Stay ahead in your Banking, SSC, UPSC, BPSC, Railways, and other competitive exams with the latest updates on governance, international relations, finance, technology, environment, and more.
Governance
Supreme Court Advocates Permanent Consumer Redressal Bodies
On 24 May 2025, the Supreme Court of India urged the Centre to establish permanent adjudicatory bodies for consumer disputes, highlighting inefficiencies in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 implementation.
Key Points:
- Rationale: Temporary appointments in consumer forums cause delays and pendency (over 5.5 lakh cases as per NCDRC, 2023). Permanent bodies with full-time judges and experts are recommended.
- Digital Challenges: The e-commerce sector, projected to hit USD 200 billion by 2026, faces rising complaints (online fraud, data privacy, cross-border disputes). Forums lack technical expertise.
- Constitutional Backing: Consumer rights align with Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 37, 47), emphasizing welfare-oriented laws.
- Legislative Framework:
- Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Grants six rights (Safety, Information, Choice, Heard, Redressal, Education).
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Addresses e-commerce, product liability, and unfair contracts; established Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
- Other Measures: E-Jagriti and E-Dakhil portals, Jago Grahak Jago campaign, and National Consumer Helpline (1915) enhance consumer empowerment.
- Challenges: Low awareness, inconsistent enforcement, and limited resources.
- Suggestions: Strengthen Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), integrate consumer education in schools, and fund permanent redressal bodies.
NCDRC:
- Chairperson: Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi.
- HQ: New Delhi.
DoT’s Financial Fraud Risk Indicator
In May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) via the Digital Intelligence Platform to combat cyber fraud.
Details:
- Detects high-risk transactions in real-time, integrating with banks and telecoms.
- Supports e-Zero FIR for losses ≥ ₹10 lakh, piloted in Delhi.
- DoT:
- Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia.
International Affairs
India Seeks Pakistan’s FATF Grey List Reinstatement
On 24 May 2025, India planned to submit a dossier to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), advocating Pakistan’s return to the grey list due to terror financing concerns post the Pahalgam attack (April 2025).
Key Details:
- FATF Overview: Founded in 1989 by G7, monitors 40 members and 200+ jurisdictions to curb money laundering and terror financing. India joined in 2010.
- Pakistan’s History: Grey-listed thrice (2008–2010, 2012–2015, 2018–2022) for failing to curb groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- Implications: Grey-listing increases financial scrutiny, restricts investments, and limits IMF/World Bank aid.
- Challenges: India needs 23 FATF members’ support.
- FATF:
- HQ: Paris, France (OECD).
UK Transfers Chagos Islands to Mauritius
On 24 May 2025, the UK signed a £3.4 billion treaty transferring Chagos Archipelago sovereignty to Mauritius, retaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for a US-UK military base.
Highlights:
- Follows a 2021 UN court ruling. Annual lease: £101 million.
- India supports Mauritius’ claim, advocating decolonization.
- Concerns: Chagossian repatriation and potential Chinese influence.
- Mauritius:
- PM: Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
- Capital: Port Louis.
East Africa Unites Against Kala-Azar
On 24 May 2025, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan signed an MoU at the 78th World Health Assembly to eradicate visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).
Details:
- Kala-Azar: Parasitic disease spread by sandflies, fatal if untreated.
- Focus: Surveillance, treatment, and vector control.
- Significance: Bolsters regional health cooperation.
Trump’s Gold Card Visa Programme
On 24 May 2025, US President Donald Trump launched the Gold Card Visa Programme for wealthy foreigners.
Features:
- Requires $5 million investment in US businesses/real estate.
- Offers permanent residency pathway.
- USA:
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Currency: USD.
CPEC Expands to Afghanistan
On 23 May 2025, China and Pakistan extended the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.
Details:
- Enhances trilateral trade and infrastructure.
- Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- CPEC: Launched 2015, focuses on Gwadar Port and energy projects.
National Affairs
SC Stays ED’s TASMAC Investigation
On 24 May 2025, the Supreme Court paused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) over alleged financial irregularities.
