Daily Current Affairs May 08

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 08. 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 08 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 08

1. Which organization founded World Thalassaemia Day, observed annually on May 8th?
A) World Health Organization
B) United Nations
C) Red Cross Society
D) Thalassaemia International Federation
E) Global Health Alliance
Answer: D) Thalassaemia International Federation

Event and Location:

• Event: World Thalassaemia Day 2025
• Location: Observed globally across all countries on May 8 annually

Mandates and Objectives:

• Awareness Objective: To raise awareness about thalassaemia, a hereditary blood disorder impacting hemoglobin synthesis.
• Preventive Objective: To encourage genetic screening and premarital counseling for reducing new thalassaemia births.
• Treatment Access: To promote availability of safe blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplants.
• Healthcare Infrastructure: To strengthen healthcare systems by enhancing medical facilities and staff training.
• Community Support: To foster inclusive and stigma-free environments for thalassaemia patients.
• Policy Advocacy: To advocate for universal health coverage and reforms to lower treatment costs.

Important Terms Explained:

• Thalassaemia: A genetic blood disorder where the body produces abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in severe anemia.
• Iron Chelation Therapy: A treatment that removes excess iron from the body due to frequent blood transfusions.
• Genetic Screening: A diagnostic process to identify carriers of genetic disorders like thalassaemia.
• Universal Health Coverage: A health system model ensuring access to quality medical care without financial burden.

Tabular Summary:

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2. On which date does the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrate its Foundation Day?
A) April 15
B) June 1
C) May 7
D) March 26
E) July 10
Answer: C) May 7

Event and Location:

• Event: 64th Foundation Day celebration of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
• Location: Celebrated across India and operational areas, including strategic border zones

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strategic Infrastructure: To develop and maintain road networks in remote and border areas for military and civilian use.
• Defence Support: To provide critical logistical support to armed forces during peace and conflict.
• Socio-Economic Development: To connect remote communities and stimulate local development.
• International Engagement: To assist friendly foreign nations like Bhutan and Myanmar with infrastructure projects.

Important Terms Explained:

• BRO: Border Roads Organisation, a premier agency under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for building and maintaining infrastructure in high-altitude and border areas.
• BRDB: Border Roads Development Board, the policy-making body overseeing BRO operations.
• GREF: General Reserve Engineer Force, the workforce arm of BRO comprising civil and military engineering personnel.
• Umling La: The world’s highest motorable road (19,024 ft) in Ladakh, built by BRO.
  Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam: BRO’s motto, meaning “Everything is achievable through hard work.”

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs May 08

3. Which cryptocurrency holds the highest market capitalization as of May 2025, according to Forbes?
A) Ethereum
B) Solana
C) Tether
D) Bitcoin
E) Dogecoin
Answer: D) Bitcoin

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of the 2025 list of top 10 most valuable cryptocurrencies
• Location: Global report published by Forbes as of May 7, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Market Insight: To highlight the current status and performance of the global cryptocurrency market.
• Investor Awareness: To inform stakeholders about the dominance and value shifts in leading digital assets.
• Economic Integration: To demonstrate how cryptocurrencies are becoming part of mainstream financial systems.
• User Growth Forecast: To project increasing adoption with expected user count reaching 861.01 million by end of 2025.
• Revenue Outlook: To provide future market insights with global revenue estimated to reach $45.3 billion in 2025.

Important Terms Explained:

• Cryptocurrency: A digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, operating independently of a central bank.
• Market Capitalization: A measure of a cryptocurrency’s total value, calculated by multiplying current price with circulating supply.
• ETF Approvals: Refers to Exchange-Traded Funds that include cryptocurrencies, increasing institutional access and investment.
• Digital Gold: A term often used for Bitcoin due to its perceived value preservation properties like physical gold.
• Tariff Tensions: Refers to global trade tensions that can influence investor confidence and crypto valuations.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs May 08

4. Which two foreign banks led the net credit card additions in India during FY25, as per RBI data?
A) Citi and Barclays
B) Amex and Standard Chartered
C) HSBC and American Express
D) DBS and Citi
E) Barclays and HSBC
Answer: C) HSBC and American Express

Event and Location:

• Event: Surge in credit card additions by foreign banks in FY25
• Location: India, based on data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Retail Rebound: To mark the revival of foreign banks’ retail operations in India through strong card issuance.
• Digital Push: To tap into India’s rising demand for digital payments and credit-backed consumer spending.
• Market Realignment: To regain ground lost to domestic competitors and expand in the premium segment.
• Consumer Engagement: To meet increasing credit demand among India’s growing middle class through enhanced offerings.

