Current Affairs One - Liner : 13th May 2025

National:

• In May 2025, Ladakh recorded the world’s highest snow leopard density, with 477 individuals, making up 68% of India’s total population. Hemis National Park led with 2.07 snow leopards per 100 sq. km, surpassing global records from Tibet. The Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), WII, and NTCA conducted the survey using camera traps and occupancy studies.

• On May 7, 2025, Elon Musk’s Starlink received approval from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to offer satellite internet services. The Letter of Intent (LoI) paves the way for Starlink’s Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license. Starlink’s LEO satellite network will provide high-speed, low-latency broadband, benefiting rural and remote areas.
• The Andhra Pradesh government granted property tax exemption for homes owned by defence personnel in gram panchayat areas. The benefit extends to active and retired personnel, including spouses for jointly owned properties. Each family can claim exemption for one fully occupied residential property, regardless of the number of floors.
• On May 12, 2025, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta laid the foundation for a 500 kW solar power plant at the Delhi Assembly. This initiative makes the Delhi Assembly India’s first fully solar-powered legislature, ensuring zero electricity bills and savings of ₹15 lakh per month. The project replaces an existing 200 kW rooftop solar system and is set for completion within 45 days, ahead of the monsoon session.

International:

• On May 12, 2025, India rolled over a $50 million interest-free Treasury Bill for the Maldives, reinforcing economic cooperation. The extension was facilitated through State Bank of India (SBI) at the request of the Maldivian Ministry of Finance. Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel thanked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for India’s timely financial support.

Banking:

• On May 8, 2025, Porter raised $200 million in a Series F funding round, becoming India’s 2nd unicorn of the year. The round was led by Kedaara Capital and Wellington Management, boosting Porter’s valuation to $1.1–$1.2 billion. The logistics startup plans to expand operations, enhance its tech platform, and support over 1 million gig workers.
• On May 7, 2025, Bhutan launched the world’s first national cryptocurrency tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank. Tourists can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin for payments related to flights, hotels, shopping, dining, and entry fees. Over 100 local businesses, including small vendors, have adopted crypto payments via QR codes with secure authentication.

Apps & Portals:

• On May 7, 2025, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched the Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website and Stakeholders’ Portal to boost India's metal recycling ecosystem. The portal improves data transparency, industry tracking, and policy support for metals like aluminium, copper, lead, and zinc.

Important Days:

• The International Day of Plant Health 2025 is observed on May 12, raising awareness about plant protection and sustainability. The theme, "The Importance of Plant Health in One Health," highlights the link between plant, human, animal, and environmental well-being. Led by FAO, the day promotes efforts to combat pests, diseases, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
• The World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is observed on May 10, raising awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. The theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," emphasizes the need for urban planning that supports bird populations. Led by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), the campaign promotes sustainable coexistence
• The International Day of Argania 2025 is observed on May 10, celebrating the Argan tree's environmental and economic significance. The theme, "The Argan Tree Conservation," highlights its role in sustainable development and biodiversity preservation. Recognized by the UN since 2021, the day promotes argan oil production and supports Moroccan rural communities.

Awards & Honours:

• On May 5, 2025, child rights lawyer Bhuwan Ribhu became the first Indian lawyer to receive the World Law Congress Medal of Honour. Recognized for his work in child trafficking, labour laws, and juvenile rights, Ribhu has led over 60 PILs shaping India's legal framework. The award was presented by Eddy Olivares Ortega, Dominican Republic’s Labour Minister, and Javier Cremades, WJA President.

Books:

• On May 7, 2025, economist S P Sharma released his book, "India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order," in New Delhi. It outlines India's roadmap to becoming a global economic superpower, covering reforms, trade, sustainability, and strategic alliances. The book highlights policies like Make in India, PM Gati Shakti, and FDI trends, emphasizing sectoral growth and inclusive development.
• On May 9, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar released Bandaru Dattatraya’s autobiography, "Janta Ki Kahani – Meri Aatamkatha," in New Delhi. The book narrates Dattatraya’s journey from humble beginnings to his role in Indian politics, highlighting public welfare contributions.

Questions:

Q.1 Which country launched the world’s first national cryptocurrency tourism payment system on May 7, 2025?
a) India
b) Maldives
c) Bhutan
d) Singapore

Answer: c) Bhutan partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch a crypto payment system for tourism.

Q.2 Which region recorded the world’s highest snow leopard density in May 2025?
a) Himachal Pradesh
b) Ladakh
c) Tibet
d) Uttarakhand

Answer: b) In May 2025, Ladakh recorded the highest snow leopard density in the world, with 477 individuals, which is 68% of India’s total snow leopard population.