Daily Current Affairs May 19

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs May 19. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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May 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 19

1. What is the theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025?
A) Digital Access for All
B) Bridging the Digital Divide
C) Smart Technology for Tomorrow
D) Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development
E) Technology and Humanity
Answer: D) Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development

Event and Location:

  • Event: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 was observed globally to highlight the role of digital innovation in fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
  • Location: Worldwide observance under the coordination of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  • Date: May 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Commemorating ITU’s Foundation: WTISD marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union in 1865 and raises awareness about the importance of telecom and digital systems.
  • Promoting Digital Equality: The event urges global stakeholders to ensure equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), especially in underserved regions.
  • Supporting Sustainable Goals: The 2025 theme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by emphasizing the transformative power of digital innovation across education, healthcare, economy, and climate action.

Important Terms Explained:

  • World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD): An annual global observance on May 17 to promote awareness about the role of ICTs in fostering inclusive growth and innovation, commemorating the foundation of ITU.
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU): A specialized UN agency responsible for global ICT standards, spectrum management, and facilitating worldwide connectivity.
  • Digital Divide: The gap between populations with access to modern information and communication technology and those without, often influenced by geography, income, or education.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global objectives adopted by the UN to achieve peace, prosperity, and environmental protection by 2030.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025
Date May 17, 2025
Theme for 2025 Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development
Established By International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Year of Origin 1865 (ITU founding)
Purpose of Observance Promote global awareness of the role of ICTs in inclusive development
Global Activities Conferences, innovation showcases, workshops, policy forums
Areas of Focus Digital equity, smart technology, internet access, ICT innovation
Linked Global Agenda UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Headquarters of ITU Geneva, Switzerland

2. What is the theme of International Museum Day 2025?
A) Museums for Peace and Cultural Dialogue
B) The Role of Museums in Sustainable Development
C) The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities
D) Museums as Agents of Social Change
E) Museums and Digital Innovation
Answer: C) The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

Event and Location:

  • Event: International Museum Day 2025 was celebrated to highlight the evolving role of museums in education, culture, innovation, and community engagement.
  • Location: Celebrated globally across more than 158 countries by over 37,000 museums
  • Date: May 18, 2025 (Sunday)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Educational and Cultural Impact: The day promotes awareness about the essential role museums play in preserving heritage and educating future generations.
  • Adaptation to Change: The 2025 theme emphasizes how museums are transforming to meet the needs of dynamic societies shaped by social, technological, and environmental change.
  • Fostering Global Dialogue: Museums are seen as inclusive spaces fostering intercultural understanding and community engagement to promote sustainable development and peace.

Important Terms Explained:

  • International Museum Day (IMD): An annual observance initiated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to emphasize the social, educational, and cultural role of museums. First officially celebrated on May 18, 1978.
  • ICOM (International Council of Museums): A global organization of museums and professionals committed to the research, preservation, and communication of cultural heritage.
  • Intangible Heritage: Non-physical elements of cultural heritage such as folklore, traditions, language, rituals, and knowledge systems that museums are increasingly aiming to protect.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event International Museum Day 2025
Date May 18, 2025 (Sunday)
Established By International Council of Museums (ICOM)
First Celebrated May 18, 1978
Observed In Over 158 countries and 37,000+ museums globally
Theme for 2025 The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities
Focus Areas Innovation, community participation, digital transition, inclusivity
Key Significance Museums as educational, cultural, and social institutions driving change
Global Activities Free entry, exhibitions, workshops, virtual tours, school outreach programs
Associated UN Agenda Promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially culture & education

Sports – Daily Current Affairs May 19

3. Which country did India defeat in the final to win the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025?
A) Pakistan
B) Nepal
C) Sri Lanka
D) Bangladesh
E) Maldives
Answer: D) Bangladesh

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s U-19 football team won the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 by defeating Bangladesh in a penalty shootout.
  • Location: Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Date: May 18, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Regional Youth Development: The SAFF U-19 Championship aims to promote football at the grassroots level across South Asia and identify promising young talent.
  • International Exposure for Youth: The tournament provides valuable match experience and competitive exposure to U-19 national teams.
  • Strengthening National Pipeline: The championship helps in building a feeder system for the senior national team by nurturing young footballers for future international duties.