Important Terms Explained:

• HSBC: A major foreign banking player in India, leading FY25 credit card additions with over 216,000 cards.
• American Express (Amex): A global payments company, known for premium cards, adding over 107,000 new cards in FY25.
• Credit Card Addition: Refers to the net number of new credit cards issued, subtracting closures or cancellations.
• RBI: The Reserve Bank of India, India’s central banking authority, regulating the monetary and banking system.
• Data Localization: RBI’s directive requiring financial data of Indian users to be stored locally, which previously impacted Amex.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which public sector bank reported a 52% rise in net profit to ₹4,567 crore in Q4 of FY25?
A) Bank of Baroda
B) Punjab National Bank
C) Canara Bank
D) Union Bank of India
E) State Bank of India
Answer: B) Punjab National Bank

Event and Location:

• Event: Q4 FY25 Financial Results of Punjab National Bank (PNB)
• Location: Reported from New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Financial Performance: To highlight a 51.7% surge in net profit, reaching ₹4,567 crore in Q4 FY25.
• Credit Growth: To showcase the strong credit momentum and improvement in treasury operations.
• Technical Recovery: Emphasis on recovery in technical write-offs that boosted the bank’s bottom line.
• Outlook Clarification: To address future decisions regarding legal and resolution matters, especially related to Bhushan Power and Steel.

Important Terms Explained:

• Q4 FY25: Refers to the fourth quarter of the financial year 2024–25 (January–March 2025).
• Net Profit: The total earnings after taxes and expenses; PNB posted ₹4,567 crore compared to ₹3,010 crore YoY.
• Technical Write-off: Refers to loans written off for accounting purposes but still recoverable legally.
• Treasury Income: Revenue earned from investment in government securities, bonds, and other financial instruments.
• Resolution Plan: A strategy proposed under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) for acquisition of stressed assets.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 08

6. What is the estimated dividend that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may transfer to the government for FY25, potentially beating initial forecasts?
A) ₹1.8 lakh crore
B) ₹2.1 lakh crore
C) ₹2.3 lakh crore
D) ₹3 lakh crore
E) ₹1.5 lakh crore
Answer: D) ₹3 lakh crore

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI’s dividend transfer to the Government of India for FY25
• Location: North Block, New Delhi (Ministry of Finance)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Surplus Transfer: To transfer RBI’s surplus income (dividend) to the Central Government, as per the RBI Act and recommendations by Bimal Jalan Committee.
• Fiscal Boost: To shrink the fiscal deficit, support government spending, and inject liquidity into the economy.
• Monetary Strength: To reflect gains from dollar sales, forex operations, and interest income on foreign assets.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dividend Transfer: The annual surplus that the RBI shares with the government after provisioning, under Section 47 of the RBI Act.
• Forex Gains: Profits earned by the RBI from buying/selling foreign currency as part of managing rupee stability.
• Gross Dollar Sales: Refers to RBI’s sale of USD in open markets to stabilize the Indian rupee; stood at $371.6 billion in FY25.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves: The total reserves held by the RBI, which peaked at $704 billion in September 2024.
• CRB (Contingency Risk Buffer): A fund set aside by the RBI to cover unforeseen losses; must be maintained at 5.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs May 08

7. What key technological feature is embedded in India’s newly launched e-passports to enhance travel security?
A) Blockchain ledger
B) QR Code with OTP authentication
C) Magnetic stripe
D) RFID chip with biometric data
E) Smart hologram sticker
Answer: D) RFID chip with biometric data

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of chip-based e-passports for Indian citizens
• Location: Nationwide rollout starting from select cities in India under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0

Mandates and Objectives:

• Digital Transformation: To modernize India’s passport infrastructure in alignment with global standards.
• Enhanced Security: To reduce forgery and improve document authenticity using RFID chips and biometrics.
• Paperless Immigration: To support streamlined, contactless processing and reduce dependency on physical document verification.
• Global Mobility: To enable Indian passports to meet international interoperability and secure access requirements.

