Current Affairs 25 & 26 May 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 25 & 26 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 MoS L Murugan Announces Release of Postage Stamp honouring King Perarasar Perumpidugu MutharaiyarOn 23 May 2025, Union Minister of State(MoS) Loganathan Murugan, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MPA) announced the release of a commemorative postage stamp in honour of a Tamil king, Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar at the 1,350th birth anniversary celebration of the king at Government Memorial Complex, in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu (TN).

• The commemorative postage stamp will bear the image of the King Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar. The postage stamp will be released in 2026.

i.Union MoS announced the forthcoming construction of a manimandapam (memorial hall) to honor King Perarasar Perumpidugu Mutharaiyar, commemorating his legacy in Tamil history.
ii.In May 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD) released a special cover for the “Born to Fly” campaign as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025(May 22) celebrations at the Head Post Office in Coimbatore, TN
About the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs(MPA):
Union Minister – Kiren Rijiju (Constituency – Arunachal West, Arunachal Pradesh, AR)
Minister of State (MoS) – Dr. L. Murugan (Rajya Sabha – Madhya Pradesh, MP); Arjun Ram Meghwal (Constituency – Bikaner, Rajasthan).
>>Read Full News

MoES Hosts 2nd Blue Talks Ahead of UN Ocean Conference 2025
In May 2025, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India (GoI), in collaboration with the Embassy of France and the Embassy of Costa Rica, hosted the Second Blue Talks at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi (Delhi).

• The event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and co-chaired by H.E.Néstor Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India, and Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission, French Embassy.
• Building on the success of the inaugural Blue Talks held in February 2024, the second edition convened a diverse group of participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry experts, academics, and civil society representatives.

i.The conference aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 (Life Below Water).
ii.During the event, MoES released a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth” in collaboration with its strategic knowledge partner.

• The paper outlines a comprehensive framework to align government actions, foster cross-sectoral synergies, and attract greater investment to unlock the potential of India’s ocean resources for sustainable and economic development.

iii.This event was held ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), jointly organized by France and Costa Rica, and scheduled to be held from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Nice, France.
Note: The 1st UNOC was held in 2017 in the United States of America (USA) and was co-hosted by Fiji and Sweden, while the 2nd UNOC, held in 2022 in Portugal, was co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal.

TN Inaugurated India’s First Mahouts’ Village in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 
In May 2025, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K) Stalin inaugurated India’s first Mahouts’ Village at Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve(MTR), Nilgiris district (TN), featuring 44 eco-friendly houses built by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department(TNFD) at a cost of Rs 5.6 crore to enhance the living conditions of mahouts and cavadis who have served generations in elephant management.

• The village aims to provide dignified housing for mahouts and cavadies, especially from Irular, Vettakorumbar, and Kattunayakar tribal communities, who traditionally serve in elephant care.

i.The newly built houses are equipped with drinking water, toilets, solar lighting, children’s playgrounds, and solar fencing for protection.
ii.Each house is named after elephants that died in service at the Mudumalai camp.
iii.Lanes in the village are named after camp elephants, and amenities like a basketball court have been added after consultations with mahouts.
Note: Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, established in 1917 during British rule,  is Asia’s oldest elephant camp and currently houses 27 elephants, including 20 Kumkis and 5 retired ones. It trains elephants to repel wild elephants from villages across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, while the newly inaugurated Mahouts’ Village ensures better care by supporting their handlers.

UP Launches India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train
In May 2025, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government, in collaboration with Indian Railways (IR), launched India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train, enhancing eco-tourism infrastructure in the state.

• The service connects Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district (UP) with the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit district (UP), covering a 107-kilometre (km) forest route.

i.The train operates as the Bichia–Mailani Tourist Passenger, traversing nine stations within UP, namely Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatiya Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belrayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani.
ii.The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes, and tickets are priced at Rs. 275 per person, making the service affordable and accessible to a wide range of tourists.
iii.The Vistadome coaches are specially designed with panoramic windows, transparent glass roofs and rotating seats for immersive views of wetlands, grasslands, and wildlife.
iv.This Vistadome train service is a part of UP’s broader ‘One Destination, Three Forests‘ initiative, which aims to integrate UP’s Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary into a cohesive tourism experience.

India Launched SPICED Scheme to Boost Spice Exports
In May 2025, the Kochi (Kerala) based Spice Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), Government of India (GoI) launched the Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED) scheme.

• The scheme will be implemented during the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission(FC) cycle, until the financial year 2025–26 (FY26), with a total approved outlay of Rs. 422.30 crore of which Rs.130 crore was disbursed to support around 45,000 beneficiaries.
• The scheme aims to strengthen India’s spice sector by enhancing sustainability, fostering innovation, and boosting export development.

Key Features:
i.Objective:

• Enhance productivity of cardamom, improve post-harvest quality, and boost the export of value-added, organic, and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged spices.
• Installation of modern post-harvest machinery such as dryers, slicers, dehullers, polishers, turmeric boilers, mint distillation units, and threshing machines.
• Establishment of Spice Incubation Centres to support startups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Promotion of Mission Clean and Safe Spices to enhance food safety compliance and certification.
• Encouragement of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), organic certification, and GI-tagged spices, particularly in the North Eastern Region.

ii.Target Beneficiaries: Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and exporters. Priority for SC/ST communities, North-Eastern states, and first-time exporters.

Ministry of MSME Partnered with DKPTO to Boost IPR Access 
In May 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India (GoI), partnered with the Denmark based Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) under the Support for Commercialisation of Intellectual Property (MSME-SCIP) programme. 

• This collaboration aims to streamline the acquisition and commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for Indian MSMEs, thereby bolstering innovation and competitiveness in the sector.

Key Objectives of the Collaboration
i.The partnership will assist MSMEs in acquiring patents, trademarks, and technology licenses, addressing longstanding challenges in technology transfer and IP protection that have historically limited innovation access for smaller enterprises.
ii.The Ministry, through its network of Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs), will collaborate with DKPTO to process applications for transferring technology under the IPR framework, along with the acquisition of trademarks and patents (licensing) by MSMEs.
iii.Financial Support: Under this initiative, the Ministry will bear 70% of registration and other acquisition costs, with a target to register 2,500 different innovations in the financial year 2025–26.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

2025 World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition Held in NetherlandsThe 6th edition of World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition, the world’s largest dedicated Hydrogen event ,was held from May 20 to 22, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

• Under the theme “Navigating Challenges with Solid Form of Financial Investment Decision(FIDs)”, the summit focused on advancing the global hydrogen market by addressing critical challenges and setting actionable steps for industry growth.
• Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), represents India at the Summit.

Highlights:
i.The event was organized by London, the United Kingdom (UK) based Sustainable Energy Council (SEC) and UK-based Rx Global, in collaboration with the Netherlands government, the Province of Zuid-Holland, the City of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam.
ii.The World Hydrogen 2025 Awards, presented at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2025, recognized outstanding contributions across six categories.
iii.During the event, Hyderabad (Telangana) based Juno Joule Green Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hamburg (Germany) based Select Energy GmbH, to jointly develop a green hydrogen and ammonia export facility, at Mulapeta Port in Andhra Pradesh(AP).
iv.Seoul (South Korea) based Hyundai Motor Group, an automobile company showcased its position as a global leader at the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 at its Korean Pavilion.
>>Read Full News

WOAH Report: Animal Diseases Spreading to New regions, nearly half of them pose Threat to HumansOn May 23, 2025, Paris (France)-based World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the international authority on animal health, released its 1st State of the World’s Animal Health report.

• The report highlighted that infectious animal diseases are spreading to new regions and species which were previously unaffected by them, with nearly half i.e. 47% of them have potential of zoonotic transmission (animal-to-human) or spreading between animals.
• The report was released ahead of 92nd session of WOAH which is scheduled to be held from May 25 to 29, 2025 in Paris, France.

i.The report outlined about increasing distribution and intensity of certain disease like: African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and warned that their proliferation was destabilising agrifood systems.
ii.The report revealed that 47% of WOAH-notified diseases between 2005 and 2023 were zoonotic in nature, which means capable of infecting humans.
iii.As per the report , 1,022 outbreaks of avian influenza also known as bird flu or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were reported in mammals across 55 countries ( in 2024) which was more than doubled compared to 459 outbreaks reported in 2023.
About World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):
Director-General (DG) – Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran
Headquarters-  Paris, France
Established- 1924
>>Read Full News

India Advocates Fair Trade and Digital Inclusion at 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in BrazilIn May 2025, the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Brazil under the Presidency of Brazil, focusing on the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The meeting focused on fostering intra-BRICS trade solidarity.

• India was represented by Yashvir Singh, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce(DoC), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), who opposed export controls among BRICS members and called for smooth supply chains and stronger cooperation within the bloc.
• A significant outcome was the endorsement of a comprehensive Joint Declaration accompanied by three key annexures.

i.India proposed the “30 for 30” initiative, which aims to introduce 30 reforms to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2025.
ii.India hosted a Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation for BRICS nations, organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communication (MoC) through the National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh, UP).

• The session was inaugurated by Daniel Cavalcanti, BRICS Chair, and Atul Sinha, Director General (DG) of NCA-T, India.

>>Read Full News

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Data: Outward Remittances under LRS decline 6.85% to USD 29.56 billion in FY25According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) latest data released in May 2025, outward remittances under its Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) declined by 6.85% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 29.56 billion in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), compared to USD 31.74 billion recorded in FY24.

• RBI cited certain factors which mainly contributed to the decline of outward remittances in FY25: global uncertainty, stagnant domestic income growth, and a high base effect.
• However, the same RBI data revealed that outward remittances have increased by 10.65% Year-over-Year(Y-o-Y) to USD 2.55 billion in March 2025, driven by growth in international travel.
• The data noted that the most major components of LRS registered growth except: remittances for studies abroad and medical treatment, which have decreased by 18.77% and 56.30% Y-o-Y, respectively.

i.As per RBI’s data, the overall decline in outward remittances is mainly due to a 16% decrease in funds remitted by students for studies abroad, which dropped from USD 3.48 billion (in FY24) to USD 2.92 billion (in FY25).
ii.The data showed that international travel remittances, which accounts for nearly 60% of outward remittances, have also decreased marginally by 0.25%, from USD 17 billion (in FY24) to USD 16.96 billion (in FY25).
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Governor- Sanjay Malhotra (26th)
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- April 01, 1935
>>Read Full News

NRI Deposits Inflows Surge to 11-Year High of USD 16.2 Billion in FY25 : RBIOn May 23, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its latest monthly bulletin, revealing that Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits in Indian banks soared to an 11-year high in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

• The total inflows reached USD 16.16 billion (Rs.1,38,911 crore), marking a 9.9% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase in FY25 from USD 14.7 billion (Rs. 26,361 crore) in FY24.

i.FCNR(B) inflows rose 11% YoY to USD 7.1 billion (Rs. 61,032 crore) in FY25, up from USD 6.3 billion (Rs. 54,155 crore) in FY24.
ii.[NRE(RA)] inflows grew to USD 4.7 billion (Rs. 40,401 crore) in FY25, up from USD 4.2 billion (Rs. 36,103 crore) in FY24.
iii.NRO Accounts inflows rose to USD 4.4 billion (Rs. 37,822 crore) in FY25 up from USD 4.2 billion (Rs. 36,103 crore) in FY24.
>>Read Full News

RBI Establishes Six-Member PRB headed by RBI Governor to Oversee Payment Systems in IndiaOn May 21, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officially notified the formation of a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) under the Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025 to regulate and supervise payment systems in India.

• This new board replaces the existing Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).

Composition of PRB:
i.Chairperson: RBI Governor (Currently Sanjay Malhotra)
ii.Members:

• Deputy Governor (in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems), (Currently T. Rabi Sankar)
• RBI-nominated officer (from Central Board).
• Three central government nominees. (Introduced for the 1st time)

iii.RBI imposes penalty of Rs.63.6 lakh on Union Bank of India (UBI) and Rs.40 lakh on Transactree Technologies for violations of Banking Regulation Act and NBFC-Peer to Peer (P2P) lending norms
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Governor – Sanjay Malhotra
Headquarters – Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Established – April 1, 1935
>>Read Full News

Vivriti Fund Secured USD 20 Million from Development Bank of Austria
In May 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) based Vivriti Asset Management (VAM) secured a fresh commitment of USD 20 million in senior debt from Vienna (Austria)-based Development Bank of Austria (OeEB) for its Vivriti India Retail Assets Fund (VIRAF), bolstering the fund’s capital base to USD 165 million.

• This latest investment reflects OeEB’s commitment of investing in developing economies, especially those aligned with green finance, Small, Micro Enterprise (SME) development and gender inclusion.

About VIRAF:
i.VIRAF, an Asset-Backed Securitisation (ABS) was launched in March 2023 at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City- International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, aims to raise a corpus of USD 250 million.
ii.It is specifically designed to expand access to small-ticket retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans in India, particularly for women and underserved communities.
iii.So far, VIRAF has disbursed over USD 200 million through partnerships with 25 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), reaching more than 35,000 individuals and 1 lakh MSMEs, and of those, over 75% are women.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Agnikul Cosmos successfully fires India’s First Electric Motor-Driven Semi-Cryogenic Engine Test FiringOn 23rd May 2025, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) based space start-up, AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited had successfully fired India’s first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine which is set to power its upcoming Agnibaan launch vehicle.