Important Terms Explained:

  • SAFF U-19 Championship: An international youth football tournament organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) for under-19 men’s national teams from South Asia.
  • Penalty Shootout: A method used to determine the winner in knockout football matches when scores are tied after regular time. Each team takes alternate penalty kicks, and the team scoring more goals wins.
  • Golden Jubilee Stadium: A prominent sports venue in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, known for hosting regional and national football events.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 Final
Date May 18, 2025
Location Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh
Final Score (Regulation Time) India 1 – 1 Bangladesh
Result India won 4-3 on penalties
Indian Goal Scorer Shami Singamayum (2nd minute)
Bangladesh Goal Scorer Md Joy Ahamed (61st minute)
India’s Title Count 2 (previous win in 2023)
Organiser South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
Participating Countries India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Tournament Importance Develops youth football talent and promotes regional sporting excellence

4. Who won the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge held in Hyderabad?
A) Emma Morrison
B) Eliise Randmaa
C) Aurélie Joachim
D) Anna-Lise Nanton
E) Nishka Agarwal
Answer: B) Eliise Randmaa

Event and Location:

  • Event: Miss Estonia, Eliise Randmaa, won the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge, securing Estonia’s first-ever quarter-final placement in over 20 years.
  • Location: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Date: May 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Empowering Women through Athletics: The Sports Challenge aimed to assess and celebrate the athleticism, teamwork, and mental resilience of Miss World participants.
  • Promoting Global Cultural Exchange: The event combined physical contests with traditional Indian performances to foster international camaraderie and cultural pride.
  • Fast-Track Qualification Purpose: As a designated fast-track event in the Miss World pageant, it provides the winner with automatic entry into the Top 40 quarter-finalists.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Miss World Sports Challenge: A segment of the Miss World competition focused on testing participants’ physical fitness, endurance, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.
  • Fast-track Competition: A classification in the Miss World pageant where winning certain sub-events—like Sports, Talent, or Top Model—guarantees direct advancement to the later rounds.
  • Mallakhamb: A traditional Indian sport that combines aerial yoga and gymnastics on a vertical pole, showcasing strength and agility, often featured in cultural exhibitions.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge
Date May 17, 2025
Location Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, India
Gold Winner Eliise Randmaa (Estonia)
Silver Winner Aurélie Joachim (Martinique)
Bronze Winner Emma Morrison (Canada)
Fast-track Benefit Direct qualification into Top 40 quarter-finalists
Total Contestants 108 from 108 countries
Main Activities Badminton, Shot Put, Chess, Basketball, Football, Sprints, Zumba
Cultural Performances Mallakhamb, Yoga, Martial Arts, Skating, Gymnastics
Chief Guest BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla
Inaugurated By Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao
Significance First time Estonia reached Miss World quarter-finals since 1999

 

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs May 19

5. Which feature of the new ₹20 banknotes issued by RBI remains unchanged despite the updated signature?
A) Series name
B) Governor’s name
C) Colour of the note
D) Motif replaced with Taj Mahal
E) Design issued under Gandhi (Old) Series
Answer: C) Colour of the note

Event and Location:

  • Event: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the issuance of new ₹20 banknotes that will bear the signature of the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra.
  • Location: The new banknotes will be circulated across India, following standard RBI procedures for nationwide implementation.
  • Date: The announcement was made on May 19, 2025, as part of RBI’s routine currency update process after a change in leadership.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Reflecting Leadership Change: The primary mandate is to update the signature on the ₹20 denomination banknotes to reflect the recent appointment of Sanjay Malhotra as RBI Governor.
  • Currency Standardization: A key objective is to maintain consistency and uniformity in the appearance and signature on all currency denominations issued by the central bank.
  • Public Trust and Legal Validity: This update reinforces public trust in India’s currency system and affirms that previously issued ₹20 notes remain valid as legal tender.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series: This series was launched in 2016 and includes redesigned currency notes with enhanced security features, fresh layouts, and themes showcasing India’s heritage.
  • Legal Tender: This refers to currency that must be accepted for settling debts and official transactions. The RBI clarified that all older ₹20 notes continue to be valid legal tender.
  • Ellora Caves: Featured on the reverse of the ₹20 note, the Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Maharashtra, symbolizing India’s ancient rock-cut architecture.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event RBI to issue new ₹20 banknotes
Date of Announcement May 19, 2025
Location India
Issuing Authority Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Governor’s Signature Sanjay Malhotra
Note Series Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series
Design & Dimensions Unchanged; 63 mm × 129 mm
Motif on Reverse Ellora Caves
Colour of Note Greenish-yellow
Security Features Watermark, latent image, micro-lettering, colour-shift ink
Validity of Old Notes Remain legal tender
Purpose of Update To reflect the new RBI Governor’s signature
Strategic Importance Ensures uniformity, trust, and smooth transition

