Daily Current Affairs May 09

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 09. 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 09 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Sports – Daily Current Affairs May 09

1. Which cricket board recently banned transgender women from participating in all levels of women’s cricket following a Supreme Court ruling?
A) Cricket Australia
B) England and Wales Cricket Board
C) Board of Control for Cricket in India
D) New Zealand Cricket
E) Pakistan Cricket Board
Answer: B) England and Wales Cricket Board

Event and Location:

• Event: Ban on transgender women from all levels of women’s cricket
• Location: England and Wales
• Implemented By: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
• Date of Implementation: May 2, 2025
• Legal Basis: UK Supreme Court ruling of April 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Align participation policies with legal definitions of gender based on biological sex
• Objective 1: Maintain fairness and safety in women’s cricket
• Objective 2: Respond to the Supreme Court’s legal guidance
• Objective 3: Offer inclusivity through mixed-gender and open categories
• Objective 4: Contribute to a unified national sporting policy approach

Important Terms Explained:

• UK Supreme Court Ruling (April 2025): The court affirmed that legal definitions distinguishing male and female should be based on biological sex, prompting national institutions to revise their gender-related policies.
• England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB): The governing body for cricket in England and Wales, responsible for professional and amateur cricket governance, scheduling, and regulation.
• Mixed-Gender/Open Formats: Competitive formats that allow participation from players of any gender identity, providing alternative avenues for inclusion.
• Previous ECB Policy (2024): Permitted transgender women who hadn’t experienced male puberty to play in top tiers, and broader inclusion at lower levels.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Which country has been selected to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with matches scheduled across eight cities?
A) Germany
B) Australia
C) United States
D) Brazil
E) Spain
Answer: D) Brazil

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of host cities for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
• Location: Brazil
• Announcement Date: May 8, 2025
• Tournament Dates: June 24 to July 25, 2027

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Host a global football tournament for women with 32 national teams
• Objective 1: Showcase women’s football on a grand stage in South America
• Objective 2: Leverage existing infrastructure from the 2014 Men’s World Cup
• Objective 3: Promote gender equality and increased female participation in sports
• Objective 4: Generate economic and tourism opportunities in the host cities

Important Terms Explained:

• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027: The ninth edition of the global women’s football tournament, to be hosted by Brazil, with 32 teams competing over a month-long period.
• Estadio do Maracana: An iconic Brazilian football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, likely to be the final match venue.
• 2014 Men’s World Cup: Brazil previously hosted the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2014, and all eight venues selected for the 2027 Women’s edition were used during that tournament.
• Host Cities:
  • Rio de Janeiro – Estadio do Maracana
  • Sao Paulo – Arena Itaquera
  • Brasilia – Estadio Nacional
  • Belo Horizonte – Estadio Mineirao
  • Fortaleza – Arena Castelao
  • Porto Alegre – Estadio Beira-Rio
  • Recife – Arena de Pernambuco
  • Salvador – Arena Fonte Nova

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs May 09

3. Which bank recently launched the ‘Kotak Solitaire Credit Card’ targeting premium travellers with benefits like zero forex mark-up and unlimited lounge access?
A) HDFC Bank
B) ICICI Bank
C) Axis Bank
D) SBI Card
E) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer: E) Kotak Mahindra Bank

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Kotak Solitaire Credit Card
• Location: India
• Launched By: Kotak Mahindra Bank
• Launch Date: May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Introduce a luxury credit card tailored for premium and international travellers
• Objective 1: Provide travel benefits like lounge access, zero foreign transaction fees, and hotel offers
• Objective 2: Compete with elite credit cards in the market by offering high-value airmile rewards
• Objective 3: Enhance customer loyalty and brand positioning in the luxury segment
• Objective 4: Expand market presence in the affluent consumer category

Important Terms Explained:

• Kotak Solitaire Credit Card: A metal, invite-only travel credit card launched by Kotak Mahindra Bank in May 2025 for affluent travellers, offering premium travel, hotel, and airmile benefits.
• Airmile Transfer: A reward feature allowing cardholders to transfer earned airmiles to partner airlines or hotel programs; ratios vary by partner (e.g., 1:1 for Air India, 2:1 for global airlines).
• Zero Forex Mark-Up: No additional charges levied for international transactions, a key benefit for global travellers.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary and unlimited access to both domestic (DreamFolks) and international (Priority Pass) lounges, including access for guests and add-on cardholders.