Important Terms Explained:

• E-Passport: A biometric passport with an embedded RFID chip containing personal and biometric data, making it difficult to tamper with.
• RFID Chip: Radio-Frequency Identification chip used for wireless data transfer and authentication at immigration and security points.
• Passport Seva Programme 2.0: A government project aimed at enhancing the digital delivery of passport services across India.
• Biometric Data: Includes fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition information, stored securely within the chip for verification.
• Scannable Barcode: Used to digitally access residential address and personal info at checkpoints—replacing traditional printed details.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 08

8. When was the UN-led VoTAN initiative officially launched to support victims of terrorism globally?
A) March 15, 2025
B) April 28, 2025
C) May 7, 2025
D) September 10, 2022
E) January 30, 2025
Answer: B) April 28, 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of VoTAN – Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network
• Location: Global initiative launched by United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Victim Empowerment: To support survivors of terrorism as active agents of change through healing, advocacy, and peacebuilding.
• Global Support Platform: To build a safe, inclusive, and connected network of victims, survivors, and civil society.
• Resilience Building: To enhance the psychosocial resilience of individuals and institutions affected by terrorism.
• Awareness and Education: To spread knowledge about the personal and social impacts of terrorism through campaigns and workshops.
• Peace Promotion: To position victims as peacebuilders, contributing to reconciliation and global solidarity.

Important Terms Explained:

• VoTAN: The Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network, a global support platform launched by UNOCT in 2025 to connect, empower, and heal victims of terrorism.
• UNOCT: The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, responsible for strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation and system-wide coordination.
• Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism: A UN-affiliated alliance co-chaired by Spain and Iraq focused on promoting victims’ rights.
• Peacebuilding: A long-term process that supports societies in managing conflict and building inclusive, resilient communities.
• Advocacy: Actions that aim to raise awareness, reform policies, and ensure that victim perspectives are included in legal and public discourse.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Which maritime organization announced the opening of a new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during SMLME 2025?
A) DP World
B) Lloyd’s Register
C) Indian Register of Shipping
D) Seatrade Maritime
E) Bureau Veritas
Answer: C) Indian Register of Shipping

Event and Location:

• Event: 11th Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) 2025
• Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE

Mandates and Objectives:

• Maritime Collaboration: To promote cooperation among maritime players in the Middle East and South Asia.
• Innovation & Sustainability: To drive discussions on green shipping, digitalization, and port development.
• Trade & Connectivity: To enhance regional maritime integration across the Persian Gulf and Red Sea corridors.
• Global Engagement: To offer a platform for governments and companies to form partnerships and share best practices in logistics.

Important Terms Explained:

• SMLME: Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East, a premier maritime conference under UAE Maritime Week, focusing on global shipping and logistics.
• Indian Register of Shipping (IRS): An Indian classification society, full member of IACS, involved in ship surveys, audits, and technical inspections globally.
• Classification Society: An organization that ensures ships and marine infrastructure meet safety and regulatory standards.
• IACS: International Association of Classification Societies, the global body of leading ship classification organizations.
• UAE Maritime Week: A series of maritime events hosted by the UAE to promote its leadership in the global shipping industry.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Which two organizations signed an MoU during the UN Day of Vesak 2025 to strengthen Buddhist ties between India and Vietnam?
A) ICCR and Vietnam Ministry of Culture
B) International Buddhist Confederation and Vietnam National Assembly
C) Indian Embassy in Vietnam and UNESCO
D) International Buddhist Confederation and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha
E) Ministry of External Affairs and Ho Chi Minh Academy
Answer: D) International Buddhist Confederation and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance Buddhist cooperation
• Location: Vietnam, during the celebration of UN Day of Vesak 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Cultural Cooperation: To foster spiritual and cultural ties between India and Vietnam based on Buddhist teachings.
• Global Peace Promotion: To disseminate the values of compassion, wisdom, and peace through cultural and educational collaboration.
• Buddhist Community Engagement: To provide Vietnam’s Buddhist community representation in global forums via the IBC.
• Research and Events: To support Buddhism-related studies, publications, and cultural events in both countries.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Buddhist Confederation (IBC): A Delhi-based global Buddhist body under the Ministry of Culture, India, coordinating Buddhist diplomacy and global forums.
• Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS): The official Buddhist organization of Vietnam, recognized for its spiritual leadership and global outreach.
• UN Day of Vesak: An international Buddhist holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, recognized by the UN.
• Buddhist Diplomacy: The use of shared spiritual heritage to build diplomatic and cultural bridges between nations.
• Vietnam Chapter of IBC: A new platform to represent Vietnamese Buddhists in IBC’s global network, fostering inter-tradition dialogue.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 08

11. Which Indian state launched the ‘Jyothi’ scheme in May 2025 to integrate migrant children into formal education?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Gujarat
D) Kerala
E) West Bengal
Answer: D) Kerala

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the ‘Jyothi’ scheme to enrol children of migrant workers into formal education
• Location: Kerala, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Educational Inclusion: To integrate children of migrant workers into Kerala’s anganwadis and public schools.
• Health and Welfare: To offer regular health check-ups, medical camps, and awareness sessions on hygiene and anti-substance abuse.
• Continuity of Education: To ensure academic stability despite frequent relocations due to seasonal migration.
• Cultural Inclusion: To promote language bridging, cultural understanding, and social inclusion among migrant children.
• Administrative Outreach: To execute a month-long campaign involving local bodies, teachers, and Kudumbashree workers.
• Curriculum Development: To design a customised curriculum through SCERT for migrant students.

Important Terms Explained:

• Jyothi Scheme: A new Kerala government initiative launched in 2025 to provide education, healthcare, and inclusion support to children of migrant families.
• Anganwadi: Rural childcare centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) providing basic health care and preschool education.
• SCERT: The State Council of Educational Research and Training, responsible for curriculum and academic policies in Kerala.
• Kudumbashree: A poverty eradication and women empowerment programme in Kerala, engaged in local development and welfare services.
• Aadhaar-based Registry: A digital identification system for registering migrant workers to ensure social welfare inclusion and traceability.

Tabular Summary:

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12. What is the name of the women-centric campaign launched by the Maharashtra government in 2025 to commemorate Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary?
A) Nari Shakti Yojana
B) Ahilya Sakhi Scheme
C) Adishakti Abhiyan
D) Matrutva Mission
E) Mahila Suraksha Path
Answer: C) Adishakti Abhiyan

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the Adishakti Abhiyan for grassroots women and child empowerment
• Location: Maharashtra, India, announced at Choundi, the birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar

Mandates and Objectives:

• Women Empowerment: To promote gender equality, safety, and leadership through awareness and scheme access.
• Child Welfare: To address malnutrition, maternal and infant mortality, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
• Scheme Implementation: To ensure delivery and visibility of government welfare schemes for women and children.
• Governance Participation: To encourage women’s representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Community Involvement: To form structured committees at various administrative levels for monitoring and action.

Important Terms Explained:

• Adishakti Abhiyan: A flagship women empowerment campaign by the Maharashtra government focusing on social and health issues affecting women and children.
• Panchayati Raj Institutions: Local self-government bodies at village, intermediate, and district levels in India.
• Anganwadi Workers: Key frontline health and nutrition workers under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
• Taluka Protection Officers: Officials designated to address gender-based crimes and protect women and children in rural areas.
• Adishakti Awards: Recognition initiative for Gram Panchayats showing exemplary performance in women and child welfare.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which Indian minister launched the Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Portal on May 7, 2025?
A) Nitin Gadkari
B) Piyush Goyal
C) G. Kishan Reddy
D) Hardeep Singh Puri
E) Ashwini Vaishnaw
Answer: C) G. Kishan Reddy

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Portal under the National Scrap Recycling Framework
• Location: India, launched by the Union Ministry of Coal and Mines

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recycling Ecosystem: To build a structured and transparent national platform for stakeholders involved in non-ferrous metal recycling.
• Data-Driven Policy: To provide real-time data on material flows, technology use, and workforce trends for evidence-based policymaking.
• Circular Economy: To support India’s resource efficiency and sustainability goals, reducing dependency on imported raw materials.
• Skill and Infrastructure Development: To identify regional and sectoral gaps, map skill needs, and benchmark performance of recyclers.
• Industry Empowerment: To encourage standardization, certification, and active industry participation in the recycling value chain.