• This is the first time an engine of this kind has been developed and tested in India.

Key Highlights:
i.The start-up highlighted that electric motor-driven throttling enables –  higher accuracy and rapid response, both of which are critical for handling complex trajectories in space missions.

• The test showcased the engine’s ability to throttle across a broad range of thrust levels, highlighting the technology’s flexibility and operational reliability.

ii.Agnikul Cosmos has developed this unique system with its signature single-piece engine design and several sub-systems for the pump.

• They were 3 Dimension (3D) -printed and assembled at their Rocket Factory – 1 at Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras Research Park in Chennai(TN).

iii.Along with the engine, Agnikul Cosmos has also designed and developed the motor drives and associated control software in-house.

iv.This successful engine firing could soon pave the way for clustered engine tests, where multiple engines are fired together.

• This a key step for building more powerful launch vehicles capable of carrying bigger payloads to space.

v.This event further highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in India’s space industry.
About Semi-Cryogenic Engine:
i.Traditional rocket engines rely on either solid propellants or fully cryogenic fuel systems.

• A semi-cryogenic engine is a type of rocket engine that uses a combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX, a cryogenic oxidizer) and a refined form of kerosene, typically RP-1 (a room-temperature hydrocarbon fuel), as its propellants.

ii.Semi-cryogenic engines offer higher specific impulse (efficiency) than solid or purely liquid-fueled engines using hypergolic propellants.
iii.Agnikul’s engine is India’s first homegrown electric motor-powered semi-cryogenic engine, a major step in indigenous space propulsion, already used globally in rockets like Falcon 9 and Soyuz.
About Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited:
It is an Indian private aerospace manufacturer and commercial launch service provider based in National Centre for Combustion Research and Development of IIT Madras, Chennai (TN).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Srinath Ravichandran
Headquarters – Tamil Nadu (TN)
Established – 2017

India’s Samtel Avionics and Malaysia’s ATSC Forge Strategic Partnership for RMAF’s Su-30MKM Fleet
In May 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Samtel Avionics Limited has partnered with Kuantan (Malaysia) based Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation.Sdn.Bhd. (ATSC) to jointly support the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)’s fleet, especially the Su-30MKM aircraft, with cutting-edge avionics systems, repair and overhaul services and post-sales support.

• ATSC will become a Centre of Excellence (COE), Samtel will supply cutting-edge technology and facilitate local expertise development.
• This collaboration builds on Samtel’s prior agreement with the RMAF in October 2024 to equip all 18 Su-30MKM jets with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Head-Up Displays (HUDs).

i.The partnership focuses on providing advanced avionics, Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO) services.
ii.Under the agreement, ATSC and Samtel will jointly support RMAF in Malaysia for the repair, upgrade, technical services, and post-sales support related to aircraft display systems, avionics components and automated test equipment of Su-30MKM aircraft and other RMAF aircrafts in Malaysia.
iii.Samtel will supply advanced avionics and display systems, supporting local capability development through knowledge transfer and sustained engagement.

SPORTS

Amity University Online Signed a MoU with Hockey India to Transform Lives of Athletes
In May 2025, Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP)-based Amity University Online (AUO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi(Delhi) based Hockey India, aimed at providing comprehensive educational opportunities to hockey players at the international, national and state levels.

• The MoU was signed by Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General, Hockey India and Ajit Chauhan, Chairman of AUO, in the presence of Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer of Hockey India at Amity University in Noida, UP.
• During the event, Women’s Hockey team captain Salima Tete and defender Jyoti Singh were formally enrolled into AUO’s Sociology and Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing programmes, respectively.

Key Points:
i.As per MoU, AUO will provide educational scholarship program designed specifically for athletes. Under this program, AUO will offer athletes up to 100% scholarship through the Celebrating Heroes with Amity Merit Program Scholarships (CHAMPS) initiative.
ii.Also, AUO will facilitate free access to a 3-month Certificate Course in Sports Psychology to improve their mental health and performance.
iii.The program will provide various graduate and undergraduate courses like: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), MBA, Bachelor of Science (BSc.), among others.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of the Markhor May 2025 – May 24The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of the Markhor is observed annually across the globe on 24th May to raise global awareness about the ecological significance and conservation needs of the markhor (Capra falconeri), a wild goat species found in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

• 24th May 2025 marks the 2nd observance of the International Day of the Markhor.

Note: The Markhor, known for its broad hooves and striking spiral horns, is the world’s largest wild goat species and has been recognised as the national animal of Pakistan since 1972.
Background:
i.On 2nd May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/78/278 declaring 24 May as the International Day of the Markhor.
ii.The resolution was proposed by Pakistan and co-sponsored by Afghanistan, China, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
iii.The resolution invites the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and all Member States, civil society, and stakeholders to support the observance and promote regional cooperation in markhor conservation.
iv.The first observance of the Day was held on 24th May 2024.
>>Read Full News

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2025 – May 24World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, also known as Pinel Day, is observed annually across the globe on May 24 to raise awareness about schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder affecting millions globally.

• The theme for 2025 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is “Rethink the Label: Reclaim the Story”.

Note: Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder affecting thought processes, emotions, behavior, and reality perception.
Background:
i.World Schizophrenia Awareness Day was established by the National Schizophrenia Foundation (NSF), a not-for-profit agency, this day honors Dr. Philippe Pinel (1745–1826), a French physician who pioneered humane treatment for mental illness.
ii.The date commemorates the day in 1792 when Dr. Pinel began to release psychiatric patients from chains at the Bicêtre Hospital in Paris, advocating for more humane treatment of the mentally ill.
iii.The term schizophrenia (Greek: schizein = splitting, phren = mind) was coined on 24 April 1908 by Swiss psychiatrist Professor Paul Eugen Bleuler.
>>Read Full News

Commonwealth Day 2025 in India – May 24Commonwealth Day 2025 is observed in India annually on May 24, commemorating the birthday of Queen Victoria, born on this day in 1819.
However, Commonwealth Day was globally observed on the second Monday of March(March 10, 2025 ) in accordance with the tradition followed by most of the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations (CoN).

• This unique observance reflects India’s historical association with the British Empire during the colonial period.
• The day promotes shared values, historical ties, cultural exchange, and international cooperation among member states.

Note: The theme of Commonwealth Day 2025 is “Together We Thrive”.
Background:
i.The idea of the day was championed by Clementina Trenholme, and the first observance took place in Ontario, Canada in 1898, aligned with Queen Victoria’s birthday (May 24).
ii.By the early 20th century, Empire Day was celebrated across parts of the British Empire, including the Cape Colony and Union of South Africa.

• In 1904, Reginald Brabazon, 12th Earl of Meath, formally introduced Empire Day in the United Kingdom(UK) to promote imperial identity and responsibility among youth.

iii.It was first celebrated as “Empire Day” in 1904, the event honored the British Empire and Queen Victoria’s legacy.
iv.Following Queen Victoria’s death on 22 January 1901, her birthday (May 24) was commemorated as Empire Day from 1902, becoming an official annual event in 1916.
v.It was renamed “Commonwealth Day” in 1958 by former UK Prime Minister(PM) Harold Macmillan to reflect the transition from empire to a voluntary association
vi.In 1977, London, United Kingdom(UK) based the Commonwealth Secretariat standardized the observance to the second Monday of March for most nations. India retained May 24 to preserve historical continuity.
About the Commonwealth of Nations:
Secretary-General -Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey(Ghana)
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom (UK)
Established – 1931
Member Countries – 56

STATE NEWS

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Inaugurated 5th Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul
In May 2025, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village, Ukhrul district, Manipur to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the rare Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) and to promote sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, and environmental awareness.

• The festival, organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the Ukhrul District Administration from May 20th to 24th.

i.The festival is organised with the vision of fostering peace, unity, and biodiversity conservation, with this year’s theme focusing on “Celebrating Peace and Harmony in Diversity”.
ii.Ukhrul, known as the “crown jewel of Manipur’s hill districts,” is celebrated for its rich cultural and ecological heritage.
Note: Governor Bhalla inaugurated the State Level Flower Show Competition and also launched the Farmer FIRST Programme input distribution under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi (Delhi), benefiting farmers from Shangshak Khullen, Ukhrul (Manipur).

Maharashtra Govt Launches ‘Mahavistar App’ ahead of Kharif Season
On May 21, 2025, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, launched the ‘Mahavistar Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application’, a significant technological initiative aimed at transforming the agricultural sector at Kharif season review meeting, organized at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, and other senior officials were also present.

i.Mahavistar, an AI based application was developed by the agriculture department of Maharashtra.
ii.The application will have AI integration and a chatbot, which provides personalized suggestions on crop selection, sowing methods, usage of fertilizers, water management and pest control techniques.
iii.Farmers will receive timely weather forecasts and agrometeorological instructions, to plan their agricultural activities effectively.
iv.The application is linked with Seed Authentication, Traceability and Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal, an initiative launched by Government of India (GOI), facilitating the traceability of seeds and fertilizers to prevent farmers from the fake (Bogus) seeds.

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