Daily Current Affairs May 16

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May 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 16

1. Which constitutional amendment officially granted full statehood to Sikkim in 1975?
A) 33rd Amendment Act
B) 34th Amendment Act
C) 35th Amendment Act
D) 36th Amendment Act
E) 37th Amendment Act
Answer: D) 36th Amendment Act

Event and Location:

• Occasion Observed:
  • The Indian state of Sikkim celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formal merger with the Republic of India on May 16, 2025.
• Historical Background:
  • This milestone commemorates Sikkim’s peaceful transformation from a monarchical Buddhist kingdom ruled by the Chogyal dynasty to a democratic state governed under the framework of the Indian Constitution.
• Geographical Significance:
  • Located in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim holds immense strategic importance due to its borders with China, Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Commemorative Purpose:
  • The 50th anniversary celebration aims to honor the peaceful and constitutional integration of Sikkim into India, recognizing it as a model for democratic transition.
• Constitutional Emphasis:
  • The event underscores the Indian Constitution’s foresight and flexibility, particularly through the 35th and 36th Constitutional Amendments, which facilitated Sikkim’s phased transition into statehood.
• Recognition of Achievements:
  • The observance also seeks to highlight Sikkim’s outstanding progress in areas such as organic agriculture, eco-tourism, and hydropower development over the past five decades.
• Strategic and Federal Relevance:
  • The event reflects the broader narrative of Indian federalism, celebrating how diverse regions like Sikkim contribute to the unity and integrity of the Indian Union through peaceful and democratic means.

Important Terms Explained:

• 35th Constitutional Amendment (1974):
  • This amendment granted Sikkim the temporary status of an associate state of India, marking the beginning of its integration into the Union. It was the first formal constitutional step toward full statehood.
• 36th Constitutional Amendment (1975):
  • This amendment provided full statehood to Sikkim and made it the 22nd state of India, effective from April 26, 1975. It also led to the insertion of Article 371F in the Constitution.
• Article 371F:
  • This article provides special constitutional protections for Sikkim, safeguarding its distinct cultural, legal, and administrative practices, and ensures representation for the Sikkimese people in legislative processes.
• Article 2 and Article 3 of the Constitution:
  • Article 2 allows Parliament to admit new territories into the Union, while Article 3 permits the creation of new states or alteration of existing ones, provided there is presidential approval and consultation with the concerned state legislature.
• Organic State Certification:
  • In 2016, Sikkim became the world’s first 100% organic state, following its 2003 declaration to adopt organic farming practices. This made it a global model for sustainable agriculture.
• Sikkim Official Language Act, 1977:
  • This legislation recognized Nepali as an official language of the state. In 1992, Nepali was also added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Tabular Summary:

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2. What is the theme of National Dengue Day 2025?
A) Prevent Mosquitoes, Save Lives
B) Stop Dengue: Fight the Bite
C) Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living
D) Awareness Is Cure
E) Dengue Alert: Protect Yourself
Answer: C) Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India to spread awareness about dengue prevention, particularly as monsoon season approaches—a period ideal for mosquito breeding.
• Organizing Authority:
  • This health observance is led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, through campaigns, educational drives, and public engagement programs across the country.
• Theme for 2025:
  • “Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living” – highlighting early prevention and community hygiene to stop mosquito breeding and protect health.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Awareness Goal:
  • The day aims to educate the public about dengue symptoms, transmission, and preventive steps, particularly in subtropical and monsoon-prone regions.
• Prevention Strategy:
  • Promotes community efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, encourage early medical intervention, and raise public health preparedness for seasonal dengue outbreaks.
• Policy Reinforcement:
  • Supports India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and various state-level vector control programs to reduce dengue burden and mortality.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dengue:
  • A mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, rash, vomiting, and, in severe cases, internal bleeding and shock.
• Aedes Mosquito:
  • The primary carrier of the dengue virus, active during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon. It breeds in clean stagnant water.
• DEET (Diethyltoluamide):
  • A chemical compound used in mosquito repellents that is effective against Aedes mosquitoes when applied to exposed skin.
• Severe Dengue:
  • Also known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, it can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, and death if untreated. WHO classified over 16,000 cases as severe in 2024.

Tabular Summary:

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3. On which date is National Endangered Species Day 2025 observed?
A) May 18
B) May 15
C) May 16
D) May 17
E) May 14
Answer: C) May 16

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • National Endangered Species Day 2025 is observed on May 16, which is the third Friday of May, and serves as a global awareness campaign to promote the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
• Global Observance:
  • While initiated in the United States, the day is now observed internationally by conservationists, schools, governments, and environmental groups to draw attention to the rising threat of extinction due to human-induced activities.
• Theme for 2025:
  • “Celebrate Saving Species” – focusing on conservation success stories and urging action to reduce threats to wildlife.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Purpose:
  • To raise awareness about endangered species, promote habitat preservation, and foster individual and collective responsibility for wildlife protection.
• Foundational Goal:
  • Encourages people to learn about endangered animals, support local and global conservation efforts, and advocate for stronger environmental policies.
• Call to Action:
  • Urges reduction in harmful human activities such as pollution, deforestation, poaching, and climate change, which accelerate the extinction process.
• Policy Engagement:
  • Emphasizes the role of legislation, community activism, and environmental education in wildlife conservation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Endangered Species:
  • Species that are at a high risk of extinction in the near future due to a significant decline in population or habitat. Examples in India include the Bengal Tiger, Great Indian Bustard, Asiatic Lion, and Hangul.
• Endangered Species Coalition:
  • A leading conservation organization in the United States that promotes the protection of imperiled wildlife through policy advocacy, education, and outreach programs.
• David Robinson:
  • Co-founder of National Endangered Species Day, instrumental in building momentum for national recognition through community-led and legislative initiatives.
• US Senate Resolution (2006):
  • The official declaration of the third Friday of May as Endangered Species Day, following a resolution submitted by the Endangered Species Coalition.

Tabular Summary:

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4. What is the primary reason May 16 is celebrated as the International Day of Light?
A) Invention of fiber optics
B) Launch of the Hubble Telescope
C) First successful laser operation by Theodore Maiman
D) Formation of UNESCO
E) International Year of Light declaration
Answer: C) First successful laser operation by Theodore Maiman

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The International Day of Light is celebrated annually on May 16 to emphasize the importance of light and light-based technologies across science, education, culture, and development. The 2025 observance featured the theme “Light, Innovation, Society”, with a global forum hosted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
• Date Significance:
  • May 16 commemorates the first successful laser operation by physicist Theodore Maiman in 1960, a landmark event in the history of photonics and light technology.
• Global Reach:
  • Events are organized worldwide involving schools, universities, research centers, and science museums to promote light’s role in sustainable development and everyday life.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Scientific and Educational Purpose:
  • The day aims to promote international cooperation in science and technology while raising awareness about the importance of light-based innovations in improving health, connectivity, energy access, and education.
• Global Development Alignment:
  • It supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda, especially goals related to quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and affordable clean energy (SDG 7).
• Cultural and Societal Integration:
  • It also highlights the intersection of light with culture and society, promoting artistic expressions, inclusive innovation, and public outreach, particularly in developing nations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Theodore Maiman (1927–2007):
  • An American physicist who successfully operated the first laser on May 16, 1960, using a synthetic ruby crystal, opening the door to a vast range of photonics applications.
• International Year of Light (2015):
  • A global initiative that preceded this annual observance. It celebrated achievements in optics and photonics, leading to the establishment of the International Day of Light in 2018.
• Dark and Quiet Skies Initiative:
  • A campaign supported by UNESCO in 2025 focused on preserving natural night skies, reducing light pollution, and ensuring the sustainability of observational astronomy and ecosystems.
• Photonics:
  • The science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting light particles (photons), used in fields such as telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and clean energy.

Tabular Summary:

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5. On which date is the International Day of Living Together in Peace observed each year?
A) April 21
B) May 16
C) June 5
D) September 21
E) October 24
Answer: B) May 16

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed annually on May 16, following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly. The 2025 observance reinforces the global message of peaceful coexistence, inclusion, and reconciliation in an increasingly fragmented world.
• Global Significance:
  • Observed worldwide, the day promotes unity in diversity, urging individuals, communities, and nations to actively engage in peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution, regardless of cultural or ideological differences.
• Year of Declaration:
  • The day was officially established in 2017 through UNGA Resolution 72/130, to be observed from 2018 onward.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Cultural and Social Aim:
  • The day seeks to promote a culture of peace and non-violence, based on tolerance, solidarity, inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect among individuals and societies.
• Conflict Prevention:
  • By encouraging reconciliation, forgiveness, and empathy, the day aims to prevent conflict, both locally and globally, fostering sustainable peace.
• Alignment with SDGs:
  • The observance aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing inclusive societies and effective governance.
• Mobilization Strategy:
  • Nations are encouraged to mobilize civil society, schools, governments, and NGOs to raise awareness and take collective action toward peacebuilding.

Important Terms Explained:

• UNGA Resolution 72/130:
  • Passed in 2017, this resolution established May 16 as the official date for observing the International Day of Living Together in Peace, promoting global peace through social inclusion.
• Culture of Peace (Resolution 53/243, 1999):
  • A foundational UN document promoting education, dialogue, human rights, tolerance, and non-violent conflict resolution as tools to build lasting peace.
• UNESCO’s Peace Philosophy:
  • Based on the belief that “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed”, highlighting the importance of education and awareness.
• SDG Goal 16:
  • A part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice, and build accountable institutions.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs May 16

6. At which tournament did Srihari LR achieve his final Grandmaster norm to become India’s 86th GM?
A) Qatar Masters 2023
B) Chennai GM Open 2024
C) Tata Steel India 2024
D) Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025
E) World Junior Chess Championship 2025
Answer: D) Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • Srihari LR, a 19-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has become India’s 86th Grandmaster after securing his third and final GM norm at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025.
• Tournament Venue:
  • The final GM norm was achieved at the Asian Individual Championship held in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, where Srihari competed against top international Grandmasters.
• Achievement Timeline:
  • This milestone comes nearly a year after India’s 85th GM title, highlighting the consistent rise of Indian chess talent on the global stage.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Objective:
  • Srihari aimed to fulfill the three Grandmaster norm requirement and cross the 2500 Elo rating threshold, which are the standard criteria for being conferred the GM title by FIDE.
• Developmental Journey:
  • He trained at Chess Thulir Academy, under GM Shyamsundar, whose mentorship played a crucial role in nurturing his growth. Srihari’s achievement represents the academy’s second Grandmaster graduate, after World Junior Champion Pranav V.
• Strategic Focus:
  • Srihari’s journey highlights the importance of grassroots-level training, international exposure, and consistent tournament participation in achieving elite chess status.
• Performance Excellence:
  • During the Al-Ain event, he played 8 Grandmasters in 9 rounds, remained unbeaten in the first 8 rounds, and secured crucial wins and draws against strong opponents, including Abhijeet Gupta and AR Saleh Salem.

Important Terms Explained:

• Grandmaster (GM):
  • The highest title awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation. To become a GM, a player must earn three GM norms and achieve a minimum rating of 2500 Elo at any point in their career.
• GM Norm:
  • A GM norm is a performance-based milestone achieved at high-level international tournaments, typically requiring the player to perform at a GM level over nine rounds against qualified opponents.
• Elo Rating:
  • A rating system used to calculate the relative skill level of players. To become a GM, a player must cross the 2500 Elo mark, which Srihari achieved in August 2024.
• Chess Thulir Academy:
  • A renowned chess training institution in Chennai, led by GM Shyamsundar, known for producing high-performing young Indian chess players like Srihari LR and Pranav V.

Tabular Summary:

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7. Why did FIFA suspend the Congo Republic’s football federation in early 2025?
A) Corruption in football transfers
B) Failure to participate in World Cup qualifiers
C) Match-fixing scandals
D) Third-party interference by the sports ministry
E) Non-payment of player salaries
Answer: D) Third-party interference by the sports ministry

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • FIFA has officially lifted the suspension imposed on the Republic of Congo’s football federation (FECOFOOT) after the country met conditions related to ending third-party interference.
• Geopolitical Context:
  • The dispute took place in the Republic of Congo, a Central African nation, and involved a direct conflict between FECOFOOT and the Congolese Ministry of Sports, leading to a ban by FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
• Timeline:
  • The suspension, which lasted for approximately three months from early 2025 to May 15, 2025, has now been revoked following full compliance.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Root Cause of Suspension:
  • FIFA suspended the Congo Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to third-party interference in its operations, specifically by the Ministry of Sports, which temporarily shut down the federation’s headquarters and facilities.
• FIFA’s Core Requirement:
  • To restore participation rights, FIFA demanded that the government withdraw completely from the federation’s affairs and return full administrative control to FECOFOOT.
• Reinstatement Outcome:
  • Following negotiations led by Congolese Sports Minister Hugues Ngouelondele, the government complied with FIFA’s conditions, resulting in the restoration of full international football rights for Congo.
• Objective Achieved:
  • The development underscores FIFA’s core objective to safeguard the autonomy of national football bodies from political or government interference.

Important Terms Explained:

• FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association):
  • FIFA is the global governing body for football, responsible for organizing the FIFA World Cup and ensuring compliance with international football governance standards, including non-interference in national federations.
• Third-party Interference:
  • A term used by FIFA to describe unauthorized involvement by governments or other external bodies in the internal affairs of national football associations. This practice is strictly prohibited under FIFA’s statutes.
• FECOFOOT (Fédération Congolaise de Football):
  • The official football governing body of the Republic of Congo, responsible for managing the national team, league structures, and football development programs across the country.