Awards – Daily Current Affairs May 19

6. Who were the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award conferred by President Murmu in May 2025?
A) Amrita Pritam and Girish Karnad
B) Gulzar and Pratibha Ray
C) Gulzar and Rambhadracharya
D) Mahadevi Verma and Gulzar
E) Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and Rambhadracharya
Answer: C) Gulzar and Rambhadracharya

Event and Location:

  • Event: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, on Gulzar and Rambhadracharya for their outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
  • Location: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
  • Date: 17 May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Celebration of Literary Excellence: The award recognises the significant impact of Gulzar’s emotional poetry and storytelling and Rambhadracharya’s scholarly Sanskrit and Hindi literary contributions.
  • Promotion of India’s Linguistic and Cultural Unity: The event highlighted India’s inclusive literary spectrum, bridging traditional devotional literature and modern creative expression.
  • Support for Literature’s Role in Nation-Building: President Murmu emphasised literature’s role in fostering cultural identity, education, and spiritual consciousness in a diverse nation.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Jnanpith Award: Instituted in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith, it is India’s highest literary award given for outstanding contributions to Indian literature across all languages. It includes a citation, cash prize, and a bronze idol of Vagdevi (Saraswati).
  • Rambhadracharya: Also known as Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya, he is a blind scholar-saint, author of four Sanskrit epics, and founder of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University serving over 2,000 visually impaired students.
  • Gulzar: The pen name of Sampooran Singh Kalra, he is a legendary poet, lyricist, and writer known for his deeply moving works in Hindi literature and cinema. He is a recipient of the Oscar, Grammy, and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event 58th Jnanpith Award Ceremony
Date 17 May 2025
Location Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
Presented By President Droupadi Murmu
Awardees Gulzar and Rambhadracharya
Award Type Jnanpith Award – Highest literary honour in India
Gulzar’s Contributions Poetry, screenwriting, film lyrics, emotional and socially relevant stories
Rambhadracharya’s Contributions Sanskrit epics, spiritual education, inclusive learning for disabled
Award Institution Bharatiya Jnanpith
Award Components Citation, cash prize, bronze idol of Vagdevi (Saraswati)
Notable Feature Literary diversity – modern poetry and devotional Sanskrit recognised
Significance Celebrates unity of literary traditions and promotes inclusive excellence

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs May 19

7. What was the name of the rare liver disorder treated using CRISPR technology in the 9-month-old baby in the US?
A) Wilson’s disease
B) Hemochromatosis
C) CPS1 deficiency
D) Maple syrup urine disease
E) Gaucher disease
Answer: C) CPS1 deficiency

Event and Location:

  • Event: A nine-month-old baby named KJ Muldoon became the first person to be treated for CPS1 deficiency using a personalized CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy.
  • Location: United States (Treatment conducted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine)
  • Date: May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Precision Treatment for Rare Disorder: The goal was to use gene-editing technology to address a rare and fatal liver condition through a one-time treatment tailored to a unique mutation.
  • Introduction of Real-Time Gene Editing in Medicine: The therapy represents the implementation of CRISPR-base editing as a clinical solution for individual patients in urgent need.
  • Global Impact and Framework Creation: The objective also includes setting a model for the treatment of other ultra-rare genetic diseases through customized genomic interventions.