Important Terms Explained:

• Non-Ferrous Metals: Metals that do not contain iron, such as aluminium, copper, lead, and zinc, which are key to sustainable industries.
• Circular Economy: An economic model aimed at eliminating waste by reusing, recycling, and regenerating resources in a closed-loop system.
• JNARDDC: Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, the body supporting the technical execution of the portal.
• Benchmarking: A method to compare performance metrics across recyclers for transparency and quality improvement.
• Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat: National programs promoting self-reliance and domestic manufacturing in strategic sectors.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What was the purpose of ‘Operation Abhyas’ conducted in Bengaluru on May 7, 2025?
A) To test new defence technologies
B) To simulate a terror attack scenario
C) To conduct a civil defence mock drill for emergency preparedness
D) To commemorate national security day
E) To train only fire service personnel
Answer: C) To conduct a civil defence mock drill for emergency preparedness

Event and Location:

• Event: Operation Abhyas – a civil defence emergency mock drill
• Location: Halasuru, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• Emergency Preparedness: To simulate real-life disaster scenarios and improve public awareness.
• Public Engagement: To educate citizens on how to respond to emergencies, including fire and structural collapse.
• Inter-Departmental Coordination: To test the responsiveness and coordination among civil defence, police, and fire services.
• National Directive: Conducted as part of a nationwide initiative ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) post-terror threats.
• Psychological Readiness: To reduce panic and improve community resilience during actual disasters.

Important Terms Explained:

• Operation Abhyas: A civil defence mock drill initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare cities for potential emergencies.
• Civil Defence: Measures undertaken to protect civilians during natural disasters, war, or emergencies through coordinated response systems.
• Halasuru: A locality in Bengaluru, chosen as the main site for the demonstration due to its urban infrastructure and risk profile.
• MHA: Ministry of Home Affairs, the central government body responsible for internal security, disaster management, and civil defence planning.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Where was Northeast India’s first geothermal production well drilled in 2025?
A) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
B) Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
C) Gangtok, Sikkim
D) Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
E) Kohima, Nagaland
Answer: B) Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: Drilling of Northeast India’s first geothermal production well
• Location: Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Clean Energy Innovation: To pioneer geothermal energy use for renewable and sustainable heating in Northeast India.
• Scientific Exploration: To utilize geochemical and structural surveys to identify geothermal zones.
• Agro-Industrial Benefits: To enable fruit drying, space heating, and controlled storage systems in cold, high-altitude regions.
• Infrastructure Vision: To potentially develop Dirang as India’s first geothermal-powered city.
• Strategic Development: To promote energy self-reliance in remote Himalayan terrain through clean alternatives.

Important Terms Explained:

• Geothermal Production Well: A drilled shaft used to tap underground heat sources (thermal reservoirs) for energy applications.
• CESHS: Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies, the lead research institution under the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Science & Technology.
• Main Central Thrust (MCT): A major geological fault in the Himalayas significant for geothermal potential due to tectonic activity.
• Medium-to-High Enthalpy Zone: A geothermal area with moderate to high temperature reservoirs (above 100°C), suitable for heating and industrial use.
• Controlled-Atmosphere Storage: A temperature and gas-regulated environment to preserve perishable agricultural produce.