Tabular Summary:

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8. What is the prize money announced for the winners of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023–25?
A) USD 1.6 million
B) USD 2.5 million
C) USD 3.6 million
D) USD 2.1 million
E) USD 4 million
Answer: C) USD 3.6 million

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023–25, where South Africa and Australia will compete for the title.
• Final Venue and Date:
  • The WTC Final will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, beginning on June 11, 2025.
• Participating Teams:
  • South Africa, the table toppers of the 2023–25 WTC cycle, will face Australia, the defending champions, who secured their place by defeating India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the WTC:
  • The World Test Championship was introduced in 2019 to provide a structured and competitive context to Test cricket, encouraging nations to prioritize the traditional format.
• Financial Motivation:
  • By doubling the prize pool, the ICC aims to make Test cricket financially attractive and reward consistent performances over the two-year cycle.
• Growth Objective:
  • The initiative seeks to revive global interest in Test cricket amid the rising popularity of T20 leagues, ensuring that the longer format retains its status and global fan base.
• Prestige Enhancement:
  • The new prize money structure underscores ICC’s vision to balance cricket formats, showing that Tests still hold top-tier status in terms of reward and recognition.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC (International Cricket Council):
  • The global governing body of cricket, responsible for organizing major international tournaments and ensuring fair play across all formats. It is headquartered in Dubai, UAE.
• World Test Championship (WTC):
  • A biennial competition among the top 9 Test-playing nations, aimed at establishing a formal championship in the longest format of the game, culminating in a final between the top two teams.
• Prize Pool Expansion:
  • The WTC 2023–25 final winner will receive USD 3.6 million, more than double the USD 1.6 million awarded to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.
• Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
  • A prestigious Test series between India and Australia, instrumental in determining Australia’s final qualification for the WTC final.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Who did Pankaj Advani defeat in the final to win the 2025 CCI Billiards Classic title?
A) Aditya Mehta
B) B Bhaskar
C) Dhruv Sitwala
D) Sourav Kothari
E) Ishpreet Singh
Answer: C) Dhruv Sitwala

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • Pankaj Advani, India’s most decorated cue sports player, won the 2025 CCI Billiards Classic title by defeating Dhruv Sitwala with a final score of 5-2 in the championship match.
• Venue and Dates:
  • The event was held at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai from 25 April to 4 May 2025, gathering top cueists from across the country.
• Event Significance:
  • This title marks Advani’s third CCI Billiards Classic championship, further establishing his supremacy in the Indian billiards circuit.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Sporting Achievement:
  • Pankaj Advani’s win reinforces his legacy as India’s greatest cue sport champion, adding to his collection of national and international accolades.
• Cue Sports Promotion:
  • The event is seen as a platform to popularize cue sports such as billiards, snooker, and pool, particularly among youth and emerging players in India.
• Legacy Milestone:
  • With this victory, Advani continues his dominant streak in the sport, serving as an inspiration and benchmark for future generations of Indian cueists.

Important Terms Explained:

• Cue Sports:
  • A collective term for games played with a cue stick and billiard balls on a cloth-covered table. The most notable cue sports include billiards, snooker, and pool.
• CCI Billiards Classic:
  • An annual premier billiards tournament hosted by the Cricket Club of India (CCI), which draws India’s top talent and promotes excellence in cue sports.
• Pankaj Advani:
  • A legendary Indian cueist who has won 28 world titles across three formats—billiards, snooker, and pool. He is the only player to achieve this rare feat globally.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 16

10. According to RBI data, what was India’s outward FDI commitment in April 2025?
A) $3.58 billion
B) $4.1 billion
C) $5.9 billion
D) $6.8 billion
E) $7.5 billion
Answer: D) $6.8 billion

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) surged to $6.8 billion in April 2025, as per the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Location Context:
  • This financial data pertains to Indian companies investing abroad, signifying a global expansion strategy originating from India, under the regulatory supervision of the RBI headquartered in Mumbai.
• Significance of the Event:
  • This represents a near doubling of outward FDI from $3.58 billion in April 2024, highlighting the growing global ambitions of Indian businesses across sectors.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of Outward FDI:
  • The sharp rise in outward FDI reflects a clear objective among Indian companies to diversify globally, enter new markets, and access international technologies and talent.
• Strategic Vision Alignment:
  • The trend supports the government’s vision of “Make in India for the World”, where Indian firms are encouraged to become global players and build overseas capacities.
• Financial Allocation Focus:
  • The increasing financial commitments through equity investments, loans, and corporate guarantees show a deliberate shift in capital strategy among Indian enterprises toward international business development.

