Current Affairs One - Liner : 30th May 2025

National:

• India’s first AI-focused SEZ was announced on May 28, 2025, in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, with RackBank Datacenters investing ₹1,000 crore. It will house a 1.5 lakh sq. ft. data center and attract global AI firms to boost India’s tech ecosystem. The initiative will provide training for IT, data science, and cybersecurity professionals, enhancing employment opportunities.

• India will operationalize 47 new National Waterways (NWs) by 2027, aiming to boost cargo traffic to 156 MTPA by FY26. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) announced this plan on May 26, 2025, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The initiative expands inland waterways from 11 states (FY24) to 23 states & 4 Union Territories (FY27), enhancing connectivity. Projects like NW-1 (Ganga) and NW-2 (Brahmaputra) will see major infrastructure upgrades, supporting green and sustainable transport.
• India’s first privately-led helicopter manufacturing unit was announced on May 27, 2025, in Kolar, Karnataka, by Tata-Airbus. The facility will produce Airbus H125 helicopters for civil aviation, boosting India's aerospace capabilities. It will initially manufacture 10 helicopters annually, with expansion plans based on future demand.
• Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, a 16-year-old mountaineer from Hyderabad, became the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits Challenge. He scaled Mount Everest (8,848 m) on May 27, 2025, marking the final summit in his journey across seven continents.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on May 29, 2025. The ₹1,010 crore project will provide piped natural gas (PNG) to 2.5 lakh households and set up 19 CNG stations. It aims to promote clean fuel alternatives, reducing dependence on LPG cylinders for residential and transport use.
• Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 in New Delhi on May 29, 2025. The survey will assess 21,000 villages across 761 districts, ranking states based on sanitation progress. A dedicated mobile app will collect citizen feedback, ensuring transparency and engagement.

International:

• India will host the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad from April 1 to 10. This marks the country's return as host after 44 years, with the last edition held in 1982. The event will feature new weight categories under revised International Weightlifting Federation rules.
• PepsiCo was announced as an official partner of Formula 1 on May 27, 2025. Sting Energy is now the official energy drink, while Gatorade partners with F1 Sprint events. PepsiCo will introduce on-pack promotions, digital experiences, and co-branded products for fan engagement. From 2026, its brands will have pouring and supply rights at all Grand Prix races worldwide.

Banking:

• SBI Life Insurance and Vidyaniti LLP acquired a 4.25% stake in National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) for ₹1,100 crore on May 26, 2025. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) divested 8.24 crore units, marking a strategic monetization move. SBI Life purchased 3.74 crore units (1.93%), while Vidyaniti LLP acquired 4.49 crore units (2.3%), at ₹133.57 per unit.

Economy:

• India’s coal imports fell by 7.9% to 243.62 million tonnes (MT) in FY25, as announced by the Ministry of Coal on May 27, 2025. This decline resulted in ₹60,682 crore ($7.93 billion) in foreign exchange savings, driven by higher domestic coal production. Imports for blending by thermal power plants dropped sharply by 41.4%, reflecting India's push for energy self-sufficiency.

Reports:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual report for FY 2024-25 on May 28, 2025, projecting India’s real GDP growth at 6.5% for FY 2025-26. India is expected to remain the fastest-growing major economy, driven by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and robust financial sector performance.
• The WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025–2029), released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on May 28, 2025, warns of rising global temperatures. There is an 86% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The five-year average temperature has a 70% probability of surpassing 1.5°C, signaling a major climate shift. Arctic warming is projected to be 2.4°C above the 1991–2020 baseline, accelerating sea ice loss, while South Asia is expected to experience wetter-than-average conditions.

Apps & Portals:

• The Ayush Suraksha Portal was launched on May 30, 2025, at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi, by Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. It aims to monitor misleading advertisements and track adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the Ayush sector. Citizens can report misleading ads and ADRs directly via the portal, enhancing consumer protection and regulatory oversight.

Important Days:

• World Digestive Health Day is observed annually on May 29, raising awareness about digestive health and gastrointestinal disorders. The 2025 theme, “Your Digestive Health: Nourish to Flourish,” emphasizes balanced diets, hydration, and mindful eating. Organized by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO).
• International Everest Day is observed annually on May 29 to honor the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. The 2025 theme, “Honoring the Legends, Inspiring the Future,” highlights mountaineering achievements and environmental conservation.
• International Day of Potato is observed annually on May 30, highlighting the nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural significance of potatoes. The 2025 theme, “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” recognizes the potato’s historical impact and role in global agrifood systems.
• The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29, honoring UN personnel who serve in global peace missions. The 2025 theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” focuses on modernizing operations to tackle evolving security challenges. The #PeaceBegins campaign highlights inspiring stories of peacekeepers, fostering global awareness and support.

Awards & Honours:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh granted Miniratna Category-I status to Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL) on May 29, 2025. This recognition enhances their financial and operational autonomy, allowing independent investments and export expansion.

Questions:

Q.1 Which Indian city will host the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships?
a) Mumbai
b) Ahmedabad
c) Delhi
d) Chennai

Answer: b) The 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships will be held in Ahmedabad (April 1-10, 2026), marking India’s return as host after 44 years (last held in 1982).

Q.2 India’s first AI-focused SEZ is being set up in which city?
a) Bengaluru
b) Hyderabad
c) Nava Raipur
d) Pune

Answer: c) The AI-focused SEZ was announced in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, with an investment of ₹1,000 crore by RackBank Datacenters.