- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) released the report on May 14, 2025. It highlights India’s major ports handling 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY25, a 4.3% increase from FY24. Key milestones include Paradip and Deendayal Port surpassing 150 million tonnes and JNPA handling 7.3 million TEUs.
.png "Current Affairs One - Liner : 16th May 2025")
- Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated India’s first publicly funded DST-ICGEB ‘Bio-foundry’ in New Delhi on May 15, 2025. The facility accelerates synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, and precision biotechnology innovations. It is a key component of India’s BioE3 Policy, promoting bio-based product design, prototyping, and scaling.
- The MoC&I banned medically important antimicrobials in India's aquaculture sector on May 15, 2025, under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963. The prohibition covers 12 antibiotic classes and 6 specific antibiotics, ensuring compliance with global food safety standards. It applies to hatcheries, feed units, and processing facilities, helping curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- The Indian government officially set September 23 as Ayurveda Day, replacing the previous variable date on Dhanteras. The decision, notified in March 2025, ensures global visibility and consistency in celebrations. The date aligns with the autumnal equinox, symbolizing balance in nature, a core Ayurveda principle.
- India and the EU launched a ₹391 crore joint research initiative on marine pollution and green hydrogen on May 15, 2025. The EU (€22 million) and Indian ministries (₹180 crore) will co-fund projects on microplastics, heavy metals, and biogenic hydrogen production. The marine litter research call opened on May 6, 2025, while the hydrogen research call started on May 15, 2025.
- Denmark inaugurated the first commercial-scale e-methanol plant on May 13, 2025, in Kassø, Aabenraa. Developed by European Energy with Mitsui & Co., it will produce 42,000 metric tons annually. Maersk will use e-methanol for its dual-fuel container ships, supporting global decarbonization goals.
- The RBI imposed a ₹2.72 crore penalty on SBI and Jana Small Finance Bank on May 9, 2025, for regulatory violations. SBI was fined ₹1.72 crore for breaches related to loans, customer protection, and current account regulations. Jana Small Finance Bank faced a ₹1 crore penalty for violations under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, including issues with compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS).
- India’s outward FDI surged to $6.8 billion in April 2025, nearly doubling from $3.58 billion in April 2024. The RBI released this data on May 14, 2025, highlighting Indian firms’ strong global expansion. Equity investments, loans, and financial guarantees all saw sharp increases year-over-year. This growth aligns with India’s "Make in India for the World" vision, strengthening global presence.
- Uttarakhand finalized a ₹1,910 crore agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on May 8, 2025, to enhance urban infrastructure. The project will improve water supply, sanitation, and urban development in cities like Pithoragarh, Sitarganj, Rudrapur, and Kashipur. The Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency (UUSDA) will oversee implementation, with project documents signed by June 2025.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) SSC’s Primate Specialist Group (PSG) released the ‘Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2023–2025’ on May 15, 2025. The report lists 25 critically endangered primates, including the Cross River Gorilla (Cameroon & Nigeria) and Tapanuli Orangutan (Sumatra, Indonesia).
- FIFA lifted the suspension on the Republic of Congo’s football federation (FECOFOOT) on May 15, 2025. The ban was initially imposed due to third-party interference by the country’s sports ministry.
- Srihari LR became India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster on May 15, 2025. He secured his final GM norm at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship in Al-Ain, UAE. His journey included earning norms at Qatar Masters 2023 and Chennai GM Open 2024. With this achievement, India further strengthens its presence in global chess.
- Pankaj Advani won the 2025 CCI Billiards Classic title in Mumbai on May 4, 2025. He defeated Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 in the final at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), Mumbai. The tournament ran from April 25 to May 4, 2025, with Advani earning ₹2.5 lakh in prize money.
- The Rohit Sharma Stand was inaugurated at Wankhede Stadium on May 16, 2025. The event was attended by Rohit Sharma, his family, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Stands dedicated to Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar were also unveiled at the ceremony. It was inaugurated ahead of the Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals IPL match on May 21, 2025.
- Indian shooters Kynan Chenai and Sabeera Haris won the bronze medal in the trap mixed team event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2025 in Nicosia, Cyprus, on May 11, 2025. They defeated Turkey’s Tolga Tuncer and Pelin Kaya with a 34-33 scoreline in the bronze-medal match. The Indian duo had finished fourth in qualification with a total score of 142 from 75 shots each.
- The DRDO developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for seawater desalination, with successful trials reported on May 15, 2025. Designed by DMSRDE, Kanpur, the membrane is tailored for Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). It addresses chloride ion stability challenges, ensuring efficient desalination in high-salinity environments.
- National Dengue Day is observed in India every year on May 16 to raise awareness about dengue prevention. The 2025 theme is "Act early, stop dengue: clean environment, healthy life." The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) initiated this awareness campaign in 2010.
- The International Day of Light is observed annually on May 16 to highlight the role of light-based technologies in science and society. The 2025 theme is "Light, Innovation, Society," emphasizing advancements in medicine, energy, and communications. UNESCO initiated this day in 2018 to mark the anniversary of the first successful laser operation in 1960.
- Former CJI DY Chandrachud was appointed as a Distinguished Professor at NLU Delhi on May 15, 2025. NLU Delhi will establish a Centre for Constitutional Studies under his leadership. The university will also launch the ‘DYC Distinguished Lecture Series’ in July 2025, covering privacy rights, LGBTQ+ equality, gender justice, and judicial reforms.
- Bhawna Agarwal has been appointed as Senior Vice President (SVP) and Managing Director (MD) of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India, effective May 14, 2025. She succeeds Som Satsangi, who retires after 27 years at HPE but will remain until July 2025 for a smooth transition.
- Anurag Bhushan, a 1995-batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Sweden, announced by the MEA on May 15, 2025. He currently serves as Additional Secretary in the MEA, overseeing Emigration Policy and Welfare (EP&W).
- NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) appointed Sarit Maheshwari as its CEO & Key Managerial Personnel on May 10, 2025. He succeeds Rajiv Gupta, bringing 35+ years of expertise in the power sector. Maheshwari will focus on expanding solar, wind, and hybrid projects to accelerate NTPC’s clean energy transition.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appointed Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski as Chair of the Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032 on May 5, 2025. She succeeds Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down after being elected IOC President. Jaworski will oversee Olympic planning and delivery, ensuring high standards and inclusivity.
- Renowned filmmaker Robert Benton passed away at 92 on May 11, 2025, in Manhattan, New York. He won three Academy Awards, including two for “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) and one for “Places in the Heart” (1984). Benton co-wrote “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), a film that revolutionized Hollywood storytelling.
- Renowned makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad passed away at 61 on May 10, 2025, in Mumbai due to health complications. He won National Awards for “The Dirty Picture” (2012) and “Jaatishwar” (2014) for his exceptional work. Gaikwad transformed characters in films like Dangal, PK, 3 Idiots, Omkara, Uri: The Surgical Strike, and Ponniyin Selvan.
Questions:
Q.1 What is the total funding for the India-EU joint research initiative on marine pollution and green hydrogen launched on May 15, 2025?a) ₹300 crore
b) ₹391 crore
c) ₹450 crore
d) ₹500 crore
Answer: b) The initiative, funded by the EU (€22 million) and Indian ministries (₹180 crore), totals ₹391 crore for research on microplastics, heavy metals, and green hydrogen.
Q.2 Who was appointed as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of HPE India on May 14, 2025?
a) Som Satsangi
b) Bhawna Agarwal
c) Sarit Maheshwari
d) Anurag Bhushan
a) Som Satsangi
b) Bhawna Agarwal
c) Sarit Maheshwari
d) Anurag Bhushan
Answer: b) Bhawna Agarwal succeeded Som Satsangi as HPE India’s SVP and MD, effective May 14, 2025.
