpal Singh Faces 8-Year Ban After Second Doping Violation

• Shivpal Singh, a prominent Indian javelin thrower and Tokyo Olympian, is facing an 8-year ban after failing a dope test for the second time.
• His urine sample tested positive for a banned substance during out-of-competition testing at NIS Patiala in early 2025.
• He has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Key Highlights:

• Second Offence: This marks his second doping violation, which under WADA/NADA rules can incur up to an 8-year ban, likely ending his career if upheld.
• First Ban Details: In 2021, he tested positive for a steroid, received an initial 4-year ban, later reduced to 1 year after proving the source was contaminated supplements.
• Major Achievements: Holds a personal best of 86.23 m, won silver at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships, and represented India at Tokyo 2020.
• Post-Ban Return: Made a comeback in April 2023, securing bronze at the National Inter-State Championships and gold at the 2023 National Games in Goa.
• Out-of-Competition Test: Sample collected during training at NIS Patiala in early 2025 led to the current provisional suspension.
• Broader Significance: The case highlights the need for stringent anti-doping enforcement, greater athlete awareness on supplements, and the role of NADA’s testing mechanisms.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Eminent Astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

• Eminent astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025, at the age of 87.

About Dr. Narlikar :

• Dr. Narlikar was renowned for his pioneering contributions to cosmology, popularising science, and establishing premier research institutions in India.
• He was born on July 19, 1938, and completed early education at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father was a professor and head of the Mathematics Department.
• He joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) from 1972 to 1989, expanding the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international recognition.
• In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and served as its Founder Director until retirement in 2003.
• Under his leadership, IUCAA became a world-renowned centre for teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Narlikar was also an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA.
• In 2012, he received the Third World Academy of Sciences Prize for establishing a centre of scientific excellence.
• He was a prolific science communicator through books, articles, and radio/TV programmes, and also wrote science fiction.

Awards &Honors :

• Awarded the UNESCO Kalinga Award in 1996 for popular science communication.
• He received the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at age 26, the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, and the Maharashtra Bhushan Award in 2011.
• His autobiography was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for regional language (Marathi) literature.

M.R. Srinivasan, Pioneer of India’s Nuclear Programme, Passed Away

• M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), passed away on May 20, 2025 at the age of 95 in Udhagamandalam.

About M.R. Srinivasan :

• Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in September 1955.
• He worked closely with Homi Bhabha on the construction of India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in August 1956.
• In August 1959, he was appointed Principal Project Engineer for constructing India’s first atomic power station.
• In 1967, he became Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station.
• Held key roles including Director of Power Projects Engineering Division (1974) and Chairman of Nuclear Power Board (1984).
• Appointed Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of DAE in 1987.
• Founded the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in 1987 as its first chairman.
• Under his leadership, 18 nuclear power units were developed: 7 operational, 7 under construction, and 4 in planning.
• Recognized with the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, for his contribution to India’s nuclear energy program.
• Remembered as a key architect of India’s nuclear program with lasting impact on the country’s nuclear power development

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day For Biological Diversity 2025 - May 22

• International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 is celebrated on May 22.
• This day is observed to raise awareness about Biological Diversity.
• In December 2000, the United Nations proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biological Diversity.
• The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2025 is "Harmony with nature and sustainable development".

History

• The aim of International Day for Biological Diversity is to promote diversity issues.
• From the second Committee meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, from 1993 to 2000, International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on 29th May.
• On December 20, 2000, the day was first observed on 22nd May.
• Bio means life; Diversity means a range of different things and Biodiversity means Diversity of life.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 22

• India is projected to overtake China and become the largest potato producer globally by 2050, with production expected to reach 100 million tonnes annually.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a new tech-based initiative called e-Zero FIR to strengthen India’s cybercrime response system
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has introduced a pilot apprenticeship scheme to enhance employment-linked skill training for youth in the northeastern region
• Mizoram achieved the milestone of becoming the first state in India to attain 100% literacy, as formally announced by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma in Aizawl
• Banu Mushtaq, an Indian author, lawyer, and activist, has become the first writer in Kannada to win the International Booker Prize
• Shivpal Singh, a prominent Indian javelin thrower and Tokyo Olympian, is facing an 8-year ban after failing a dope test for the second time
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) flagged the ineffectiveness of IndusInd Bank’s Internal Audit Department (IAD) in its 2022-23 Annual Inspection Report.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Acko General Insurance.
• Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the tourist island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, erupted, spewing an ash cloud 1.2 kilometres high.
• Senior advocate Vikas Singh was elected president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
• Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, appointed Kamil al-Taib Idris as the country’s first prime minister since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure of Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), for one more year.
• On May 20, 2025, the President of India appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a Judge of Karnataka High Court, as the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.
• General Asim Munir, Pakistan Army Chief, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal on May 20, 2025.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a Maharatna Defence PSU, is developing the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, featuring a single fighter pilot commanding two armed drones (UCAVs) in combat.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving acquisition of:Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC), Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited (BAGIC), Bajaj Allianz Financial Distributors Limited (BAFDL) by Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS), Bajaj Holdings & Investment Limited (BHIL), and Jamnalal Sons Private Limited (JSPL).
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of majority stake/control over Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, Plutus Wealth Management LLP, and JunomonetaFinsol Private Limited (JFPL).
• Eminent astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025, at the age of 87.
• M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), passed away on May 20, 2025 at the age of 95 in Udhagamandalam.
• International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 is celebrated on May 22.