Current Affairs One - Liner : 29th May 2025

National:

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model on 27th May 2025. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the project through industry partnerships, ensuring equal opportunities. The AMCA will be a fifth-generation deep penetration fighter jet, enhancing India’s air combat capabilities.

• The Ministry of Railways approved a new train service between Agartala and Guwahati (Narangi) on 24th May 2025. The decision follows advocacy by MP Biplab Kumar Deb, aiming to improve Northeast rail connectivity. The train will enhance regional accessibility, trade, and tourism, supporting passenger convenience.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) approved three new high-yielding crop varieties from PDKV, Akola. The approved varieties include AKAW 5100 (Wheat), CSV 65 Yellow (Yellow Sorghum Hybrid), and Super Jaki - AKG 1402 (Chickpea). These crops offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional value, benefiting farmers across multiple states.
• The Andhra Pradesh government officially renamed YSR District as YSR Kadapa District on 26th May 2025. The decision, issued under G.O. Ms. No. 170, restores Kadapa’s historical identity. The renaming reverses the YSRCP government’s move to drop "Kadapa" from the district’s name.
• On 28th May 2025, the nation paid tribute to Veer Savarkar on his 142nd birth anniversary. PM Narendra Modi led the tributes, calling Savarkar a "true son of Mother India". Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar honored his legacy.
• NITI Aayog hosted a two-day national consultation on 27th–28th May 2025 in Lucknow, focusing on India’s R&D ecosystem. UP Governor Anandiben Patel and NITI Aayog Member Dr. V.K. Saraswat led discussions on funding hurdles and institutional autonomy. Over 50 research institutions participated, addressing bureaucratic delays and private sector engagement in research.

Banking:

• Drools, India’s leading pet food brand, became the fourth unicorn of 2025 on 27th May 2025 after Nestlé S.A. acquired a minority stake. The company reached a $1 billion valuation, joining Netradyne, Juspay, and Porter as unicorns this year. Drools operates across 40,000 retail outlets, exports to 22 countries, and runs six production facilities. India’s pet food sector is growing at 20% annually, expected to surpass $1.2 billion by 2028.

Economy:

• India’s industrial growth slowed to 2.7% in April 2025, down from 3.9% in March. The manufacturing sector grew 3.4%, while mining contracted by 0.2% and electricity rose 1.1%. Capital goods output surged 20.3%, driven by machine tools and automotive components.

MoUs:

• The Government of NCT of Delhi signed an MoU with the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and Karmayogi Bharat on 29th May 2025 in New Delhi. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, skills, and service orientation of Delhi government employees for better public service delivery

Science & Technology:

• Intelsat received IN-SPACe approval on 27th May 2025 to provide direct satellite broadcast services in India. It will operate four geostationary satellites (IS-17, IS-20, IS-36, IS-39) for C-band coverage. The approval strengthens India's space commerce sector and expands broadcast connectivity.
• A new cave-adapted fish species, Schistura densiclava, was discovered in Meghalaya’s Krem Mawjingbuiñ cave on 25th May 2025. Unlike most cave fish, it retains eyesight and pigmentation, thriving in both underground and surface waters.

Sports:

• Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score 800 club goals on 26th May 2025, netting one in Al-Nassr’s 3-2 loss to Al-Fateh. His club goal tally includes Sporting CP (5), Manchester United (145), Real Madrid (450), Juventus (101), and Al-Nassr (99).

Committees:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the PRAGATI meeting on 28th May 2025, reviewing ₹62,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects. The meeting addressed RERA-related grievances, urging mandatory registration of real estate projects to protect homebuyers. PM Modi examined best practices in India's semiconductor ecosystem, reinforcing the National Semiconductor Mission. Since inception, 373 projects worth ₹20.64 lakh crore have been reviewed under PRAGATI.

Important Days:

• The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed annually on May 28, advocating for women’s health rights. The 2025 theme, "In Solidarity We Resist: Our Fight, Our Right!", emphasizes collective action against anti-rights movements.
• World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28, advocating for menstrual health awareness and dignity. The 2025 theme, "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld", promotes access to hygiene products and education. Established in 2014 by WASH United, it aims to break taboos and improve menstrual health globally.
• Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2025 is celebrated on May 9 (Julian calendar) or May 29 (Hindu calendar), marking his 485th birth anniversary. He was the Rajput ruler of Mewar, known for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar, especially in the Battle of Haldighati (1576).
  

Appointments:

• Citigroup appointed Prashant Thakker as the Head of Corporate Bank for South and Southeast Asia, effective May 26, 2025. He will oversee business strategy, financial performance, and execution across India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• Nicusor Dan was sworn in as Romania’s new President on 26th May 2025. He won the presidential runoff on 18th May 2025 with 53.6% of the votes. Dan pledged to counter isolationism and Russian influence, strengthening EU and NATO ties.
• Dr. Samir V. Kamat received a second one-year extension as Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of DDR&D, approved on May 26, 2025. His tenure now extends from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.
• Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor was appointed as the brand ambassador for Eureka Forbes on 29th May 2025. She will promote Forbes SmartClean Robotic Vacuum Cleaners, powered by AI and LiDAR technology.
• Indian cricketer Shubman Gill was appointed as the brand ambassador for Oakley on 29th May 2025. He will lead Oakley’s "Artifacts from the Future" campaign, celebrating 50 years of innovation. Gill was chosen for his elegant batting, calm nature, and strong performance, aligning with Oakley’s values.
• Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor was announced as the brand ambassador for Vogue Eyewear on 22nd May 2025. He joins Taapsee Pannu in the "No Rules Club" campaign, promoting individuality and self-expression.
• Hitachi India announced the appointment of N Venu as its Managing Director on 29th May 2025, effective 2nd June 2025. He succeeds Bharat Kaushal, who was elevated to Executive Chairman of Hitachi India on 1st April 2025.

Awards & Honours:

• Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics, was honored with the Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin at the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) Congress in Gumi, South Korea, on May 25, 2025. He received the award from AAA President General Dahlan Al Hamad for his contributions to Asian athletics development. Sumariwalla became the first Indian elected as Vice President of World Athletics in August 2023.
• Indian-American artist Raja Kumari made history by winning an American Music Award (AMA) at the 51st AMA ceremony on 26th May 2025 in Las Vegas. She won in the Favourite Soundtrack category for her song "Renegade (We Never Run)", featured in Arcane League of Legends: Season 2.
• Spiritual leader Sadhguru received the ‘Global Indian of the Year’ award from the Canada India Foundation on 22nd May 2025 in Toronto. Honored for his contributions to raising human consciousness and promoting ecological sustainability, he dedicated the CAD 50,000 prize to Cauvery Calling.

Obituaries:

• Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh passed away at 75 on 29th May 2025 in Chennai due to a heart attack. He starred in over 150 films, including Kanni Paruvathile (1979), Sathya (1988), and Virumaandi (2004). Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin paid heartfelt tributes to his legacy.

Questions:

Q.1 What award did Adille Sumariwalla receive at the AAA Congress in Gumi, South Korea?
a) Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin
b) Best Coach Award
c) Lifetime Achievement Award
d) Sportsman of the Year

Answer: a) Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics, was honored with the Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin at the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) Congress in Gumi, South Korea, on May 25, 2025.

Q.2 Which satellite operator received IN-SPACe approval for direct broadcast services in India?
a) SpaceX
b) OneWeb
c) Intelsat
d) ISRO

Answer: c) Intelsat was approved on 27th May 2025 to operate four geostationary satellites (IS-17, IS-20, IS-36, IS-39) for C-band coverage.