Daily Current Affairs May 13

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 13. 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 13 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs May 13

1. Which country was ranked the most polluted in the world in 2025 based on PM2.5 concentration?
A) Bangladesh
B) India
C) Chad
D) Pakistan
E) Democratic Republic of the Congo
Answer: C) Chad

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The global air quality rankings for 2025, based on PM2.5 concentrations, reveal significant disparities between countries in South Asia and Africa with poor air quality, and Caribbean, Nordic, and Oceanic nations that have some of the cleanest air in the world.
• Pollution Reporting Authority: The rankings are derived from the IQAir 2024–25 report, which analyzed average annual PM2.5 levels to determine the most and least polluted nations.
• Geographic Highlights: Chad in Africa has been ranked the most polluted country, while the Bahamas in the Caribbean is the least polluted, setting global benchmarks at both ends of the air quality spectrum.
• Relevance to India: India ranked 5th among the most polluted nations, showing minor improvement in PM2.5 levels, indicating slow but positive environmental progress.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of Ranking: The primary goal of the global pollution ranking is to highlight the health risks of air pollution, guide policy actions, and increase public awareness about the need for clean air.
• Focus on PM2.5: The rankings are based on PM2.5, a microscopic pollutant that penetrates deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, linked to heart disease, respiratory disorders, and premature death.
• Health Mandate: According to the World Health Organization, 1 in every 9 deaths globally is caused by air pollution, making the rankings critical to inform both citizens and governments about air quality.
• Environmental Policy Relevance: The list urges countries with high pollution levels—especially in South Asia and Africa—to implement stricter emission controls, promote sustainable energy use, and enforce urban pollution management.
• Clean Air Success Models: The Bahamas, French Polynesia, and Nordic countries serve as role models for environmental governance, reflecting the benefits of strong policy frameworks and eco-conscious development.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5): Fine inhalable particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These are the most hazardous air pollutants as they can enter the respiratory system and bloodstream.
• IQAir: A Swiss-based organization that monitors air quality worldwide. It releases annual reports ranking global cities and countries by pollution levels.
• Air Pollution: A mix of solid particles and gases in the air, with sources including vehicles, industries, biomass burning, and dust. Long-term exposure can cause chronic diseases and premature deaths.
• WHO (World Health Organization): A United Nations agency responsible for international public health. It sets air quality guidelines and monitors global health statistics related to pollution.

Tabular Summary:

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2. According to the SRS 2021 report, which Indian state recorded the highest Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Assam
C) Bihar
D) Kerala
E) Gujarat
Answer: C) Bihar

Event and Location:

• Publishing Authority: The Registrar General of India (RGI) released the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 report providing national and state-level demographic data.
• Date and Context: The report was made public on May 7, 2025, offering updated population estimates in the absence of the delayed 2021 Census.
• Geographical Scope: The findings apply across all Indian states and union territories, highlighting regional disparities in fertility rates, age structure, and marriage patterns.
• Demographic Relevance: The report holds particular importance given the interim budget 2024 announcement about forming a high-power committee to address population dynamics and ageing.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Report: The SRS 2021 report aims to provide reliable fertility, mortality, and demographic estimates based on nationwide sampling, critical for planning in the absence of the decadal census.
• Fertility Tracking: It serves as a key resource to monitor Total Fertility Rate (TFR) trends across states, with special focus on whether populations are growing, stabilizing, or declining.
• Policy Formulation Support: The insights from the report are instrumental in designing population, health, and ageing-related policies at both state and national levels.
• Highlighting Population Ageing: The report outlines the shift in India’s age structure, drawing attention to the increasing share of the elderly population and the declining share of children.
• Marriage Demographics: The findings also inform social trends, notably the rising mean age of marriage for females, indicating socio-economic transitions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility, meaning the population will replace itself without growing or shrinking.
• Sample Registration System (SRS): A large-scale demographic survey conducted by the Registrar General of India, which continuously collects data on births and deaths through sample units.
• Replacement Level Fertility: The TFR required to keep the population size stable without external migration, usually pegged at 2.1 for developing countries.
• Age Structure: The distribution of the population across different age groups, crucial in assessing labour force availability, healthcare needs, and dependency ratios.
• Registrar General of India (RGI): A government authority responsible for the Census of India and demographic surveys like SRS, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Which state is the largest producer of watermelon in India as of 2024?
A) Karnataka
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Andhra Pradesh
E) Odisha
Answer: C) Uttar Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event Description: Uttar Pradesh has been identified as the largest watermelon-producing state in India, based on land area under cultivation and total contribution to national output.
• Geographical Relevance: This production dominance is attributed to Uttar Pradesh, where favorable soil type and climate conditions support widespread watermelon cultivation during the summer season.
• Agricultural Context: With around 16.349 thousand hectares of land dedicated to watermelon farming in 2024, Uttar Pradesh continues to be a major hub for this fruit crop.
• Seasonal Aspect: Watermelon is grown primarily during the hot summer months, when demand is high due to its cooling and hydrating properties.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Agricultural Significance: Watermelon cultivation is an important component of India’s seasonal fruit agriculture, particularly in regions with a warm climate and loamy soil.
• National Output Contribution: India produces around 2,495 thousand metric tonnes of watermelon annually, with a significant share contributed by Uttar Pradesh.
• Land Utilization Data: The state has maintained its leading status with about 16.86 thousand hectares under cultivation in 2021–22 and 16.349 thousand hectares in 2024, indicating consistent agricultural focus.
• Supporting States: Other prominent states in watermelon production include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha, reflecting a regional concentration in southern and eastern India.
• Economic Value: The widespread cultivation supports farmers’ income in rural areas and meets seasonal market demand, making watermelon a valuable fruit crop.

Important Terms Explained:

• Watermelon Production: Refers to the agricultural activity involving the cultivation of Citrullus lanatus, a moisture-rich fruit crop popular in India during summer.
• Hectare: A metric unit of area commonly used in agriculture. One hectare equals 10,000 square meters, used here to measure the total area of watermelon farms.
• Metric Ton (MT): A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms, used to measure agricultural yield at the national level.
• Climatic Suitability: Refers to the temperature, humidity, and soil conditions necessary for the healthy growth of watermelon, which thrives in warm climates with well-drained soils.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs May 13

4. What is the name of the RBI’s new centralized portal for digital lending app reporting launched on May 13, 2025?
A) DLMS
B) DLA Tracker
C) CIMS
D) LEND-REG
E) eVerify
Answer: C) CIMS

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a policy directive requiring all regulated entities (REs) to report their digital lending apps (DLAs) through a centralized platform named CIMS (Centralised Information Management System) starting from May 13, 2025.
• Location Relevance: The directive applies across India and impacts all financial institutions regulated by the RBI, including banks, NBFCs, and digital lending service providers operating through mobile and web platforms.
• Timing and Trigger: The move is a response to rising concerns regarding unauthorized lending apps, data misuse, and borrower exploitation, and builds upon the digital lending guidelines introduced in 2022.
• Public Disclosure Schedule: The RBI will publish a public directory of digital lending apps by July 1, 2025, marking a new era in borrower transparency and app legitimacy verification.

Top-10 Indian states with the highest GST revenue collection in FY 2024:

Mandates and Objectives:

• Regulatory Mandate: As per the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025, all regulated financial entities must submit information about their DLAs on the CIMS portal to bring greater oversight and accountability to the fast-growing digital lending sector.
• Key Deadlines: The portal goes live on May 13, 2025, with the first reporting deadline set for June 15, 2025. A public directory of reported apps will be made available on July 1, 2025 for borrower verification.
• Transparency Measures: The reporting process ensures that all lender-app partnerships, loan offers, and lending service providers (LSPs) are clearly disclosed and verified by the regulated entities.
• Due Diligence Obligations: RBI has mandated that REs must conduct technical, data protection, and privacy checks on all third-party lending partners before onboarding them.
• Primary Objectives: The measure is aimed at preventing unauthorized lending, hidden fees, and aggressive recovery practices, while also promoting ethical digital lending innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Digital Lending Apps (DLAs): Mobile or web-based applications used to disburse loans digitally. These are typically developed or operated by financial institutions or fintech partners and are now subject to mandatory RBI reporting.
• CIMS (Centralised Information Management System): RBI’s new centralized portal where all regulated lenders must submit data on their DLAs, used for regulatory tracking and public listing.
• Lending Service Provider (LSP): A third-party entity (often a fintech) that partners with REs to facilitate digital lending. RBI now mandates strict due diligence on LSPs regarding technical soundness and data privacy.
• RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025: The latest set of digital lending regulatory guidelines that extend the earlier 2022 framework, introducing centralised oversight and borrower verification tools.
• Public Directory of DLAs: An RBI-maintained public list of reported and compliant digital lending apps to help borrowers verify the authenticity of lenders before borrowing.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which Indian state recorded the highest GST revenue collection in the financial year 2024-25?
A) Gujarat
B) Karnataka
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Maharashtra
E) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: D) Maharashtra

Event and Location:

• Event Description: In FY 2024-25, Maharashtra recorded the highest GST revenue collection among all Indian states, reaffirming its position as the economic powerhouse of India with contributions from major commercial hubs like Mumbai and Pune.
• National Relevance: The report highlights state-wise GST performance, a key indicator of economic activity, industrial output, and consumption trends across India.
• Geographic Focus: While large industrial states dominated the list, smaller regions like Lakshadweep and Arunachal Pradesh also showed exceptional growth rates, indicating expanding formal economic activity even in remote and underdeveloped areas.
• Data Source Timeline: The data reflects collections made during FY 2024-25, with April 2025 figures offering early signs of growth momentum or slowdown.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Ranking: The GST revenue ranking aims to highlight the contribution of individual states to India’s overall tax collection and to assess the growth of regional economies post-pandemic recovery and supply chain stabilization.
• GST Significance: Introduced in 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) unified India’s indirect taxation system and allowed both Centre and States to collect taxes on goods and services through a shared platform.
• Growth Indicator: The data helps understand state-level economic health, consumption trends, and business activity, making it a useful reference for policy planning, budget allocation, and trade assessments.
• State-wise Insights:
  • Maharashtra led with ₹3.18 lakh crore GST collection in FY 2024 and ₹41,645 crore in April 2025, despite slower growth.
  • Gujarat showed strong industrial momentum with a 13% increase YoY in April 2025.
  • Lakshadweep recorded the highest GST growth (287%), reflecting digital penetration and improved compliance.
  • Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland also showed impressive YoY growth of 66%, 50%, and 42% respectively.

Important Terms Explained:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): A comprehensive indirect tax on manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services. It replaced multiple cascading taxes and created a single national market for taxation.
• GST Revenue Collection: The total amount of tax collected from businesses by the central and state governments through the GST system. It reflects economic activity, compliance, and consumption trends.
• Fiscal Year (FY): In India, the fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. FY 2024 refers to the period from April 2024 to March 2025.
• Growth Rate in Collection: The percentage increase in GST collection over a specific period, reflecting economic expansion, improved compliance, or inflation-driven revenue growth.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 13

6. Which Japanese banking entity acquired a 20% stake in Yes Bank for ₹13,482 crore in 2025?
A) Mizuho Bank
B) Japan Post Bank
C) MUFG Bank
D) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
E) Nomura Bank
Answer: D) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Event and Location:

• Event Description: India witnessed its largest-ever cross-border banking investment, with State Bank of India (SBI) and seven private sector lenders selling a 20% stake in Yes Bank to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC).
• Location of Impact: The transaction involves Indian banking entities headquartered across major Indian financial hubs such as Mumbai and New Delhi, while the acquiring bank—SMBC—is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
• Historical Significance: This event is a landmark moment for the Indian financial sector as it marks the largest foreign investment in an Indian private bank, indicating increasing international faith in India’s banking reforms and recovery ecosystem.
• Timeline and Announcement: The deal was announced in May 2025, signaling SMBC’s strategic entry into India’s rapidly evolving private banking sector.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Transaction Goal: The key objective of the transaction is to attract foreign capital into India’s private banking system while allowing SMBC to gain strategic exposure to Yes Bank and the Indian market.
• Revival and Reform Alignment: The deal is part of Yes Bank’s ongoing revival strategy post its 2020 crisis, aligning with regulatory reform efforts and improved governance standards encouraged by the RBI and Ministry of Finance.
• Regulatory Compliance: The stake was kept below the 26% foreign ownership cap to avoid triggering a mandatory open offer under SEBI guidelines, with RBI approval required to finalise the foreign investment.
• Market Signaling Objective: The premium paid (₹21.50/share, 18% above market price) sends a strong signal of investor confidence in India’s banking stability, valuation potential, and global integration.
• Strategic Impact for Yes Bank: The transaction is expected to improve governance frameworks, introduce global best practices, and support long-term profitability and competitiveness for Yes Bank.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC): A leading Japanese bank and a core subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), which is Japan’s second-largest banking group with $2 trillion in assets.
• Cross-border Banking Investment: An international acquisition or equity infusion involving banks from two different countries. In this case, it refers to SMBC’s purchase of Yes Bank shares from Indian stakeholders.
• Open Offer: A mandatory share purchase offer required under SEBI regulations when a foreign investor exceeds a 26% equity threshold in a public company, aimed at protecting minority shareholders.
• Yes Bank Crisis 2020: A period of financial turmoil where RBI superseded Yes Bank’s board, and a reconstruction plan was implemented, led by SBI and supported by private banks through capital infusion.
• RBI Approval: Regulatory clearance from the Reserve Bank of India is essential for any foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indian banking, especially when involving significant stake acquisition.

Tabular Summary:

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Acquisitions and Mergers – Daily Current Affairs May 13

7. Which Chinese financial group is selling a 4% stake in Paytm’s parent firm for ₹2,066 crore via a bulk deal?
A) Tencent Holdings
B) Fosun International
C) Ant Group
D) JD Finance
E) Ping An Group
Answer: C) Ant Group

Event and Location:

• Event Description: Ant Group, through its affiliate Antfin (Netherlands) Holding BV, is set to sell a 4% equity stake in One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, via a bulk deal worth approximately ₹2,066 crore on Indian stock exchanges.
• Location of Transaction: The deal will be executed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) at a discounted floor price, offering liquidity to the Indian fintech market.
• Significance of Timing: The sale is notable as one of the largest secondary market deals in recent years and reflects shifting global investment strategies, particularly amid geopolitical and regulatory changes in China.
• Company Background: Paytm, headquartered in Noida, is a major Indian fintech firm offering digital payments, UPI, wallets, and financial services, and is listed on Indian stock exchanges.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Objective: The sale is part of Ant Group’s portfolio rebalancing strategy, aimed at monetizing long-term investments and reducing foreign exposure due to tighter Chinese regulatory conditions.
• Deal Structure: The stake sale will involve up to 25.5 million shares, with a floor price of ₹809.75, which is a 6.5% discount to Paytm’s last NSE closing price of ₹866.05.
• Market Objectives: The move allows domestic and institutional investors to participate in a high-growth Indian fintech company, reflecting confidence in India’s public market maturity to handle large-scale exits.
• Strategic Alignment: The transaction aligns with Ant’s broader effort to reduce its overseas footprint, comply with Chinese outbound investment restrictions, and reallocate capital efficiently.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bulk Deal: A transaction where a minimum quantity of shares (0.5% of the company’s equity) is bought or sold in a single trading session through a stock exchange, often by large investors.
• Ant Group: A major Chinese fintech giant affiliated with Alibaba Group, formerly known as Ant Financial, and known globally for its digital finance platform Alipay.
• One97 Communications Ltd: The parent company of Paytm, one of India’s leading fintech firms, providing digital wallets, UPI services, and merchant payments, headquartered in Noida.
• Portfolio Rebalancing: The practice of adjusting the weight of assets in an investment portfolio, often undertaken by large institutional investors to mitigate risk or reallocate capital.
• Floor Price: The minimum price per share at which a stock is offered in a block or bulk deal, typically set below the market price to attract buyers.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 13

8. Which policy introduced by US President Donald Trump in 2025 aims to align US prescription drug prices with the lowest prices globally?
A) Global Trade Price Cap
B) Universal Drug Pricing Order
C) TRIPS Plus Pricing Act
D) Most Favoured Nation Pricing Order
E) Prescription Price Parity Act
Answer: D) Most Favoured Nation Pricing Order

Event and Location:

• Event Description: On May 12, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order introducing a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) pricing policy for prescription drugs. This policy mandates that US consumers should not pay more than the lowest global price for any medicine.
• Global Impact Location: While this policy is US-focused, it has sparked reactions across the global pharmaceutical market, particularly in India, a leading supplier of affordable generic drugs.
• Trigger for Concern: The MFN policy has led to sharp declines in Indian pharma stocks due to concerns over pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, and potential trade negotiations targeting India’s pharma regulations.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of MFN Policy: The central goal of the MFN order is to reduce prescription drug prices in the US by up to 30–80% by tying them to the lowest price charged anywhere globally, ensuring pricing fairness for American consumers.
• Broader Economic Mandate: The policy is designed to counter high healthcare costs in the US, where consumers often pay 5–10 times more for the same medication than in countries like India.
• Pressure on Emerging Markets: Global pharma companies may respond by pushing low-cost countries like India to raise their drug prices, preventing their domestic pricing from becoming a benchmark under MFN calculations.
• India’s Regulatory Response: India has long resisted TRIPS-plus obligations in free trade agreements (FTAs), including demands for patent linkage and data exclusivity, and has instead maintained a regime compliant with WTO’s TRIPS agreement.
• Policy Implications for India: Although Indian generic exporters may not be directly hit, distributors and patent holders are expected to experience margin compression due to global repricing strategies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Pricing Order: A US executive order that mandates tying the price of prescription drugs in the US to the lowest price available globally, thus disrupting traditional pricing differentials between developed and developing countries.
• TRIPS: The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement under the WTO that governs global standards of IP protection. India’s pharma regime follows TRIPS but resists additional “TRIPS-plus” demands.
• TRIPS-Plus Provisions: Additional IP obligations beyond the TRIPS agreement, such as patent term extensions, data exclusivity, or patent linkage, often pushed through free trade agreements (FTAs).
• Generic Drugs: Non-branded versions of drugs that are significantly cheaper than patented medicines and dominate the Indian pharma export market, especially to the US and UK.
• Supply Chain Profiteering: A claim made by pharma executives that middlemen, distributors, and retailers, rather than manufacturers, are responsible for inflated drug prices, especially in the US market.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Which country became the first in the world to officially integrate cryptocurrency into national tourism services in 2025?
A) Switzerland
B) Singapore
C) United Arab Emirates
D) Bhutan
E) El Salvador
Answer: D) Bhutan

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The Royal Government of Bhutan has launched a crypto-based tourism payment system, making it the first country in the world to officially integrate cryptocurrency payments into its national tourism policy.
• Location Significance: The initiative is operational across Bhutan, including urban and rural tourism areas, and aims to enhance the travel experience through a cashless and inclusive digital infrastructure.
• Launch Partners: The project was implemented in collaboration with Binance Pay, a global crypto payment platform, and DK Bank, a financial institution within Bhutan.
• Launch Timeline: The system was officially launched in May 2025, allowing global travellers to pay using crypto for various tourism services.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Digital Inclusion Goal: The core objective is to promote cashless travel for international tourists and enhance financial inclusion for Bhutanese businesses, especially those in rural areas.
• Currency Flexibility: The system allows travellers to use over 100 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and BNB, with instant conversion to Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) for local stability and payouts.
• Tourism Service Scope: Crypto payments are accepted for flight tickets, hotels, visas, monument fees, local shopping, and more—through QR code scanning, without the need for card terminals.
• Technology Leadership Vision: Bhutan aims to position itself as a technological leader in sustainable, smart, and innovation-led tourism, tapping into the $3 trillion global crypto market.
• Government Commitment: The move also reflects Bhutan’s vision of economic diversification and embracing blockchain technology for national development.

