20th May 2025

1. K9 Vajra vs M109 Paladin: Self-Propelled Howitzers Face-off
2. Interational Museum Day, Date, Theme, Significance
3. India Celebrates 125 Years of Solar Research with Kodaikanal Observatory Stamp
4. NASA’s GRAIL Mission Solves Lunar Mystery of Moon’s Asymmetry
5. Archaeological Survey of India restores 16th-century stepwell in Delhi’s Mehrauli
6. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025
7. India Clinches SAFF U-19 Title After Penalty Shootout Thriller Against Bangladesh
8. Miss Estonia Creates History by Winning Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad
9. President Murmu Confers Highest Literary Honour to Gulzar & Rambhadracharya
10. US Proposes 5% Remittance Tax on Non-Citizens: Impact on Indian Diaspora
11. RBI to Issue New Rs 20 Banknotes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s Signature
12. Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic
13. India-Japan’s LUPEX Mission Enters Design Phase
14. Pushkar Kumbh Returns to Keshav Prayag After 12 Years
15. President Murmu Invokes Article 143 Over Governors’ Bill Assent Powers
16. Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Talks in 3 Years, Agree on Prisoner Swap
17. What is Akashteer? Know About the India’s Indigenous and Automated Air Defence System
18. PMAY-U Coffee Table Book Released in Kohima to Highlight Urban Housing Progress
19. Neeraj Chopra Crosses 90m Mark, Finishes Second in Doha Diamond League 2025
20. Honduras Opens Embassy in Delhi: A Boost to India-Central America Ties
21. Rohit Sharma Stand Inaugurated At Wankhede Stadium
22. International Day of Living Together in Peace: Fostering Global Harmony
23. Pankaj Advani Clinches 2025 CCI Billiards Classic Title in Mumbai
24. India-EU Launch ₹391 Crore Joint Research Initiative on Marine Pollution and Green Hydrogen
25. Anurag Bhushan Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Sweden
26. Srihari LR Becomes India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster
27. ICC Boosts Test Cricket with Doubling of WTC Final Prize Pool
28. Bhawna Agarwal Appointed as Senior Vice President and MD of HPE India
29. DRDO Develops Indigenous Polymeric Membrane for Desalination
30. India’s Outward FDI Soars to $6.8 Billion in April 2025: RBI
31. Supreme Court Directs Urgent Establishment of Exclusive POCSO Courts Across India
32. PGI’s Dr Sukhpal Kaur Named Finalist for Global Nursing Award
33. Former CJI DY Chandrachud Joins NLU Delhi as Distinguished Professor
34. Exercise Raahat Sets New Standard for Humanitarian Assistance in India
35. Celebrating 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood: A Journey from Monarchy to Democracy
36. Jose Mujica Dies at 89: A Life of Humility, Reform, and Integrity
37. Trump Announces Removal of All U.S. Sanctions on Syria, Signaling New Diplomatic Chapter
38. Brazilian Scientist Mariangela Hungria Wins 2025 World Food Prize for Sustainable Farming Innovation
39. Blackstone’s ₹5,127 Cr Investment to Boost Maharashtra’s Logistics Infrastructure
40. India Ranks Among Top Six Patent Filers in 6G Technology
41. ReNew Power to Build India’s Largest RE Complex in Andhra Pradesh
42. PNB to Exit India SME Asset Reconstruction Company, Sells Stake for ₹34 Crore
43. World’s First Commercial-Scale E-Methanol Plant Begins Operations in Denmark

National News

1. Commemorative Stamp Released for 125 Years of KSO

• What:
  • A commemorative postage stamp was released to celebrate 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO).
• Why:
  • The stamp honours KSO’s legacy as a major scientific institution and highlights India’s contribution to global science.
• Tell me more:
  • The stamp was released by Shri S. Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
  • The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu and was established on 1 April 1899.
  • KSO is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is India’s longest-running astronomical observatory.

Source: PIB

2. Rajon ki Baoli Stepwell Restored in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Archaeological Survey of India, with World Monuments Fund India and TCS Foundation, has completed conservation of the 16th-century Rajon ki Baoli stepwell in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The project aimed to protect cultural and environmental heritage and promote traditional water systems as sustainable solutions for water management.
• Tell me more:
  • Rajon ki Baoli was built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty and is a four-tiered stepwell.
  • The stepwell covers 1,610 square meters, descends 13.4 meters deep, and its main tank measures 23 by 10 meters.

Source: PIB

3. President Seeks Supreme Court Opinion on Governor’s Powers

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu has asked the Supreme Court for its opinion on whether courts can set timelines or guide how the President and Governors act on State Bills under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution.
• Why:
  • The reference aims to clarify the constitutional powers, limits, and procedures for the President and Governors in dealing with State Bills, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
• Tell me more:
  • The move follows an April 2025 Supreme Court judgment on the Tamil Nadu government’s case about delays by the Governor in assenting to State Bills.
  • The court’s decision led to “deemed assent” for ten Bills, which the Presidential Reference now questions as not being part of the Constitution.
  • The Reference asks if courts can intervene before a Bill becomes law and if Article 142 allows courts to substitute constitutional powers of the President and Governors.
  • It also seeks clarity on whether the Governor is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers and if Article 361 fully protects the President and Governors from judicial review.

Source: BS

4. Coffee Table Book on PMAY-Urban Launched in Nagaland

• What:
  • A Coffee Table Book titled “Transforming Lives; A Glance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission in Nagaland” was released by Advisor Zhaleo Rio at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
• Why:
  • The book was released to highlight the transformative impact of PMAY (Urban) in providing affordable housing and to inspire collective efforts for inclusive and sustainable urban development in Nagaland.
• Tell me more:
  • PMAY (Urban) is a flagship mission aimed at “Housing for All” in urban areas.

Source: gov

5. India and Honduras Open Embassy in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Embassy of the Republic of Honduras was inaugurated in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in the relationship between India and Honduras.
• Why:
  • The embassy aims to deepen bilateral ties, strengthen institutional cooperation, and expand collaboration across various sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The embassy opening reflects India’s goal to build strong partnerships in Latin America based on mutual respect and shared progress.
  • Diplomatic ties between India and Honduras were established on September 28, 1994, with steady growth in political, commercial, developmental, and cultural relations.
  • Bilateral trade stands at USD 310 million, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and machinery, and importing coffee, wood, and leather from Honduras.
  • A recent collaboration between Hondatel and Reliance Jio aims to roll out a 5G network in Honduras.

Source: DD

6. India-EU Launch Joint Research Calls on Marine Litter and Hydrogen

• What:
  • India and the European Union launched two coordinated research and innovation calls under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, focusing on marine plastic litter and waste-to-green hydrogen technologies.
• Why:
  • The calls aim to address global environmental challenges by developing advanced solutions for marine pollution and sustainable hydrogen production.
• Tell me more:
  • The joint investment totals ₹391 crore (about €41 million), with the marine pollution call co-funded by the EU and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the hydrogen call supported by the EU and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
  • The marine pollution programme targets monitoring and reducing pollutants like microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants in marine environments.
  • The waste-to-hydrogen programme focuses on converting biogenic waste into hydrogen using cost-effective and eco-friendly methods.
  • Both calls opened in May 2025 and encourage collaboration among academic institutions, industry partners, and startups.

Source: ET

7. Supreme Court Directs Priority Setup of Dedicated POCSO Courts

• What:
  • The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to set up dedicated POCSO courts on a top priority basis to handle cases of sexual offences against children.
• Why:
  • The order aims to ensure timely completion of trials and adherence to legal timelines under the POCSO Act.
• Tell me more:
  • The court noted that many states still lack enough exclusive POCSO courts, leading to delays in trial completion.
  • States with over 300 pending POCSO cases in a district must set up two designated courts, while districts with more than 100 FIRs must have one exclusive court.

Source: ET

State News

1. Pushkar Kumbh Mela Returns to Uttarakhand After 12 Years

• What:
  • The sacred Pushkar Kumbh Mela began again in Uttarakhand at Keshav Prayag, Mana village, after a 12-year gap, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on May 15, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The festival takes place at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers, near Badrinath Dham.
  • Pushkar Kumbh is observed when Jupiter enters Gemini and attracts Vaishnavite devotees, especially from southern India.
  • Mana village is spiritually important, believed to be where Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and where Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya received divine knowledge.

Source: TOI

2. Sikkim Celebrates 50th Statehood Anniversary with Grand Events

• What:
  • Sikkim marked its 50th Statehood anniversary with a grand celebration at Paljor Stadium, attended by dignitaries including the Governor and Chief Minister.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to honor Sikkim’s journey from monarchy to democracy, celebrate its achievements, and inspire unity and progress for the future.
• Tell me more:
  • The celebration included a parade, cultural programs, and the lighting of butter lamps in honor of L.D. Kazi.
  • The anniversary events included a documentary on Sikkim’s 50-year journey and the felicitation of state icons.

Source: IT

3. Maharashtra Signs MoU for Logistics and Industrial Parks

• What:
  • The Maharashtra government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blackstone Group’s subsidiaries, XSIIO Logistics Parks and Horizon Industrial Parks, to develop modern logistics and industrial parks across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will bring in Rs 5,127 crore FDI and is expected to generate about 27,510 direct and indirect jobs.
  • Over 10 industrial and logistics parks will be developed on 794.2 acres, with construction planned on 1.85 crore square feet of land.
  • The parks will be set up in key locations like Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Chakan, Sinnar, and Panvel, and will follow Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024.
  • The parks will feature green, digitally-enabled infrastructure focused on sustainable development and job creation.

Source: ET

International News

1. Moon’s Interior Unevenness Explained by NASA’s GRAIL Mission

• What:
  • NASA’s GRAIL mission revealed that the moon’s interior is uneven, with the nearside being warmer and more flexible than the farside.
• Why:
  • To understand the moon’s surface differences and internal structure that explain its geological activity and history.
• Tell me more:
  • GRAIL used twin spacecraft to map the moon’s gravitational field in detail, showing the nearside crust is thinner than the farside.
  • The nearside’s warmth is due to concentrated radioactive elements like thorium and titanium in its mantle.
  • Volcanic activity was stronger on the nearside, forming the dark basaltic plains called “mare.”
  • The crustal difference allowed magma to reach the surface more easily on the nearside, creating smooth plains compared to the rugged farside.
  • The study was led by Ryan Park at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and published in Nature.

Source: TOI

2. US Proposes 5% Tax on Foreign Remittances

• What:
  • The Trump administration has proposed a 5% tax on all remittances sent abroad, which may slightly affect India’s remittance inflow and the Indian diaspora.
• Why:
  • The tax aims to generate revenue, but its full impact will depend on the tax details, especially if it can be offset against US tax liability.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Rupee may weaken by Rs 1–1.5 per US dollar if the remittance shock is fully realised.
  • India’s remittance inflow from the US could reduce by $1.75 billion, as the US accounts for 28% of India’s remittances.
  • The US has 4.5 million overseas Indians, including 3.2 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
  • The proposed tax could affect lawful immigrants more, as exemptions seem limited to US citizens remitting through qualified providers.

Source: ET

3. US Lifts All Sanctions on Syria During Trump Visit

• What:
  • US President Donald Trump announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria during his visit to Saudi Arabia, signaling a major shift in US policy.
• Why:
  • The move is intended to give Syria a chance to rebuild, attract investment, and support recovery after years of conflict and economic hardship.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made at an investment forum in Riyadh, with Trump expressing support for Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
  • US sanctions on Syria date back to 1979 and were expanded in 2004 and after the 2011 civil war, severely impacting Syria’s economy.
  • The decision follows consultations with Saudi and Turkish leaders and is expected to boost reconstruction, ease economic restrictions, and make it easier for humanitarian work.
  • The United Nations welcomed the move, and Syria’s Foreign Minister called it a “new start” for relations with the US.

Source: LM

Banking and Economy

1. RBI to Issue Rs 20 Notes with New Governor’s Signature

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India will soon issue Rs 20 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series with the signature of the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• Tell me more:
  • The new Rs 20 notes will keep the existing design and features, except for the new governor’s signature.
  • All previously issued Rs 20 notes will continue to be legal tender.
  • Sanjay Malhotra became RBI Governor from December 11, 2024, for a three-year term.
  • Every RBI-issued banknote is legal tender unless withdrawn, as per Section 26 of the RBI Act, 1934.

Source: ET

2. India’s Outward FDI Commitments Nearly Double in April 2025

• What:
  • India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments almost doubled to $6.8 billion in April 2025 compared to the same month last year.
• Why:
  • The rise in FDI commitments reflects increased confidence and activity by Indian companies in expanding their global presence.
• Tell me more:
  • Outbound FDI includes equity, loans, and guarantees as financial commitments.
  • Equity commitments rose to $2.72 billion in April, up from $740 million in April 2024.
  • Loan commitments increased to $1.16 billion in April 2025, higher than the $687.33 million in April 2024.
  • Guarantees for overseas units moved up to $2.98 billion in April 2025, compared to $2.16 billion a year ago.
  • RBI data shows outbound FDI rose sequentially from $5.9 billion in March 2025.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. DRDO Develops Indigenous Membrane for Seawater Desalination

• What:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure seawater desalination to be used in Indian Coast Guard ships.
• Why:
  • The innovation aims to provide a reliable solution for seawater desalination on ships and can benefit coastal areas with further modifications.
• Tell me more:
  • The membrane was developed by DRDO’s Kanpur-based laboratory DMSRDE.

Source: NOA

2. Exercise Raahat: Army and NDRF Hold Disaster Relief Drill

• What:
  • Indian Army engineers under Spear Corps and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) conducted a joint disaster relief exercise called ‘Exercise Raahat’ at Rangapahar Military Station in Nagaland.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to improve readiness and efficiency in disaster relief operations, especially before the monsoon season.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise lasted three days, with planning sessions, scenario discussions, and demonstrations of rescue and medical operations.
  • Both Army and NDRF showcased advanced equipment and shared lessons from past experiences.
  • Exercise Raahat focused on integrating new technologies for disaster response.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 Mission Enters Design Phase

• What:
  • Indian and Japanese space agencies are starting the preliminary design phase for Chandrayaan-5, a joint lunar mission focused on exploring water on the Moon.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to study water and water-ice on the lunar surface and subsurface for deeper scientific understanding.
• Tell me more:
  • Chandrayaan-5, also called LUPEX, is a joint project between ISRO and JAXA, with a planned launch on a Japanese H3 rocket in 2027–28.
  • The mission includes a 6.5-tonne spacecraft, a lander by ISRO, and a 350-kg rover by JAXA, designed to travel and climb hills on the Moon.
  • Seven scientific instruments will be onboard, with contributions from ESA and NASA, to measure water content and perform in-situ experiments.

Source: IE

Awards

1. Miss Estonia Wins Gold at Miss World Sports Challenge

• Miss Estonia Eliise Randmaa won gold in the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, becoming the first from her country to advance to the next round since 1999.
• Miss World Martinique, Aurélie Joachim, won silver, and Miss World Canada, Emma Morrison, took bronze.

Source: TH

2. Jnanpith Award 2023 Conferred on Jagadguru Rambhadracharya

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in New Delhi; he and Urdu poet Gulzar were selected for the award for 2023.
• Tell me more:
  • The Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust has been awarding literary figures in various Indian languages since 1965.
  • The Jnanpith Award is a prestigious literary honour in India.
  • The 58th award was given for the year 2023.

Source: NOA

3. Dr Sukhpal Kaur Named Finalist for Global Nursing Award

• What:
  • Dr Sukhpal Kaur, principal of the National Institute of Nursing Education at PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been selected as one of the 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights her significant contributions to healthcare and showcases the vital role of nurses in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr Sukhpal Kaur has over 34 years of service, shaping nurse leaders and advancing nurse-led research in India.
  • She has led nationally funded research for vulnerable groups and developed innovations like trilingual educational resources, indigenous cryotherapy, home-care models, and mobile apps.
  • The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 received over 100,000 registrations from 199 countries, with the winner to be announced in Dubai on May 26, 2025.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day – May 17

• Theme: Gender equality in digital transformation

Source: ITU

Sports

1. Praggnanandhaa Wins Superbet Classic in Budapest

• What:
  • Chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won his first-ever Grand Chess Tour tournament by becoming champion of the Superbet Classic in Budapest.
• Tell me more:
  • Praggnanandhaa tied for first place with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, all scoring 5.5 points, leading to a tiebreaker.
  • Praggnanandhaa thanked his second GM Vaibhav Suri and his trainer GM RB Ramesh for their support.

Source: ET

2. Rohit Sharma Honored with Stand at Wankhede Stadium

• What:
  • Rohit Sharma became the first recipient of a ticket to the newly named Rohit Sharma Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, unveiled in a ceremony organized by the Mumbai Cricket Association.
• Tell me more:
  • Stands were also named after former India captain Ajit Wadekar and ex-BCCI president Sharad Pawar.
  • Rohit Sharma has retired from T20Is and Test cricket but continues to play in one format and expressed his wish to play an ODI at Wankhede.

Source: TOI

3. Pankaj Advani Wins CCI Billiards Classic 2025

• What:
  • Pankaj Advani won the CCI Billiards Classic 2025 by defeating Dhruv Sitwala in the final.
• Tell me more:
  • Advani prevailed over Sitwala in the final held at the Wilson Jones Billiards Hall of the Cricket Club of India.
  • Advani has now won both CCI’s snooker and billiards titles for three consecutive years.

Source: N18

4. ICC Announces Record Prize Money for WTC Final

• What:
  • The ICC has announced a record prize pool of USD 5.76 million for the 2023–25 World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.
• Why:
  • The increased prize money aims to reward teams for their exceptional performances and to highlight the competitiveness of the WTC cycle.
• Tell me more:
  • The WTC champions will receive USD 3.6 million, while the runners-up will get USD 2.16 million.
  • Team India finished third and was awarded USD 1.44 million for its consistent performance.
  • South Africa reached their first WTC final after strong wins against several teams, while Australia secured their spot with series victories over India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
  • The final will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, in London, England, from June 11.

Source: IT

Appointments

1. Anurag Bhushan Appointed India’s Ambassador to Sweden

• Shri Anurag Bhushan has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Source: MEA

2. HPE Appoints Bhawna Agarwal as India Managing Director

• Bhawna Agarwal has been appointed as the new senior vice president and managing director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in India.
• HPE’s India business is its second-largest employee base worldwide.

Source: ET

3. Former CJI D Y Chandrachud Joins NLU Delhi as Professor

• What:
  • Former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has been named a distinguished professor at National Law University (NLU), Delhi.
• Tell me more:
  • NLU Delhi will set up a Centre for Constitutional Studies led by Justice Chandrachud.
  • A lecture series titled “In the Spirit of Justice: The DYC Distinguished Lecture Series” will start in July 2025, focusing on major judgments authored by Justice Chandrachud.
  • Justice Chandrachud retired as the 50th Chief Justice of India in November 2024 after serving two years.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Former Uruguayan President José Mujica, known as “Pepe” Passed Away

• The ex-guerrilla who governed Uruguay from 2010 to 2015 was known as the world’s “poorest president” because of his modest lifestyle.

Source: BBC

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