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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

India Post Payments Bank Collaborates with Aditya Birla Capital to Enhance Access to Loan Products Nationwide  

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a Government of India undertaking, has formed a strategic partnership with Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), a leading diversified financial service company in India.
• The partnership aims to broaden the reach and accessibility of loan products across Bharat (India).
• The collaboration integrates Aditya Birla Capital’s diverse lending products with IPPB’s extensive network and digital infrastructure.
• IPPB will provide referral services for Aditya Birla Capital’s loan solutions including:Personal loans, Business loans, Loan against property
• This partnership enables IPPB customers to avail loan facilities through Aditya Birla Capital’s digital platforms, offering:Quick approvals, Minimal documentation, Hassle-free disbursement
• The loan ecosystem incorporates cutting-edge AI and data analytics to provide personalized financial solutions.
• The initiative is designed to cater to the diverse financial needs of customers nationwide, covering both urban and rural areas.

About IPPB :

• Founded : 17th August, 2016
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• MD &CEO : Mr. R. Viswesvaran

Government to Play Key Role in New Payments Regulatory Board 

• The Centre has notified the Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025, establishing a new Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to replace the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).
• The BPSS was a committee under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) central board regulating payment and settlement systems.
• The new PRB will be assisted by the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), a department within RBI.

Key Highlights :

• The PRB Board composition under Section 3 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 will include:
• RBI Governor (Chairperson)
• RBI Deputy Governor in charge of payment and settlement systems
• One RBI officer nominated by the RBI central board
• Three members nominated by the Central Government
• The PRB may invite experts from payment systems, IT, law, etc., as permanent or ad hoc invitees; the RBI’s principal legal adviser will be a permanent invitee.
• The Board will have six voting members (3 RBI + 3 Government), with the Governor having a casting vote in case of a tie.
• The PRB may delegate powers to the Chairperson, Board members, sub-committees, or RBI officers.
• The PRB is required to meet at least twice a year; meetings will be chaired by the Governor or Deputy Governor in the Governor’s absence.
• Each board member has one vote; decisions require a majority vote; the Chairperson/Deputy Governor holds a casting vote if votes are tied.
• In 2017, a committee recommended creating an independent regulator (PRB) with the Chairperson appointed by the Government in consultation with RBI.
• RBI had opposed the creation of an external payments regulator and insisted the RBI Governor head the PRB with government-nominated members and the Governor having the casting vote.
• Eligibility criteria for PRB members:
• Should be below 70 years of age
• Should not be a Member of Parliament or state legislature
• Should not have a material conflict of interest with any payment system
• The new board is expected to include members from technology and payment systems fields, providing a holistic ecosystem perspective beyond direct regulators.
• The PRB may act as an umbrella body coordinating between various departments like the Fintech department and DPSS, to enforce common standards across the payments ecosystem.

Reserve Bank of India offloads $34.5 billion in FY25, highest amount since global financial crisis

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)net sold $34.5 billion in FY25 (2024-25), the highest since the global financial crisis (2008-09).
• RBI’s forward book was reduced to $84.34 billion as of March 31, 2025, down from $88.75 billion in February 2025.
• The Indian rupee (INR) sharply depreciated by 2.4% in FY25 due to a surge in the US dollar index to 108, prompting RBI intervention to control volatility.
• The dollar’s rise was driven by inflation concerns after US President Donald Trump's assumption of office.
• In November 2024, RBI net sold its highest monthly amount of $20 billion.

Key Highlights :

• During the second half of FY25, RBI net sold around $43 billion to stabilize the rupee, which dropped to ₹87.95 per USD in February 2025.
• India’s foreign exchange reserves fell from $705 billion (Sept 2024) to below $625 billion (Jan 2025).
• Starting January 2025, the US dollar weakened due to trade war concerns, helping the INR appreciate from ₹87.95 (Feb 10) to ₹83.75 (May 2).
• RBI was a net buyer of dollars in the first half of FY25 (April-Sept), purchasing $8.52 billion.
• In FY24, RBI had net bought $41.27 billion.
• RBI’s gross dollar sales in FY25 were around $399 billion, which enabled significant gains amid rupee volatility.
• The RBI intervened through buy/sell swap auctions and other measures to inject rupee liquidity and stabilize the currency.

Recent News :

• 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).

About RBI :

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

Fitch Revises India’s Medium-Term Economic Growth Estimate to 6.4% Till FY26

• Fitch Ratings revised India’s medium-term GDP growth potential till FY2026 upwards to 6.4%, from the earlier projection of 6.2%.
• The upward revision of 0.2 percentage points (pp) is due to higher labour force participation, which more than offsets a lower contribution from labour productivity.
• Fitch noted “less pandemic scarring in India”, contributing to stronger growth prospects.
• Fitch slightly lowered its medium-term potential GDP growth projections for 10 emerging market economies covered in its Global Economic Outlook, now estimated at 3.9% (down from 4% in Nov 2023).
• The overall downgrade mainly reflects lower potential growth in China.
• India’s total factor productivity is expected to slow, returning to its long-run average of 1.5%.
• The revised growth estimate indicates a stronger contribution from labour inputs (total employment) rather than from labour productivity.
• Fitch maintained a lower growth projection for China at 4.6%, due to weaker capital deepening and ongoing property market adjustment impacting overall investment.

Reserve Bank of India Expects Digital Lending Rates to Drop Under New Draft Co-Lending Guidelines  

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects the final interest rate charged by digital lenders to fall once the new draft co-lending guidelines come into effect.
• RBI’s Department of Regulation held discussions with fintech industry bodies such as:
• Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE)
• Unified Fintech Forum (UFF, formerly DLAI)
• Fintech Convergence Council (FCC)
• The draft guidelines propose a blended interest rate mechanism, calculated as the weighted average of rates charged by all participating lenders, with the aim to lower borrowing costs.
• The new framework links the final interest rate to each lender’s funding share.

Key Highlights :

• The RBI expanded the scope of co-lending to include all regulated entities and extended co-lending beyond priority sectors.

Co-Lending Models:

• CLM 1: Banks and NBFCs jointly originate and disburse loans.
• CLM 2: NBFCs disburse loans, and banks later reimburse up to 80% of the amount.
• The draft guidelines were issued in April 2024.
• The guidelines come after RBI's action in October 2023 against four NBFCs for charging excessive interest rates (the ban was later lifted).
• Fintech industry demand: Allow NBFCs to offer credit lines via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), similar to Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
• NBFCs meet technical, capital, and soundness requirements and should be allowed phased entry to UPI credit lines, especially the top 10 NBFCs.
• SFBs currently enjoy priority sector lending benefits, which NBFCs do not.

Edelweiss Asset Management Unveils Altiva SIF, Signaling Entry into Specialized Investment Funds Market    

• Edelweiss Asset Management Limited launched altiva SIF, a new brand identity marking its strategic entry into the Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs)
• Edelweiss AMC is among the first Asset Management Companies (AMCs) in India to formally develop offerings in the emerging SIF category.
• Altiva SIF brand is inspired by the word "altitude," symbolizing ambition, discipline, and vision — core values guiding the company’s approach.
• The platform offers a range of investment solutions across: Equities, Hybrid funds, Fixed income segments
• SIFs provide an alternative investment option for investors seeking choices beyond conventional mutual funds.

About Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) by SEBI :

• SEBI introduced Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) to bridge the gap between Mutual Funds (MFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS).
• Indian financial markets have seen a proliferation of investment products with diverse risk, complexity, and regulatory oversight.
• The objective of SIFs is to provide investors with a blend of investment flexibility and regulatory safeguards.

Morgan Stanley Raises India’s GDP Growth Outlook to 6.2% for FY26, 6.5% for FY27

• Morgan Stanley modestly upgraded India's GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for FY 2026 (previously 6.1%) and 6.5% for FY 2027 (previously 6.3%).
• Upgrade is attributed to the de-escalation of US-China trade tensions, improving the outlook for external demand.
• Key Drivers of Growth : Domestic demand remains the primary engine of India's economic growth despite global uncertainties.
• Consumption recovery is expected to become more broad-based, with:Urban demand improving, Rural consumption is already
• RBI Projection :The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects a GDP growth rate of 6.5% for FY 2026.

Recent News :

• Moody’s has projected India's GDP growth to exceed 6.5% in FY26, up from 6.3% in FY25.