Tabular Summary:

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16. Which five IITs are included in the ₹11,828 crore expansion plan approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2025?
A) IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras
B) IIT Tirupati, IIT Palakkad, IIT Bhilai, IIT Jammu, IIT Dharwad
C) IIT Indore, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Patna, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Mandi
D) IIT Guwahati, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Jodhpur, IIT Ropar, IIT Goa
E) IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Varanasi, IIT Dhanbad, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur
Answer: B) IIT Tirupati, IIT Palakkad, IIT Bhilai, IIT Jammu, IIT Dharwad

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of a ₹11,828.79 crore expansion plan for five newly established Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Location: India – specifically in Tirupati (AP), Palakkad (Kerala), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), Jammu (J&K), and Dharwad (Karnataka)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Educational Infrastructure: To scale up student capacity and research capability at new-generation IITs.
• STEM Advancement: To meet growing national and global demand for skilled professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
• Faculty Development: To create 130 new Professor-level positions to improve teaching and mentorship.
• Industry-Academia Synergy: To establish 5 research parks for innovation and collaboration with the private sector.
• Regional Growth: To empower local economies and reduce educational inequality by expanding elite institutions to underserved areas.

Important Terms Explained:

• IITs: Indian Institutes of Technology, premier autonomous institutions for higher technical education and research in India.
• Phase-B Expansion: A second stage of development focused on permanent infrastructure, student growth, and research excellence.
• Research Parks: Integrated spaces designed to connect academic research with industrial application, often fostering innovation-driven startups.
• Level 14 Professors: Refers to senior faculty positions as per the 7th Central Pay Commission, typically for full Professors.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which scheme was launched in 2025 to upgrade ITIs and skill 20 lakh youth over five years?
A) Skill India Digital Mission
B) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0
C) National Skill Acceleration Scheme
D) National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Centres of Excellence
E) India@100 Vocational Growth Plan
Answer: D) National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Centres of Excellence

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Centres of Excellence for Skilling
• Location: Pan-India, with centres of excellence in Chennai, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar

Mandates and Objectives:

• Skilling Ecosystem: To transform 1,000 government-run ITIs into industry-aligned institutions.
• Capacity Building: To skill 20 lakh youth and train 50,000 trainers in modern, industry-relevant trades.
• National Development: To contribute to Viksit Bharat@2047 by bridging skill gaps and boosting employability.
• Industry Partnership: To create a sustainable hub-and-spoke skilling model co-managed by government and industry.
• Global Alignment: To position India as a global skills hub through infrastructure and curriculum modernisation.

Important Terms Explained:

• ITI: Industrial Training Institute, a government-run vocational training institution offering trade-specific technical education.
• NSTI: National Skill Training Institute, apex-level training centres offering advanced vocational training and trainer education.
• SPV Model: Special Purpose Vehicle, a separate legal entity to ensure sustained industry-government collaboration in implementation.
• Centres of Excellence: High-end, advanced skilling hubs focused on strategic sectors like electronics, EVs, green energy, etc.
• Viksit Bharat@2047: India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the key structural change introduced in the Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025 for coal linkage allocation?
A) Creation of a single government-run power exchange
B) Introduction of 100% coal imports
C) Replacement of the earlier 8-paragraph format with a two-window system
D) Compulsory PPAs for all power producers
E) Full privatization of Coal India Ltd
Answer: C) Replacement of the earlier 8-paragraph format with a two-window system

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of the Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025
• Location: Nationwide implementation across India’s thermal power sector, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Transparency & Simplification: To reduce policy complexity and enhance clarity in coal allocation.
• Market Participation: To enable thermal power plants to sell surplus power freely, even without PPAs.
• Private Sector Enablement: To encourage Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to expand capacity under open market conditions.
• Energy Security: To reduce import dependency, promote domestic coal usage, and optimize logistics.
• Cost Efficiency: To lower landed cost of coal through better linkage rationalization and support Pithead power plants.

Important Terms Explained:

• SHAKTI Policy: Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India, launched in 2017 to ensure transparent coal distribution.
• Window-I (Notified Price): Allows government-recommended linkages for State and Central sector TPPs, and eligible IPPs with existing PPAs.
• Window-II (Premium Price): Offers coal via auction-based access to any power plant (including those without PPAs) for short- or long-term needs.
• Pithead Power Plants: Plants located close to coal mines to minimize transport costs and emissions.
• Section 62 of Electricity Act: Governs tariff determination by regulatory commissions for electricity sold under regulated agreements.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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