Current Affairs 21 May 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 21 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

Union Minister Amit Shah Launched new OCI Portal in New DelhiIn May 2025, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), has launched the revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi, Delhi. This initiative aims to enhance the digital experience for over 5 million existing OCI cardholders and streamline the application process for new applicants.

• The existing OCI Services portal was launched in 2013. It is currently operational across more than 180 Indian missions worldwide and 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), handling approximately 2,000 applications daily.

i.The revamped portal is available at the existing Uniform Resource Locator (URL): https://ociservices.gov.in/, this shows India’s commitment to supporting its international Diaspora by providing secure, efficient and user-centric digital services.
ii.The new OCI portal offers various user-friendly features aimed to enhance accessibility and convenience, like: sign-up; auto-fill of user profile details in OCI registration forms; dashboard will display completed and partially-filled application forms;
About Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA):
Union Minister- Amit Shah (Constituency- Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS)- Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency- Karimnagar, Telangana); Nityanand Rai (Constituency-Ujiarpur, Bihar)
>> Read Full News

DEA Amends Rule 8 of SCRR, 1957 to Enhance Ease of Doing Business for BrokersOn May 19, 2025, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI) amended Rule 8 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules (SCRR), 1957, through official Gazette Notification G.S.R. 318 (E). This amendment provides regulatory clarity to enhance the ease of doing business for brokers.

• The GoI, exercising its powers under Section 30 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA, 1956) (42 of 1956), has notified the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2025.
• The new rules will come into effect on May 19, 2025.

Key Revisions to Rule 8 of SCRR, 1957:
i.A new proviso states that any investments made by a member (broker) will not be considered as business activity until such investments involve client funds or securities or result in a financial liability for the broker.
ii.Previously, Rule 8 of SCRR, 1957, restricts brokers from working as a principal or employee, in any business other than securities or commodity derivatives.

• However, as per the rule, they may act as brokers or agents in other businesses, subject to the condition that such roles do not entail any financial liability.

iii.The amendment will enable the brokers to easily utilize their funds for a variety of purposes, to buy assets, among others, which was previously a time-consuming process.
Background:
The amendment aligns with the DEA’s September 2024 consultation paper, which sought stakeholder feedback to modernize SCRR, 1957.

• It addresses evolving market dynamics and strengthens India’s ease of doing business framework for financial intermediaries.

Significance:
i.Through the amendment, GoI aims to reduce compliance burdens and provide seamless functioning of market intermediaries, while ensuring transparency and protecting the interests of investors.
ii.Also, the amendment is considered part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its capital market ecosystem and attract greater participation of investors.
About the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA):
Secretary- Ajay Seth
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
About Ministry of Finance (MoF):
Union Minister- Nirmala Sitharaman (Rajya Sabha- Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS) – Pankaj Chaudhary (Constituency- Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, UP)

Govt tightens Precious Metals Import Rules to Prevent Misuse of India-UAE CEPAOn May 19, 2025, the Government of India (GOI) has tightened the import rules for Gold and Silver, restricting their entry into India to only nominated agencies, qualified jewellers, and valid Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) holders under the India – United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with immediate effect.

• The new rules were notified through the notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI)
• It has allowed the import of unwrought, semi-manufactured and powdered gold under conditions

Note: Under CEPA, India permits import of up to 200 Metric Tonnes(MT) of gold annually from the UAE at a 1% concessional duty under the TRQ mechanism.
Key Points:
i.Under the new rules, certain unwrought and semi-manufactured forms have been deleted or reclassified. The imports of gold with 99.5% or higher purity are now restricted and can be brought only through nominated agencies, qualified jewellers through India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), India-UAE TRQ holders.

• Additionally, gold can be imported by refineries under a license with an Actual user condition

ii.Platinum of 99% or higher purity, with Harmonized System (HS) Code will only qualify for tax benefits under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

• As per International Rules, under the World Customs Organization (WCO), any metal containing even 1% platinum could be declared as platinum alloy.
• Some importers misused the rule and labelled products of 99% gold as platinum alloy to benefit from lower taxes
• The government introduced HS code for platinum, gold dore, silver dore, in the Union Budget 2025 to prevent.

iii.However, bars of silver with 99.5% or higher purity with HS code are still free for import, subject to RBI regulations.
About Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
Director General – Santosh Kumar Sarangi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 1991

GeM Celebrates 8th Incorporation Day with GeMAI Chatbot LaunchOn 19 May 2025, Government e Marketplace (GeM), India’s national public procurement portal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), marked its 8th anniversary with a reaffirmation of its transformative impact on inclusive economic growth and digital governance.