Important Terms Explained:

  • CRISPR: A revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely modify specific parts of the DNA, offering potential cures for genetic disorders.
  • Base Editing: A more refined version of CRISPR that changes a single letter in the DNA without breaking the DNA strand, reducing risks associated with traditional gene editing.
  • CPS1 Deficiency: A rare genetic disorder of the urea cycle where the liver fails to convert toxic ammonia into urea, causing rapid health decline in newborns if untreated.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event US doctors used CRISPR to cure rare liver disorder in 9-month-old baby
Date May 2025
Location United States
Patient Name KJ Muldoon
Disorder Treated CPS1 deficiency (urea cycle disorder)
Technology Used Personalized CRISPR-based base editing
Institutions Involved Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine
Doctors Leading Treatment Dr. Kiran Musunuru and Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas
Delivery Method Lipid nanoparticles targeting liver cells
Outcome Improved protein tolerance, reduced medication, no major side effects
Global Significance First-of-its-kind gene-editing therapy for rare disorder
Medical Advancement Set a new precedent in real-time personalized gene therapy

8. What is the total financial outlay of India’s Semiconductor Mission launched to build a domestic chip ecosystem?
A) ₹56,000 crore
B) ₹65,000 crore
C) ₹76,000 crore
D) ₹85,000 crore
E) ₹91,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹76,000 crore

Event and Location:

  • Event: India launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to position itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing and innovation hub.
  • Location: Nationwide initiative led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
  • Date: December 2021 (mission launch), with major developments continuing into 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Strategic Technology Development: The mission aims to establish India’s self-reliance in semiconductors and reduce dependence on imports by promoting local chip manufacturing, design, and packaging infrastructure.
  • Industrial and Economic Growth: Through its ₹76,000 crore incentive plan, the initiative seeks to boost the electronics manufacturing ecosystem and generate employment across technical and industrial sectors.
  • Global Value Chain Integration: India aspires to become an integral part of the global semiconductor supply chain through international partnerships, technology transfer, and advanced manufacturing facilities.

Important Terms Explained:

  • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): A government initiative launched in 2021 under MeitY to create a sustainable semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India, backed by financial and infrastructural incentives.
  • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: A sub-program of ISM, it provides financial and infrastructural support to domestic companies involved in semiconductor design to encourage innovation and IP creation.
  • ATMP Units: Refers to Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging units that are essential in the final stages of chip manufacturing before chips are supplied to industries for integration.
  • iCET (India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies): A bilateral initiative between India and the United States to foster collaboration in emerging technologies including semiconductors, AI, and defense.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event India’s Semiconductor Mission and national chip strategy
Mission Launch Date December 2021
Implementing Ministry Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Financial Outlay ₹76,000 crore
Major Companies Involved Micron (₹22,500 crore ATMP unit), Foxconn, Tata Electronics, ISMC (Israel)
States Involved Gujarat and Karnataka
International Collaborations US (iCET), Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Quad Semiconductor Partnership
Expected Employment 85,000 direct jobs and 2.5 lakh indirect jobs
Key Targets Chip fabrication (fabs), ATMP units, Design Linked Incentives
Strategic Goal Reducing dependence on imports and boosting national tech sovereignty
Challenges Faced High capital needs, skill shortage, long setup cycles, global competition

9. What key lunar mystery did NASA’s GRAIL mission help solve?
A) Presence of water on the Moon
B) Formation of lunar craters
C) Asymmetry between the Moon’s nearside and farside
D) Existence of alien structures
E) Discovery of new lunar minerals
Answer: C) Asymmetry between the Moon’s nearside and farside

Event and Location:

  • Event: NASA’s GRAIL mission resolved the mystery of the Moon’s geological asymmetry by analyzing gravity and heat data from the nearside and farside.
  • Location: Data collected via lunar orbit; research led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Date: Findings published and highlighted in May 2025 (GRAIL mission launched in 2011)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • High-Precision Gravity Mapping: The mission aimed to map the Moon’s gravitational field using dual satellites to infer its internal structure and crustal variations.
  • Understanding Lunar Evolution: The objective was to explain the distinct geological features between the Moon’s two hemispheres, including differences in crust thickness and volcanic history.
  • Support for Future Lunar Missions: The mission supports upcoming Moon missions by identifying areas with thinner crust and greater thermal activity, aiding in safe landing site selection.

