Current Affairs 13 May 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 13 May 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

RGI released three reports – CRS, SRS and MCCD 2021; Life expectancy in India DropsThe Registrar General of India (RGI), under the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA), released three reports for 2021: the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, the Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021, and the Report on the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) 2021.

• CRS is the record of all registered deaths and births in India.
• SRS is a survey-based estimate of births and deaths and tries to cover unregistered births and deaths as well, making it a vital complement to the CRS data.
• The MCCD captures a small fraction of the CRS deaths where deaths are medically certified.

Key Highlights:
i.According to the 2021 SRS report, the Crude Death Rate (CDR), which measures the number of deaths per 1,000 people, rose to 7.5, marking 2021 as the deadliest year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ii.Even the CRS, which counts only registered deaths, shows an increase of around 2 million deaths in 2021.
iii.While, the MCCD report counted 4,13,580 Covid-19 deaths in 2021 and 160,618 deaths in 2020.
iv.According to the SRS, Life expectancy at birth has been estimated at 69.8 years between 2017 and 2021, compared to 2016-2020. Urban areas experienced a sharper decline of 0.3 years, while rural regions saw a 0.1-year drop.
>> Read Full News

PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY complete 10 years of providing social security coverThe three schemes-  Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 9th May 2015.

• All three schemes were envisioned to provide affordable financial protection to all, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sections of society.
• These flagship schemes aim to broaden the insurance and pension landscape by protecting citizens against life’s uncertainties and providing long-term financial resilience.
• Over 23.6 crore, 51 crore and 7.6 crore enrolments have been done under PMJJBY, PMSBY & APY respectively till April 2025.

About PMJJBY:
i.Purpose: The scheme is designed to provide Life Insurance cover for death due to any reason.
ii.Managed by: The scheme is managed by Life Insurance Company (LIC), though participating banks or post offices may partner with any life insurance company for its implementation.
iii.Age Limit: Individuals aged 18–50 with accounts in participating banks or post offices can join the scheme by consenting to auto-debit. The cover shall be for one-year period stretching from 1st June to 31st May.
>> Read Full News

Ladakh Records World’s Highest Snow Leopard Density with 477 IndividualsIn May 2025, the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh hosts the highest recorded density of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in the world, according to a study by Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), Ladakh in collaboration with Dehradun (Uttarakhand)-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and New Delhi-based National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

• The study was published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS) in the journal PLOS ONE.
• The study estimated that Ladakh is home to477 snow leopards, accounting for nearly 68% of India’s total population of the elusive big cat.

Snow Leopard Population in India:
i.The study estimated the total snow leopard population in India at 709 individuals.
ii.Of these, 477 are found in Ladakh, highlighting the region as a critical conservation stronghold.
iii.Snow leopards in Ladakh occupy an extensive area of 47,572 square kilometres.
iv.Hemis National Park in Ladakh recorded the world’s highest snow leopard density with 2.07 individuals per 100 square kilometres (sq km), surpassing previous global records from Tibet.
About Ladakh:
Lieutenant Governor – Brigadier (Dr.) Ball Dutt (B.D.) Mishra (retired)
Capital: Leh
Wildlife Sanctuary – Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
>> Read Full News

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launched Portal to Boost Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Ecosystem
In May 2025, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), launched the Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website and Stakeholders’ Portal to strengthen India’s non-ferrous metal recycling ecosystem.

• The launch event took place in New Delhi (Delhi) in the presence of Minister of State (MoS) Satish Chandra Dubey, MoM and senior officials from the MoM and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC).
• Developed under the National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework (NNMSRF), the portal aims to promote resource efficiency, centralise data and insights, empower stakeholders and enhance transparency.

Key Features of the Portal:
i.The framework is aimed at recycling metals such as aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and other critical elements.
ii.National Registry for dismantlers, recyclers, traders, and collection centres.
iii.Data Tracking Tools for raw material flows, product types, technology adoption, and workforce trends.
iv.Performance Benchmarking mechanisms to evaluate sector efficiency.
v.Gap Identification for regional infrastructure, skill development, and sectoral needs.
vi.Support Systems for standardization, certification, and awareness campaigns.