• During the event, GeM has launched GeMAI, India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot in the public sector.

i.GeM’s user base has seen a threefold increase in recent years, with over 1.64 lakh primary buyers and 4.2 lakh active sellers. It offers more than 10,000 product categories and over 330 services.
ii.GeM has over 10 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups as part of its ecosystem.
About Government e Marketplace (GeM):
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Ajay Bhadoo
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 2016
>> Read Full News

IFFCO and FDRVC  Signed MoU to Boost Sustainable Agricultural Inputs for FPOs across India
In May 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the world’s largest processed fertiliser cooperative, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC), a not-for-profit organisation under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), to enhance access to sustainable agricultural inputs for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across India.

• The MoU was signed by Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director of IFFCO Limited and Bipin Bihari, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FDRVC.

i.The initiative is expected to benefit more than 800 FPOs and approximately 10 lakh (1 million) farmers across India by empowering FPOs through enhanced access to innovative, sustainable, and high-quality agricultural inputs.
ii.Under this MoU, IFFCO will supply its advanced range of Nano Fertilisers, Bio-stimulants, Speciality Fertilisers and Organic products, including Bio-fertilisers and Bio-decomposers.
Note: FDRVC, a company promoted by New Delhi(Delhi) based National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), will facilitate outreach to registered FPOs and promote usage of IFFCO’s products through training, capacity building, and awareness campaigns.

DPIIT Approves 187 Startups for Tax Relief Under Revised Section 80-IAC Framework
In May 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), Government of India (GoI), approved 187 startups for 100% income tax exemption under the revamped Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

• The decision was finalized during the 79th and 80th meetings of the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) held on 30th April 2025, where 75 startups and 112 startups were cleared, respectively.

i.Tax Exemption Benefits: Eligible startups can avail a 100% income tax deduction on profits for any three consecutive years within ten years from their date of incorporation.
ii.Extended Eligibility: The Union Budget 2025–26 extended the incorporation deadline to 1st April 2030 (from 31st March 2023), allowing newer ventures more time to avail benefits
iii.Simplified Application Process: DPIIT has streamlined the application process, ensuring that complete applications are reviewed within 120 days.
iv.Eligibility Criteria: To get income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, startups must:

• Be recognized by DPIIT.
• Operate as a private limited company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
• Have an annual turnover of Rs.100 crore or less in any previous financial year.

Note: In May 2025, DPIIT doubled the guarantee cover under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) by increasing the maximum limit per borrower from Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 20 crore.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Nepal’s Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ Amid Global Warming ConcernsIn May 2025, the Yala Glacier in Langtang Valley, Nepal, was declared “dead” during Asia’s first glacier funeral, after losing 66% of its ice and retreating 784 meters since the 1970s, highlighting the severe impact of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.

• The event, coordinated by the Kathmandu (Nepal)-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), witnessed the participation of over 50 glaciologists, Buddhist monks, and local community members from Nepal, India, China, and Bhutan.

Key Details of the Event:
i.Memorial Plaques: Installed at the glacier’s base, featuring messages in English, Nepali, and Tibetan by authors Manjushree Thapa and Andri Snaer Magnason.
ii.Global Precedents:Yala is the third glacier worldwide and the first in Asia, to receive such a memorial, following Iceland’s Okjökull (Ok glacier) (2019) and Mexico’s Ayoloco (2021).

• Yala was among 7 glaciers in the HKH monitored annually for over a decade.

About Nepal:
Prime Minister(PM) – Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
President – Ram Chandra Poudel
Capital – Kathmandu
Currency – Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
>> Read Full News

Colombia Joins China’s BRI to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In May 2025, Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by signing a cooperation pact during a meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China.

• Colombia’s decision to join the BRI reflects its intent to diversify international alliances and attract investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology sectors.

i.The agreement is expected to boost Colombia’s exports, attract Chinese investment, and improve connectivity, particularly along the Pacific coast.
ii.Launched in 2013, the BRI is a global infrastructure and investment strategy initiated by China to enhance connectivity and economic integration across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

• It aims to develop trade routes and stimulate economic growth through investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, and railways.

iii.As of 2024, over 140 countries have joined the BRI, encompassing nearly 75% of the world’s population and over half of global Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

World’s First Commercial-scale E-methanol Plant Opened in Denmark
In May 2025, the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol (electrolyzed methanol) plant began operations in Kasso, Southern Denmark, marking a major step in making shipping greener and fighting climate change.

• The plant is jointly developed by Denmark-based European Energy A/S and Japan-based Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
• It costs about 150 million euros (USD 167 million), will produce 42,000 Metric Tons (MT) (53 million litres) of e-methanol annually

i.The plant utilizes Renewable energy (RE) from the adjacent 304 Megawatt (MW) Kassø Solar Park, Northern Europe’s largest solar facility.
ii.It combines green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by solar energy, with biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from biogas plants and waste incineration.
iii.This process results in e-methanol with up to a 97% reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based methanol.
iv.This pioneering project aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) target to eliminate carbon emissions from shipping by 2050.

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Mandated EBP for all Private Debt Issues above Rs 20 CroreIn May 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated the use of Electronic Book Platform (EBP) for all private placement debt issues of 20 crore or above. This move is aimed to enhance transparency and streamline the fundraising process in the private debt market.

• These new changes related to EBP were introduced by amending Chapter VI and VII of the Master Circular dated on May 22, 2024, after the recommendations of the working group and public feedback.
• SEBI issued these new directions through circular, under the SEBI Act, 1992 and related regulations, aimed to ensure transparency, investor protection, and streamlined market processes.
• These revised changes to EBP will come into effect immediately, except for certain clauses related to anchor investors, disclosures and reporting, that will come into effect 3 to 6 months from the circulars’ date.

Note: Previously, electronic book mechanism was compulsory for all private placements of debt securities with an issue size of Rs 50 crore or above.
Key Changes:
i.As per SEBI’s new framework, the requirement to use EBP platform now covers private placements of debt securities, non-convertible redeemable preference shares (NCRPS), and municipal bonds, including single, shelf, and follow-on issues within a financial year.
ii.SEBI has also extended the applicability of the EBP to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), which were previously not covered by the platform.
iii.It is voluntary for an issuer to access the EBP platform for private placement of securitized debt instruments or security receipts or commercial papers (CPs), Certificates of Deposits (CDs).

• Similarly, issuers constituted as REITs, InvITs  have an option to access the EBP platform for private placement of units of REITs, InvITs.

iv.As per the new framework, issuers can now reserve a maximum 30% of the issue for instruments rated AAA to AA-; 40% for those rated A+/A- ; and 50% for low-rated instruments.

• Also, it is now mandatory for anchor investors to confirm their participation electronically one prior to the issue, with any unconfirmed portion being reallocated to the general issue.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
SEBI was first established in 1988 as a non-statutory body for regulating the securities market. Later it acquired regulating authority status for the Indian securities market in 1992.
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey

RBI Grants In-Principle Approvals to ZikZuk & Emirates NBDIn May 2025, ZikZuk, a fast-growing fintech startup headquartered in Hyderabad (Telangana), has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI).
i.With this approval from the RBI, ZikZuk can now issue prepaid wallets and cards and enable Unified Payments Interface(UPI) payments through third-party applications like Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and CRED.
ii.The RBI has also decided to grant “in-principle” approval to Emirates NBD Bank PJSC for setting up a WoS in India, under the “Scheme for Setting up of WoS by foreign banks in India”.
iii.The RBI has cancelled the licence of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP) -based HCBL Co-operative Bank as the lender does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.

• The bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on May 19, 2025

About Emirates NBD Bank PJSC:
Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Shayne Nelson
Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates(UAE)
Established – 2007
>> Read Full News

SBI Card partners with Apollo HealthCo for premium credit card ‘Apollo SBI Card SELECT’
In May 2025, Gurugram (Haryana)-based SBI Cards & Payment Services Limited (SBI Card) collaborated with Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Apollo HealthCo Limited(AHL), the operator of Apollo Pharmacy and Apollo 24|7, to introduce the ‘Apollo SBI Card SELECT’. This co-branded credit card is designed to cater to health-conscious consumers by integrating healthcare benefits with financial rewards.

• This collaboration aligns with the growing demand for health-focused financial products in India.

Key Features:
i.The Apollo SBI Card SELECT comes with a joining and annual renewal fee of Rs.499. However, this renewal fee is waived if you spend Rs.1,00,000 or more in the preceding year.
ii.Cardholders can avail up to 25% value back on purchases made via the Apollo 24*7 app and select Apollo Pharmacy retail stores, including medicines, health check-ups, and diagnostic tests.
iii.A welcome benefit of Rs 1,500 e-gift voucher is offered, redeemable on Apollo’s digital and offline platforms.
iv.The card enhances affordability for pharmacy products, diagnostic packages, and wellness services.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

India’s Reliance Power & Bhutan’s DHI Partner to Develop 500 MW Solar Project in BhutanOn May 19, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Reliance Power Limited (RPower), led by Anil Ambani, signed a commercial term sheet for a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Bhutan’s Green Digital Private Limited (GDL), a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), the investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

• A 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) has been established between RPower and DHI to develop Bhutan’s largest solar power project with a capacity of 500 Megawatt (MW), involving a capital outlay of Rs. 2,000 crores.

Key Highlights:
i.The project, to be developed under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model and marks the largest private sector Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bhutan’s solar energy sector.
ii.It aims to enhance cross-border infrastructure collaboration across South Asia and play a pivotal role in advancing regional clean energy integration.
iii.It will be rolled out in phased tranches over 24 months, targeting completion by May 2027.
Note: With this project, Reliance Power’s total clean energy pipeline stands at 2.5 gigawatts peak (GWp) in solar, making it India’s largest player in the integrated solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) segment.
Background:
i.In October 2024, Reliance Enterprises, a joint initiative by Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure Limited, entered a strategic partnership with DHI to develop solar and hydroelectric projects in Bhutan.
ii.As part of that agreement, the two sides committed to developing the 500 MW solar power plant and jointly operating the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I hydroelectric project, a run-of-the-river venture aligned with Bhutan’s long-term national energy goals.
About Bhutan:
Prime Minister (PM) – H. E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Capital – Thimphu
Currency – Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Times Rich List 2025: Hinduja family dominates UK rich list for 4th Successive yearIn May 2025, The Hinduja family, led by Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of the 110-year-old multinational Hinduja Group, has once again secured the top spot on “The Sunday Times Rich List 2025”, with a reported net worth of British Pound Sterling (GBP)35.3 Billion(approximately Rs.2,530,000 crore).

• David and Simon Reuben and family, follows the Hinduja Group, placed at the second place with a reported net worth of GBP 26.87 Billion.

i.The 37th Sunday Times Rich List features 350 individuals and families, with a combined wealth of GBP 772.8 billion, marking a 3% decline from the previous year.
ii.The 2025 Rich List highlights a significant decline in the number of UK billionaires, dropping from 165 in 2024 to 156, the largest decrease since the list’s inception in 1989.
iii.Other notable names on the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List include Sir Leonard Blavatnik (GBP 25.725 billion), Sir James Dyson and family (GBP 20.8 billion), Idan Ofer (GBP 20.121 billion), the Weston family (GBP 17.746 billion), Sir Jim Ratcliffe (GBP 17.046 billion), and Lakshmi Mittal and family (GBP15.444 billion).
>> Read Full News

Sansad Ratna Awards 2025: 17 MPs & 2 Parliamentary Committees Honoured; Maharashtra Leads with 7 MPsIn May 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) based Prime Point Foundation (PPF) announced the recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards 2025, honouring 17 Members of Parliament (MPs) and 2 Parliamentary Standing Committees(PSCs) for their exemplary parliamentary performance in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• The awards will be presented during the 15th edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi (Delhi) in the last week of July 2025.
• Maharashtra leads with 7 awards, followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP), Jharkhand, and Rajasthan (2 each). Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (TN), and Assam secured 1 award each.

i.The nominations were finalized by the Jury Committee headed by Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, who serves as the Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
ii.Four MPs receive special awards for “Outstanding and Consistent Contribution to Parliamentary Democracy” during the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha, and for maintaining their performance in the 18th Lok Sabha.

• Two PSCs will also be felicitated for their exceptional contributions.

>> Read Full News

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank in TAIndia’s star javelin thrower and double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra was conferred the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army (TA). The appointment was officially notified in The Gazette of India on 13 May 2025 by the Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence (MoD), recognizing his contributions to sports and national pride.

• Droupadi Murmu, the president of India, conferred the honorary rank under Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, effective 16 April 2025.

About Neeraj Chopra:
Military Career:
i.Neeraj Chopra’s association with the Indian Army (IA) began on August 26, 2016, when he was enrolled as a Naib Subedar in the 4 Rajputana Rifles.
ii.Following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (India’s first in track and field), he was promoted to Subedar in 2021.
iii.In 2024, he was elevated to Subedar Major, the highest Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) rank.
Awards and Honors:
i.Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM): Awarded in 2022, recognizing distinguished service of the most exceptional order in the Indian Armed Forces.
ii.Padma Shri: In 2022 Conferred with India’s fourth-highest civilian award For Outstanding performance in the field of sports.
iii.Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Received in 2021, India’s highest sporting honor.
iv.Arjuna Award: Bestowed in 2018 for outstanding performance in sports.
v.Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM): It’s military award in India, recognizing “distinguished service of a high order” in 2020
About the Territorial Army (TA):
i.The Territorial Army (TA), established on 9 October 1949, completed 75 years in 2024.
ii.It functions as a part-time volunteer force that supports the regular Indian Army during emergencies and actively contributes to nation-building and developmental projects.
Notable Indian Sportspersons in the Territorial Army:
i.Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Cricket), conferred the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in TA in 2011
ii.Abhinav Bindra (Shooting), (Lieutenant Colonel, TA, 2011)
iii.Vijay Kumar Sharma (Shooting), (Honorary Captain, 2012)
iv.Kapil Dev (Cricket), (Lieutenant Colonel, TA, 2008)

LIC Appoints Dinesh Pant, Ratnakar Patnaik as MDs
In May 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the appointment of Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as Managing Directors (MDs) of Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, effective from June 1, 2025.

• Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik will replace Jagannath Mukkavilli and Tablesh Pandey, on their superannuation on 31 May 2025.

i.Dinesh Pant, who is currently the Appointed Actuary & Executive Director (Actuarial) in LIC, will serve as MD up to the date of his superannuation, May 31, 2027, or until further orders.
ii.Ratnakar Patnaik, who is currently the Executive Director (Investment – Front Office) & Chief Investment Officer in LIC, will serve as MD up to the date of his superannuation, March 31, 2028, or until further orders.

Manoj Kumar Jhawar Appointed CMD of PTC India
New Delhi (Delhi) based PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation of India Limited), India’s power trading company, has appointed Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhawar as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), effective from May 13, 2025.

• The PTC India board of directors approved Dr. Jhawar’s appointment on April 26, 2025, and he will serve until his superannuation at the age of 60.

i.Dr. Jhawar brings over three decades of experience in the power sector.
ii.He started his career in May 1989 with the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board (MP) and later held key roles, including Director (Finance) and Director (Commercial), at Indore (MP) based MP Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited.
iii.Before joining PTC India, he was Director (Finance) at Bengaluru (Karnataka) based KIOCL Limited, a Category-I Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Steel (MoS), from May 2023.
iv.He joined PTC India as Whole Time Director (Commercial & Operations) on January 18, 2024, and held additional charge as CMD from June 13, 2024.

SPORTS

Italian Open Tennis 2025: Carlos Alcaraz won Men’s Singles & Jasmine Paolini won Women’s SinglesThe 2025 Italian Open Tennis, officially called the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2025, took place from May 6 to May 18, 2025, on outdoor clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy.
i.In Men’s singles,Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (World No.2) secured his maiden Italian Open title by defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner (World No.1) with a scoreline of 7–6(7–5), 6–1 in the final.
ii.Italy’s Jasmine Paolini(World No. 5) achieved a historic feat by winning both the women’s singles and doubles titles at the 2025 Italian Open.
iii. Women’s Doubles Final:  Paolini partnered Sara Errani (Italy) to win the doubles title against Veronika Kudermetova (Russia) and Elise Mertens (Belgium) (6–4, 7–5).
iv.MarceloArévalo(EI Salvador) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) won the men’s doubles tennis title at the 2025 Italian Open by defeating the French pair Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul with a score of 6–4, 6–7 (6–8), [13–11] in the final.
About Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP):
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) serves as the governing body for men’s professional tennis and oversees both the ATP Tour and the ATP Challenger Tour.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Massimo Calvelli
Headquarters – London, the United Kingdom (UK)
Founded – 1972
>> Read Full News

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Puja Pujara writes a memoir titled “The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife”
Puja Pujara, the wife of renowned Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, has written the memoir “The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife: A Very Unusual Memoir”. It is the first time a cricketer’s spouse has written a memoir on the cricketer

• The memoir is co-authored by Puja Pujara and Namita Kala, and was published by Gurgaon, Haryana based HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited. It was released in April 2025.

i.The book offers the readers a glimpse into Puja’s life as a cricketer’s spouse.
ii.The book, in addition to bringing a perspective of being a cricketer’s wife, it also offers a glimpse into Pujara’s life, from playing street cricket to becoming one of the greatest cricketers in India.
iii.Puja Pujara has shared the resilient path of Pujara’s cricketing career and her experiences alongside him.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Bee Day 2025 – May 20The United Nations (UN) observes World Bee Day annually on May 20 to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators in supporting biodiversity, food security, and sustainable development.

• The 2025 World Bee Day theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, underscores the indispensable role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining agrifood systems and ecosystem health.

Background:
i.The proposal to observe World Bee Day was initiated by the Republic of Slovenia, with the support of Apimondia (International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations), at the Rome(Italy) basedFood and Agriculture Organization(FAO) Regional Conference for Europe in 2016.
ii.On 20 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/211, officially proclaiming 20 May of each year as World Bee Day.

• The date, May 20 marks the birth anniversary of Anton Janša, an 18th-century Slovenian innovator renowned for pioneering modern apiculture techniques.

iii. The first World Bee Day was celebrated on 20 May 2018.
>> Read Full News

World Metrology Day 2025 – May 20World Metrology Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of metrology, the science of measurement, and its impact on daily life, science, trade, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

• The 2025 edition holds special importance as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, signed in Paris, France on 20th May 1875, which laid the foundation for the global metric system.
• The theme of WMD 2025 is “Measurements for all times, for all people.

Background:
i.WMD was established in 1999 by the International Committee for Weights and Measures (Comité international des poids et mesures) (CIPM) during its 21st General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to commemorate the Metre Convention.
ii.The first WMD was observed on 20 May 2000.
2025 Event:
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, UNESCO in collaboration with the BIPM, organised a symposium in Paris under the theme, “150 years of the Metre Convention: Science, Innovation and Global Impact” in Paris (France).
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STATE NEWS

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Launches 2 Programmes: WAP and GYIPIn May 2025, Chief Minister (CM) of Telangana, Revanth Reddy has launched two initiatives, Women Acceleration Program (WAP) and Grassroot Youth Innovation Program (GYIP), with an aim to empower one crore women to become millionaires and to foster innovation among youth at JRC Convention Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• The two initiatives WAP and GYIP are launched under the guidance of WE Hub, the first state-led incubator in India.
• The event also witnessed the exchange of 17 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) including premier institutions such as National Stock Exchange (NSE), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad, HP India, and various academic and corporate partners.

i. WAP, supported by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the World Bank, is a flagship initiative under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme.
ii.The Grassroot Youth Innovation Program (GYIP) is designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among rural youth in Telangana.
iii.Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also launched the “Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam” Scheme at Macharam Village of Nagarkurnool district, Telangana.
About Telangana:
Chief Minister (CM) – Revanth Reddy
Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma
National Parks (NP) – Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP, Mrugavani NP
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Assam CM Introduced AI-powered News Anchor ‘Ankita’ to share Cabinet Meeting decisions
In May 2025, Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Hemanta Biswa introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual news anchor named Assam’s New-age Knowledge-based Information Technology Anchor(ANKITA) to deliver cabinet meeting updates in Assamese.

• This initiative marks Assam as the first Indian state to deploy an AI anchor for official government communications, reflecting a significant stride in digital governance.

i.Crafted with strikingly lifelike features, including a realistic appearance and a fluent Assamese-speaking voice, Ankita delivered the cabinet meeting’s key decisions and discussions with impressive clarity and accuracy.
ii.The AI anchor informed about key decisions which was taken during the cabinet meeting such as: renaming of Dibrugarh Airport after Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika, granting one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers, among others.
Note: The state government of Assam introduced ‘Iris’, the 1st AI-powered teacher dressed in traditional Mekhela-Chador, at Royal Global School in Guwahati, Assam in 2024.

Gujarat Govt Launched i-PRAGATI and ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ Portals to Enhance Police Services In May 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel, along with Minister of State (MoS) Harsh Sanghavi, Ministry of Home, Police  Housing & Disaster Management launched two major portals — i-PRAGATI and Tera Tujhko Arpan — aimed at improving citizen-centric police services and combating cybercrime more effectively across the state.

• These initiatives seek to strengthen transparency, governance, and ease of access to police-related services through technology.

i.The i-PRAGATI (Investigation Progress Report through Automatically Generated Accurate and Timely Information) portal is integrated with the existing eGujCop system used by Gujarat Police.

• It sends automated Short Message Service (SMS) updates to complainants at four investigation stages: FIR (First Information Report) registration, panchnama, accused arrest, and chargesheet filing.
• Ensures real-time tracking of case progress, piloted successfully before statewide rollout.

ii.Tera Tujhko Arpan: A Cyber Crime Refund Portal Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Ahmedabad (Gujarat), expedites refunds for cybercrime victims via Lok Adalats (People’s Courts).

• Allows online registration and status tracking without FIR requirements, reducing processing time from 2–3 hours to 15 minutes.
• provides unique login credentials for each police station, thereby reducing pending cases by over 50% and significantly enhancing police efficiency in handling cybercrime.

iii.Bank Account Unfreezing Application: CM Patel launched an online platform to help victims of financial cybercrime request the unfreezing of frozen bank accounts. The platform is managed by the State Cyber Crime Cell in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• Accounts are frozen under legal rules (BNSS 106, previously CrPC 102) when complaints are registered through the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
• Freezing is done through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) to stop misuse of funds.

Maharashtra Approves Policy to Promote Artificial Sand in ConstructionIn May 2025, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Devendra Fadnavis, approved a policy to promote the use of artificial sand, also known as manufactured sand (M-Sand), as a sustainable alternative to natural river sand in construction activities.

• This initiative aims to address environmental concerns associated with river sand mining and to ensure a consistent supply of sand for the construction sector.
• This policy is also expected to generate employment opportunities through the establishment of new M-Sand units across the state.

Note: Artificial sand is produced by crushing hard rocks, often granite, into small, sand-sized particles.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
i.Mandatory Use in Government Projects: The policy mandates the use of M-Sand in all construction projects undertaken by government and semi-government agencies.
ii.Incentives for M-Sand Production: To encourage the establishment of M-Sand units, the government plans to set up 50 crusher units per district, totaling 1,500 units across the state.

• Each unit will receive a subsidy of Rs 200 per brass to promote sand production. Additionally, the government will lease land for these units .

iii.Reduced Royalty Rates: The royalty for natural sand is currently Rs 600 per brass. To make M-Sand more economically viable, a concessional royalty rate of Rs 200 per brass has been approved for M-Sand producers.
iv.Environmental Compliance: M-Sand units are required to obtain permissions from the district administration and the forest department and must comply with environmental regulations.
v.Quality Standards: Only M-Sand that meets the Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS (IS 383:2016) norms will be permitted for use in construction projects.
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister(CM) – Devendra Fadnavis
Governor – C. P. Radhakrishnan
Capital – Mumbai
Zoological Park – Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Peshwa Park), Jijamata Udyan Zoo

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