Current Affairs One - Liner : 28th May 2025

National:

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the establishment of campuses for five foreign universities in India on May 23, 2025. The universities include Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), University of Liverpool (UK), Victoria University (Australia), Western Sydney University (Australia), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy).

• The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, recommended a 36% stipend increase under NAPS and NATS on May 27, 2025. The stipend range will rise from ₹5,000–₹9,000 to ₹6,800–₹12,300, with automatic CPI-based revisions every two years. This aims to reduce dropout rates and make apprenticeships more financially viable for youth.
• AM Green and the Port of Rotterdam Authority signed a USD 1 billion green energy agreement on May 26, 2025. This partnership aims to establish a green fuel corridor between India and Northwestern Europe, supporting hydrogen-based fuel exports. AM Green will begin green ammonia production in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, by 2026, targeting European markets.
• Kozhikode officially declared its biodiversity symbols on May 24, 2025. This initiative, led by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, marks the first such designation in Kerala, promoting local conservation efforts. The selected species include Athirani (Melastoma malabathricum) as the official flower and Meniponman (Ceyx erithaca) as the official bird.

Banking:

• The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY25, benefiting over 7 crore subscribers. The decision was finalized at the 237th Central Board of Trustees meeting on February 28, 2025, and ratified by the Ministry of Finance on May 24, 2025.
• India's net foreign direct investment (FDI) fell sharply to $353 million in FY25, marking a 96.5% decline from $10 billion in FY24. The drop was driven by high repatriation ($49 billion), booming IPO exits, and increased outward investments ($29 billion). Despite this, gross FDI inflows rose 13.7% to $81 billion, with manufacturing, financial services, and energy leading investment
• Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) received SEBI approval on May 26, 2025, to start mutual fund operations under Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund. The 50:50 joint venture with BlackRock aims to offer digital-first investment solutions. JFSL and BlackRock infused ₹117 crore, subscribing to 5.85 crore equity shares.
• In March 2025, 16.33 lakh new employees were registered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. Additionally, 31,514 new establishments were brought under the scheme, expanding social security coverage. Nearly 49% of new registrations belonged to the age group of up to 25 years, reflecting a surge in young workforce participation. The data also highlights 3.61 lakh female enrollments and 100 transgender employees, showcasing inclusive social security efforts.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model for India’s fifth-generation fighter jet programme (AMCA) on May 27, 2025. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the project with private and public sector partnerships. The AMCA will feature stealth technology, internal weapons bays, and supercruise capability. The first prototype is expected by 2035, with an estimated ₹15,000 crore development cost.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) launched the new chapter for Kotak811 on May 24, 2025. The campaign, featuring Ranveer Singh, promotes "Banking so smooth, it’s Makkhan", emphasizing a seamless digital experience. Kotak811 now offers instant onboarding, UPI payments, smart investment tools, and cashback offers, catering to India's digital-first generation.

Sports:

• Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal at the Janusz Kusociński Memorial 2025 in Chorzów, Poland, on May 23, 2025. His best throw of 84.14m secured second place, while Germany’s Julian Weber claimed gold with 86.12m. Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished third with 83.24m, battling wet conditions.
• Li Shifeng of China won the men’s singles title at the Malaysia Masters 2025 on May 25, 2025. He defeated India’s Kidambi Srikanth in the final with a 21-11, 21-9 victory in 36 minutes. This was Srikanth’s first BWF World Tour final in six years, marking a strong comeback.

Apps & Portals:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Portal on May 26, 2025. PAI 2.0 enables data-driven governance for over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The number of indicators has been reduced from 516 to 147, improving data quality and usability.

Defence:

• Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) delivered the indigenous Surya VHF radar to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 24, 2025. This advanced radar enhances India's anti-stealth capabilities, strengthening its air defense infrastructure. The system features solid-state transmit/receive modules and operates on 6×6 trucks for mobility.
• NIBE Limited secured a USD 17.52 million export order from an Israeli firm for Universal Rocket Launchers. These launchers, with a 300 km range, mark a milestone for India's defence exports. The deal aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing advanced indigenous technology.
• The Indian Army inaugurated its first community radio station, "Panchshul Pulse," on May 23, 2025, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Operated under Operation Sadbhavana, the station broadcasts on 88.4 FM within a 12 km radius, aiming to strengthen ties between the Army and border communities.
• Indrajaal launched Indrajaal Infra, an AI-powered anti-drone solution, on May 22, 2025. It protects critical infrastructure like nuclear plants, power grids, refineries, ports, and airports. Built on the SkyOS™ platform, it integrates AI-driven threat detection, jammers, spoofers, and command intelligence.

Appointments:

• Anil Kumble was appointed as the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation on May 27, 2025. He will promote forest conservation, afforestation, and wildlife protection without remuneration.
• Neeraj Chopra was announced as the brand ambassador for Audi India on May 26, 2025. The partnership highlights performance, precision, and resilience, aligning with Audi’s brand philosophy. Chopra, an Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, expressed admiration for Audi’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Awards & Honours:

• Sumeet Tappoo was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the country’s highest civilian honor, on May 26, 2025. He was recognized for his humanitarian work as Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children's Hospital, which provides free pediatric heart surgeries.
• The 78th Cannes Film Festival concluded on May 24, 2025, with Jafar Panahi winning the Palme d’Or for It Was Just an Accident. The festival also recognized Indian film Homebound, highlighting India's growing presence in global cinema. Other major awards included the Grand Prix for Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value and Best Director for Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent.

Obituaries:

• Veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 89, due to age-related health issues. He served as Union Minister for Sports, Chemicals, and Fertilizers in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Questions:

Q.1 What is the interest rate retained by the EPFO for EPF deposits in FY25?
a) 8.15%
b) 8.25%
c) 8.50%
d) 8.00%

Answer: b) The EPFO retained an 8.25% interest rate for FY25, as finalized on February 28, 2025, and ratified by the Ministry of Finance on May 24, 2025.

Q.2 Who was appointed as the brand ambassador for Audi India on May 26, 2025?
a) Anil Kumble
b) Neeraj Chopra
c) Ram Mohan M K
d) Sumeet Tappoo

Answer: b) Neeraj Chopra, an Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, was announced as Audi India’s brand ambassador, aligning with the brand’s focus on performance and precision.