Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd May 2025

National:

• On May 22, 2025, MoHUA extended the PMAY-U deadline to December 31, 2025. This aims to complete pending urban housing projects and benefit eligible families. PMAY-U provides subsidies and affordable housing for urban poor under four verticals.

• On May 20, 2025, Mizoram became India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. It achieved a 98.2% literacy rate, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Education Ministry. The literacy drive involved 292 volunteer teachers, reaching 1,692 adult learners. Mizoram now focuses on digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy for inclusive growth.
• On May 16, 2025, Department of Posts (DoP) released a commemorative postage stamp for 125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). The stamp features KSO’s historic building, H-alpha solar images, and the Butterfly Diagram. Unveiled at IIA Bengaluru, it honors India’s contributions to global solar research.
• On May 21, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to combat cyber fraud in digital payments. FRI categorizes mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk, helping platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay block fraudulent transactions.

International:

• In May 2025, China’s Miao Lijie and Japan’s Yuko Oga were named FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 ambassadors. Both are FIBA Hall of Famers, celebrated for their contributions to Asian women’s basketball. The tournament will be held in Shenzhen, China, from July 13-20, 2025, after a 10-year gap. Their role aims to promote the event and inspire the next generation of female athletes.

Banking:

• On May 21, 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) projected India’s Q4 FY25 GDP growth at 6.4%–6.5%. SBI’s Nowcasting Model, using 36 high-frequency indicators, estimated the growth rate. FY25 GDP is expected to settle at 6.3%, assuming no major revisions. An early monsoon forecast could further boost agricultural output.
• In March 2025, EPFO added 14.58 lakh net members, marking a 1.15% year-on-year growth. 7.54 lakh new subscribers joined, with 58.94% from the 18-25 age group, reflecting youth employment trends. 13.23 lakh members rejoined EPFO, and female subscribers grew by 4.18% year-on-year. Maharashtra led payroll additions, contributing 20.24% of the total net increase.
• On May 20, 2025, EnKash launched India’s first payment gateway tailored for SMBs & startups. It features low-code/no-code APIs, smart routing, automated reconciliation, and real-time monitoring. Designed for D2C brands, B2B commerce, SaaS platforms, healthcare, logistics, and education.
• On May 20, 2025, Star Health Insurance launched Star Flexi, an add-on under the Super Star Plan. It offers three variants—Essential, Preferred, and Secure, tailored for different customer needs. Essential supports first-time buyers, Preferred suits urban professionals, and Secure benefits experienced policyholders.
• On May 16, 2025, Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) sold 1.2% of its direct stake in Bharti Airtel for SGD 2 billion ($1.54 billion). The transaction reduced Singtel’s holding from 29.5% to 28.3%, with 71 million shares sold at ₹1,814 per share.

Economy:

• In April 2025, the United States became India’s 4th largest crude oil supplier, surpassing the UAE. US crude imports doubled to 0.33 mbd, capturing 7.3% of India's total oil imports. Russia remains the top supplier, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, with shifting market dynamics. India aims to expand US oil imports, potentially increasing purchases to $25 billion.

Sports:

• Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 on May 21 at San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain. Brennan Johnson scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute, securing Spurs’ first European trophy in 41 years.

Committees:

• On May 20, 2025, the 6th Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, organized by DPIIT. Chairman Sunil J. Singhi led discussions with trade associations, state representatives, and central ministry officials on retail trade growth and digital commerce adoption. Key highlights included MSME support, National Retail Trade Policy updates, ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives, and ONDC digital expansion.

Military Exercises:

• Exercise Raahat was conducted in Nagaland from May 13-15, 2025, by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). It featured rescue simulations, IoT-based flood monitoring, and medical assistance drills. SDRF, civil administration, medical teams, and NGOs participated in disaster preparedness efforts. The exercise strengthened inter-agency coordination for efficient monsoon-season disaster response.

Govt. Schemes:

• On May 20, 2025, MSDE launched a Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme for North Eastern Region (NER) youth. Over 26,000 apprentices will receive an additional ₹1,500/month under NAPS for one year. The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) & NSDC will oversee implementation. The scheme aims to bridge education-employment gaps with ₹43.94 crore funding.

Important Days:

• World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2025 is observed on May 21 to promote global cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The theme for 2025, “Celebrate the Moment,” highlights how communities preserve and evolve their heritage through iconic festivals and traditions.
• International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 is observed on May 22 to promote global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The theme for 2025, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” emphasizes biodiversity’s role in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy Jayanti 2025 is observed on May 22, marking the 253rd birth anniversary of the Father of the Indian Renaissance. He pioneered social reforms, including the abolition of Sati, widow remarriage, and caste equality, shaping modern India.

Appointments:

• Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court on May 20, 2025. He was sworn in on May 22, 2025, at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, succeeding Justice D. Krishnakumar. His appointment was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI B.R. Gavai, on May 15, 2025.

Books:

• The book "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, released on May 20, 2025, explores Joe Biden’s alleged cognitive decline. It claims Biden’s aides concealed his physical deterioration, including discussions about potential wheelchair use.

Questions:

Q.1 According to SBI’s Nowcasting Model, India’s Q4 FY25 GDP growth is projected at:
a) 5.8%-6.0%
b) 6.4%-6.5%
c) 7.0%-7.2%
d) 6.1%-6.3%

Answer: b) On May 21, 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) projected India’s Q4 FY25 GDP growth at 6.4%–6.5%. SBI’s Nowcasting Model, using 36 high-frequency indicators, estimated the growth rate.

Q.2 Which state became India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS initiative?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Himachal Pradesh
d) Mizoram

Answer: d) Mizoram achieved a 98.2% literacy rate, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Education Ministry under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative.