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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India to Reduce Cash Infusion After Injecting $100 Billion

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has infused ₹8.57 lakh crore (~$100.06 billion) into the banking system since December through Open Market Operations (OMOs).
• RBI concluded its final scheduled open market bond purchase recently and has not announced further purchases, signaling a likely slowdown in liquidity infusion.
• Liquidity has been pumped continuously for the past six months.

Key Highlights :

• A large surplus transfer from RBI to the government is expected soon, estimated between:
• ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore (as per seven economists)
• ₹3.5 lakh crore to ₹4 lakh crore (as per Citi estimates)
• The surplus transfer announcement is expected before the end of this month.
• The government’s dividend payment and subsequent government expenditure will inject funds back into the system, reducing the need for RBI to continue liquidity infusion via OMOs.
• Post-dividend transfer, core liquidity in the system may cross ₹5 lakh crore, a very high level.
• RBI might pause durable liquidity injection for the next three months and possibly resume OMOs from September onwards.
• In the bond market, after a sharp rally, a pause is expected with yields consolidating:
• The 10-year benchmark yield has dropped by 38 basis points (bps) since the start of the financial year.
• It had fallen 17 bps in the prior four months.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, The RBI flagged the ineffectiveness of IndusInd Bank’s Internal Audit Department (IAD) in its 2022-23 Annual Inspection Report.

About RBI :

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

India’s core sector output rises by 0.5% in April, marking the slowest growth in eight months

• The output of eight core infrastructure sectors in India, which contribute 40.27% to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 0.5% in April 2025, marking the lowest growth in eight months.
• Growth sharply declined from 4.6% in March 2025, which was also revised upwards from the earlier 3.8% estimate.
• In April 2024, core sector growth was recorded at 6.9%, indicating a notable slowdown this year.
• Of the eight core industries, only coal and natural gas showed a month-on-month increase in production in April 2025:
• Coal output rose by 3.5% annually in April (up from 1.6% in March).
• Natural gas production increased by 0.4%, recovering from a 12.7% contraction in March.
• Contraction was observed in:
• Crude oil (-2.8% annual decline in April, worse than -1.9% in March).
• Refinery products (-4.5% decline in April, down from 0.2% growth in March).
• Fertiliser production (-4.2% decline in April, after 8.8% growth in March).
• Other sectors showed growth but at a slower pace:
• Steel production grew by 3%.
• Cement production rose by 6.7%.
• Electricity production increased by 1%, affected by a high base of 10.2% last year.
• India’s manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in 10 months in April 2025, supported by strong demand:\
• The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI rose to 58.2 in April (from 58.1 in March and 56.3 in February).
• A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

FSSAI Directs Crackdown on Illegal Fruit Ripening Practices

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed all states and Union Territories to launch special enforcement drives against the use of banned ripening agents—particularly calcium carbide—in fruits such as mangoes, aiming to protect public health during peak season.

Key Highlights:

• Objective of Directive: Ensure only naturally ripened fruits reach consumers and prevent exposure to toxic, carcinogenic chemicals.
• Primary Concern:Calcium carbide, often contaminated with arsenic and phosphorus, can cause mouth ulcers, neurological issues, and has carcinogenic properties.
• Enforcement Measures:
  • Inspections in mandis, fruit markets, and cold storages.
  • Awareness campaigns for farmers, traders, and consumers.
  • Promotion of ethylene gas as a safer ripening alternative under controlled conditions.
  • Legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, against violators.
• Significance: Strengthens food safety protocols, promotes organic handling practices, and boosts consumer confidence in fruit quality.

India Reaffirms Global Health Commitment at the 78th World Health Assembly

• India participated in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, where it reiterated its commitment to global health equity, universal health coverage, and pandemic preparedness.
• Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava represented India and highlighted key national health initiatives and India's role in supporting developing countries.

Key Highlights:

1. Ayushman Bharat – Flagship Health Initiative

• Provides comprehensive healthcare services.
• Improves public health infrastructure.
• Offers financial protection against catastrophic health expenses.
• Promotes digital health tools such as ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) and telemedicine platforms.