Important Terms Explained:

• Outward FDI (Foreign Direct Investment):
  • Refers to financial investments made by Indian firms in overseas entities, including wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, or through strategic acquisitions.
  • These investments can be made via equity, debt (loans), or guarantees.
• Equity Investment:
  • Represents direct capital invested by an Indian company into a foreign firm.
  • This grew to $2.72 billion in April 2025, up from $740 million in the same month last year.
• Loans:
  • Refers to the credit extended by Indian companies to their foreign affiliates. In April 2025, loan-based commitments rose to $1.16 billion, up from $687.33 million in April 2024.
• Guarantees:
  • These are financial guarantees issued by Indian companies on behalf of their overseas entities.
  • In April 2025, guarantees surged to $2.98 billion, a substantial increase from $2.16 billion a year earlier.
• FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999:
  • A key legislative framework that governs cross-border financial transactions, including outward FDI. All such investments are regulated under FEMA and are administered by the RBI.

Tabular Summary:

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11. Which new statistical initiative began in April 2025 to provide monthly labour market data in India?
A) National Employment Dashboard
B) Monthly CMIE Labour Bulletin
C) Quarterly Labour Force Snapshot
D) PLFS Monthly Bulletin
E) Urban-Rural Employment Digest
Answer: D) PLFS Monthly Bulletin

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • On May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the first Monthly PLFS Bulletin for April 2025, introducing a revamped labour survey format to deliver high-frequency employment-unemployment data.
• Scope of Coverage:
  • The data spans both rural and urban regions of India, focusing on individuals aged 15 years and above, and is based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) framework.
• Implementation Date:
  • The new methodology has been effective since January 2025, and the April bulletin is the inaugural edition in this monthly series.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Objective:
  • The new bulletin seeks to provide timely and granular insights into India’s labour market, enabling more informed and responsive policymaking.
• Survey Design Purpose:
  • The redesigned methodology includes a monthly rotational panel sample, where each household is visited four times over four consecutive months, with 75% unit retention for statistical consistency.
• Policy Relevance:
  • It helps track employment trends, gender disparities, and regional differences in labour indicators, offering evidence-based inputs for government programmes.
• Strategic Impact:
  • The data improves statistical transparency and contributes to more accurate labour market diagnostics, especially in rural and informal segments.

Important Terms Explained:

• PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey):
  • A flagship survey conducted by MoSPI to measure employment, unemployment, and labour force indicators across India. It previously followed an annual/quarterly format before the monthly bulletin launch in 2025.
• Current Weekly Status (CWS):
  • A labour market indicator that classifies an individual’s employment status based on activities in the preceding 7 days, allowing for short-term employment trend analysis.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
  • The percentage of the population aged 15+ that is either working or actively seeking work.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
  • The percentage of the population aged 15+ that is currently employed.
• Unemployment Rate (UR):
  • The percentage of the labour force that is unemployed but seeking work.

Tabular Summary:

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12. According to the UN’s mid-2025 update, what is India’s revised GDP growth forecast for 2025?
A) 7.1%
B) 6.6%
C) 6.3%
D) 6.9%
E) 6.0%
Answer: C) 6.3%

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The United Nations (UN) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 downward to 6.3%, citing global headwinds, such as rising trade tensions and economic uncertainties, as key factors affecting the global economic environment.
• Report Source and Release Date:
  • This update comes from the mid-year edition of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, released in May 2025.
• Comparison Context:
  • The current forecast of 6.3% is a drop from 6.6% (January 2025 estimate) and significantly lower than 7.1% recorded in 2024, indicating a gradual moderation amid global challenges.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of Forecast Revision:
  • The update reflects a realignment of expectations for India’s economy in light of external pressures, including global trade volatility, tariff shocks, and investment slowdowns in major economies.
• India’s Economic Resilience:
  • Despite the downward revision, India continues to perform strongly due to robust domestic demand, sustained public infrastructure spending, and resilient services exports.
• UN’s Broader Economic Objective:
  • The report aims to offer timely macroeconomic insights for global policy coordination and multilateral cooperation amid a volatile international financial environment.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report:
  • An annual and mid-year flagship economic report published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), evaluating global and regional economic performance and projections.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product):
  • The total value of goods and services produced within a country in a specific period. It is a key measure of a nation’s economic health.
• RBI Policy Rate:
  • The repo rate, currently steady at 6.5% since February 2023, is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends to commercial banks. It started an easing cycle in February 2025 in response to falling inflation.
• Green Shoots in India:
  • India’s private consumption, services sector exports, and infrastructure investment are identified as resilient growth drivers, shielding the economy from severe global disruptions.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs May 16

13. Who has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India in May 2025?
A) Som Satsangi
B) Aruna Sharma
C) Roshni Nadar Malhotra
D) Bhawna Agarwal
E) Debjani Ghosh
Answer: D) Bhawna Agarwal

Event and Location:

• Appointment Announcement:
  • In a major leadership update, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has appointed Bhawna Agarwal as the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD) for its India operations, with immediate effect.
• Location Context:
  • The announcement pertains to HPE’s Indian division, one of its largest global operations outside the United States, reflecting India’s growing role in the company’s worldwide business.
• Organizational Reporting Line:
  • Bhawna Agarwal will report directly to Heiko Meyer, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of HPE.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Leadership Role and Strategic Vision:
  • As SVP and MD of HPE India, Agarwal will lead the company’s business strategy, customer engagement, and localized innovation agenda across enterprise IT, AI infrastructure, and digital solutions.
• Transition Objective:
  • She succeeds Som Satsangi, a veteran leader who led HPE India since 2016. He will remain with the organization until July 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership handover.
• Digital Transformation Mandate:
  • Agarwal’s appointment aligns with HPE’s mission to accelerate digital transformation in India, with a strong focus on Make in India, cloud-native growth, and AI-powered data solutions.
• Manufacturing and R&D Expansion:
  • Her leadership is expected to strengthen HPE’s local manufacturing and R&D footprint, showcased recently through the rollout of the 6001st ‘Made in India’ server, celebrated with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Important Terms Explained:

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE):
  • A global enterprise IT company headquartered in Texas, USA. It specializes in cloud computing, storage, AI, and enterprise infrastructure, with operations in over 170 countries.
• Make in India:
  • A flagship government initiative launched in 2014 to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation. HPE’s local production of servers and AI infrastructure aligns with this national mission.
• Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD):
  • An SVP & MD is responsible for leading regional operations, shaping business strategy, managing customer relationships, and driving revenue and innovation at a country level.
• Edge-to-Cloud Solutions:
  • Refers to HPE’s technology framework that connects data from edge locations (like remote sensors or devices) to centralized cloud platforms, enabling real-time analytics and decision-making.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Who has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Sweden as of May 15, 2025?
A) Vikram Misri
B) T.S. Tirumurti
C) Anurag Bhushan
D) Sanjay Verma
E) Ruchira Kamboj
Answer: C) Anurag Bhushan

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the appointment of Anurag Bhushan, a 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as India’s next Ambassador to Sweden.
• Location of Posting:
  • He will be posted in Stockholm, the capital of the Kingdom of Sweden, to lead India’s diplomatic mission and advance key bilateral priorities in the Nordic region.
• Announcement Date:
  • The appointment was officially announced on May 15, 2025, marking a strategic move to further India’s engagement with Sweden across trade, climate action, and innovation.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strategic Diplomacy Focus:
  • The key objective of Anurag Bhushan’s appointment is to promote India’s diplomatic, economic, and technological interests in Northern Europe, particularly with Sweden.
• Bilateral Development Agenda:
  • India and Sweden share robust relations based on democratic values, with deep cooperation in clean energy, digital technology, research and development, and climate resilience.
• Geopolitical Importance:
  • The appointment supports ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation under LeadIT 2.0, a flagship India–Sweden joint initiative on low-carbon industrial transitions, launched at COP28 (Dubai, 2023).
• Institutional Collaborations:
  • He is expected to facilitate new partnerships across trade, clean technology, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable development platforms, reinforcing India’s multilateral commitments.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS):
  • The IFS is India’s elite diplomatic service responsible for managing foreign affairs, representing India abroad, and protecting its global strategic interests. Anurag Bhushan joined the service in 1995.
• LeadIT 2.0:
  • Leadership Group for Industry Transition, re-launched as LeadIT 2.0 at COP28 (Dubai, 2023), is a joint India–Sweden platform promoting low-carbon industrial development and climate-smart policies.
• COP28:
  • The 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Dubai in 2023, where global climate initiatives such as LeadIT 2.0 were strengthened.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs May 16

15. Dr Sukhpal Kaur from PGIMER, Chandigarh, was named a finalist for which prestigious international nursing award in 2025?
A) Nightingale Global Nursing Award
B) Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award
C) WHO Nursing Excellence Prize
D) Florence International Care Award
E) Global Health Impact Nursing Award
Answer: B) Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award

Event and Location:

• Event Recognition:
  • Dr Sukhpal Kaur, Principal of the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) at PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been named one of the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025.
• Location Context:
  • PGIMER is located in Chandigarh, India, while the award ceremony will take place in Dubai on May 26, 2025, where the global winner will be announced.
• Significance of the Event:
  • Her shortlisting marks a moment of national pride, elevating the status of India’s nursing community on a global stage and recognizing her lifelong contributions to healthcare and research.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Award Purpose:
  • The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award aims to honor nurses worldwide who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, innovation, and impact in patient care and healthcare systems.
• Nomination Scale and Evaluation:
  • The 2025 edition received over 100,000 nominations from 199 countries, evaluated independently by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and reviewed by an Expert Jury and Grand Jury.
• Role of Dr Kaur:
  • Dr Kaur’s role involves mentoring, clinical innovation, and research, particularly in care for vulnerable populations, including cancer patients, elderly individuals, and underserved communities.
• Award Significance:
  • The winner of the award will receive USD 250,000, symbolizing recognition of global excellence in nursing and enhancing the visibility of nurse-led healthcare innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award:
  • An international award established by Aster DM Healthcare to recognize nurses who make transformative contributions in clinical practice, education, and policy. Launched in 2022, it is now in its fourth edition (2025).
• PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research):
  • A premier medical and research institution in India, PGIMER offers advanced education and training in various fields, including nursing, under the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE).
• Trilingual Educational Resources:
  • Dr Kaur developed patient-care materials in three Indian languages to enhance healthcare accessibility, especially for non-English-speaking populations.
• Indigenous Cryotherapy Techniques:
  • Innovative low-cost cold therapy methods introduced by Dr Kaur for palliative care, especially for terminally ill patients, enhancing pain management in low-resource settings.
• Nurse-Led Clinics:
  • Specialised outpatient services operated by trained nurses, offering focused care in fields like oncology and amputee rehabilitation, pioneered under Dr Kaur’s leadership.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs May 16

16. Where was the 2025 edition of Exercise Raahat, focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, conducted?
A) Uttarakhand
B) Sikkim
C) Rajasthan
D) Assam
E) Manipur
Answer: D) Assam

Event and Location:

• Exercise Name and Nature:
  • Exercise Raahat 2025 was a large-scale humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) simulation organized to assess India’s disaster preparedness and operational readiness.
• Conducting Bodies:
  • The event was led jointly by the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with participation from state disaster response forces, civil administration, NGOs, and medical units.
• Location and Geographical Context:
  • The exercise was held in Doom Dooma and Tinsukia districts of Assam, areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to the Brahmaputra river system, making it a strategic choice for disaster simulation.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Aim:
  • The core aim of Exercise Raahat 2025 was to strengthen inter-agency coordination and civil-military cooperation in managing natural disasters.
• Preparedness Testing:
  • The simulation aimed to evaluate real-time responses to disasters like floods, earthquakes, landslides, and infrastructure damage, using live deployments and drills.
• Operational Readiness Demonstration:
  • It showcased the rapid mobilization of military and civilian resources, including evacuation of civilians, medical support, relief camp establishment, and communication network restoration.
• National Resilience Goal:
  • The exercise intended to support India’s disaster risk reduction policies under the Sendai Framework, while building community awareness and resilience.

Important Terms Explained:

• Exercise Raahat:
  • A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) simulation exercise organized by the Indian Army and partner agencies to prepare for and respond to large-scale natural calamities.
  • The first edition was held in Rajasthan in 2016.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):
  • HADR refers to organized emergency response operations by civil and military forces to save lives, alleviate suffering, and prevent further disaster during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
• Sendai Framework:
  • An international agreement adopted in 2015 for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). It promotes disaster preparedness, response, and resilience, aiming to reduce loss of lives and damage to infrastructure globally.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which DRDO laboratory developed the indigenous polymeric membrane for seawater desalination?
A) DRDL Hyderabad
B) DMRL Hyderabad
C) DMSRDE Kanpur
D) RCI Hyderabad
E) ADE Bengaluru
Answer: C) DMSRDE Kanpur

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous high-pressure nanoporous polymeric membrane for desalination of seawater, marking a milestone in marine defence technology.
• Location of Development:
  • The innovation was developed at DMSRDE (Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment) in Kanpur, a key DRDO lab focused on defence materials.
• Trial Site:
  • The desalination membrane was successfully tested onboard an Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV), confirming its viability under marine operational conditions.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of Innovation:
  • The main objective is to create a cost-effective, chloride-resistant, and efficient desalination solution tailored for marine defence applications in high-salinity environments.
• Strategic Alignment:
  • This development is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, aimed at indigenizing critical defence technologies and reducing dependency on foreign systems.
• Operational Benefits:
  • It enhances the self-reliance of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) by ensuring onboard fresh water generation, especially critical during extended maritime deployments.
• Future Application Scope:
  • The membrane also has potential civilian utility in coastal desalination systems, addressing drinking water challenges in remote or disaster-hit coastal areas.

Important Terms Explained:

• DMSRDE (Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment):
  • A DRDO laboratory based in Kanpur, dedicated to the development of advanced materials, polymers, and protective gear for defence applications.
• Nanoporous Polymeric Membrane:
  • A multilayered filtration technology designed to remove salt and impurities from seawater under high pressure, using tiny pores at the nanometre scale.
• Desalination:
  • The process of converting seawater into potable freshwater by removing dissolved salts, crucial for maritime and coastal operations, especially in regions with limited access to freshwater.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India):
  • A national initiative launched by the Government of India to boost indigenous innovation, manufacturing, and technological development, particularly in strategic sectors like defence.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 16

18. What is the total joint investment under the India-EU research initiative launched in May 2025 focused on marine pollution and green hydrogen?
A) ₹120 crore
B) ₹391 crore
C) ₹210 crore
D) ₹500 crore
E) ₹310 crore
Answer: B) ₹391 crore

Event and Location:

• Event Overview:
  • On May 15, 2025, India and the European Union (EU) officially launched a ₹391 crore joint research initiative under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
  • The initiative includes two coordinated calls for research on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH).
• Platform of Collaboration:
  • The initiative is part of the India-EU TTC, a high-level strategic body formed to enhance trade, technology, and innovation cooperation between the two partners.
• Geographical Collaboration:
  • The initiative promotes joint research between Indian and European scientists and institutions, with funding shared between Indian ministries and the European Commission.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Marine Pollution Focus:
  • The Marine Plastic Litter call aims to develop detection tools for micro/nano plastics, assess ecological and human health impacts, and propose policy-relevant mitigation strategies.
  • It supports global goals like the UN Decade of Ocean Science, the EU Zero Pollution Plan, and India’s Marine Litter Policy.
• Green Hydrogen Innovation:
  • The Waste to Green Hydrogen call targets the production of hydrogen from biogenic wastes, utilizing advanced biological, electrochemical, and catalytic methods.
  • The goal is to maximize carbon-to-hydrogen conversion, lower emissions, and cut costs.
• Strategic Objectives:
  • Advance clean energy and environmental sustainability.
  • Strengthen India-EU scientific partnerships.
  • Support policy development aligned with climate and SDG targets.

Important Terms Explained:

• India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC):
  • A bilateral mechanism launched in 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, to enhance collaborative engagement in trade, tech, and innovation.
• Marine Plastic Litter (MPL):
  • A major ocean pollution issue involving plastic waste accumulation. The research will focus on source reduction, detection, and impact assessment.
• Green Hydrogen (W2GH):
  • Hydrogen produced from organic/biogenic waste like agricultural residue, sludge, and municipal waste.
  • It plays a key role in clean energy transitions and decarbonization.
• Biogenic Waste:
  • Organic waste derived from biological sources, including agriculture, sewage, and municipal solid waste, used as feedstock for producing green hydrogen.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 16

19. What key directive did the Supreme Court issue on May 15, 2025, to expedite POCSO case trials in India?
A) Launch of a National Child Helpline
B) Establishment of two child protection units per state
C) Appointment of Child Rights Ombudsman in each district
D) Urgent setup of exclusive POCSO courts in high-pendency districts
E) Formation of a special police task force for child crimes
Answer: D) Urgent setup of exclusive POCSO courts in high-pendency districts

Event and Location:

• Judicial Development:
  • On May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the urgent establishment of exclusive POCSO courts across India to address the backlog of child sexual abuse cases under the POCSO Act, 2012.
• Legal Forum:
  • The matter was heard through a suo motu petition by a Bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and P.B. Varale.
• Affected Areas:
  • The directive applies nationwide, with special attention to districts with more than 300 pending POCSO cases, and where the infrastructure is deemed insufficient.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Objective:
  • The directive aims to ensure speedy justice to child victims of sexual abuse and uphold the child-friendly legal process envisioned under the POCSO Act.
• Judicial Accountability:
  • The Supreme Court observed that delayed trials defeat the purpose of the law and intensify psychological trauma for the victims.
• Infrastructure Expansion:
  • It ordered the setup of two exclusive POCSO courts in districts with over 300 pending cases, and reiterated the 2019 direction requiring at least one exclusive court in districts with 100 or more FIRs under the Act.
• Operational Guidelines:
  • It called for sensitization of investigation officers, timely filing of charge sheets, and adherence to the one-year trial completion rule.

Important Terms Explained:

• POCSO Act, 2012:
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was enacted to safeguard children against sexual abuse and exploitation. It mandates child-friendly procedures, special courts, and speedy trials, ideally within one year of cognizance.
• Exclusive POCSO Courts:
  • These are dedicated judicial courts established specifically to handle POCSO cases. The purpose is to reduce delays, increase sensitivity, and provide justice in a timely, secure, and child-centric manner.
• Suo Motu Petition:
  • A legal action initiated by a court on its own motion, without a formal petition. This allows the court to intervene in public interest issues, such as the rising pendency of child sexual abuse cases.
• UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child):
  • A global human rights treaty ratified by India that mandates member countries to protect children from all forms of abuse and ensure access to justice and rehabilitation.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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