21st May 2025

1. Next-Gen QR Codes to Replace Traditional Barcodes by 2027: GS1
2. Centre Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Cases
3. India Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention with Major Legal Metrology Reforms
4. Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State
5. China and Cambodia Launch “Golden Dragon-2025” to Boost Military Ties
6. Govt Tightens Precious Metals Import Rules to Prevent Misuse of India-UAE CEPA
7. IFFCO and FDRVC Signed MoU to Boost Sustainable Agricultural Inputs for FPOs across India
8. Colombia Joins China’s BRI to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
9. World’s First Commercial-scale E-methanol Plant Opened in Denmark
10. RBI Grants In-Principle Approvals to ZikZuk & Emirates NBD
11. SBI Card partners with Apollo HealthCo for premium credit card ‘Apollo SBI Card SELECT’
12. India’s Reliance Power & Bhutan’s DHI Partner to Develop 500 MW Solar Project in Bhutan
13. Sansad Ratna Awards 2025: 17 MPs & 2 Parliamentary Committees Honoured; Maharashtra Leads with 7 MPs
14. Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Rank in TA
15. LIC Appoints Dinesh Pant, Ratnakar Patnaik as MDs
16. Manoj Kumar Jhaweer Appointed CMD of PTC India
17. Italian Open Tennis 2025: Carlos Alcaraz won Men’s Singles & Jasmine Paolini won Women’s Singles
18. Puja Pujara writes a memoir titled “The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife”
19. World Bee Day 2025 – May 20
20. World Metrology Day 2025 – May 20
21. World Fair Play Day
22. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Launches 2 Programmes: WAP and GYIP
23. Assam CM Introduced AI-powered News Anchor ‘Ankita’ to share Cabinet Meeting decisions
24. Gujarat Govt Launched i-PRAGATI and ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ Portals to Enhance Police Services
25. Maharashtra Approves Policy to Promote Artificial Sand in Construction

National News

1. India Authorized to Issue OIML Certificates, Launches Metrology Initiatives

• What:
  • On World Metrology Day 2025 (May 20), India became the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) certificates and announced several new legal metrology initiatives.
  • Theme of the day: Measurements for all times, for all people
• Why:
  • These steps aim to boost global trust in Indian measurement systems, support economic growth, and protect consumers.
• Tell me more:
  • The “One Nation, One Time” initiative under Draft IST Rules, 2025, will provide Indian Standard Time with millisecond accuracy using five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories.
  • The government proposed mandatory use of 1 mg precision balances for accurate weighing in the gold and jewellery sector.
  • The eMaap portal was launched to digitize Legal Metrology processes in 18 States, offering digital licensing and registration.
  • New Legal Metrology Rules for Speed Guns and Gas Meters have been notified, with rules for Breath Analysers and Moisture Meters coming soon.
  • Amendments to Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules will be implemented on January 1 or July 1, with a 180-day transition period.
  • Poster themed “Measurements for all times, for all people” was released to mark the occasion.

Source: PIB WMD

State News

1. Mizoram Achieves Full Literacy Status in India

• What:
  • Mizoram has been declared a “full literacy” state after surpassing the 95% literacy rate threshold set by the Ministry of Education.
• Why:
  • Achieving full literacy aims to promote educational progress and support economic development in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Mizoram’s literacy rate reached 98.20% as per the PFLS survey for 2023-24.
  • The state was previously ranked third most literate in India with a 91.33% literacy rate in the 2011 Census.
  • Andhra Pradesh and Bihar recorded the lowest literacy rates in India at 72.6% and 74.3% respectively, according to the PLFS 2023-24 survey.
  • India’s overall literacy rate for people aged 7 and above is 80.9% for 2023-24.

Top 10 states/UTs with the highest literacy rates in 2024

Bottom 10 states/UTs with the lowest literacy rates in 2024

Source: IE

2. Tripura Launches Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

• What:
  • Tripura government announced the launch of the central government’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in the state from May 29.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to increase agricultural production, enhance farmers’ income sources, and reduce costs in agriculture.
• Tell me more:
  • Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign covering 723 districts and will run from May 29 to June 12.
  • Awareness will be raised in villages and gram panchayats about all state and centrally sponsored schemes for farmers.
  • Each state will have a state coordinator and district coordinators for the campaign.
  • ICAR and KVK scientists will be involved in the campaign activities.

Source: IE

3. Women Acceleration Program Launched for Telangana MSMEs

• What:
  • The Women Acceleration Program was launched in Hyderabad to support around 140 women-led MSMEs across Telangana, with backing from the Ministry of MSME and the World Bank.
• Why:
  • The program aims to strengthen women entrepreneurs so they can scale their businesses, become more competitive, and achieve economic independence and leadership.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative is a flagship under the national RAMP scheme and focuses on capacity building, mentorship, financial support, and market access for women entrepreneurs.
  • Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the program and highlighted the government’s goal to empower one crore women to become millionaires.
  • The Grassroot Youth Innovation Program (GYIP) by WE Hub was also launched to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among rural youth, aiming to reach over 6,000 students.
  • The GYIP will sensitize 4,000 students, onboard 1,500 onto the iLEAP program, and 500 onto the Campuspreneur program, focusing on skills and hands-on experience.

Source: TH

4. Assam Launches AI Anchor Ankita for Digital Governance

• What:
  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced an AI anchor named Ankita to deliver updates on government decisions and promote digital transformation and citizen engagement.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to modernise government communication and make policy announcements more interactive and accessible, especially for the digital generation.
• Tell me more:
  • Ankita presented key updates from the Assam Cabinet meeting, including the renaming of Dibrugarh Airport after Bhupen Hazarika and a one-time grant for tea garden workers.
  • The AI anchor delivers news in fluent Assamese with realistic voice modulation and facial expressions.

Source: ET

5. Gujarat Launches iPRAGATI and Cyber Crime Refund Portals

• What:
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the iPRAGATI portal, Cyber Crime Refund portal ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’, and an application to reactivate bank accounts frozen due to financial cybercrime complaints.
• Why:
  • The portals aim to improve citizen-centric services, build public trust in government offices, and use technology to make police services more accessible.
• Tell me more:
  • Citizens can now access online services, reducing the need to visit police stations in person.
  • The eGujCop system now sends system-generated SMS to complainants at key investigation stages like FIR registration, panchnama, arrest, and chargesheet filing.
  • The iPRAGATI system was tested for a year as a pilot project and is now rolled out statewide.
  • The ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ portal allows online registration and real-time tracking for fast refunds of money lost in cybercrimes, without the need for an FIR.

Source: TOI

International News

1. China and Cambodia Begin Largest Golden Dragon Military Drill

• What:
  • China and Cambodia have started the seventh “Golden Dragon” joint military exercise from May 14 to 28, 2025, featuring the largest participation and most advanced technology so far.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, improve joint counterterrorism and humanitarian relief capabilities, and deepen strategic ties between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • Activities will take place at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre and around Preah Sihanouk province near the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Centre at Port Ream.
  • The exercises will use robotic platforms for reconnaissance, carrying weapons, and medical or explosive disposal tasks.
  • The Golden Dragon exercise began in 2016 to enhance bilateral ties, strategic collaboration, and combat preparedness.

Source: SCMP

2. Colombia Joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative to Boost Ties

• What:
  • Colombia formally agreed on May 14, 2025, to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), expanding China’s infrastructure network in Latin America.
• Why:
  • The move aims to enhance investment, technological cooperation, and sustainable development between Colombia and China while strengthening China’s influence in Latin America amid US-China rivalry.
• Tell me more:
  • Latin America is a key area of competition between the US and China, with China being the largest trading partner for several countries there.
  • Two-thirds of Latin American countries have already joined the BRI.
  • China pledged $9.2 billion in credit for development during the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing.
  • The BRI supports infrastructure, clean energy, counterterrorism, and transnational crime cooperation.
  • Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro highlighted this as a historic step for equal and free foreign relations.

Source: TH

Banking and Economy

1. GS1 to Replace Barcodes with Next-Gen QR Codes by 2027

• What:
  • GS1, the global standards organisation for barcodes, will replace current barcodes with next-generation QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix formats worldwide by 2027.
• Why:
  • The new system aims to improve product traceability, supply chain transparency, and provide detailed product information through a single scan.
• Tell me more:
  • The transition was announced at GS1’s General Assembly in Mumbai.
  • The new barcodes will allow access to expiry dates, sourcing data, and recall notices.
  • GS1 operates in 118 countries, supports over 2 million businesses, and its barcodes are scanned more than 10 billion times daily.
  • In India, GS1 standards are used in programmes like FASTag, Ayushman Bharat, and ROHINI.
  • The new barcodes will be compatible with smartphone cameras and support integration with technologies like AI and blockchain.

Source: BS

2. India Imposes New Restrictions on Gold, Silver Imports from UAE

• What:
  • India has imposed restrictions on importing gold and silver from the UAE in unwrought, semi-manufactured, and powdered forms, allowing imports only through nominated agencies, qualified jewellers, and valid TRQ holders under the India-UAE CEPA.
• Why:
  • The move aims to prevent misuse of import rules, close loopholes, and ensure customs duties and import regulations are properly followed.
• Tell me more:
  • India had agreed to import up to 200 metric tonnes of gold annually from the UAE with a 1% tariff concession under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) system in the CEPA agreement.
  • The restrictions follow the Budget 2025 announcement to introduce new HS codes for gold dore, silver dore, and high-purity platinum.
  • Some importers were reportedly labelling nearly pure gold as platinum alloy to benefit from lower duties, prompting the change.
  • A new HS code was introduced for platinum containing 99% or more pure platinum; only these imports now qualify for duty concessions.

Source: TOI

3. RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

• What:
  • RBI has given “in-principle” approval to Emirates NBD Bank PJSC to set up a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in India by converting its existing branches.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Emirates NBD Bank PJSC to operate as a WOS in India under the “Scheme for Setting up of WOS by foreign banks in India”.
• Tell me more:
  • Emirates NBD Bank PJSC currently operates branches in Chennai, Gurugram, and Mumbai.
  • The conversion of these branches into a WOS is subject to the bank fulfilling conditions set by RBI.
  • RBI will grant a final licence for banking business in WOS mode under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 after all conditions are met.
  • The scheme aims to regulate foreign banks’ presence in India through the WOS model.

Source: TH

4. Reliance Power Signs PPA for 500 MW Solar Project in Bhutan

• What:
  • Reliance Power Ltd has signed a commercial term sheet for a long-term power purchase agreement with Green Digital Private Limited, a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited, for a 500 MW solar project in Bhutan.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to develop a large solar project to boost Bhutan’s renewable energy capacity.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will be developed under a 50:50 joint venture between Reliance Power and Druk Holding and Investments Limited.
  • The proposed capital outlay for the project is up to ₹2,000 crore.
  • The project will be developed on a Build-Own-Operate basis and is the largest private sector FDI in Bhutan’s solar sector.
  • The project is expected to be completed in 24 months and Reliance Power has started the process for inviting EPC bids and discussions with financial institutions for long-term financing.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Sansad Ratna Awards 2025

• What:
  • Seven Members of Parliament from Maharashtra are among the top 17 MPs nominated for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2025, which recognise outstanding parliamentary performance.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to honour MPs and parliamentary committees for their exceptional and consistent contribution to parliamentary democracy.
• Tell me more:
  • Since 2010, 125 Sansad Ratna Awards have been given over 14 editions.
  • The Jury Committee is chaired by Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes.
  • Special awardees for sustained excellence include Supriya Sule, Shrirang Barne, Bhartruhari Mahtab, and N K Premachandran.
  • The Standing Committee on Finance (chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab) and the Standing Committee on Agriculture (chaired by Dr Charanjit Singh Channi) were also awarded.

Source: IE

Sports

1. Jasmine Paolini Wins Italian Open Women’s Singles Title

• Jasmine Paolini (Italian) became the first home women’s singles champion in 40 years at the Italian Open by defeating Coco Gauff in the final.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IFFCO, FDRVC Join Hands to Support FPOs

• What:
  • IFFCO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC) to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to improve access to innovative and sustainable agricultural inputs for FPOs, boost yields, and support climate-resilient farming.
• Tell me more:
  • IFFCO will provide advanced Nano Fertilisers, Bio-stimulants, Specialty Fertilisers, Bio-fertilisers, and Bio-decomposers to FPOs linked with FDRVC.
  • FDRVC will ensure efficient distribution, farmer education, and promotion of these products through its network.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Government Appoints Two New LIC Managing Directors

• The government has decided to appoint Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as Managing Directors of Life Insurance Corporation of India from June 1, 2025.

Source: HBL

2. Manoj Kumar Jhawar Appointed CMD of PTC India

• Manoj Kumar Jhawar has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of PTC India.
• PTC India is a power trading solutions provider.

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Puja Pujara Writes a Memoir Titled “The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife”

• Puja Pujara, wife of Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, shares her personal journey through the emotional highs and lows of professional cricket in this book.

Source: TH

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