2. Global Recognition:
   India’s achievements in health were acknowledged by:

• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• UN Inter-Agency Group
  Focus areas included:
• Maternal health improvement
• Family planning initiatives
• Reduction in child mortality rates

3. Disease Elimination Efforts:

• India declared Trachoma-Free by WHO
• Ongoing efforts to eliminate:
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Leprosy
  • Lymphatic Filariasis
  • Measles and Rubella
  • Kala-azar

4. Call for a Global Pandemic Agreement:
   India advocated for a legally binding agreement to address future pandemics with focus on:

• Equitable access to vaccines and medicines
• Transparent data and pathogen sharing
• Technology transfer and capacity building, especially for the Global South
• Respect for national health sovereignty

About WHO :

• Founded: 7 April 1948
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Director General :Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates 103 Redeveloped Amrit Stations Under ₹1,100 Crore Plan

• Prime MinisterNarendra Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations across 86 districts in 18 states, marking a major milestone under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
• Executed at a cost of over ₹1,100 crore, these modernized stations aim to enhance passenger comfort, connectivity, and regional cultural representation, as part of a broader effort to upgrade 1,300+ railway stations

Key Highlights:

• Scope of Redevelopment: 103 stations across 18 states, covering 86 districts, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
• Investment: Over ₹1,100 crore dedicated to station modernization.
• Objectives:
  • Deliver world-class infrastructure and Divyangjan-friendly amenities.
  • Preserve regional architectural styles and cultural heritage.
  • Ensure sustainability and energy efficiency.
  • Improve safety, travel comfort, and last-mile connectivity.
• Event Highlights:
  • Inauguration of Deshnoke Station (Bikaner, Rajasthan).
  • Flagging off of the Bikaner–Mumbai Express.
  • Foundation stones laid for rail, road, and state infrastructure projectstotaling₹26,000 crore.
• Electrification Projects: Foundation stones laid for ~999 km of railway electrification, including key sections such as Suratgarh–Phalodi (336 km) and Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km).
• Road Infrastructure: Launch of three vehicle underpasses, seven highway projects in Rajasthan worth ₹4,850 crore, enhancing connectivity up to the Indo-Pak border.
• State Initiatives: Inauguration/foundation of 25 state development projects in Rajasthan, focusing on health, water, connectivity, and electricity.

India Assumes Chairmanship of Asian Productivity Organization (APO) at 67th Governing Body Meeting in Jakarta

• India takes over Chairmanship of APO for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Session of the APO Governing Body Meeting (GBM).
• Indian delegation led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and APO Director for India.
• APO is a Tokyo-based intergovernmental organization established in 1961 to promote productivity enhancement across Asia-Pacific.

Strategic Focus for India’s Chairmanship (2025–26):

• Advancing APO Vision 2030: Committed to long-term productivity growth and sustainability.
• Expanding Green Productivity 2.0: Emphasizing sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
• Promoting Regional Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation on digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
• Driving Inclusive and Results-oriented Programs: Addressing evolving productivity and developmental challenges in Asia-Pacific.

India’s Contribution to APO:

• Over 100 Indian professionals participate annually in APO capacity-building programs through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT.
• Implementation of demonstration projects focused on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 applications for MSMEs across India.
• Active role as a founding member of APO, shaping its vision and supporting initiatives over decades.

About the Asian Productivity Organization (APO):

• Founded in 1961, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
• Comprises 21 member economies across Asia-Pacific, including India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and others.
• The Governing Body is APO’s highest decision-making authority, meeting annually to set strategic direction and review progress.
• The 67th GBM hosted by the Government of Indonesia from May 20–22, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World Health Assembly approves landmark Pandemic Agreement to enhance global equity and safety against future pandemics

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Member States formally adopted by consensus the world's first WHO Pandemic Agreement during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
• The Agreement is the result of more than three years of negotiations launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to make the world safer and ensure a more equitable response to future pandemics.
• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, called the Agreement a victory for public health, science, and multilateral action.
• The Agreement aims to improve global coordination for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, including equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Key Highlights :

• The Agreement respects national sovereignty and explicitly states that WHO cannot mandate or impose policies such as travel bans, vaccination mandates, lockdowns, or diagnostic measures on Member States.
• The World Health Assembly approved the Agreement by vote: 124 in favor, 0 objections, 11 abstentions.
• The Agreement sets a path for implementation including:
• Drafting a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system via an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG).
• Establishing a Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic response.
• Creating a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to ensure equitable and rapid access to pandemic-related health products during emergencies.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system must provide WHO with rapid access to 20% of real-time production of safe, quality vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic.
• Distribution of pandemic health products will be based on public health risk and need, with a focus on developing countries.
• The Agreement is the second international legal instrument under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, after the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2003).
• The Agreement will come into force after 60 ratifications by Member States.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Gujarat’s Asiatic Lion Population Increases by 32% Since 2020

• The Gujarat Forest Department reported a significant 32% increase in the Asiatic lion population over five years, reaching 891 lions in 2025.
• This growth highlights successful conservation efforts but also raises concerns about lion movements into human settlements, posing challenges for coexistence.

Key Points

• The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is native exclusively to India, mainly in Gir National Park and adjacent areas.
• From 674 lions in 2020, the population rose to 891 in 2025, a 32% increase.
• The number of adult females increased by 27% to 330, indicating strong future growth.
• These results reflect effective habitat management and conservation initiatives, including Project Lion, approved in March 2025 with a ₹2,900 crore budget.

Expansion of Lion Territory:

• Lion range expanded by 16.67%, from 30,000 sq. km (2020) to 35,000 sq. km (2025).
• More than 50% of lions now live outside protected areas, spreading into 11 districts of Saurashtra, including coastal and non-forested zones.

New Satellite Populations:

• There are now 497 lions in nine satellite regions such as:
  • Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Jetpur region
  • Babra-Jasdan belt
  • Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary (population doubled to 32 lions)
• For the first time, 22 lions were recorded in a corridor area, indicating expanding lion connectivity.

Challenges and Human-Lion Conflict:

• Increasing interactions between lions and local communities have led to:
  • A 10% annual increase in livestock attacks in villages.
  • A 15% annual rise in livestock deaths per village.

RECENT NEWS

• In a significant move to strengthen India’s trade education ecosystem, the Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of an off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar.
• In the latest CareEdge Ratings State Ranking 2025, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka have emerged as the top three states based on their overall performance across seven key pillars: economic, fiscal, infrastructure, financial development, social, governance, and environment.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Indian Renewable Energy Development AgencyGets ‘Excellent’ Rating from Department of Public Enterprises

• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has been awarded an ‘Excellent’ rating by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for its performance in FY 2023-24.
• It is ranked among the top 4 CPSEs in the country and has been named the top performer in the Power and NBFC sector.

Key Highlights:

• Agency Rated: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA)
• Rating Authority: Department of Public Enterprises (DPE)
• Performance Year: FY 2023–24
• MoU Rating: ‘Excellent’
• Consecutive Wins: Fourth consecutive year (FY 2020–21 to FY 2023–24)
• CPSEs Evaluated: 84
• IREDA's Score: 98 and above
• Rank: Among top 4 CPSEs overall; No. 1 in Power and NBFC sectors

About IREDA:

• Nature: Pure-play green financing NBFC
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• CMD: Shri Pradip Kumar Das
• Focus: Financing and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves Acquisition of Issued and Paid-Up Equity Shares of Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited by Jongsong Investments Pte. Ltd.

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of equity shares of Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited (Target) by Jongsong Investments Pte. Ltd. (Acquirer).
• The transaction involves acquisition of less than 10% of the issued and paid-up equity share capital of the Target by the Acquirer.
• The Acquirer, Jongsong Investments, is an investment holding company with no business operations except holding investments.
• Jongsong Investments is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited (Temasek).
• Temasek is an investment company headquartered in Singapore with a diversified global portfolio across sectors like Transportation & Industrials; Financial Services; Telecommunications, Media & Technology; Consumer & Real Estate; Life Sciences & Agri-Food; Multi-sector Funds and others.
• The Target, Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited, was incorporated on 12th December 2022.
• Currently, Target has no business operations.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, The CCI approved the acquisition of majority stake/control over Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, Plutus Wealth Management LLP, and JunomonetaFinsol Private Limited (JFPL).