Tabular Summary:

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4. What change did the RBI implement to boost FPI inflows into corporate bonds?
A) Imposed a minimum investment limit
B) Increased the interest rate cap
C) Lifted caps on short-term debt investment limits
D) Allowed FPIs to invest in equity markets
E) Introduced tax incentives for corporate bonds
Answer: C) Lifted caps on short-term debt investment limits

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI eases rules to promote Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in corporate bonds
• Location: Mumbai, India
• Announcement Date: May 9, 2025 (as per news date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Boost FPI inflows into Indian corporate bonds
• Objective 1: Withdraw requirements limiting FPI investments in short-term debt
• Objective 2: Ease concentration limits for investment by FPIs in corporate debt securities
• Objective 3: Enhance liquidity and long-term capital flows in India’s debt market
• Objective 4: Reduce the gap between actual FPI usage and available investment limit

Important Terms Explained:

• FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investor): Investors from foreign countries who invest in Indian financial assets like stocks and bonds without gaining control.
• Short-Term Debt Limit: Previously, FPIs could not invest more than 30% of their portfolio in debt instruments with maturity below one year.
• Concentration Limit: A cap on how much a single FPI could invest in a single corporate bond issuer.
• NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited): Reports FPI utilization levels in debt instruments.
• Corporate Bonds: Debt securities issued by companies to raise capital, now more accessible to FPIs due to the relaxed norms.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 09

5. What was the standalone net profit of Britannia Industries in Q4 of FY2024-25?
A) ₹621 crore
B) ₹512 crore
C) ₹557 crore
D) ₹478 crore
E) ₹589 crore
Answer: C) ₹557 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of Q4 results by Britannia Industries
• Location: Bengaluru, India
• Quarter Reported: Q4 FY2024-25 (January–March 2025)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Report on financial performance for Q4 FY2024-25
• Objective 1: Showcase profit growth supported by strategic pricing and emerging channels
• Objective 2: Highlight revenue increase through product innovation and distribution expansion
• Objective 3: Emphasize operational efficiency in the face of rising commodity prices and changing market dynamics

Important Terms Explained:

• Strategic Pricing: Pricing tactics used to sustain margins despite inflation and cost pressures.
• Emerging Channels: New-age distribution methods including e-commerce platforms, contributing to incremental sales.
• Standalone Profit: Profit derived from core operations excluding subsidiaries or affiliates.
• Operating Environment: The economic and market conditions impacting company performance; here noted as challenging due to commodity price rise and demand shifts.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What is the wind energy capacity target set by Adani Wind for FY26?
A) 1.5 GW
B) 2.0 GW
C) 2.5 GW
D) 5.0 GW
E) 3.0 GW
Answer: C) 2.5 GW

Event and Location:

• Event: Capacity expansion announcement by Adani Wind for FY26
• Location: Mumbai, India
• Company Division: Adani Wind, a wind energy arm of Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Achieve 2.5 GW wind turbine installation capacity in FY26
• Objective 1: Source 1.5 GW of this demand internally from Adani Green Energy
• Objective 2: Secure the remaining 1 GW from other independent power producers (IPPs)
• Objective 3: Expand into international markets with a new research centre in Germany
• Objective 4: Scale up wind energy capacity to 10 GW by 2030

Important Terms Explained:

• GW (Gigawatt): A unit of power equivalent to 1 billion watts. 2.5 GW is the target wind capacity for Adani in FY26.
• WTG (Wind Turbine Generator): The device used to convert wind energy into electrical power; Adani’s 5.2 MW WTG is the largest in India.
• WindGuard GmbH: A German agency that certified Adani Wind’s 5.2 MW WTG for serial production.
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement signed by Adani Group with Bhutan’s DGPC to explore 5,000 MW hydro projects.

Tabular Summary:

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7. Why did Crisil Ratings place IndusInd Bank’s long-term debt on rating watch with negative implications?
A) Due to falling revenue and profit margins
B) Due to non-compliance with RBI regulations
C) Due to top executive resignations and concerns over internal financial controls
D) Due to poor customer satisfaction ratings
E) Due to failed merger with another financial institution
Answer: C) Due to top executive resignations and concerns over internal financial controls

Event and Location:

• Event: Crisil places IndusInd Bank’s long-term debt instruments on rating watch with negative implications
• Location: Mumbai, India
• Date: As reported in May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Evaluate and reassess the bank’s credit quality in light of recent developments
• Objective 1: Reflect the impact of top management resignations
• Objective 2: Flag risks arising from internal control weaknesses in the microfinance (MFI) and derivatives segments
• Objective 3: Monitor ongoing internal audit reviews and ensure regulatory compliance
• Objective 4: Reaffirm short-term debt stability (A1+ rating)

Important Terms Explained:

• Rating Watch (Negative): A status assigned by credit rating agencies to indicate that a downgrade is possible due to negative developments.
• Tier-2 Bonds: Subordinated debt issued by banks that form part of regulatory capital (Basel norms). ₹4,000 crore of IndusInd Bank’s Tier-2 bonds are under review.
• MFI (Microfinance Institution): A financial segment providing small loans, often unsecured, to low-income groups; a key focus of the ongoing audit.
• Derivatives Trades Misaccounting: Refers to errors in valuing derivative positions that led to inflated income and misreported financials over multiple quarters.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Why did India’s Volatility Index (VIX) spike over 10% on May 7, 2025?
A) Due to an unexpected interest rate hike by RBI
B) Due to rising inflation data
C) Due to heightened India-Pakistan military conflict concerns
D) Due to poor quarterly earnings by tech firms
E) Due to changes in SEBI regulations
Answer: C) Due to heightened India-Pakistan military conflict concerns

Event and Location:

• Event: India VIX surged over 10% on May 7, 2025
• Location: Mumbai, India (Indian stock markets)
• Trigger: Ongoing tensions and uncertainty over Operation Sindoor involving India-Pakistan military conflict

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Reflect market fear and volatility due to geopolitical risk
• Objective 1: Track investor sentiment shifts due to conflict concerns
• Objective 2: Highlight sharp market fluctuations and VIX’s predictive nature
• Objective 3: Advise investors on market behavior amid uncertainty
• Objective 4: Monitor Nifty’s support levels and trend reactions

Important Terms Explained:

• India VIX (Volatility Index): A real-time market index that represents the expected volatility over the next 30 days in the Indian equity market, also known as the “fear gauge.”
• Operation Sindoor: An ongoing Indian military operation in Pakistan and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) that intensified market anxiety and triggered volatility.
• FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors): Net buyers during the sell-off, investing ₹2,008 crore
• DIIs (Domestic Institutional Investors): Net sellers, offloading ₹596 crore in equities
• Support Level: A predefined price point where a falling market is expected to find buying interest; Nifty’s critical support was cited as 24,200.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs May 09

9. Who has become the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025?
A) Cardinal Angelo De Donatis
B) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
C) Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
D) Cardinal Pietro Parolin
E) Cardinal Christoph Schönborn
Answer: C) Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

Event and Location:

• Event: Election of the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
• Location: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
• Date of Event: May 8, 2025
• Occasion: Papal Conclave following the death of Pope Francis

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Elect a new pope to lead the Catholic Church
• Objective 1: Ensure continuity of Church leadership following Pope Francis’s demise
• Objective 2: Choose a leader who can bridge internal divisions within the Church
• Objective 3: Reinforce the Church’s role amid global humanitarian and doctrinal challenges
• Objective 4: Address abuse scandals, youth disengagement, and secularization

Important Terms Explained:

• Papal Conclave: A formal assembly of cardinal electors convened in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Voting is conducted in secrecy, requiring a two-thirds majority.
• White Smoke: A traditional signal used to indicate that a new pope has been successfully elected, released from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
• Roman Curia: The central administrative apparatus of the Holy See, aiding the pope in governance and implementation of Church policy.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Who will succeed C.K. Venkataraman as the Managing Director of Titan Company Ltd. from January 1, 2026?
A) Bhaskar Bhat
B) Ajoy Chawla
C) Harish Bhat
D) Sandeep Kataria
E) S. Ravi Kant
Answer: B) Ajoy Chawla

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Ajoy Chawla as the next Managing Director of Titan Company Ltd.
• Location: India
• Effective Date: January 1, 2026
• Retiring MD: C.K. Venkataraman, retiring on December 31, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Ensure leadership continuity and drive innovation at Titan Company Ltd.
• Objective 1: Transition leadership seamlessly following Venkataraman’s retirement
• Objective 2: Leverage Chawla’s proven record in the jewellery division to fuel growth
• Objective 3: Maintain momentum after record FY25 revenues
• Objective 4: Continue expansion and premiumization across Titan’s business segments

Important Terms Explained:

• Titan Company Ltd.: A leading Indian lifestyle and consumer brand company, part of the Tata Group, engaged in jewellery, watches, eyewear, ethnic wear, and fragrances, known for brands like Tanishq, Taneira, and SKINN.
• Ajoy Chawla: A veteran Titan executive since 1991, who has led multiple verticals including jewellery, SKINN, and Taneira; appointed as MD pending shareholder approval.
• TIDCO: Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation; public sector partner in Titan’s founding joint venture with Tata Group.
• Tanishq: Titan’s flagship and India’s largest organised jewellery brand.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs May 09

11. Who will be honoured with the Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Festival for his philanthropic work during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A) Amitabh Bachchan
B) Shah Rukh Khan
C) Sonu Sood
D) Akshay Kumar
E) Ranveer Singh
Answer: C) Sonu Sood

Event and Location:

• Event: 72nd Miss World Festival
• Venue: HITEX Arena, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Date of Event: May 31, 2025
• Organised By: Miss World Organisation

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Recognise and honour outstanding humanitarian efforts by global personalities
• Objective 1: Celebrate Sonu Sood’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Objective 2: Promote the Miss World motto of ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ through real-world examples
• Objective 3: Inspire global engagement in social welfare and relief work
• Objective 4: Strengthen collaboration between public figures and philanthropic platforms

Important Terms Explained:

• Humanitarian Award: A prestigious recognition conferred by the Miss World Organisation to individuals who have made exemplary contributions in humanitarian service and public welfare.
• Sood Charity Foundation (SCF): A not-for-profit organisation founded by Sonu Sood that operates in the fields of education, healthcare, disaster relief, and skill development, particularly scaling efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
• COVID-19 Relief Work: During India’s lockdown and subsequent waves of COVID-19, Sonu Sood provided mass transport to migrant workers, medical supplies, educational support, and helped stranded students return from abroad.
• Miss World Organisation: An international beauty pageant body known for its social impact campaigns under the theme ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, led by Julia Morley.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs May 09

12. Which company recently received the Indian government’s approval to offer satellite-based internet services through a GMPCS licence?
A) OneWeb
B) Amazon Kuiper
C) Starlink
D) HughesNet
E) Tata Communications
Answer: C) Starlink

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of satellite-based internet service operations
• Location: India (National regulatory clearance)
• Date of Approval: May 2025
• Approved Company: Starlink, a division of SpaceX

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Expand high-speed internet access to underserved and rural regions via satellite connectivity
• Objective 1: Provide space-based broadband in areas lacking traditional broadband infrastructure
• Objective 2: Promote digital inclusion in line with Digital India
• Objective 3: Enhance national data security through localisation and gateway controls
• Objective 4: Stimulate indigenous manufacturing and integration with NavIC

Important Terms Explained:

• Starlink: A satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, aimed at delivering global broadband connectivity through low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
• GMPCS Licence: Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite licence that allows entities to provide voice and data services using satellite communication systems.
• NavIC: Navigation with Indian Constellation, India’s homegrown satellite-based navigation system, developed by ISRO, with mandatory integration for satcom providers by 2029.
• Data Localisation: Regulatory requirement that mandates all Indian user data be stored and processed within the country, aimed at enhancing digital sovereignty.
• Administrative Allocation: Method of spectrum distribution without competitive bidding, adopted for satellite spectrum due to its shared, global nature.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs May 09

13. Which ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025, as India’s first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft?
A) INS Kamorta
B) INS Kavaratti
C) INS Arnala
D) INS Kalvari
E) INS Kadmatt
Answer: C) INS Arnala

Event and Location:

• Event: Delivery of India’s first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
• Location: L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu
• Date of Event: May 8, 2025
• Delivered To: Indian Navy

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Strengthen India’s shallow water anti-submarine warfare capabilities
• Objective 1: Enhance maritime security through indigenously built ASW vessels
• Objective 2: Execute coastal surveillance, mine-laying, and search & rescue missions
• Objective 3: Promote indigenous defence production under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
• Objective 4: Operationalize the Navy’s requirement for rapid-response shallow water crafts

Important Terms Explained:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC): A naval platform specifically designed for tracking and neutralizing enemy submarines in shallow coastal regions, with capabilities including sonar surveillance, mine-laying, and LIMO.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A national initiative launched by the Government of India to promote self-reliance, particularly in manufacturing and defence sectors.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A collaborative model in which private sector expertise and public sector resources are combined to deliver strategic infrastructure or defence assets.
• Diesel Engine-Waterjet Propulsion: A propulsion configuration allowing enhanced maneuverability and speed in shallow waters, making INS Arnala the largest Indian warship with this setup.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which Indian naval ship participated in IMDEX Asia 2025 to showcase indigenous maritime capabilities and strengthen regional naval cooperation?
A) INS Vikramaditya
B) INS Shivalik
C) INS Kiltan
D) INS Trikand
E) INS Satpura
Answer: C) INS Kiltan

Event and Location:

• Event: Participation in IMDEX Asia 2025
• Location: Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore
• Hosted By: Republic of Singapore Navy
• Indian Participation: INS Kiltan

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Promote India’s maritime diplomacy and defence industry at a global naval platform
• Objective 1: Demonstrate indigenous naval strength through INS Kiltan
• Objective 2: Enhance bilateral and multilateral engagements with regional navies
• Objective 3: Participate in professional exchanges and outreach activities
• Objective 4: Contribute to maritime security dialogue and technology sharing in the Indo-Pacific

Important Terms Explained:

• IMDEX Asia: A premier biennial International Maritime Defence Exhibition held in Singapore, attracting naval delegations, maritime security experts, and defence firms from over 70 countries.
• INS Kiltan: An indigenously built Kamorta-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette, commissioned in 2017 under the Make in India initiative. It features stealth design, modern sonar systems, and advanced weaponry.
• Make in India: A flagship initiative by the Government of India launched in 2014 to encourage domestic manufacturing across sectors, including defence.
• Bilateral Naval Cooperation: Includes cross-deck visits, joint drills, and professional exchanges to build interoperability and strategic trust between navies.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 09

15. Which country recently launched a 10-year Golden Visa aimed at attracting Indian investors and long-term tourists?
A) Thailand
B) Malaysia
C) Vietnam
D) Singapore
E) Indonesia
Answer: C) Vietnam

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of a 10-year Golden Visa for foreign investors and professionals
• Location: Vietnam
• Announced: May 2025
• Target Audience: Indian tourists, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Promote long-term economic and cultural engagement with global visitors
• Objective 1: Attract Indian investors, digital nomads, and long-stay tourists
• Objective 2: Strengthen Vietnam’s tourism, innovation, and economic development sectors
• Objective 3: Transition from a short-stay tourist destination to a business-centric hub
• Objective 4: Boost bilateral ties and foreign direct investment in key sectors

Important Terms Explained:

• Golden Visa: A long-term residency visa typically granted to foreign nationals who invest or contribute significantly to a country’s economy. Vietnam’s version offers 10-year renewable residency.
• eVisa System: An online platform for digital visa applications, facilitating streamlined approvals and entry processes. The Golden Visa is expected to build upon this model.
• Long-Term Economic Engagement: A strategic shift from temporary tourism to sustained investments and skilled professional contributions aimed at GDP growth and innovation.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What was the primary purpose of the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) conducted by the Quad nations in Honolulu in April–May 2025?
A) Conduct naval war drills
B) Sign a maritime trade pact
C) Launch the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network
D) Test missile defense interoperability
E) Expand military presence in the South China Sea
Answer: C) Launch the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network

Event and Location:

• Event: Tabletop Simulation Exercise (TTX)
• Location: Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Dates: April 28 – May 2, 2025
• Conducted By: Quad nations – India, Australia, Japan, United States

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Operationalize the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)
• Objective 1: Improve coordination in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
• Objective 2: Share logistics capabilities among Quad countries
• Objective 3: Enhance civilian-military interoperability in non-combat operations
• Objective 4: Reinforce strategic cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific

Important Terms Explained:

• Quad: A strategic informal alliance between India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, initially formed in 2004 post the Indian Ocean tsunami for humanitarian coordination, later revived in 2017 to address Indo-Pacific strategic concerns.
• Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN): A non-military, civilian-focused logistics network designed by the Quad countries to enable faster, coordinated responses to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Tabletop Exercise (TTX): A simulated discussion-based session used by organizations to assess and improve response strategies without actual deployment of assets.
• Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness: A complementary Quad initiative focused on maritime surveillance and regional transparency.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which two countries signed the Terms of Reference on May 8, 2025, to initiate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
A) India and Brazil
B) India and Argentina
C) India and Chile
D) India and Peru
E) India and Colombia
Answer: C) India and Chile

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of Terms of Reference to launch CEPA negotiations
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date of Signing: May 8, 2025
• Participants: India and Chile

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Transition from a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to a broader Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
• Objective 1: Expand trade beyond goods to include services, investments, and strategic sectors
• Objective 2: Facilitate cooperation in MSMEs, digital services, and critical minerals
• Objective 3: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth
• Objective 4: Strengthen bilateral relations and enhance global trade positioning

Important Terms Explained:

• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A bilateral trade pact that goes beyond goods to cover services, investments, intellectual property, and other economic cooperation areas.
• Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA): A limited-scope trade agreement offering reduced tariffs on select goods. India and Chile first signed a PTA in 2006, later expanded in 2016.
• Joint Study Group (JSG): A collaborative body formed to assess the feasibility of a CEPA; finalized its report recommending CEPA in April 2024.
• Critical Minerals: Strategically significant raw materials such as lithium, copper, and rare earths that are vital for manufacturing, energy, and technology.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 09

18. Which Indian city was recently inducted into WHO’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)?
A) Bengaluru
B) Thiruvananthapuram
C) Kochi
D) Kozhikode
E) Chennai
Answer: D) Kozhikode

Event and Location:

• Event: Inclusion in the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)
• Location: Kozhikode, Kerala, India
• Date of Recognition: May 2, 2025
• Recognising Body: World Health Organization (WHO)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Promote urban inclusivity for older adults
• Objective 1: Develop accessible and safe public spaces for the elderly
• Objective 2: Improve healthcare access and senior-friendly housing
• Objective 3: Foster community engagement and digital literacy for elders
• Objective 4: Encourage active ageing through workshops and tailored services

Important Terms Explained:

• Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC): An initiative by the WHO, launched in 2010, to support cities and communities worldwide in becoming more accommodating to the needs of their ageing populations through planning, policy innovation, and social inclusion.
• Age-friendly City: A city that fosters active ageing by optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance the quality of life for older people.
• Active Ageing: A concept promoted by WHO that encourages older adults to remain engaged physically, socially, and mentally through structured programs and inclusive policies.

Tabular Summary:

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19. Which Indian city has approved ₹3.21 crore for five cloud-seeding trials to combat air pollution in collaboration with IIT Kanpur?
A) Mumbai
B) Bengaluru
C) Delhi
D) Hyderabad
E) Chennai
Answer: C) Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval and initiation of cloud-seeding trials to combat air pollution
• Location: National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi
• Date of Approval: May 8, 2025
• Implementing Authority: Delhi Cabinet under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Use cloud seeding as a contingency measure to reduce severe air pollution
• Objective 1: Create artificial rainfall to cleanse pollutants from the atmosphere
• Objective 2: Monitor impact through AI-based surveillance systems
• Objective 3: Evaluate the long-term feasibility and environmental effect of cloud-seeding
• Objective 4: Provide a technological backup plan during extreme pollution episodes

Important Terms Explained:

• Cloud Seeding: A weather modification technique where substances like silver iodide or sodium chloride are dispersed into clouds to encourage precipitation and induce artificial rain.
• IIT Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, a premier engineering institution in India, responsible for conducting and monitoring the technical aspects of the trials.
• AI-Based Monitoring: Deployment of artificial intelligence-powered systems for real-time pollution tracking, impact assessment, and hotspot surveillance during the trials.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The regulatory body overseeing aviation safety in India, one of the 13 entities from which approvals are required for the project.

Tabular Summary:

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20. According to the SPAI program report released in May 2025, how many snow leopards are now estimated to inhabit Ladakh?
A) 312
B) 389
C) 477
D) 561
E) 718
Answer: C) 477

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of Ladakh’s first scientific estimate of snow leopard population
• Location: Ladakh, India
• Date of Study Release: May 2025
• Conducted Under: Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) program

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Conduct a comprehensive population assessment of snow leopards in Ladakh
• Objective 1: Validate the presence and distribution of snow leopards through scientific methods
• Objective 2: Guide future conservation strategies for high-altitude wildlife
• Objective 3: Promote eco-tourism and generate income for local communities
• Objective 4: Balance biodiversity preservation with sustainable development

Important Terms Explained:

• SPAI (Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India): A multi-institutional project launched to provide scientifically verified estimates of snow leopard populations in India using camera traps, field surveys, and spatial models.
• Hemis National Park: The largest national park in India, located in Ladakh, and a critical snow leopard habitat.
• Himalayan Homestays: An eco-tourism initiative enabling visitors to stay with local families in snow leopard regions, fostering income for residents and promoting conservation awareness.
• Predator-Proof Corrals: Enclosures designed to prevent snow leopard attacks on livestock, helping reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF): A leading Indian NGO working on wildlife research and community-based conservation.

Tabular Summary:

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21. Which Indian state recently launched the “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” to support senior artistes?
A) Punjab
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Haryana
D) Rajasthan
E) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: C) Haryana

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana
• Location: Haryana
• Date of Announcement: May 5, 2025
• Approved By: Haryana Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Mandate: Provide monthly financial aid to senior artistes who have contributed to preserving Haryana’s cultural heritage
• Objective 1: Honour the lifelong contributions of veteran artistes in fields like music, dance, drama, painting, and visual arts
• Objective 2: Address economic insecurity among aged cultural practitioners
• Objective 3: Encourage continued respect and recognition for traditional arts
• Objective 4: Preserve Haryana’s intangible cultural assets through direct artist support

Important Terms Explained:

• Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana: A state welfare scheme that grants monthly financial support to aged and economically weak artistes with 20+ years of contribution in the arts, named after Pandit Lakhmi Chand, a legendary Haryanvi poet and performer.
• Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP): A family ID verification system used in Haryana to determine eligibility for state welfare schemes.
• Honorarium Structure:
  • ₹10,000/month for those with annual income up to ₹1.80 lakh
  • ₹7,000/month for those with annual income between ₹1.80–₹3 lakh

Tabular Summary:

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