Important Terms Explained:

• Binance Pay: A contactless, borderless crypto payment technology developed by Binance, allowing users to pay and get paid in crypto globally.
• QR Code Payments: A digital payment system where users scan static or dynamic QR codes to complete transactions—ideal for remote and rural regions with limited infrastructure.
• Ngultrum (BTN): The official fiat currency of Bhutan, pegged at par with the Indian Rupee (INR). All crypto payments in Bhutan are auto-converted into BTN at the point of sale.
• Crypto Tourism: The integration of cryptocurrency-based payment systems into a country’s tourism infrastructure, enhancing ease of transaction for global crypto users.
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): A mandatory fee imposed by Bhutan on tourists to fund environmental and cultural preservation—now also payable via crypto.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Which two countries agreed to a 115% reciprocal tariff reduction and a 90-day freeze on new trade measures in May 2025?
A) US and India
B) China and Russia
C) US and China
D) EU and China
E) UK and US
Answer: C) US and China

Event and Location:

• Event Description: In a landmark decision to de-escalate the prolonged trade war, the United States and China have mutually agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs by 115% and implement a 90-day freeze on any new tariff measures.
• Location of Negotiation: The agreement was reached after high-level negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
• Historical Significance: This agreement signals a strategic shift toward economic diplomacy, providing temporary relief from years of retaliatory trade policies that strained global supply chains and elevated inflationary risks.
• Timeline: The announcement was made in May 2025, marking a fresh phase in bilateral economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Objective: The goal of the agreement is to ease global trade tensions, restore investor confidence, and reduce the financial burden imposed by mutual tariffs during the multi-year trade conflict.
• Specific Commitments: Under the deal, the US and China will both reduce imposed tariffs by a combined 115%, while freezing further tariff escalations for a 90-day period to allow continued diplomatic discussions.
• China’s Revised Tariff Policy: China will now cap tariffs on US goods at 10%, suspend a planned 24% hike, and cancel 91% of pending duties, signaling a major rollback of retaliatory measures.
• US Response: The US agreed to withdraw tariffs previously reaching 145% on Chinese imports, helping to stabilize prices and reduce domestic inflationary pressure.
• Geopolitical Mandate: The initiative is also seen as a global confidence-building measure, paving the way for future bilateral cooperation on technology, energy, and trade standards.

Important Terms Explained:

• Reciprocal Tariff Reduction: A mutual agreement where each country agrees to lower trade duties on goods imported from the other nation. This promotes fairer trade and reduces import/export costs.
• Trade War: A prolonged economic conflict where countries impose high tariffs or restrictions on each other’s imports, often leading to supply chain disruptions and economic slowdowns.
• Rare Earth Export Restrictions: Measures taken by China to limit the export of rare earth minerals, critical for electronics and defense manufacturing, often used as a strategic tool in trade disputes.
• Freeze Period: A pre-agreed cooling-off period (in this case, 90 days) during which neither country can introduce new tariffs, allowing space for diplomatic dialogue.
• Geneva Talks: International diplomatic negotiations frequently held in Geneva, Switzerland, known for its neutrality and role in global trade mediation under bodies like the WTO.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 13

11. Which directive was not part of the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) latest measures to prevent stubble burning?
A) Formation of Parali Protection Force
B) Use of paddy straw pellets in brick kilns
C) Mapping of each farm for stubble management
D) Introduction of mandatory crop insurance
E) Creation of a real-time data monitoring platform
Answer: D) Introduction of mandatory crop insurance

Event and Location:

• Issuing Authority: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the primary authority responsible for issuing the latest directives aimed at controlling stubble burning in northern India.
• Geographical Focus: These directions apply to the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, which are known for large-scale paddy cultivation and subsequent stubble burning during the harvest season.
• Purpose of Location Selection: The affected states contribute significantly to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, especially during winter months, due to the widespread burning of crop residue.
• Judicial Backing: The action was taken in compliance with a Supreme Court order in the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case, reinforcing the legal mandate for air quality management in the region.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal: The key aim of these directives is to drastically reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning, especially during the paddy harvesting season.
• Legal Basis: The directions have been framed under the authority granted by the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021, and aligned with the Supreme Court’s intervention in the M.C. Mehta case.
• Enforcement Strategy: The formation of a Parali Protection Force will enable strict on-ground monitoring through police and agricultural officers, ensuring the directives are followed rigorously.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: The directives promote both in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management (CRM) techniques to provide alternatives to open burning.
• Technological Integration: The use of a real-time data monitoring platform will support timely reporting and tracking of stubble burning incidents for immediate action.
• Incentive Measures: The announcement of a uniform procurement rate for paddy straw by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, modeled on Haryana, is intended to financially motivate farmers to avoid burning.
• Machinery and Equipment Utilization: States have been instructed to review and optimize CRM machinery, ensuring tools like balers and rakers are effectively deployed across affected regions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body responsible for air quality management in the NCR and nearby regions, empowered to issue enforceable directives to combat pollution.
• Stubble Burning: An environmentally harmful agricultural practice where crop residue is burned in the fields, leading to severe air pollution and health hazards.
• Parali Protection Force: A specialized enforcement group proposed to monitor compliance with anti-stubble burning rules, involving police and agriculture department officials.
• Paddy Straw Pellets/Briquettes: Biomass fuel alternatives made from crop residue, promoted for use in brick kilns and power plants to reduce the need for direct field burning.
• In-situ and Ex-situ CRM: In-situ techniques involve managing stubble within the field using tools like happy seeders, while ex-situ methods involve collecting and transporting the residue for off-site processing or industrial use.
• Real-time Monitoring Platform: A technology-based solution for live data collection on stubble burning incidents, allowing better enforcement and transparent reporting.

Tabular Summary:

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12. How many total products are now recognized under Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme after the addition in May 2025?
A) 62
B) 74
C) 80
D) 70
E) 75
Answer: B) 74

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has expanded the scope of its flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme by recognizing 12 new region-specific products in May 2025.
• Geographical Scope: With this inclusion, the scheme now covers 74 unique products across 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, making it one of the most comprehensive local industry development initiatives in the country.
• Strategic Focus: The event reflects the state’s strategic commitment to boost the local economy, promote district-specific industries, and advance toward the ambitious goal of a $1 trillion state economy by 2029.
• Policy Context: This expansion aligns with broader national initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, focusing on self-reliance and export-oriented growth.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scheme Purpose: The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme was launched to promote indigenous and traditional products, generate employment, and enhance the economic identity of each district.
• Recent Expansion Objective: The inclusion of 12 additional products aims to support regional specialities, widen market access, and enhance income opportunities for artisans and small businesses.
• Key Economic Target: The scheme is an important policy tool in achieving Uttar Pradesh’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2029, by stimulating local production and district-wise specialization.
• Support Framework: The scheme offers financial aid, skill development, GI tagging support, and marketing assistance, helping local industries transition from informal to formal markets.
• Socio-economic Empowerment: ODOP aims to create jobs at the grassroots, strengthen export potential, and preserve traditional skills by encouraging scalable production of heritage items.

Important Terms Explained:

• One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme: A flagship initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government launched in 2018, aiming to promote one unique product per district by offering marketing, financial, and skill-based support.
• GI Tagging (Geographical Indication): A form of intellectual property protection that links a product to its geographical origin, increasing its authenticity and market value.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A national vision for self-reliant India, promoting local production, entrepreneurship, and reducing dependency on imports.
• Make in India: An initiative by the Government of India aimed at turning India into a global manufacturing hub, encouraging investment in domestic industries.

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13. Which section of the IT Act is the Government of India reconsidering to combat fake news on digital platforms?
A) Section 66A
B) Section 72
C) Section 79
D) Section 43A
E) Section 69
Answer: C) Section 79

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The Government of India is planning to revise Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which contains the “safe harbour” clause that protects digital intermediaries like social media platforms from liability for user-generated content.
• Trigger Event: The reconsideration follows the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the blocking of several YouTube channels accused of spreading fake news and misinformation.
• Institutional Venue: The matter was discussed on May 7, 2025, during a review conducted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology, chaired by Nishikant Dubey.
• Geographical Focus: The action applies nationwide, covering all intermediaries operating within the Indian digital ecosystem.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of the Amendment: The aim is to increase accountability among digital platforms by tightening rules around the hosting and removal of unlawful content, particularly fake news, deepfakes, and disinformation.
• Scope of Concern: The review targets the misuse of digital platforms in spreading AI-generated misinformation, fake news about government programs, and cyber fraud, which threaten national security and public trust.
• Government Stand: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting asserts that platforms must proactively moderate content. If they fail to act, their legal immunity under safe harbour may be revoked.
• Legal Backing for Fact Checking: The government is also seeking to provide statutory authority to the PIB Fact Check Unit, which was struck down as unconstitutional by the Bombay High Court. A Supreme Court challenge is underway.
• Legislative Update: A comprehensive law titled the Digital India Act (DIA) is in development. It will potentially replace the current IT Act and redefine intermediary responsibilities, content moderation, and safe harbour protections.

Important Terms Explained:

• Safe Harbour Clause: A legal shield under Section 79 of the IT Act that protects intermediaries (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) from liability for content posted by users, provided they comply with due diligence and takedown requests.
• Digital India Act (DIA): A proposed legislation by the Indian government meant to modernize digital governance, define clearer accountability for online platforms, and replace outdated IT laws.
• PIB Fact Check Unit: A government body under the Press Information Bureau created to identify and label fake news, especially related to government programs and policies.
• Section 230 (USA): A similar law in the United States that gives legal immunity to online platforms for third-party content. It has faced bipartisan criticism for enabling harmful or biased content.
• Deepfakes: Synthetic media created using artificial intelligence, often used to spread disinformation by mimicking real individuals’ likeness and speech.

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14. Which Indian state recently announced full property tax exemption for homes of active defence personnel in village areas?
A) Maharashtra
B) Haryana
C) Rajasthan
D) Andhra Pradesh
E) Punjab
Answer: D) Andhra Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event Description: The Government of Andhra Pradesh, led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has introduced a new policy providing complete property tax exemption for residences owned by active defence personnel in village (gram panchayat) areas of the state.
• Trigger Event: The announcement was made shortly after the death of Agniveer Murali Naik, a 23-year-old soldier from Sri Sathya Sai district, who lost his life in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on May 9, 2025.
• Geographical Scope: The policy applies to rural areas (gram panchayats) throughout Andhra Pradesh, significantly expanding the scope of existing tax relief measures.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal: The initiative seeks to honour the service and sacrifice of India’s active defence personnel by easing their financial burden through property tax waivers.
• Scope of Benefit: The exemption now applies to all active personnel, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces, irrespective of their posting.
• Inclusive Approach: The tax relief extends to homes jointly owned with spouses, providing additional support to families.
• Welfare Intent: The policy was recommended by the Director of Sainik Welfare, with the objective of recognizing the contributions of currently serving soldiers, not just veterans or those posted in conflict zones.
• State’s Strategic Objective: This measure is also aimed at boosting morale within the forces and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to national defence through state-level welfare policies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Property Tax Exemption: A waiver from the payment of local taxes on property, typically provided as a government benefit to support specific categories such as the defence community.
• Gram Panchayat: The lowest administrative unit in rural India, responsible for local governance in villages. Tax policies for properties in such areas are often regulated at the state or panchayat level.
• Agniveer: A soldier enrolled under the Agnipath recruitment scheme of the Indian armed forces, introduced to provide short-term service opportunities in the military.
• Director of Sainik Welfare: A state-level official responsible for implementing welfare schemes for serving personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families.

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Over All Review

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