C-DOT and CSIR-NPL Signed MoU for Advancing Quantum and Classical Communication Technologies
In May 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s leading telecom research institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi (Delhi) the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, to collaborate on advancing indigenous communication technologies.

• The MoU aims to establish a long-term collaborative framework focused on the research, development, standardization, and delivery of next-generation communication technologies.

i.C-DOT brings expertise in network protocols, Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum communications.
ii.CSIR-NPL contributes proficiency in scientific measurement, standardization, and traceability to the International System of Units (SI).
iii.The partnership aims to enhance the security of digital communication systems through the development and implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques.
iv.The development of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based control electronics will be prioritized to improve the hardware capabilities required for efficient quantum systems.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

World Bank Land Conference 2025 held in Washington DC, USAThe World Bank Land Conference 2025(WBLC 2025), the premier international forum for the land sector, was held from May 5 to 8, 2025 in Washington DC, the United States of America (USA).

• Washington (the USA)-based World Bank (WB) has been organising the Land Conference for over 20 years, with the aim of bringing together over 1,000 participants from wide range of sectors such as government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
• Theme of  WBLC 2025: “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness”.

i.During the conference, India was honored as a Country Champion under the leadership of Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). This recognition underscores India’s global leadership in inclusive land governance and grassroots empowerment.
ii.A high-level Indian delegation led by Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of MoPR showcased India’s pioneering digital land reform initiatives i.e. Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SWAMITVA Scheme) and Gram Manchitra, India’s advanced GIS-based spatial planning platform at two different key sessions of 2025 WLC.
About Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR):
Union Minister- Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) (Constituency- Munger, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS)- S.P. Singh Baghel (Constituency- Agra, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News

Pakistan Launched ‘Operation Bunyan al-Marsus’ Against IndiaOn May 10, 2025, Pakistan launched ‘Operation Bunyan al-Marsu’ against India aimed at targeting military installations in India: Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir, J&K); Kashmir (J&K) and Pathankot (Punjab), Bhuj (Gujarat), among others.

• The operation was initiated in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7, 2025.
• The name of the operation is inspired from the Quran (the holy book of Muslims). The phrase ‘Bunyan al-Marsu’ in Arabic means ‘a wall constructed of molten lead’ which symbolizes unity, strength, and an unbreakable front.

Key Points:
i.The operation was conducted under the overarching command of Pakistan’s military leadership, with General Asim Munir serving as the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan.
ii.Under Pakistan’s operation, Fatah-II hypersonic ballistic missile was fired to target Delhi, India’s capital city but was taken down effectively by Indian Air Defence Systems Forces in Sirsa, Haryana.
iii.Pakistan launched this operation following India struck at least 3 air base stations in Pakistan: Nur Khan air base station, located near Chaklala, Rawalpindi); Murid airbase station, located in Chakwal, around 120 kilometer (km) away from Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad; and Rafiqui airbase, located Shorkot in Punjab province of Pakistan.
iv.On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan have mutually agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, effectively halting the most intense military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades.
v.After the ceasefire on 11 May 2025, Pakistan’s Director General(DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressed the media to share details regarding the conduct and conclusion of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus.
About Fatah-II:
i.Fatah-II is a guided Multi-Launch Rocket System(MLRS) developed by Pakistan, with a strike range of 450 km.

• It is a successor of Fatah-I which has a strike range of 140 km.

ii.In 2024, Pakistan conducted a test trial of Fatah-II, which boasts a precision-strike capability with a claimed Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters (m).
About Pakistan:
Prime Minister(PM)– Shehbaz Sharif
Capital– Islamabad
Currency– Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Relaxed FPI Norms on Corporate Bonds to Boost Foreign InflowsIn May 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed norms for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to buy local corporate bonds by removing “short-term debt investment limits” and  the ‘concentration limits’, aimed at providing greater ease of investment to FPIs.

• As per RBI directions, all these new rules came into force with immediate effect.

i.Under the previous framework, investments by FPIs in corporate bonds with maximum residual maturity period of 1 year was capped at 30% of the total investment of FPIs in corporate bonds. These limits were applicable on the end-of-day basis.
ii.Also, investment in corporate debt securities by an FPI (including its related FPIs) was limited at 15% of prevailing investment limit for long-term FPIs and 10% for others.
iii.According to RBI’s Digital Lending Directions 2025, all Banks and other Regulated Entities (REs) are now required to report details of their Digital Lending Applications (DLAs) through the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) portal of RBI.

• As per RBI’s circular, the portal will be operational for reporting from May 13, 2025 and also, REs are required to upload their initial data till June 15, 2025.

>> Read Full News

Bhutan Launches World’s First National Cryptocurrency Tourism Payment SystemIn May 2025, Bhutan has introduced the world’s first national cryptocurrency tourism payment system through a collaboration with Binance Pay, a subsidiary of Binance Holdings Limited, and DK Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan’s first fully digital bank

• This initiative enables travelers to use cryptocurrencies for service payments, promoting ease of transactions and advancing financial inclusion throughout their visit to Bhutan.

Key Features:
i.Cashless Travel Experience: Tourists with Binance accounts can use over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and United States Dollar Coin (USDC), to pay for airline tickets, visa fees, hotel bookings, monument entries, tour guides, and local purchases.
ii.QR Code-Based Payments: The system uses static and dynamic Quick Response (QR) codes for real-time transactions, eliminating the need for card terminals.
iii.Automatic Currency Conversion: Cryptocurrency payments are instantly converted to Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), Bhutan’s official currency handled by DK Bank, ensuring vendors receive stable payouts.
iv.Financial Inclusion: Over 100 Bhutanese businesses, including those in remote regions, have adopted the system, enabling participation in the global USD 3 trillion cryptocurrency market.
Benefits for Travelers and Merchants:
i.Lower Transaction Costs: Reduces foreign exchange friction and transaction fees for international travelers.
ii.Global Market Access: Bhutanese merchants can now engage with global digital finance ecosystems.
About Binance Pay:
Binance Pay is a cryptocurrency payment platform developed by Binance Holdings Ltd, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, allowing users to send, receive, and pay with various cryptocurrencies.
About Bhutan:
Prime Minister (PM) – Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Capital – Thimphu
Currency – Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

RBI Recognizes FIMMDA as SRO for Financial Markets
In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recognized the Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association (FIMMDA) as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) in financial markets regulated by the RBI.

• The recognition grants FIMMDA enhanced authority to regulate member conduct and enforce fair practices in the financial markets under its purview.

About the SRO recognition:
In August 2024, RBI issued a Framework for Recognition of SRO in financial markets and invited applications for recognition as SRO.

• To be recognized, an SRO must be a not-for-profit company with a minimum net worth of Rs.10 crore and diversified shareholding (no single entity holding more than 10% of the paid-up share capital).

About FIMMDA:
i.FIMMDA is an association of commercial banks, public financial institutions, primary dealers, and insurance companies. It was incorporated as a company in 1998.
ii.It is a voluntary market body for the fixed income, money and derivatives markets.
iii.It has members representing all major institutional segments of the market.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Porter Becomes India’s 3rd Unicorn of 2025 by Raising USD 200 million in Series F RoundIn May 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Porter, an on-demand logistics platform, raised USD 200 million (approximately Rs.1700 crore) in a Series F funding round, making it India’s 3rd unicorn of 2025 following Netradyne and Juspay.

• Porter also aims to improve the efficiency of urban logistics, with a focus on supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and empowering gig economy workers.

Key Details of the Funding:
i.Investors: Led by Kedaara Capital Investment Managers Limited (Mumbai, Maharashtra -based private equity firm) and Wellington Management Company (Boston, United States of America, USA-based global asset manager).
ii.Funding Type: Mix of primary capital infusion and secondary share sales by existing shareholders.
iii.Purpose: Expand operations to new cities, strengthen tech (technology) infrastructure, and support over 1 million gig workers.
iv.With this fundraise, Porter’s valuation is reported to be in the range of USD 1.1 billion to USD 1.2 billion, qualifying it as a unicorn (a startup valued at over USD 1 billion).
What is Series F Funding?
i.A Series F funding round is a sixth major round of venture capital funding that typically occurs after earlier rounds such as Series A, B, C, D, and E.
ii.It usually involves mature startups or private companies that have already raised significant capital in earlier rounds and are now seeking additional funds.
About Porter:
i.Porter was founded in 2014 by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) graduates Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga (Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Porter), and Vikas Choudhary, Executive Vice Chairman of Porter.
ii.It provides Intra-city logistics solutions, including on-demand trucks, packers and movers, and enterprise logistics.
iii.It currently operates in 22 cities across India and has a presence in two international markets, serving over 30 lakh customers and engaging around 3 lakh gig workers monthly.

Karnataka & IN-SPACe signs two MoUs to Establish Space Manufacturing Park and CoE
In May 2025, the Government of Karnataka and  Ahmedabad, Gujarat based Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster the state’s position in India’s commercial space sector. The agreements focus on establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for space technologies and a public-private space manufacturing park.

• The MoUs were signed by Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology), Government of Karnataka, and Lochan Sehra,Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe in the presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe.

i.Key Initiatives:

• Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technologies: To be established in Bengaluru(Karnataka), this center aims to drive research and innovation in space technologies.
• Space Manufacturing Park: A public-private partnership model will be adopted to set up a manufacturing park focused on next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production.

ii.These initiatives align with the Indian Space Policy, 2023, aiming to promote innovation and support the state’s NewSpace ecosystem.
iii.Karnataka’s existing infrastructure, including institutions like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), provides a robust foundation for these developments.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Japan’s SMBC Buys 20% Stake in YES Bank for around Rs 13,483 CroreIn May 2025, Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s 2nd largest banking group i.e. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMGF) has entered into a definitive agreement to buy 20% stake in Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based YES Bank Limited through a secondary stake purchase valued at around Rs 13, 483 crore.

• This deal is the largest cross-border investment in the Indian banking sector. This transaction marks a major milestone to drive YES Bank’s next phase of growth, profitability and value creation.
• Also, the transaction is subject to the mandatory regulatory and statutory approvals including from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Key Details:
i.As part of the transaction, SBI will divest its 13.19% stake in YES Bank at Rs 21.50 per equity share for Rs 8,889 crore.

• Upon completion of this transaction, shareholding of SBI in YES Bank will reduce from existing 23.97% to just over 10%.

ii.While, 7 other private banks namely, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based ICICI Bank Limited, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based HDFC Bank Limited,Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), Axis Bank Limited, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based IDFC First Bank Limited, Aluva (Kerala)-based Federal Bank Limited, and Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)-based Bandhan Bank Limited, will collectively divest their 6.81% stakes in YES Bank for Rs 4,594 crore.
Points to Note:
i.In March 2020, SBI along with these 7 banks had invested in YES Bank as part of a Reconstruction Scheme approved by RBI.
ii.As of March 31, 2025, 7 private lender held stakes in YES Bank: HDFC Bank (2.75%), ICICI Bank (2.39%), KMBL (1.21%), Axis Bank Limited (1.01%), IDFC First Bank Limited (0.92%), Federal Bank (0.76%), and Bandhan Bank (0.70%).
iii.Both Federal Bank and Bandhan Bank announced selling 0.5% Stake each in Yes Bank. This will bring Bandhan Bank’s stake in Yes Bank down to 0.21% from 0.7%.
iv.Yes Bank was advised by Citigroup Global Markets Private Limited (Citi) as its financial adviser and AZB & Partners (AZB) as its legal advisor.
About Yes Bank Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Prashant Kumar
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline- “Experience our expertise”
Established- 2004
About Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC):
Chairman- Makato Takashima
Headquarters- Tokyo, Japan
Established- 2001

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Elon Musk’s Starlink Receives Approval to Launch Satellite Internet Services in India
In May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk, marking a significant step towards its commercial operations in India. This development comes nearly three years after Starlink first applied for an operator licence.

• Starlink operates a constellation of over 7,000 low Earth orbit satellites, providing satellite communication services in more than 100 countries. Its entry into the Indian market is poised to enhance connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions, aligning with the government’s vision of digital inclusivity.

Key Developments:
i.Regulatory Progress: The LoI paves the way for Starlink to obtain a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence, essential for offering satellite-based internet services in India.
ii.Security Compliance: Starlink has agreed to 29 stringent security conditions set by the DoT, including real-time terminal tracking, mandatory local data processing, legal interception capabilities, and localisation of at least 20% of its ground segment infrastructure within the initial years of operation.
iii.Pending Approvals: Before commencing services, Starlink must secure approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and obtain spectrum allocation from the government. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently finalising pricing recommendations for the administrative allocation of satellite communication spectrum.
iv.Strategic Partnerships: Starlink has entered into agreements with major Indian telecom firms, including Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Reliance Jio and New Delhi(Delhi)-based Bharti Airtel, to expand its reach and explore bundled service offerings.

SPORTS

Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket after 14-year Test CareerOn May 12, 2025, the Renowned Indian Cricketer, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format of the game with immediate effect.

• He will continue representing India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL).

About Virat Kohli:
i.Virat Kohli, 36-year-old batter, played 123 tests, scoring 9230 runs including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
ii.He made his test debut in Jamaica in 2011 against the West Indies.
Awards and honors:
i.In 2018, he was honoured with the ICC Test Player of the Year, for his overwhelming performance in the format.
ii.He was awarded as ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2012, 2017 and 2018.
iii.In 2017 and 2018, he was honoured as ICC Cricketer of the Year award
>> Read Full News

Brazil to host FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027
In May 2025, the International governing body for football, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced Brazil as the host country of the Women’s football world cup in 2027. The decision was made at the 74th FIFA congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

• The event will take place from June 24 to July 25, 2027
• Brazil is the first country to host FIFA Women’s World Cup (WCC) in South America.

Key Points:
i.The 2027 edition of the FIFA WCC will expand to feature 32 national teams.
ii.FIFA has selected the 8 cities and their stadiums, Rio De Janeiro (Maracana Stadium), Belo Horizonte (Mineirao Stadium), Brasilia (National Stadium), Fortaleza (Castelao Arena), Porto Alegre (Beira-Rio Stadium), Recife (Pernambuco Arena), Salvador (Fonte Nova Arena) and Sao Paulo (Itaquera Arena).

• The 8 venues are among the 12 venues, hosted the FIFA Men’s World Cup

iii.Brazil was selected in a voting process, receiving 119 votes, defeating the joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, which received 78 votes.
iv.It marked the first time FIFA’s full Membership voted to decide the host nation for FIFA WCC, which will be voted by FIFA council before.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

S P Sharma’s Book “India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order” Released
In May 2025, the Chief Economist at New Economic Order Economists and Chief Economist of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shyam Prakash Sharma released his book, “India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order” in a launch event at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. The book was published by New Delhi based AF Press, an imprint of Academic Foundation.

• The book was launched with an aim to envision India’s growth to become Global Economic Leadership by its 100th year of independence.

Key Points:
i.The book identifies key enablers of the global economic leadership transformation, including government initiatives such as Make in India, Pradhan Mantri (PM) Gati Shakti, and record- breaking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which has crossed USD 1 trillion.
ii.It also highlights, India’s robust macroeconomic fundamentals like rising tax revenues, strong foreign exchange reserves and a stable debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio as signs of a maturing and stable economy.
iii.The book comprises seven chapters, assessing India’s economic journey through the lens of reforms, digital innovation, sustainability and global integration.
iv.It also outlines India’s evolving role in global forums like Group of 20 nations (G-20), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Migratory Bird Day 2025 – May 10World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025 is a global campaign supported by the United Nations (UN), observed biannually on the second Saturday of May and October, to raise awareness about challenges faced by migratory birds and encourage action to conserve their habitats.

• WMBD 2025 falls on 10th May 2025 and 11th October 2025.
• The theme of WMBD 2025 is “Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities”, focusing on the need for healthy coexistence between humans and migratory birds.

Background:
i.The initiative began in the United States of America(USA) in 1993 as International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), established by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Washington, D.C., the USA.
ii.WMBD is organized through a partnership among the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and Environment for the Americas (EFTA).
iii.The first official WMBD was celebrated on April 8–9, 2006, at the ‘Ol Ari Nyiro’ wildlife reserve in Laikipia, Kenya, hosted by conservationist Kuki Gallmann.
iv.In 2023, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) joined the WMBD collaboration.
>> Read Full News

International Argania Day 2025 – May 10The United Nations (UN) International Day of Argania is annually observed across the globe on May 10 to create awareness and promote the major role of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa), a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, which grows in arid and semi-arid areas.

• The day highlights Morocco’s dedication to elevate the Argan tree as a symbol of heritage and a source of resilient and sustainable development.
• The theme of International Day of Argania 2025 is “The Argan Tree Conservation”.

Background:
i.In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/75/262 and proclaimed the 10th May of every year as the International Day of Argania.
ii.The resolution, submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations and adopted by consensus.
iii.In 2014, UNESCO inscribed “Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
>> Read Full News

National Technology Day 2025 – May 11National Technology Day, celebrated every year on May 11. The celebrations will be organised by Technology Development Board (TDB) on 11th May 2025, featuring participation from scientists, technocrats, industry leaders, academic institutions, policymakers, and startup founders.

• 11 May 2025 marks the 27th edition of National Technology Day, commemorating 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests.
• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T) unveiled the official theme for National Technology Day 2025 as “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration”.

Background:
i.Marks the historic achievements of May 11, 1998, when India conducted the Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) nuclear tests and the maiden flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft.
ii.In recognition of these milestones, former Prime Minister(PM) of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999.
iii.The Council for Technology organised the first-ever National Technology Day on 11 May 1999.
>> Read Full News

International Day of Vesak or Buddha Purnima 2025 – May 12The United Nations (UN) International Day of Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is observed annually worldwide on the Full Moon day in May to promote Lord Buddha’s teachings and foster global cultural harmony.

• In 2025, International Day of Vesak was observed on May 12, 2025.
• In 2025, the day marked the 2,587th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.

Key Points:
i.On 15 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/54/115, officially recognizing the International Day of Vesak, observed annually on the Full Moon day in May.

• The first International Day of Vesak was observed in 2000.

ii.International Day of Vesak 2025 celebration was hosted by Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

• The 2025 celebrations themed “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity; Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.”

iii.India, for the first time, showcased the sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh (UP) in Vietnam.
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Unveils ‘UP-AGREES’ and ‘AI Pragya’ with World Bank SupportIn May 2025, Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM), Yogi Adityanath with Ajay Banga, President of World Bank(WB), jointly launched two initiatives ‘UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening)’ and ‘AI Pragya (Artificial Intelligence Programme for Resourcefulness, Awareness, Growth, and Youth Advancement)’ to promote agricultural innovation and digital transformation at a launch event in Lucknow, UP.

• The UP-government initiatives with the WB’s assistance aims to move closer to its vision of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.

i.UP AGREES initiative is launched with an aim to revolutionize agriculture in 21 districts of Bundlekhand and Purvanchal regions, which will enhance productivity and promote advanced, technology-based farming.

• The UP AGREES project which costs Rs.4000 crore will receive Rs.2737 crore as loan from WB for a period of six years, while the UP government will contribute Rs.1166 crore.

ii.AI Pragya aims to build a robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent base by training 10 lakh youths across UP, equipping them with the digital skills necessary to thrive in emerging technological sectors.
About Uttar Pradesh(UP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Yogi Adityanath
Governor – Anandiben Patel
Capital – Lucknow
National Park (NP) –Dudhwa NP.
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