Important Terms Explained:

  • GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory): A NASA mission launched in 2011 with twin spacecraft named Ebb and Flow designed to measure the Moon’s gravitational field and interior composition.
  • Nearside and Farside of the Moon: The nearside always faces Earth and contains vast basalt plains (mare), while the farside is rugged and heavily cratered due to less volcanic activity.
  • Tidal Flexing: A phenomenon where a celestial body’s shape is altered due to the gravitational pull of another body; in this case, the Moon’s nearside experiences greater flexing due to Earth’s gravity.
  • Radioactive Elements (Thorium & Titanium): These heat-producing elements were found in higher concentrations on the Moon’s nearside, contributing to the crustal and thermal differences.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event NASA’s GRAIL mission solves Moon’s asymmetry mystery
Mission Name GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory)
Launch Year 2011
Launched By NASA using Delta II rocket
Managing Institution Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), with MIT as scientific lead
Key Spacecraft Twin satellites named Ebb and Flow
Objective Map the Moon’s gravity and analyze internal structure
Major Discovery Asymmetry between nearside and farside caused by gravitational and thermal factors
Key Findings Nearside is thinner, warmer, and volcanically active; farside is thicker and cratered
Mission Outcome Successfully completed; data used to support future lunar explorations
Scientific Significance Solves a long-standing lunar geological mystery

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 19

10. What is the proposed excise tax rate on international remittances sent by non-citizens as per the new US bill?
A) 3 percent
B) 4 percent
C) 5 percent
D) 6 percent
E) 7 percent
Answer: C) 5 percent

Event and Location:

  • Event: The US Congress has introduced a bill proposing a 5% excise tax on international remittances made by non-citizens, potentially affecting millions of Indian immigrants.
  • Location: United States
  • Date: May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Revenue Generation: The primary aim of the proposed bill is to create a new revenue stream for the US government by taxing cross-border financial flows initiated by non-citizens.
  • Regulation of Remittances: The objective is to regulate and formalize remittance flows by imposing responsibility on service providers to collect and remit the tax.
  • Immigration and Economic Influence: The move appears intended to influence foreign worker inflows and addresses political sentiments around non-citizen contributions to the US economy.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Excise Tax: This is a type of indirect tax imposed on specific goods, services, or transactions. In this context, it refers to a 5% charge levied on outward remittances sent by non-citizens.
  • H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, often used by Indian tech professionals.
  • F-1 Visa: A visa category issued to international students for academic studies in the United States.
  • Remittance Service Providers: These are financial entities or platforms like banks, Western Union, or online fintech firms that facilitate money transfers across borders and would be tasked with collecting this tax.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event US proposes 5% remittance tax on non-citizens
Date of Announcement May 19, 2025
Location United States
Proposed By US House Republicans
Tax Rate 5% excise tax on international remittances by non-citizens
Affected Groups H-1B holders, F-1 students, Green card holders, other NRIs
Collection Authority Remittance service providers
Remittance Volume (2023) Over $23 billion sent to India from the US
Concerns Raised Discrimination, legal/treaty override, economic burden on immigrants
Expert Reactions Criticized for unfair targeting of legal immigrants and global investment
Potential Impact Reduced formal remittances, salary pressure, tax burden on Indian diaspora

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 19

11. Which historical structure in Delhi was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2025?
A) Agrasen Ki Baoli
B) Rajon Ki Baoli
C) Gandhak Ki Baoli
D) Red Fort Stepwell
E) Hauz Khas Tank
Answer: B) Rajon Ki Baoli

Event and Location:

  • Event: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) restored the 16th-century stepwell Rajon Ki Baoli, preserving a significant piece of India’s architectural and environmental heritage.
  • Location: Mehrauli, Delhi
  • Date: May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Historical Preservation: The aim was to conserve Rajon Ki Baoli, a notable Lodi-era structure, and restore its architectural authenticity.
  • Revival of Traditional Water Systems: The project promoted sustainable water conservation practices using historical techniques such as lime mortar and natural desilting.
  • Community Involvement and Awareness: The restoration engaged local communities in learning about environmental stewardship and heritage upkeep.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Rajon Ki Baoli: A four-tiered stepwell built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, known for its Indo-Islamic architecture, carved colonnades, and utility as a rest stop and water reservoir.
  • Stepwell: Also known as ‘baoli’ or ‘vav’, it is a water storage structure that provides access to groundwater, especially used in arid regions of India for centuries.
  • Lime Mortar: A traditional building material composed of lime and sand used in historical conservation for its durability, breathability, and compatibility with ancient structures.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Restoration of Rajon Ki Baoli stepwell
Date May 2025
Location Mehrauli, Delhi
Structure Built Circa 1506 during the Lodi dynasty
Restoration Led By Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Collaborating Organizations World Monuments Fund India (WMFI), TCS Foundation
Project Budget Part of ₹125 crore under Historic Water Systems of India programme
Purpose of Stepwell Water reservoir and resting place for travellers
Architectural Features Arched colonnades, stucco medallions, carved stone, 13.4 m deep, 23×10 m tank
Materials Used Traditional lime mortar and plaster
Environmental Measures Desilting, drainage improvements, fish introduction for water quality
Significance Promotes cultural preservation and sustainable water conservation

12. Which observatory was featured on a commemorative stamp to mark 125 years of solar research in India?
A) Indian Astronomical Observatory
B) Vainu Bappu Observatory
C) Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
D) Mount Abu Infrared Observatory
E) Aryabhatta Research Institute
Answer: C) Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Event and Location:

  • Event: The Department of Posts released a commemorative stamp marking the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, celebrating India’s solar research legacy.
  • Location: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
  • Date: May 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Scientific Commemoration: The initiative aims to honour the legacy of solar observations initiated in 1899, which have significantly contributed to global solar astrophysics.
  • Public Awareness through Philately: The stamp promotes awareness about India’s scientific achievements through a visually symbolic tribute available to collectors and science enthusiasts.
  • Encouraging Scientific Heritage: The celebration reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting India’s contributions to astronomical research and space science education.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: Established on April 1, 1899, in Tamil Nadu, this is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world, known for long-term observations of sunspots, solar cycles, and magnetic fields.
  • H-alpha Image: A specific wavelength of light emitted by hydrogen atoms, used in solar imaging to study sunspots, flares, and prominences.
  • Butterfly Diagram: A visual chart that maps sunspot latitudes over time, revealing solar cycle patterns—used globally in solar physics research.
  • Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA): A premier institute under the Department of Science and Technology responsible for advanced research in astronomy, including management of historical observatories like Kodaikanal.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event Release of commemorative stamp by Department of Posts
Date May 17, 2025
Location Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
Occasion 125th anniversary (Quasquicentennial) of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Established In 1899, under British India
Key Personalities A. S. Kiran Kumar, S. Rajendra Kumar
Stamp Features Twin-domed building, H-alpha Sun image (May 6, 2024), Butterfly Diagram, IIA logo
Observatory Location Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Scientific Importance India’s cradle of solar astrophysics
Purpose of the Stamp Promote awareness of India’s solar research legacy and philatelic science


Over All Review

Important Days

  • World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 was observed globally on May 17.
  • International Museum Day 2025 was celebrated globally on May 18 with the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”

Sports 

  • India defeated Bangladesh 4-3 in a penalty shootout to win the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025.
  • Miss Estonia Eliise Randmaa won gold at the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad.

Banking and Finance 

  • RBI has announced the release of new ₹20 notes with Sanjay Malhotra’s signature.

Awards 

  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Gulzar and Rambhadracharya.

Science and Technology

  • US doctors successfully treated a nine-month-old baby with a rare liver disorder using CRISPR gene-editing.
  • India launched the Semiconductor Mission to reduce dependence on chip imports and boost domestic manufacturing.
  • NASA’s GRAIL mission has solved the mystery behind the Moon’s nearside-farside asymmetry.

International Affairs

  • The US Congress has introduced a bill proposing a 5% remittance tax on non-citizens.

National Affairs

  • The ASI restored the 16th-century Rajon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli, Delhi in May 2025.
  • India issued a commemorative stamp on May 17, 2025, celebrating 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

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