Deutsche Bank CEO dubs 2025 a 'year of reckoning'

• Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christian Sewing referred to 2025 as a "year of reckoning" due to looming targets on cost control and profitability.
• The AGM saw tension between management and investors over the bank’s progress on its strategic goals.
• Marks the final stretch of the bank’s 3-year plan (2022–2024).

Key Financial Targets (Ending in 2024):

• Cost-to-Income Ratio (CIR): Targeted to be less than 65%.
• Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE): Aimed to be above 10%.
• Strategic Overhaul (2019):
  In 2019, Deutsche Bank started a major strategic overhaul to reduce reliance on investment banking revenues.

About Deutsche Bank :

• Founded : 10 March 1870
• Headquarters : Germany

India-United States 10-Year Bond Yield Spread Shrinks to Lowest in Over 20 Years

• The spread between Indian 10-year bonds and US 10-year bonds fell to its lowest in over 20 years at 164 basis points (bps).
• The last time the spread was this low was on July 28, 2004, at 135 bps.

Key Highlights :

• As of now, the Indian 10-year benchmark bond yield is around 6.2496%, while the US 10-year Treasury yield stands at 4.5866%.
• The rise in US Treasury yields is due to concerns over the fiscal deficit following progress on Trump’s spending and tax bill in Congress, expected to widen the federal deficit.
• The soaring US bond yields resulted from a poor response to a $16 billion auction of 20-year U.S. Treasury Bills, which had to be sold at a higher coupon rate.
• The US Federal Reserve has maintained its stance on interest rates, increasing the cost of servicing the national debt, which has led to investors dumping US bonds, pushing yields higher.
• In contrast, Indian bond yields have been falling steadily due to strong macroeconomic and fiscal conditions.
• Investors are anticipating an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in June, which is causing them to lock in higher yields ahead of the cut.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed easing regulations for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), but the narrowing spread may still limit short-term FPI investments in Indian bonds.
• FPI investments under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) have remained slow since the start of RBI’s rate cut cycle because of the narrowing yield spread.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone for ₹26,000 Crore Projects in Bikaner

• Prime MinisterShri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and dedicated multiple development projects worth ₹26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan, boosting infrastructure across roads, railways, power, health, water, and industry.

Key Highlights:

• Scale of Investment:₹26,000 crore dedicated to projects in 86 districts of 18 states/UTs, with significant local and online participation.
• Railway Modernization: Inaugurated 103 Amrit Stations; electrification foundations laid for 999 km of track—including Suratgarh–Phalodi (336 km) and Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km); flagged off the Bikaner–Mumbai Express.
• Road Infrastructure: Foundation stone for three vehicle underpasses and seven highway projects worth ₹4,850 crore up to the Indo-Pak border, enhancing defence logistics and regional connectivity.
• Power & Renewable Energy: Laid foundations and dedicated solar projects at Bikaner and DidwanaKuchaman; inaugurated transmission systems by PowerGrid; expanded generation and transformation capacity to accelerate green energy
• State Development Initiatives: Launched 25 state projects—including upgrading 750 km of state highways (₹3,240 crore), new water-supply schemes, fluorosis mitigation, and nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur.
• Industrial & Economic Corridors: Highlighted the six-lane Amritsar–Jamnagar economic corridor and near-completion of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway through Rajasthan, poised to spur industrial growth, tourism, and job creation.
• Social Impact: Emphasized how infrastructure investment lowers transport costs for farmers, creates employment across sectors, and multiplies benefits for households—especially youth.

RECENT NEWS

• India and Egypt have launched the third edition of their joint special forces exercise, ‘CYCLONE-III’, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This exercise, scheduled from February 10 to 23, 2025, is a crucial part of the growing military cooperation between the two nations.

India to Integrate Mission LiFE with National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

• The Government of India is planning to merge Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• This strategic move aims to scale up climate action by promoting sustainable lifestyles, enhancing citizen participation, and embedding behavioural change within India’s climate policy framework.

Key Highlights:

• Mission LiFE Overview:
  • Launched by India at COP26 in 2021.
  • Focuses on shifting from a “use-and-dispose” economy to a circular economy.
  • Aims to drive behavioural change at individual and community levels.
  • Coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• NAPCC at a Glance:
  • Launched in 2008 as India’s strategic response to climate change.
  • Comprises 8 Core Missions:
    • National Solar Mission
    • Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
    • Sustainable Habitat
    • Water Mission
    • Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
    • Green India
    • Sustainable Agriculture
    • Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
  • Mission LiFE’s Approach:
    • Promotes a Jan Andolan (People’s Movement) for sustainable practices.
    • Encourages cultural integration of traditional eco-friendly habits.
    • Builds on global collaboration with academia and think tanks.
    • Bridges the awareness-to-action gap, encouraging low-cost sustainable habits like waste reduction and energy conservation.
  • Suggested Way Forward:
    • Align Mission LiFE with existing schemes like Ujjwala, FAME, and National Electric Mobility Mission.
    • Ensure dedicated funding for implementation and awareness campaigns.
    • Launch action-based public campaigns to demonstrate practical sustainability steps.

Depot Darpan & Anna Platforms to Revolutionize Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launched three key digital platforms—Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata—to enhance transparency, efficiency, and real-time grievance redressal in the Public Distribution System (PDS), impacting over 81 crore beneficiaries under NFSA and PMGKAY.

Key Highlights:

• Depot Darpan Portal:
  • Self-monitoring tool for FCI and CWC depots using IoT sensors, CCTV, and live video feeds.
  • Evaluates infrastructure, occupancy, safety, and operational efficiency.
  • Potential savings: ₹275 crore (FCI) and ₹140 crore (CWC).
  • Budget allocation: ₹280 crore for CWC upgrades, ₹1,000 crore for FCI modernization.
• Anna Mitra App:
  • Empowers PDS field stakeholders such as FPS dealers, DFSO officers, and food inspectors.
  • Features include stock alerts, performance monitoring, and geo-tagged inspections.
  • Currently implemented in Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab.
• Anna Sahayata Platform:
  • Multi-language grievance redressal system accessible via WhatsApp, IVRS, and ASR.
  • Pilot launched in Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Available in 5 languages: Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bangla, and English.

CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025 Inaugurated to Strengthen India’s Cybersecurity Audit Ecosystem

• The three-day national conference CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025, organized by CERT-In in collaboration with SkillsDA, was inaugurated, at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• The event, attended by over 300 representatives from empanelled information security auditing organizations, regulators, and key stakeholders, aims to enhance audit quality, foster innovation, and build capacity in cybersecurity auditing.

Key Highlights:

• Inaugural Addresses:
  • Shri S. Krishnan (Secretary, MeitY) stressed the need for innovative audit methodologies, robust risk assessment, and capacity building—especially for emerging technologies.
  • Dr. Sanjay Bahl (DG, CERT-In) underscored SAMVAAD as the first global conference tailored for the auditing community, highlighting CERT-In’s framework for empanelment and cyber resilience.
• Technical and Strategic Insights:
  • KamakotiVeezhinathan (IIT-Madras) emphasized cyber resilience architectures to ensure continuity of services amid evolving threats.
  • N. Subramanian (SETS) discussed the audit challenges posed by 5G/6G, quantum computing, and AI, advocating for robust cybersecurity strategies.
  • Shri Brajendra Navnit (TN IT Secretary) highlighted Tamil Nadu’s cyber initiatives and the importance of comprehensive audits for digital system security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Assam Introduces ‘Ankita’: India’s First AI News Anchor in Regional Language

• Assam Chief MinisterHimanta Biswa Sarma unveiled Ankita, an AI-powered virtual anchor capable of delivering official updates in Assamese, marking India’s first use of a regional-language AI news anchor to report on Cabinet proceedings.

Key Highlights:

• Debut and Function: Ankita premiered on May 15, 2025, presenting Assam Cabinet meeting highlights via the CM’s official social media.
• Covered Decisions: Included renaming Dibrugarh Airport after Bhupen Hazarika and approval of time-grant for tea garden workers.
• Governance Objectives: Aims to enhance e-governance, ensure consistent regional-language communication, and boost transparency.
• First-in-India Innovation: While AI anchors exist globally, this is the first deployment for regional-language governance updates in India.
• Public Reaction: Received praise for technological innovation but raised concerns about potential job losses and lack of human empathy in AI presentations.

RECENT NEWS

• The Assam government has launched its largest women entrepreneurship support initiative, the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, to promote self-employment among women.
• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex (Namrup-IV) at Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Namrup, Assam.

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Renaming of Ramanagara District to ‘Bengaluru South’

• The Karnataka State Cabinet approved the renaming of Ramanagara district as ‘Bengaluru South’.
• Ramanagara, located about 50 km from Bengaluru, will remain the district headquarters.
• The renamed Bengaluru South district will include Magadi, Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Harohalli taluks.

Background and Legal Aspects:

• A similar renaming decision was taken in July 2023, but the Union Home Ministry did not grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time.
• Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil clarified:
  • The issue was re-discussed in cabinet due to the earlier lack of central approval.
  • The cabinet re-examined the legal provisions and went ahead with the renaming.

Administrative Clarification:

• The Deputy CM asserted that renaming is a state subject, and Centre’s approval is not mandatory.
• He cited precedents where other districts were renamed without central clearance, including when Ramanagara district was created.

RECENT NEWS

• Karnataka has topped the 2024 Local Governance Performance Index, a significant milestone in the state’s growth and development. The Local Governance Performance Index evaluates various aspects such as local body management, finances, capacity building, and accountability.
• Lam Research, a leading American semiconductor equipment manufacturer, has announced an investment of over ₹10,000 crore in Karnataka.
• 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 : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Paytm Names Ramana Kumar as Chief Executive Officer for Middle East Operations

• Paytm has appointed Ramana Kumar as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its Middle East operations.
• Role &Responsibility:Kumar will lead the development and expansion of Paytm’s digital payments solutions tailored for the Middle East market, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

About Ramana Kumar :

• Ramana Kumar has 20 years of experience in the banking sector.
• He has about 15 years of experience in the Middle East financial ecosystem, mainly in the UAE.
• He Worked with Ernst & Young (EY) for 3 years as Senior Manager.
• Joined National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) in 2010 as Senior Manager, Strategy and Planning.
• Became Managing Director of Global Transaction Banking at NBAD by 2017.
• In 2017, Kumar joined First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as Executive Vice President, heading payments and digital verticals.
• In 2021, he became the founding CEO of Magnati, a fintech subsidiary of FAB specializing in payment services and merchant banking.
• He Served as CEO of Magnati until March 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

President Droupadi Murmu Confers 39 Peacetime Gallantry Awards – Recognising Bravery and Valour

• President Droupadi Murmu, in her role as Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, presented 39 gallantry awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• These awards recognised personnel from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police for acts of exceptional courage in anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations.

Key Facts:

Total Awards Conferred:

• 6 Kirti Chakras (including 4 posthumous)
• 33 Shaurya Chakras (including 7 posthumous)

Recipients Belonged To:

• Indian Army
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force
• Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, Assam Rifles)
• Jammu and Kashmir Police
• Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

About the Awards:

Kirti Chakra

• Rank: Second-highest peacetime gallantry award
• Purpose: Awarded for conspicuous gallantry away from the battlefield
• Examples of Recipients:
  • Living: Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, Major Manjit (Indian Army)
  • Posthumous: Colonel Manpreet Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, Rifleman Ravi Kumar

Shaurya Chakra

• Rank: Third-highest peacetime gallantry award
• Purpose: Awarded for acts of valour in internal security and non-combat operations
• Examples of Recipients:
  • Living: Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar (IAF), Wing Commander Vernon D. Keane, Major Vijay Verma, Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo (CRPF)
  • Posthumous: Major Aashish Dhonchak, Sepoy Pardeep Singh, Constable Devan C

Operational Background:

• Jammu & Kashmir and North-East: Anti-terror missions, militant neutralisation, arms recovery
• Indian Navy: Anti-piracy and maritime rescue operations
• Indian Air Force: Emergency responses, asset protection
• CAPFs: Anti-Maoist operations, hostage rescue missions

Static Information

• Kirti Chakra: Second in order of precedence after the Ashoka Chakra
• Shaurya Chakra: Frequently awarded for internal security and counter-insurgency operations
• Defence Investiture Ceremony: Held twice annually at Rashtrapati Bhavan

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Adriyan Karmakar Opens India’s Medal Tally with Silver at ISSF Junior World Cup

• At the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, Adriyan Karmakar claimed silver in the 50m Rifle Prone event, marking India’s first medal of the competition.