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

CCI approves acquisition of Batlivala& Karani Securities Pvt Ltd and Batlivala& Karani Finserv Pvt Ltd by 360 ONE

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving the acquisition of Batlivala& Karani Securities Private Limited (Target 1) and Batlivala& Karani Finserv Private Limited (Target 2) by 360 ONE WAM Limited (Acquirer).
• 360 ONE WAM Limited (360 ONE) is a wealth and asset management firm operating in India, including its group entities.
• Batlivala& Karani Securities Pvt Ltd (Target 1) is engaged in:Equity broking, Distribution of financial products, Investment banking, Research analysis
• Batlivala& Karani Finserv Pvt Ltd (Target 2) is engaged in the distribution of financial products.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Inducts Traditionally Built 'Ancient Stitched Ship' as INSV Kaundinya

• The Indian Navy formally inducted the Ancient Stitched Ship as INSV Kaundinya at a ceremony held at Naval Base, Karwar.
• The event was presided over by Hon’ble Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• The ship is a stitched sail ship, inspired by a 5th century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Caves paintings.
• The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations.
• The Ministry of Culture provided the funding for the project.
• The ship's keel was laid in September 2023, and construction used a traditional stitching method with materials like coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin.
• The construction team was led by master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran from Kerala.
• The ship was launched in February 2025 at Goa.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian Navy was responsible for the design, technical validation, and construction oversight.
• The design was recreated from iconographic sources due to lack of surviving blueprints.
• The ship's design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras.
• Cultural features on the ship include:
• Sails with Gandabherunda and Sun motifs
• Bow sculpted with Simha Yali
• Harappan style stone anchor on deck
• The ship is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia.
• INSV Kaundinya symbolizes India’s ancient maritime traditions, including exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.
• The vessel is now commissioned as an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) and will be based at Karwar.
• The ship will prepare for a transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman, retracing an ancient trade route, scheduled for later in 2025.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

United States President Donald Trump Announces $175 Billion Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield to Counter China and Russia

• The United States (US) President Donald Trump has announced the $175 billionGolden Dome missile defence shield aimed at protecting the United States from long-range missile threats from China and Russia.
• The program is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, but is much larger in scale, incorporating a satellite-based defence system.
• US Space Force General Michael Guetlein has been appointed as the Program Head for the Golden Dome initiative.
• The system will include hundreds of satellites to detect, track, and intercept missiles, including those launched from space or other continents.

Key Highlights :

• The project was first ordered in January 2025, and is expected to be completed by the end of Trump's term in January 2029 (though experts are skeptical about the timeline).
• Canada has expressed interest in joining the project.
• The system will be integrated with existing U.S. defence systems and involve a new fleet of satellites for missile detection and interception.
• Potential contractorsinclude:Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Palantir, Anduril, SpaceX (controversially, due to Elon Musk’s ties to Trump)
• Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about transparency, procurement processes, and conflict of interest, particularly involving SpaceX.
• The Golden Dome will consist of:Amassive satellite surveillance network, A separate fleet of "attack satellites" to neutralize missiles shortly after launch.
• The Pentagon will now begin the process of testing and acquiring the missiles, sensors, and systems required for the Golden Dome.
• The project is considered a key component of Trump’s military planning.

Department of Telecommunications Launches "Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)" to Enhance Cyber Fraud Prevention

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to strengthen cyber fraud prevention and combat financial crime.

What is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)?

• FRI is an output of a multi-dimensional analytical tool developed under the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).
• FRI provides advanced actionable intelligence to financial institutions (banks, NBFCs, UPI service providers) to enhance cyber protection and conduct validation checks on mobile numbers flagged as risky for digital payments.
• FRI classifies mobile numbers into three risk levels:
• Medium Risk
• High Risk
• Very High Risk
• The classification uses inputs from:Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), DoT’s Chakshu platform, Intelligence shared by banks and financial institutions.

Key Highlights :

How does the FRI help?

• The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) of DoT shares the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) with stakeholders, highlighting numbers disconnected for reasons like involvement in cybercrime, failed re-verification, or exceeding limits.
• Because the life of a fraud-used mobile number is very short, FRI’s advance risk notification is critical for timely fraud prevention.
• On detection of suspicious activity, the number undergoes multi-dimensional analysis and is immediately flagged and shared through DIP.
• PhonePe, as an early adopter of FRI, uses it to:Decline transactions linked to Very High Risk mobile numbers, Displayon-screen alerts as part of its PhonePe Protect feature, Plan to provide proactive user warnings for Medium Risk numbers
• Other leading UPI platforms such as Paytm and Google Pay (covering over 90% of UPI transactions) are integrating DIP alerts for cyber fraud mitigation.
• Some platforms have introduced transaction delays, alerts, and user confirmations as part of fraud prevention.
• The FRI initiative aims to save millions of citizens from cyber fraud by enabling swift, targeted, and collaborative action between telecom and financial sectors.
• The integration of FRI into customer-facing systems is expected to become an industry standard, enhancing the resilience of India’s digital financial ecosystem.

Bharat Biotech’s Oral Cholera Vaccine 'Hillchol' Successfully Completes Phase III Trials

• Bharat Biotech International Limited announced that its oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) Hillchol has successfully completed Phase III clinical trials.
• The vaccine demonstrated efficacy against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes of Vibrio cholerae O1, the bacteria causing cholera.
• The Phase III trial was a double-blind, randomized study evaluating safety, immunogenicity, non-inferiority, and lot-to-lot consistency compared to a comparator vaccine.
• The study involved 1,800 participants across 10 clinical sites in India, including infants, children, and adults:
• Adults: 18 years and above
• Children: 5 to under 18 years
• Infants: 1 to under 5 years
• Participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either Hillchol or the comparator vaccine.
• The findings were published in a scientific journal, reaffirming Bharat Biotech's commitment to rigorous research, clinical trials, and accessible vaccines.
• Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae
• Global estimates indicate about 86 million cholera cases and 95,000 deaths annually.
• Global demand for oral cholera vaccines is around 100 million doses per year, but currently only one manufacturer supplies them, leading to a global shortage.
• Bharat Biotech's manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have the capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol annually.

GS1 to Introduce Next-Generation Barcodes by 2027 to Enhance Transparency

• GS1, a non-profit standards organisation that develops barcodes, plans to replace the current barcode system with next-generation formats such as QR Codes powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix.
• The global rollout of the new barcode system is expected by 2027 and aims to improve product traceability and supply chain transparency.
• The announcement was made at the GS1 General Assembly held in Mumbai.
• The new barcodes will allow businesses, consumers, and regulators to access detailed product-specific information through a single scan, including expiry dates, sourcing data, and recall notices.

Key Highlights :

• GS1 operates in 118 countries and supports over 2 million businesses. Its barcodes are scanned over 10 billion times daily.
• GS1 is a neutral, not-for-profit entity that develops and maintains open standards used in sectors like retail, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.
• The new barcodes will carry structured data beyond just price and identity, focusing on identification, traceability, and information-sharing.
• In India, GS1 standards are already used in national programmes like FASTag, Ayushman Bharat, and ROHINI (hospital registry).
• GS1 India is working with government and private sectors to expand advanced barcode adoption in healthcare and retail.
• The upgraded barcodes will help track the movement of medicines, medical devices, and agricultural goods through standardised labelling.
• India is a key market for GS1 due to its manufacturing base (especially pharmaceuticals and medical devices), growing consumer market, and government initiatives to strengthen the drug supply chain.
• The new system will help verify product authenticity, allowing hospitals and pharmacies to scan medicines for origin, manufacturing date, and batch number—aiding product recalls and reducing counterfeit drugs.
• Transition from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D formats like QR Codes will take place over the next two years, with full implementation by 2027.
• New barcodes will be compatible with smartphone cameras, removing the need for proprietary scanners.
• The upgraded barcodes will support integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, especially for secure and multi-party data sharing.
• GS1’s Vision 2030 plan aims to unify global operations under the "One GS1" framework and expand the use of its identification systems in digital commerce and logistics.
• GS1 does not sell commercial products but provides the infrastructure for global data exchange, funded through membership fees and related services.
• Existing barcodes will remain valid during the transition, but businesses must update packaging, point-of-sale systems, and inventory software to support the new standards.
• President and CEO, GS1 Global :Renaud de Barbuat

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

CRCL and IIT Delhi Sign MoU to Boost Scientific Capabilities and Ease of Doing Business

• Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• The agreement aims to enhance trade facilitation, improve customs scientific testing, and promote ease of doing business through joint research, innovation, and capacity building.

Key Highlights

Signatories:

• Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi
• Shri V. Suresh, Director, CRCL
• Presence of Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs), CBIC

Purpose:

• Strengthen CRCL’s scientific infrastructure and capabilities leveraging IIT Delhi’s R&D ecosystem.
• Facilitate trade by improving regulatory efficiency and customs compliance.
• Promote innovation in customs testing and expedite clearance processes.

Strategic Benefits

• Enhanced Scientific Capabilities:
  Upgrading CRCL’s analytical infrastructure with advanced instruments and trace-level detection techniques from IIT Delhi’s research environment.
• Capacity Building:
  Joint workshops and training to improve skills of customs chemists and officers in fields like nanotechnology, materials science, and forensic chemistry.
• Innovation in Customs Testing:
  Developing rapid testing protocols, automated screening methods, and analytical tools to accelerate customs procedures.
• Support ‘Make in India’ and Ease of Doing Business:
  Scientific validation of Indian-manufactured goods will help faster customs clearances, boosting industry confidence.
• Trade Facilitation and Global Alignment:
  Aligning customs testing and procedures with World Customs Organization (WCO) standards for greater global competitiveness and predictable trade regulations.

About CRCL

• Apex scientific institution under CBIC, heading 12 Revenue Laboratories across India.
• Provides chemical analysis to support Customs and GST enforcement and accurate duty assessment.
• All 12 labs accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017; some also hold forensic and food/environmental lab recognitions.
• Operates additional labs at Government Opium and Alkaloid Works for raw opium quality control.
• Plays a critical role in scientific excellence, standardization, and trade facilitation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Tottenham Hotspur Clinch UEFA Europa League Title, Ending 17-Year Trophy Drought

• Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao, to win the UEFA Europa League final, securing their first major trophy in 17 years and their first continental title since 1984.

Key Points

Match Details:

• Final Score: Tottenham 1 – 0 Manchester United
• Venue: Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain
• Match-Winning Goal: Brennan Johnson (42nd minute)
• Crucial Defensive Moment: Micky van de Ven’s acrobatic clearance prevented equalizer

Background:

• Tottenham’s last trophy before this was the 2008 League Cup.
• Their last European success was the 1983–84 UEFA Cup.
• The team is managed by Ange Postecoglou, now in his second season.
• Key players in the final included Son Heung-min (captain), Brennan Johnson, Pape Sarr, and Micky van de Ven.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 23

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed all states and Union Territories to launch special enforcement drives against the use of banned ripening agents—particularly calcium carbide—in fruits such as mangoes, aiming to protect public health during peak season
• India participated in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, where it reiterated its commitment to global health equity, universal health coverage, and pandemic preparedness
• Prime MinisterNarendra Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped Amrit Stations across 86 districts in 18 states, marking a major milestone under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• India takes over Chairmanship of APO for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Session of the APO Governing Body Meeting (GBM
• The Gujarat Forest Department reported a significant 32% increase in the Asiatic lion population over five years, reaching 891 lions in 2025
• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has been awarded an ‘Excellent’ rating by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for its performance in FY 2023-24
• Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding
• Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao, to win the UEFA Europa League final, securing their first major trophy in 17 years and their first continental title since 1984.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has infused ₹8.57 lakh crore (~$100.06 billion) into the banking system since December through Open Market Operations (OMOs).
• The output of eight core infrastructure sectors in India, which contribute 40.27% to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 0.5% in April 2025, marking the lowest growth in eight months.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) Member States formally adopted by consensus the world's first WHO Pandemic Agreement during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of equity shares of Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited (Target) by Jongsong Investments Pte. Ltd. (Acquirer).
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving the acquisition of Batlivala& Karani Securities Private Limited (Target 1) and Batlivala& Karani Finserv Private Limited (Target 2) by 360 ONE WAM Limited (Acquirer).
• The Indian Navy formally inducted the Ancient Stitched Ship as INSV Kaundinya at a ceremony held at Naval Base, Karwar.
• The United States (US) President Donald Trump has announced the $175 billionGolden Dome missile defence shield aimed at protecting the United States from long-range missile threats from China and Russia.
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to strengthen cyber fraud prevention and combat financial crime.
• Bharat Biotech International Limited announced that its oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) Hillchol has successfully completed Phase III clinical trials.
• GS1, a non-profit standards organisation that develops barcodes, plans to replace the current barcode system with next-generation formats such as QR Codes powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix.