Daily Current Affairs May 20

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May 20 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 20

1. What is the theme of International HR Day 2025?
A) Reimagining Workplaces with AI
B) People First, Tech Next
C) #HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together
D) Inclusive Innovation Through HR
E) Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Answer: C) #HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together

Event and Location:

  • Event: Celebration of International Human Resources (HR) Day 2025
  • Location: Global (observed across 80+ countries)
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Promote global HR standardization in AI integration, inclusion, and organizational agility.
  • Objective: Recognize and empower HR professionals to lead human-centric change in AI-driven workplaces.

Important Terms Explained:

  • International HR Day: A global observance held annually on May 20 to recognize the role of Human Resources professionals in shaping modern, inclusive, and tech-adaptive organizations.
  • #HumanifyAI: The 2025 theme emphasizing the human-centric approach to managing AI integration in workplaces, promoting emotional intelligence alongside digital innovation.
  • European Association for People Management (EAPM): An EU-based HR body that initiated International HR Day in 2016, with official celebrations starting in 2019.
  • Agile HR Practices: Flexible HR strategies that allow organizations to quickly adapt to changing environments, often using cross-functional teams and iterative feedback systems.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name International HR Day 2025
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Globally observed across 80+ countries
Initiated by Lithuania & European Association for People Management (EAPM)
First celebrated May 20, 2019
2025 Theme #HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together
Objectives Celebrate HR’s role in adapting to AI, inclusion, and future-readiness
Activities conducted Webinars, conferences, workshops on AI, DEI, agile HR, and tech integration
Significance Empowers HR leaders to guide organizations through AI-driven transformation

2. What is the official theme of World Bee Day 2025?
A) Save the Bees, Save the Planet
B) Bee Aware, Bee Active
C) Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All
D) Pollinate for Prosperity
E) Buzzing Toward Sustainability
Answer: C) Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All

Event and Location:

  • Event: World Bee Day 2025 observed to promote pollinator conservation
  • Location: Global (United Nations observance)
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Standardize global awareness and action toward pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture.
  • Objective: Encourage protection of bees and pollinators to ensure biodiversity, food security, and ecological balance.

Important Terms Explained:

  • World Bee Day: An annual UN observance celebrated on May 20 to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators in global food production, nutrition, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Pollinators: Species that help plants reproduce by transferring pollen; includes bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and over 200,000 animal species worldwide.
  • International Pollinator Initiative (IPI): A global program launched in 2000 at the CBD COP-5, aimed at monitoring pollinator declines, assessing economic impacts, and protecting biodiversity.
  • Agroecology & Agroforestry: Nature-based, biodiversity-supporting farming systems that reduce chemical usage and enhance pollinator habitats, recommended for sustainable agriculture.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name World Bee Day 2025
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Global (UN-led observance)
Issuing authority United Nations; Coordinated by FAO
Policy/series name International Pollinator Initiative (IPI)
Key figures Over 200,000 pollinator species; 20,000+ are bees
Purpose/reason Raise awareness on pollinator importance and declining populations
Feature details Theme: “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All”; threats include pesticides
Validity or status Ongoing; celebrated annually on May 20
Any strategic/significant value Supports biodiversity, food security, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

3. Which day has been officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly as World Fair Play Day beginning in 2025?
A) April 6
B) May 19
C) June 23
D) August 12
E) October 10
Answer: B) May 19

Event and Location:

  • Event: UN designates May 19 as World Fair Play Day to promote peace and equality through sport
  • Location: Global (UN Member States)
  • Date: May 19, 2025 (First observance)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Establish global recognition of fair play in sports as a symbol of equality, ethics, and peaceful coexistence.
  • Objective: Promote values of respect, non-discrimination, and cooperation through the formal observance of World Fair Play Day.

Important Terms Explained:

  • World Fair Play Day: An annual UN-designated observance on May 19, beginning in 2025, to highlight the role of fair play in sports as a tool for peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
  • UNGA Resolution A/78/L.85: The resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 formally establishing World Fair Play Day, emphasizing cooperation, anti-discrimination, and sports ethics.
  • International Committee for Fair Play: An international body advocating for sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fairness at all levels of athletic competition, from grassroots to professional sports.
  • Fair Play Values: Principles such as honesty, respect, non-discrimination, and adherence to the rule of law in sport that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name First Observance of World Fair Play Day
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location Global (UN Member States)
Issuing authority United Nations General Assembly
Policy/series name UNGA Resolution A/78/L.85 (Adopted 2024)
Key figures Symbolic support: Nelson Mandela, Springboks 1995 example
Purpose/reason Promote fairness, equality, and justice through sport
Feature details Anti-doping, non-discrimination, respect, cooperation
Validity or status Annual observance, starting May 19, 2025
Any strategic/significant value Supports UN SDGs: peace, gender equality, education, and social cohesion

4. What notable feature did the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) launch on its 8th anniversary in 2025?
A) One Nation, One Procurement Portal
B) GeM Digital Currency
C) Startup Equity Fund
D) GeMAI – GenAI Chatbot
E) Procurement Blockchain System
Answer: D) GeMAI – GenAI Chatbot

Event and Location:

  • Event: 8th Anniversary Celebration of Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
  • Location: Nationwide (India)
  • Date: May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Promote standardized and AI-integrated procurement for efficient, inclusive, and transparent governance.
  • Objective: Enhance user experience and accessibility in public procurement through the launch of GeMAI, a generative AI chatbot.

Important Terms Explained:

  • GeM (Government e-Marketplace): A national public procurement portal launched in 2016 to facilitate transparent and efficient purchases by government departments.
  • GeMAI (GeM AI): India’s first generative AI-powered chatbot introduced by GeM in 2025, supporting text and voice interactions in 10 Indian languages for public procurement assistance.
  • MSEs (Micro and Small Enterprises): Key contributors to India’s economy, actively promoted on GeM to enhance inclusive business participation.
  • IFMS (Integrated Financial Management System): A digital system integrated with GeM in several states for seamless financial operations in public procurement.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name GeM Celebrates 8th Anniversary
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location Nationwide – India
Issuing authority Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Ministry of Commerce
Policy/series name GeM Inclusive Procurement & Digital Innovation Milestones
Key figures CEO P.K. Singh
Purpose/reason Celebrate procurement achievements, launch of GenAI chatbot
Feature details Onboarding of 10 lakh MSEs, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, GeMAI launch
Validity or status Active and adopted by all 36 States/UTs
Any strategic/significant value Supports inclusive growth, transparent procurement, and Digital India goals

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs May 20

5. Which of the following is the world’s largest aircraft carrier by displacement and capability?
A) Queen Elizabeth Class
B) INS Vikrant
C) Fujian (Type 003)
D) USS Gerald R. Ford
E) Admiral Kuznetsov
Answer: D) USS Gerald R. Ford

Event and Location:

  • Event: Global ranking of the world’s biggest aircraft carriers by displacement and capability
  • Location: Worldwide (notably USA, China, UK, India, Russia, France)
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Establish standardized benchmarks for global naval power through comparative carrier displacement and capability assessments.
  • Objective: Inform strategic and public understanding of each nation’s maritime strength by ranking the world’s largest aircraft carriers.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Aircraft Carrier: A warship equipped with a full-length flight deck capable of deploying and recovering aircraft, serving as a seaborne airbase.
  • EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System): Advanced launch system used on USS Gerald R. Ford, enabling faster, more efficient aircraft launches.
  • STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery): Launch system used by INS Vikrant, where aircraft take off using a ski-jump and land using arrestor wires.
  • Displacement: The total weight of water a ship displaces when afloat, often used to measure the size of naval vessels.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Top 10 World’s Biggest Aircraft Carriers
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Global – USA, China, UK, India, Russia, France
Issuing authority Compiled by Defense Analysts / Global Defense Portals
Policy/series name Aircraft Carrier Displacement and Capability Rankings
Key figures USS Gerald R. Ford (Rank 1), INS Vikrant (Rank 10)
Purpose/reason To assess naval power projection capabilities across nations
Feature details Rankings based on displacement, aircraft capacity, propulsion
Validity or status Active in service or under sea trials (Fujian)
Any strategic/significant value Reflects naval modernization, defense self-reliance, and global maritime reach

6. Which Indian military helicopter is specially designed for high-altitude warfare and indigenous strike operations?
A) HAL Dhruv
B) NH90
C) HAL Prachand
D) AH-1Z Viper
E) AW101 Merlin
Answer: C) HAL Prachand

Event and Location:

  • Event: Global ranking and specifications of the top 10 military helicopters in the world
  • Location: Global – including USA, Russia, India, Europe
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Define global benchmarks in military aviation while showcasing India’s indigenous high-altitude combat capabilities.
  • Objective: Promote HAL Prachand as a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defense and its readiness for high-altitude strike operations.

Important Terms Explained:

  • AH-64E Apache Guardian: A US-made attack helicopter featuring EM targeting, Longbow radar, and versatile combat roles in CAS and anti-armor missions.
  • HAL Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter): India’s first indigenous combat helicopter, designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for high-altitude operations like those in Ladakh.
  • Coaxial Rotor System: Used in helicopters like the Ka-52 Alligator, it eliminates the need for a tail rotor and increases stability and maneuverability.
  • ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare): A naval combat role where helicopters like AW101 Merlin or NH90 are equipped with sonar and torpedoes to detect and destroy submarines.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Top 10 Military Helicopters in the World
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Global – including USA, Russia, India, Europe
Issuing authority Defense analysts, aviation experts, open-source defense portals
Policy/series name Global Helicopter Combat Capability Rankings
Key figures AH-64E Apache (Rank 1), HAL Prachand (Rank 10)
Purpose/reason Showcase top helicopters by speed, range, crew, and combat role
Feature details Apache: 476 km range; Viper: 370 km/h speed; Chinook: 10,000+ kg lift
Validity or status All helicopters listed are active and in operational use
Any strategic/significant value Demonstrates defense tech evolution and India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative

7. Which city is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” and ranks among the top 10 developed cities in India by 2025?
A) Pune
B) Bangalore
C) Hyderabad
D) Chennai
E) Ahmedabad
Answer: B) Bangalore

Event and Location:

  • Event: Identification of India’s Top-10 Developed Cities by 2025
  • Location: Nationwide – India
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Reflect India’s urban progress aligned with Smart Cities Mission and national development indices.
  • Objective: Recognize Bangalore’s role as a technological hub and rank it among India’s top 10 developed cities by 2025.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Developed Cities: Urban areas with robust infrastructure (transport, water, electricity), modern housing, quality education, healthcare, employment, and sustainable environmental planning.
  • Smart City Mission: A Government of India initiative launched in 2015 aimed at creating citizen-friendly, tech-enabled cities that enhance urban living standards.
  • Silicon Valley of India: A title given to Bangalore, the leading hub for India’s IT and innovation ecosystem.
  • Detroit of South Asia: Nickname for Chennai, reflecting its global automotive manufacturing base.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Top-10 Developed Cities in India by 2025
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Nationwide – India
Issuing authority Urban Development and Growth Rankings (2025 update)
Objective Identify India’s most advanced and livable cities
Key criteria Infrastructure, economy, job opportunities, education, lifestyle
Top-ranked city Mumbai
Key technological hub Bangalore
Best-planned city Chandigarh
Significance Highlights India’s urban transformation and rising standard of living

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 20

8. Why did the Reserve Bank of India cancel the licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank in May 2025?
A) Due to involvement in fraud
B) Due to inability to repay loans
C) Due to insufficient capital and lack of earning prospects
D) Due to merger with another bank
E) Due to cyberattack vulnerability
Answer: C) Due to insufficient capital and lack of earning prospects

Event and Location:

  • Event: RBI cancels banking licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank
  • Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  • Date: May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Enforce financial stability by cancelling licences of banks that fail to meet regulatory capital and viability standards.
  • Objective: Protect depositors and maintain public trust by closing HCBL Co-operative Bank due to inadequate capital and no future earning prospects.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Banking Regulation Act, 1949: The key legislation under which the RBI regulates and supervises banks in India, including provisions to cancel banking licences for non-compliance.
  • DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation): A wholly owned subsidiary of the RBI that insures bank deposits up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.
  • Liquidator: An official appointed to wind up the affairs of a bank or company, ensuring fair settlement of liabilities and distribution of remaining assets.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name RBI Cancels Licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Issuing authority Reserve Bank of India
Legal provision Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Reason for cancellation Inadequate capital, no earning prospects, depositor risk
DICGC coverage ₹5 lakh per depositor
% of depositors fully covered 98.69%
Amount paid till Jan 31, 2025 ₹21.24 crore
Administrative action UP Registrar to appoint liquidator and wind up operations

 

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs May 20

9. Who was appointed as Sudan’s first Prime Minister since the 2023 civil war?
A) Abdalla Hamdok
B) Osman Mirghani
C) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
D) Kamil al-Taib Idris
E) Abdel-Fattah Burhan
Answer: D) Kamil al-Taib Idris

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Sudan’s first Prime Minister since the 2023 civil war
  • Location: Sudan (Khartoum and conflict-affected regions)
  • Date: May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Initiate political transition by appointing a neutral leader to guide Sudan toward post-conflict stabilization and democratic governance.
  • Objective: Restore civilian rule and international legitimacy through the appointment of Kamil al-Taib Idris as Sudan’s first Prime Minister since the 2023 civil war.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group formerly allied with Sudan’s military but now a key rival force in the civil conflict since April 2023.
  • Nairobi Charter: A declaration issued by the RSF in February 2025 calling for a secular, democratic, and decentralized Sudan, seeking to establish a parallel government.
  • Transitional Government: A temporary political body formed to stabilize a country post-conflict or crisis, often with the goal of organizing free elections and restoring democratic rule.
  • Kamil al-Taib Idris: A Sudanese legal scholar and diplomat, former UN legal adviser, seen as a neutral, non-partisan figure, potentially capable of uniting various political factions.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Sudan Appoints Kamil Idris as First PM Since Civil War
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location Sudan
Appointed by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan
Name of Prime Minister Kamil al-Taib Idris
Purpose To form a transitional civilian government and restore legitimacy
Background conflict Civil war with RSF since April 2023
Humanitarian impact 13 million displaced; 4 million refugees; 25 million in food insecurity
RSF counterinitiative Nairobi Charter (Feb 2025) advocating secular, decentralized governance
Significance Aimed at stabilizing Sudan politically and diplomatically

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs May 20

10. Which company launched the Isaac GR00T N1 platform in 2025 to accelerate the development of humanoid robots?
A) Tesla
B) Google DeepMind
C) NVIDIA
D) ABB Robotics
E) Boston Dynamics
Answer: C) NVIDIA

Event and Location:

  • Event: Release of the top-10 robotics companies leading the global AI revolution
  • Location: Global (including USA, Japan, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Denmark)
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Set industry standards in AI-integrated robotics through open-source platforms for humanoid development.
  • Objective: Accelerate global innovation in humanoid robotics with NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T N1 platform by enabling rapid simulation-based development.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Robotics and AI Integration: The fusion of robotics with artificial intelligence to enable autonomous movement, object recognition, language processing, and adaptive learning in machines.
  • Isaac GR00T N1: A 2025 open-source AI development tool launched by NVIDIA, designed to help developers create smarter humanoid robots quickly using simulation and real-world feedback.
  • Cobots (Collaborative Robots): Robots designed to safely operate in proximity with humans, often used in small businesses and low-risk industrial applications.
  • RoboCat & Gemini Robotics: AI models developed by Google DeepMind to enable robotic arms to learn various tasks and understand multimodal data like images, speech, and commands.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Top 10 Robotics Companies Leading the AI Revolution
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Global – USA, Japan, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark
Issuing authority Tech and innovation analysis platforms
Policy/series name AI-Integrated Robotics Development and Innovation
Key figures CEOs: Jensen Huang (NVIDIA), Robert Playter (Boston Dynamics), Elon Musk
Purpose/reason Showcase leading robotics firms driving AI innovation globally
Feature details Cobots, humanoid robots, AI platforms like Isaac GR00T and Gemini
Validity or status Ongoing – active R&D and product development by listed firms
Any strategic/significant value Revolutionizes manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and daily human assistance

Defence – Daily Current Affairs May 20

11. Which operation by the Indian Coast Guard successfully protected nearly 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during the 2025 nesting season?
A) Operation Turtle Shield
B) Operation Blue Wave
C) Operation Marine Guard
D) Operation Olivia
E) Operation Sea Nest
Answer: D) Operation Olivia

Event and Location:

  • Event: Indian Coast Guard’s successful execution of Operation Olivia for marine conservation
  • Location: Rushikulya river mouth and Gahirmatha beach, Odisha
  • Date: February 2025 (turtle nesting); announcement on May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Enforce standardized marine conservation protocols to protect endangered turtle species along India’s eastern coastline.
  • Objective: Safeguard nearly 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their 2025 nesting season through Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Operation Olivia: An annual Indian Coast Guard operation started in the 1980s to protect Olive Ridley turtles during nesting season, focusing on Odisha’s coastlines.
  • Olive Ridley Turtle: A vulnerable marine species known for mass nesting (arribada) on India’s eastern coast; protected under CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species.
  • Turtle Excluder Device (TED): A specialized device fitted to fishing nets allowing turtles to escape, reducing accidental bycatch during trawling.
  • SDG 14 – Life Below Water: A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine resources.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Operation Olivia 2025 – Turtle Nesting Season Protection
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location Rushikulya river mouth, Gahirmatha beach – Odisha
Issuing authority Indian Coast Guard
Policy/series name Annual Marine Biodiversity Protection Operation
Key figures 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles protected in 2025
Purpose/reason To safeguard nesting turtles from illegal fishing and habitat threats
Feature details TED usage, 5,387 patrols, 1,768 aerial sorties, 366 boats detained
Validity or status Active – Conducted annually from November to May
Any strategic/significant value Supports CITES, CMS conventions and UN SDG 14 on marine biodiversity

12. Which joint military exercise was launched in May 2025 to strengthen defense ties between China and Cambodia?
A) Iron Sword
B) Dragon Warrior
C) Ream Thunder
D) Golden Dragon-2025
E) Pacific Shield
Answer: D) Golden Dragon-2025

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of the Golden Dragon-2025 joint military exercise
  • Location: Cambodia, including Port Ream and surrounding training zones
  • Date: Mid-to-late May 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Advance regional defense cooperation through standardized joint training in counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.
  • Objective: Strengthen China-Cambodia military ties and tactical coordination via the Golden Dragon-2025 joint exercise.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Golden Dragon-2025: The seventh edition of the China-Cambodia joint military exercise aimed at enhancing tactical coordination in counter-terrorism, HADR, and peacekeeping operations.
  • Ream Port Joint Support & Training Center: A new facility in Cambodia used jointly by Chinese and Cambodian forces for operational training, logistics, and maritime support.
  • FPV Drones (First-Person View): Tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated with real-time visual feedback, used in surveillance and precision targeting.
  • Drone Swarms: Coordinated groups of UAVs operating under centralized or decentralized AI control for complex multi-target missions.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Launch of Golden Dragon-2025 Joint Military Exercise
Announcement date Mid-May 2025
Location Cambodia (Land zones and Port Ream)
Participating countries China and Cambodia
Objective Strengthen bilateral defense ties, improve coordination and joint response
Key components Drone swarms, FPV drones, amphibious assault vehicles, radar systems
Training structure Adaptive drills, joint command, mixed-unit operations
Strategic value Enhances China’s presence in Southeast Asia; deepens military trust
Outreach elements Cultural events, ship open days, medical camps

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 20

13. Which disease did India officially eliminate as a public health problem, as recognized by the WHO at the 78th World Health Assembly?
A) Malaria
B) Polio
C) Trachoma
D) Dengue
E) Tuberculosis
Answer: C) Trachoma

Event and Location:

  • Event: India receives WHO certificate for eliminating Trachoma as a public health problem
  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland (78th World Health Assembly)
  • Date: May 19, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Align with WHO standards for eliminating neglected tropical diseases through national health mission initiatives.
  • Objective: Celebrate India’s official elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem, recognized at the 78th World Health Assembly.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Trachoma: A neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and a leading infectious cause of preventable blindness worldwide.
  • SAFE Strategy: A WHO-recommended approach for trachoma elimination involving Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
  • World Health Assembly (WHA): The decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that determines policies and reviews global health programs annually.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name India Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem
Announcement date May 19, 2025
Location 78th World Health Assembly, Geneva
Issuing authority World Health Organisation (WHO)
Policy/series name WHO Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma
Key figures Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Punya Salila Srivastava (MoHFW Secretary)
Purpose/reason Recognition of India’s public health achievement
Feature details SAFE strategy, mass drug administration, hygiene and awareness drives
Validity or status Official WHO recognition
Any strategic/significant value Supports global NTD goals and enhances India’s health diplomacy leadership

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 20

14. Which recently approved highway project aims to connect North-East India to Kolkata via Myanmar, bypassing Bangladesh?
A) East-West Freight Corridor
B) India-Bangladesh Coastal Link
C) Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor
D) Siliguri Security Expressway
E) Assam-Arunachal Act East Road
Answer: C) Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval of Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor linking with Kaladan Project
  • Location: Meghalaya and Assam, North-East India
  • Date: April 30, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Establish a strategic alternative trade and transport corridor bypassing Bangladesh under the Act East Policy.
  • Objective: Strengthen India’s economic and defense connectivity with Southeast Asia through the Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor linked to the Kaladan Project.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: A connectivity initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, linking Kolkata Port to Sittwe (Myanmar) by sea, then via inland waterway and road to Mizoram.
  • Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM): A public-private partnership model in which the government pays 40% of the project cost upfront and the remainder over time as annuities.
  • Act East Policy: India’s strategic policy to strengthen economic, political, and security ties with Southeast Asian countries through enhanced regional connectivity.
  • NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited): A government agency under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways that handles infrastructure development in border and remote areas.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor Approval
Announcement date April 30, 2025
Location Meghalaya and Assam, North-East India
Issuing authority Union Cabinet, Government of India
Policy/series name Act East Policy
Key figures PM Narendra Modi, Chairman NHIDCL Chanchal Kumar
Purpose/reason Bypass Bangladesh for sea access; enhance regional connectivity
Feature details 166.8 km, ₹22,864 crore, slope stabilization, LiDAR, HAM mode
Validity or status Completion target: 2030
Any strategic/significant value Connects to Kaladan Project, reduces reliance on Siliguri Corridor

15. Which central scheme’s review revealed a sharp drop in government school enrolments across 23 Indian states during 2024–25?
A) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
B) PM-POSHAN
C) National Digital Education Mission
D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
E) Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan
Answer: B) PM-POSHAN

Event and Location:

  • Event: MoE orders probe into government school enrolment decline across 23 states
  • Location: 23 States/UTs in India including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal
  • Date: April 2025 (review conducted), June 30, 2025 (report deadline)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Enforce transparent and standardized student tracking through Aadhaar-based data under PM-POSHAN.
  • Objective: Investigate and address the sharp decline in government school enrolments across 23 states during 2024–25 to ensure effective delivery of the nutrition scheme.

Important Terms Explained:

  • PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman): Central government scheme (formerly Midday Meal Scheme) launched in 1995 to provide nutritious meals to school children from pre-primary to Class 8 in government and government-aided schools.
  • Data Cleansing: Process involving transition to Aadhaar-verified, student-wise enrolment tracking that removed fictitious or duplicate entries from school records.
  • Ghost Entries: Fake or duplicate student records often used to inflate enrolment numbers and secure additional scheme benefits.
  • Midday Meal Coverage: Refers to the percentage of eligible students who actually receive meals under PM-POSHAN, an important indicator of scheme reach.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Government School Enrolment Drops in 23 States
Announcement date April 2025
Location 23 Indian states/UTs including UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, WB
Issuing authority Ministry of Education
Policy/series name PM-POSHAN
Key figures Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Purpose/reason Investigate steep enrolment decline in govt schools
Feature details Aadhaar-linked data cleansing, shift to private schools post-Covid
Validity or status State reports due by June 30, 2025
Any strategic/significant value Affects child nutrition, school attendance, and scheme efficacy

16. Who recently inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota, Rajasthan, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Dharmendra Pradhan
C) Om Birla
D) Droupadi Murmu
E) Virendra Kumar
Answer: C) Om Birla

Event and Location:

  • Event: Inauguration of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) for empowering persons with disabilities
  • Location: Kota, Rajasthan
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Standardize disability empowerment through assistive technology, rehabilitation, and inclusive infrastructure under PMDK.
  • Objective: Empower persons with disabilities by providing mobility aids, training, and support services through the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra inaugurated in Kota.

Important Terms Explained:

  • PMDK (Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra): A government initiative under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide assistive devices, rehabilitation, and training for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
  • ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India): A PSU responsible for producing and distributing assistive devices like prosthetics, orthotics, and Braille tools to promote mobility and independence.
  • Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): A national initiative aimed at creating a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities in public infrastructure, digital platforms, and transportation systems.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Inauguration of Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK)
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Kota, Rajasthan
Inaugurated by Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker
Nodal agency ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India)
Ministry involved Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Purpose/reason Empowerment of PwDs through assistive devices and skill development
Feature details Distribution of electric scooters, prosthetics, rehabilitation, training
Validity or status 45 centres operational; target: 100 by June 2025
Any strategic/significant value Supports UN SDG Goal 10 and Accessible India Campaign

17. What is the total financial outlay of India’s newly launched Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)?
A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹18,500 crore
C) ₹22,805 crore
D) ₹25,000 crore
E) ₹30,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹22,805 crore

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to boost domestic production
  • Location: Nationwide (India)
  • Date: May 1, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Align India’s electronics manufacturing with global standards by incentivizing domestic component production.
  • Objective: Promote self-reliance and reduce import dependency through the ₹22,805 crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).

Important Terms Explained:

  • ECMS (Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme): A central government scheme launched to promote the indigenous production of electronic components by offering financial incentives to manufacturers.
  • SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises): Businesses whose investment and turnover fall within limits defined by the MSME Ministry, often considered vital for grassroots industrialization.
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s national mission for self-reliance across key sectors, encouraging local production, innovation, and reduced dependency on imports.
  • Bare PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards): Key hardware components in electronic devices, forming the backbone of almost all consumer and industrial electronics.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Launch of Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)
Announcement date May 1, 2025
Location Pan-India
Issuing authority Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Policy/series name Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)
Key figures Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Purpose/reason Boost local manufacturing, reduce import dependence in electronics sector
Feature details ₹22,805 crore outlay, 70 applications, 80% SME share
Validity or status Application phase, active since May 2025
Any strategic/significant value Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Digital India missions

18. Which institution has been newly assigned to manage the ₹50 crore Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund in 2025?
A) Tamil Nadu Forest Academy
B) Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board
C) Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation
D) Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)
E) State Forest Development Agency (SFDA)
Answer: D) Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC)

Event and Location:

  • Event: Reassignment of Tamil Nadu’s Endangered Species Conservation Fund to AIWC
  • Location: Vandalur, Tamil Nadu
  • Date: May 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Ensure efficient and research-driven management of Tamil Nadu’s ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund through an active institution.
  • Objective: Strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts by assigning fund oversight to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC).

Important Terms Explained:

  • Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund: A ₹50 crore initiative launched in 2024 to protect and research rare and endangered species through surveys, habitat mapping, and conservation partnerships.
  • Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC): A newly registered society based in Vandalur, recognized for its role in scientific wildlife research and conservation planning in Tamil Nadu.
  • State Forest Development Agency (SFDA): Originally designated manager of the fund, but deemed inactive and incapable of executing timely conservation programs.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Fund Reassigned to AIWC
Announcement date May 20, 2025
Location Vandalur, Tamil Nadu
Issuing authority Tamil Nadu Forest Department
Policy/series name Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund
Key figures CM M. K. Stalin (administrative oversight), AIWC as new manager
Purpose/reason To enable timely and effective endangered species protection
Feature details ₹50 crore fund; covers rare frogs, bats, vultures, civets, etc.
Validity or status Active; transferred to AIWC due to SFDA’s inactivity
Any strategic/significant value Boosts biodiversity conservation outside protected areas in Tamil Nadu

19. Which state recently launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to boost farmer awareness and agricultural productivity?
A) Assam
B) Sikkim
C) Tripura
D) Jharkhand
E) Chhattisgarh
Answer: C) Tripura

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to empower farmers
  • Location: Tripura (across all villages and gram panchayats)
  • Date: May 29 – June 12, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate: Promote standardized implementation of agricultural schemes through village-level awareness and outreach.
  • Objective: Empower Tripura’s farmers with knowledge of scientific practices and welfare schemes under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: A central government-driven agricultural awareness campaign aimed at educating farmers about scientific practices and available schemes to enhance productivity and income.
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Agricultural extension centers established by ICAR to provide farmers with practical training and technology transfer.
  • Viksit Bharat @2047: A national vision to make India a developed nation by its 100th year of independence, with agriculture being a key pillar.
  • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex national organization for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Launch of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Tripura
Campaign dates May 29 – June 12, 2025
Location Tripura (villages and gram panchayats)
Launched by Tripura Government under a central initiative
National campaign head Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Objective Raise awareness on agricultural schemes and improve farmer productivity
Implementing agencies State Agriculture Dept, ICAR, KVKs
Key elements Coordinators at state and district levels; agri-scientist involvement
National vision alignment Viksit Bharat @2047
Significance Promotes grassroots agricultural reforms and knowledge dissemination


Over All Review

Important Days

  • International HR Day 2025 is observed globally on May 20 under the theme “#HumanifyAI: Leading Change Together.”
  • World Bee Day 2025 is celebrated globally on May 20 with the theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All.”
  • May 19 was officially declared World Fair Play Day by the United Nations beginning in 2025.
  • GeM marked its 8th Incorporation Day on May 19, 2025, highlighting major milestones in public procurement.

Ranking 

  • The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world with a displacement of over 100,000 tons.
  • The AH-64E Apache Guardian is ranked as the world’s top military helicopter due to its advanced avionics and combat versatility.
  • Mumbai leads the list of India’s top 10 developed cities in 2025 with its financial and entertainment power.

Business And Economy

  • The RBI cancelled the licence of HCBL Co-operative Bank on May 19, 2025, due to capital inadequacy and lack of earnings.

Appointments

  • Sudan appointed Kamil al-Taib Idris as Prime Minister on May 19, 2025, marking its first civilian leadership since the 2023 civil war.

Science and Technology

  • NVIDIA launched the Isaac GR00T N1 platform in 2025 to accelerate humanoid robot development.

Defence

  • The Indian Coast Guard protected 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during the 2025 nesting season under Operation Olivia.
  • China and Cambodia began their joint military exercise Golden Dragon-2025 in mid-May.

International Affairs

  • India has been officially recognized by the WHO for eliminating Trachoma as a public health problem.

National Affairs

  • India approved a ₹22,864 crore high-speed highway from Shillong to Silchar to link with Myanmar.
  • The Ministry of Education has flagged a significant drop in government school enrolments across 23 states and UTs for 2024–25.
  • Om Birla inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Kota on May 20, 2025.
  • India launched the ₹22,805 crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on May 1, 2025.
  • Tamil Nadu reassigned its ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund to AIWC, Vandalur in May 2025.
  • Tripura launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan on May 29, 2025, to enhance farmer outreach.

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