Key Highlights:

• Score and Margin: Adriyan scored 626.7 points, finishing a mere 0.3 points behind gold medallist Jesper Johansson of Sweden.
• Age and Debut: The 20-year-old made his World Cup debut, having previously competed only at junior world championships.
• Pace and Confidence: He was among the earliest finishers, demonstrating strong composure throughout his series.
• Junior National Record: His 626.7 score established a new junior national record in the 50m rifle prone category.

Kanak Wins India’s First Gold at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025

• At the ongoing ISSF- International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, Indian shooter Kanak secured India’s first gold medal by excelling in the Women’s 10 metre Air Pistol final.

Key Details:

• Score: Kanak scored 239 points to clinch the gold medal.
• Competition: She edged out Anna Dulce of Moldova— a two-time Olympian and reigning European Champion—by 7 points.
• Bronze Medalist: Chen Yen-Ching from Chinese Taipei secured the bronze.
• Other Indian Performances: Another Indian shooter, Prachi, finished fifth in the same event.
• Earlier Medal: India’s medal tally began with Adriyan Karmakar, who won a silver medal in the 50-metre rifle prone event.

About ISSF

• Presidents: Luciano Rossi, Vladimir Lisin
• Headquarters: Munich, Germany
• Founded: 17 July 1907
• Membership: 150 regions

About Germany

• Capital: Berlin
• President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier
• The euro is the official currency of Germany, which is a member of the European Union.

Joe Root Becomes Fastest to 13,000 Test Runs: A Historic Cricket Milestone

• England’s star batsman Joe Root made cricket history by becoming the fastest player to reach 13,000 Test runs.
• He achieved this feat in just his 153rd Test match during a one-off game against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, surpassing the previous record held by Jacques Kallis (159 matches).

Key Highlights:

• Milestone: 13,000 Test runs
• Match: England vs Zimbabwe, One-off Test, May 22, 2025, Trent Bridge
• Innings Played: 153 (fastest to reach this milestone)
• Previous Record Holder: Jacques Kallis (159 innings)
• Runs in Record Match: 34 runs off 44 balls
• Dismissed By: Blessing Muzarabani

Significance and Career Overview:

• Root debuted for England in 2012 and quickly became a mainstay in the middle order.
• Served as England’s Test captain from 2017 to 2022.
• Known for his technical skill and composure across varied conditions globally.
• Has scored 30+ Test centuries as of May 2025.
• This record solidifies Root’s status as a modern cricketing great, reflecting his adaptability, consistency, and mental toughness.

Impact and Legacy:

• Root’s record inspires emerging cricketers worldwide by setting new standards of excellence.
• Adds to England’s rich Test cricket heritage alongside legends like Alastair Cook and Ian Botham.
• Highlights the continued relevance and prestige of Test cricket amid the rising popularity of shorter formats like T20.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Commonwealth Day 2025 - May 24

• Commonwealth Day is celebrated every year on May 24. This day is observed as a holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations.
• Commonwealth Day is celebrated to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Queen Victoria.
• This day is an annual celebration commonly celebrated by all people. Commonwealth Day is formerly known as Empire Day.
• This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

History

• Empire Day was first observed in the UK in 1904 by Reginald Brabazon.
• This day is observed on the birth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth. In the era of 1977, Commonwealth Day was observed on the second Monday in March. This day was observed by the Commonwealth of Nations.
• In 1898, Canadian leader Clementina Trenholme introduced an Empire Day to Ontario schools on Queen Victoria’s birthday.
• British Empire League promoted this Commonwealth Day formerly known as Empire Day as a holiday.
• Usually, all over the world, Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday of March every year
• In India, Commonwealth Day is celebrated on another day on the 24th of May.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025: May 23

• Date Observed: 23 May
• Theme 2025:“Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula”
• Organised By: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Why in News?

• The day highlights obstetric fistula, a preventable and treatable childbirth injury, and calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. It underscores inequities in healthcare and gender rights, especially for women in low-income regions.

What is Obstetric Fistula?

• A childbirth injury caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely medical care
• Results in a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum
• Leads to incontinence, chronic infections, and often social ostracization

Impact and Global Burden

• ~500,000 women affected globally, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Arab States, and Latin America
• A stark indicator of poor maternal health services, gender inequality, and poverty
• New cases emerge annually, despite being nearly 100% preventable

UNFPA’s Global Campaign to End Fistula

• Launched: 2003
• Focus: Prevention, surgical treatment, psychosocial support, community reintegration
• Achievements: Strategic partnerships, survivor advocacy, capacity-building
• Goal: Eliminate obstetric fistula by 2030

World Turtle Day 2025: May 23

• Observed annually on May 23, World Turtle Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises, creatures that have existed for over 200 million years.
• The day highlights their ecological importance and the growing threats they face due to human activity.

Key Highlights:

• Founding and Origin:
  • First observed in 2000, founded by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, creators of the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) in 1990.
  • Aimed to rescue and rehabilitate turtles and spread global awareness.
• Ecological and Cultural Importance:
  • Sea turtles help maintain marine ecosystems by controlling jellyfish and preserving seagrass beds.
  • Land tortoises aerate soil and disperse seeds, contributing to land ecosystem health.
  • Symbolize longevity, wisdom, and resilience in various cultures.
• Interesting Turtle Facts:
  • Turtles predate dinosaurs and have survived multiple extinction events.
  • Some tortoises live up to 300 years; turtles generally live 40–70 years.
  • Certain species can breathe through their cloaca, allowing prolonged underwater stays.
  • Act as natural ecosystem cleaners by consuming dead fish and plants.

Daily CA One- Liner: May 24

• Prime MinisterShri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and dedicated multiple development projects worth ₹26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan, boosting infrastructure across roads, railways, power, health, water, and industry
• The Government of India is planning to merge Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) with the National Action Plan on Climate Change
• Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launched three key digital platforms—Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata—to enhance transparency, efficiency, and real-time grievance redressal in the Public Distribution System (PDS), impacting over 81 crore beneficiaries under NFSA and PMGKAY
• The three-day national conference CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025, organized by CERT-In in collaboration with SkillsDA, was inaugurated, at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
• Assam Chief MinisterHimanta Biswa Sarma unveiled Ankita, an AI-powered virtual anchor capable of delivering official updates in Assamese, marking India’s first use of a regional-language AI news anchor to report on Cabinet proceedings
• The Karnataka State Cabinet approved the renaming of Ramanagara district as ‘Bengaluru South’
• President Droupadi Murmu, in her role as Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, presented 39 gallantry awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• At the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, Adriyan Karmakar claimed silver in the 50m Rifle Prone event, marking India’s first medal of the competition
• At the ongoing ISSF- International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, Indian shooter Kanak secured India’s first gold medal by excelling in the Women’s 10 metre Air Pistol final
• England’s star batsman Joe Root made cricket history by becoming the fastest player to reach 13,000 Test runs
• Commonwealth Day is celebrated every year on May 24. This day is observed as a holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations
• International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025: May 23
• Observed annually on May 23, World Turtle Day is a global initiative to raise awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises, creatures that have existed for over 200 million years
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a Government of India undertaking, has formed a strategic partnership with Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), a leading diversified financial service company in India.
• The Centre has notified the Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025, establishing a new Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to replace the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)net sold $34.5 billion in FY25 (2024-25), the highest since the global financial crisis (2008-09).
• Fitch Ratings revised India’s medium-term GDP growth potential till FY2026 upwards to 6.4%, from the earlier projection of 6.2%.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects the final interest rate charged by digital lenders to fall once the new draft co-lending guidelines come into effect.
• Edelweiss Asset Management Limited launched altiva SIF, a new brand identity marking its strategic entry into the Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) space.
• Morgan Stanley modestly upgraded India's GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for FY 2026 (previously 6.1%) and 6.5% for FY 2027 (previously 6.3%).
• Deutsche Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christian Sewing referred to 2025 as a "year of reckoning" due to looming targets on cost control and profitability.
• The spread between Indian 10-year bonds and US 10-year bonds fell to its lowest in over 20 years at 164 basis points (bps).
• Paytm has appointed Ramana Kumar as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its Middle East operations.