Details:
- Issue: Questions raised on ED’s procedural authority.
- TASMAC: Manages Tamil Nadu’s liquor retail.
- Supreme Court:
- CJI: Sanjiv Khanna.
PM Modi Launches ₹26,000 Crore Projects in Rajasthan
On 22 May 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Highlights:
- Railways: 103 Amrit Bharat Stations (₹1,100 crore).
- Highways: Upgrades and underpasses.
- Solar Projects: 100 MW Nawa Solar Plant, 300 MW Bikaner Solar.
- Rajasthan:
- CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma.
- Governor: Haribhau Bhagade.
MoHUA’s 4% Housing Quota for PwDs
In May 2025, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) reserved 4% of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) up to Type 5.
Details:
- Requires Unique Disability ID (UDID).
- Directorate of Estates: Manages 1.02 lakh GPRA units.
- MoHUA:
- Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.
NCPOR’s New Facilities in Goa
On 20 May 2025, MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh opened Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at NCPOR, Goa.
Features:
- Polar Bhavan: Labs, Polar and Ocean Museum (₹55 crore).
- Sagar Bhavan: Ice core labs (₹13 crore).
- NCPOR:
- Director: Dr. Thamban Meloth.
Tripura’s ₹42.4 Crore Aquapark
In May 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura, under PMMSY.
Details:
- Supports 2 lakh tonnes fish production annually.
- Per Capita Fish Consumption: 29 kg/year.
Bihar’s First International Buyer-Seller Meet
From 19–20 May 2025, Bihar hosted its first International Buyer-Seller Meet in Patna.
Highlights:
- Promoted Makhana, Shahi Litchi, and Katarni Rice.
- MoU with Lulu Group (UAE) for litchi exports.
- Organizers: MoFPI, APEDA, TPCI.
Integrated Theatre Commands
In May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces advanced Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) to enhance inter-service synergy.
Details:
- Unifies Army, Navy, and Air Force under theatre commands.
- Overseen by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Judicial Accountability and Veeraswami Ruling
On 23 May 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized judicial accountability, citing the Veeraswami Ruling (1991).
Details:
- Allows probes against judges with CJI approval.
- Sparked debate post Supreme Court’s inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
In May 2025, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) launched the PM E-DRIVE Scheme to promote electric vehicles (EVs).
Details:
- Outlay: ₹10,900 crore (October 2024–March 2026).
- Focus: EV adoption, charging infrastructure (72,300 fast chargers), and domestic manufacturing.
- Target Cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad.
- MHI:
- Minister: H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Banking & Finance
RBI Approves Payment Aggregator Licenses
In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made several significant approvals:
- In-Principle License: Granted to QuickPay (Delhi) for operating as a payment aggregator.
- Final Authorization: Issued to Getepay (Jaipur) for payment aggregator activities.
- Divestment Approval: Allowed Capital India Finance Ltd (CIFL) to sell its subsidiary Capital India Home Loans Ltd (CIHL).
- CIFL Details:
- CEO: Pinank Jayant Shah.
- Headquarters: Mumbai.
IPPB Partners with Aditya Birla Capital
In May 2025, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) collaborated with Aditya Birla Capital Ltd (ABCL) to enhance loan accessibility.
Details:
- Offers personal and business loans to rural and semi-urban customers.
- Uses AI for quick approvals and minimal documentation.
- IPPB: Serves 11 crore customers since 2018.
SBM Bank India’s Bancassurance Deal
In May 2025, SBM Bank India signed a bancassurance deal with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
Details:
- Provides insurance to SBM’s retail and NRI clients.
- Leverages ICICI’s 99.3% claim settlement ratio (FY24–25).
- Insurance Penetration: India: 3.7%, Global: 7%.
IndusInd Bank Supports Startups
In May 2025, IndusInd Bank signed an MoU with AIC STPINEXT (Bengaluru) to support startups.
Offerings:
- Zero-balance accounts, mentorship workshops, free payroll services.
- IndusInd Bank:
- MD & CEO: Sumant Kathpalia.
Payments Regulatory Board Launched
On 23 May 2025, the Government of India established the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB).
Details:
- Oversees digital payment systems like UPI.
- UPI Transactions: ₹24.77 lakh crore (March 2025).
Economy & Business
Fitch Upgrades India’s Growth Forecast
On 22 May 2025, Fitch Ratings revised India’s GDP growth to 6.4% for 2025–2027.
Details:
- Driven by employment and demographic growth.
- Total Factor Productivity: 1.5%.
- Fitch:
- HQ: New York, USA.
ICRA’s GDP Growth Projection
In May 2025, ICRA Ltd forecasted 6.9% GDP growth for Q4 FY25, with 6.3% for FY25.
Details:
- GVA Growth: 6.3% in Q4.
- Industrial GVA: 4.8%.
- ICRA:
- HQ: Gurugram, Haryana.
NESFB Rebrands as Slice SFB
On 14 May 2025, the RBI approved renaming North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) to Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) post-merger with Slice.
Details:
- Offers digital banking and loans.
- HQ: Guwahati, Assam.
- MD & CEO: Satish Kumar Kalra.
India Imposes Tariffs on US Imports
On 23 May 2025, India announced tariffs on $7.6 billion of US imports, including steel and aluminium.
Details:
- Retaliates against US trade policies.
- Protects domestic industries.
India Restricts Bangladeshi Garment Imports
On 23 May 2025, India limited ready-made garment imports from Bangladesh to two sea ports.
Details:
- Regulates trade amid regional tensions.
- Impacts Bangladesh’s export market.
Science & Technology
CSIR-NAL’s HAP Prototype Testing
From 8–13 May 2025, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) tested a High-Altitude Platform (HAP) in Challakere, Karnataka.
Details:
- Achieved 24,000 feet altitude.
- Future Goal: 65,000 feet with 10 kg payload.
- NAL:
- Director: Dr. Abhay Anant Pashilkar.
- HQ: Bengaluru.
JNCASR’s Sodium-Ion Battery
In May 2025, JNCASR developed a Sodium-Ion Battery (SIB) with NASICON technology, charging to 80% in 6 minutes.
Details:
- Over 3,000 cycles, safer than lithium-ion.
- Applications: EVs, solar grids.
- JNCASR:
- HQ: Bengaluru.
Yashoda AI for Women’s Literacy
On 24 May 2025, the National Commission for Women (NCW) launched Yashoda AI – Your AI SAKHI.
Details:
- Enhances AI and digital literacy for women.
- NCW:
- Chairperson: Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar.
Intercrystals Discovery
On 23 May 2025, Rutgers University–New Brunswick identified intercrystals, a new material class.
Details:
- Combines crystalline and amorphous properties.
- Applications: Electronics, energy storage.
Niallia tiangongensis Discovered
On 23 May 2025, Niallia tiangongensis, a new bacterial species, was found on China’s Tiangong Space Station.
Details:
- Discovered during Shenzhou 15 mission.
- Highlights microbial adaptation in space.
Weather Balloons and Forecasting
In May 2025, concerns arose over reduced US weather balloon launches due to budget cuts, impacting global forecasting.
India’s Role:
- National Balloon Facility (NBF), Hyderabad, supports atmospheric research.
- IMD: Launches balloons twice daily for weather data.
- Significance: Enhances forecasting accuracy.
Environment
Tropical Rainforest Loss in 2024
In 2024, global tropical rainforest loss reached 6.7 million hectares, per Global Forest Watch.
India’s Contribution:
- Lost 18,200 hectares of primary forest (2024), up from 17,700 (2023).
- 2002–2024: 348,000 hectares lost.
New Nematode Species in Tamil Nadu
In May 2025, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered Pheronous jairajpurii, a marine nematode off Tamil Nadu.
Details:
- Named after M.S. Jairajpuri.
- Bioindicator for coastal ecosystems.
- ZSI:
- Director: Dr. Dhriti Banerjee.
- HQ: Kolkata.
Asiatic Lion Population Surge
In May 2025, Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population reached 891, up from 674 in 2020.
Details:
- Driven by conservation in Gir Forest.
- Challenges: Human-wildlife conflict.
- Gujarat:
- CM: Bhupendra Patel.
Aravalli Restoration Initiative
On 22 May 2025, a workshop in Udaipur launched the Aravalli Landscape Restoration Initiative.
Details:
- Aims to restore ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Aravalli: India’s oldest mountain range.
Lake Manzala’s Ecological Shift
In 2024, Egypt’s Lake Manzala faced ecological changes due to dredging.
Details:
- Altered salinity and fish populations.
- Location: Nile Delta.
Urban Forests in India
In 2025, India promoted urban forests to enhance city ecosystems.
Details:
- Improves air quality and biodiversity.
- Example: Delhi’s greening efforts.
GIAHS Recognition
In May 2025, new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) were designated by FAO.
Details:
- Recognizes traditional farming for biodiversity preservation.
- India’s GIAHS: Koraput (Odisha), Kuttanad (Kerala).
Sports
FIFA Reinstates Congo Football Federation
In May 2025, FIFA lifted the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT).
Details:
- Restores access to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- FIFA:
- HQ: Zurich, Switzerland.
ISSF Junior World Cup Medals
On 24 May 2025, Indian shooters excelled at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.
Achievements:
- Adriyan Karmakar: Silver in 50m Rifle Prone.
- Kanak: Gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol.
State News
Panchshul Pulse Radio in Uttarakhand
On 24 May 2025, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, launched Panchshul Pulse, its first community radio station.
Details:
- Serves border communities with local content.
- Uttarakhand:
- CM: Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Kerala’s Robotics Education
In May 2025, Kerala mandated robotics education for Class 10 students, impacting 4.3 lakh students.
Details:
- Uses Arduino and Pictoblocks, supported by KITE.
- Kerala: First state with AI-integrated education.
Delhi’s Rooftop Solar Subsidy
In May 2025, the Delhi government introduced subsidies for rooftop solar panels.
Details:
- Promotes clean energy adoption.
- Delhi:
- CM: Atishi Marlena.
Kumki Elephants Transferred
In May 2025, Karnataka transferred four kumki elephants to Andhra Pradesh.
Details:
- Trained for human-wildlife conflict management.
- Karnataka:
- CM: Siddaramaiah.
Telangana’s Backwardness Index
In May 2025, Telangana launched a Composite Backwardness Index for sub-caste disparities.
Details:
- Based on Social Education Economic Survey.
- Telangana:
- CM: A. Revanth Reddy.
Sagar Mein Samman Initiative
On 18 May 2025, India launched the Sagar Mein Samman initiative during International Day for Women in Maritime.
Details:
- Promotes women in maritime roles, targeting 12% female representation by 2030.
- Aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030.
Important Days
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula – 23 May
Observed on 23 May, this UN day addresses preventable childbirth injuries.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula.”
- UNFPA:
- HQ: New York, USA.
World Turtle Day – 23 May
World Turtle Day promotes turtle conservation on 23 May.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Dancing Turtles Rock!”
- Established by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) in 2000.
Commonwealth Day – 24 May
Commonwealth Day is celebrated on 24 May in India.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Together We Thrive.”
- Commemorates Queen Victoria’s birth anniversary.
Acquisitions & Mergers
PNB Sells ISARC Stake
In May 2025, Punjab National Bank (PNB) sold its 20.9% stake in Indian SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC) to Authum Infrastructure for ₹34.04 crore.
Details:
- Involves 2.09 crore shares.
- Complies with RBI’s 10% ARC investment cap.
Konkan Railway Merges with Indian Railways
On 23 May 2025, Maharashtra approved the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways.
Details:
- Enhances railway efficiency.
- KRCL: Operates 741 km coastal railway.
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