In Monthly Current Affairs for May 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Monthly Current Affairs May 2025
First National Mediation Conference
- President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the first National Mediation Conference in New Delhi. Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal will also address the conference.
- The event is being organised by Office of the Attorney General of India in association with the Ministry of Law and Justice.
- Attorney General R Venkataramani said that the conference will bring together a large number of mediation and arbitration institutions so that they can discuss and share best practices with regard to the mediation process.
- Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice Ajay Arora said that the purpose behind organising this event is to motivate the litigants to follow the mediation process for resolving the cases to bring down the pendency of cases in the courts.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023
- Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated and presented the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 to badminton champions Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in New Delhi.
- Lauding the efforts of players, Dr Mandaviya said that this award is a testament to dedication and exceptional performances on the court. He added that both players have brought honour to the country by winning medals in international competitions through extraordinary skills and sheer hard work.
- The ace badminton pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, who reached the No. 1 rank in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings in 2023 and clinched the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou, were shortlisted for the Khel Ratna award in 2023.
India Angola
- India Has Announced A Defence Credit Line Of 200 Million Dollars (In Indian Rupees) To Support The Modernisation Of Angola’s Armed Forces. The Announcement Came Following Delegation-level Talks Between Prime Minister Narendra Modi And The President Of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, In New Delhi.
- Mr Ravi Added That India And Angola Also Exchanged Several Agreements In Diverse Fields, Including Agriculture, Traditional Medicine, And Culture. Minister Of State For External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh Said That India-angola Bilateral Relations Are Underpinned By A Vibrant Energy Partnership With Bilateral Trade Reaching 4.2 Billion Dollars In 2023-24.
- The Mos Said Angola Has Strengthened Its Presence On The Global Stage With The Diversification Of Its Economy, Modernisation Of Infrastructure, And Improving Ease Of Doing Business.
- He Highlighted That Angola Is Now The 123rd Member Of The International Solar Alliance And India Has Approved A Line Of Credit Of 200 Million Dollars For Further Strengthening Defence And Security Cooperation.
First WAVES 2025 Summit Concludes
- India’s first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 concluded today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. WAVES Bazaar saw business deals worth over one thousand three hundred crore rupees with creators and filmmakers from across the country.
- During the summit, the WAVES declaration was adopted by representatives of 77 countries at the Global Media Dialogue. Seven Global firms, including Google, Meta and Microsoft today signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Creative Technology during WAVES Summit in Mumbai.
- The IICT will be set up in Mumbai with a funding of 400 crore rupees. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaishnaw said, in the coming days the IICT will set the same template as IIT and IIM.
- Earlier, the Minister had said that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology is set to become a national hub for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr L Murugan and Information and Broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju were also present on the occasion.
1st Country To Develop Genome-edited Rice Varieties
- India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the first two genome-edited rice varieties developed by ICAR institutions.
- Addressing the event in New Delhi, the Minister congratulated agriculture scientists who were involved in this project and said that the country has faith in the capability of the country’s agricultural scientists.
- He said that this research will prove to be a milestone in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolution of Viksit Bharat. Mr Chouhan said that to fulfil the nutritional demands of the increasing population, the country needs to increase its production. He added that these two varieties are not only beneficial to farmers but also to the public.
- These varieties have been developed for Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
- The first rice variety named DRR Dhan 100 Kamala has been derived from Samba Mahsuri, which matures 15 to 20 days earlier and yields 25 per cent more production.
- The second variety, named Pusa DST Rice 1, is salinity and alkalinity tolerant and yields 30 per cent higher production under saline conditions. Cultivation of these varieties in about 5 million hectares of the recommended area will produce 4.5 million tons of additional paddy.
- Agriculture Minister termed the launch of these varieties as historic and said that these two varieties will reduce the cost of production and increase the yield. He said that these will be more effective in fulfilling the nutritional demands of the increasing population of the country.
- ICAR said that these varieties mark a major step in climate-resilient and high-yield agriculture. It added that these varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second green revolution in the country.
Lakkundi Group Of Monuments
- Ancient group of temples and monuments in Lakkundi and surrounding areas in Karnataka, built during the Kalyana Chalukya period (10th–12th century CE), are being finalised for inclusion in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The State government has partnered with INTACH to prepare and refine the proposal, aiming to secure international recognition for these architectural marvels.
- The Karnataka government, with assistance from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), is in the final stages of submitting a proposal to list the Lakkundi group of monuments and associated temples from the Western Chalukyan period on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The monuments fulfil key UNESCO criteria for architectural and cultural significance.
- Located in Gadag district, Karnataka. Temples built between 10th–12th centuries CE during the Kalyana Chalukya (Western Chalukya) reign.
- UNESCO Tentative Listing Criteria Met
- Cultural Exchange: Illustrates architectural interchange between Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija styles forming the Vesara style.
- Historical Significance: Represents a significant stage in temple architecture and technological advancement through features like stepwells.
- Lakkundi Monuments: Kasi Visvesvara, Manikesvara, Nanneswara, Brahma Jinalaya (1007 CE), Musukina Bavi.
- Surrounding Temples
- Doddabasappa temple, Japada Bavi (Dambal)
- Trikuteshwara temple (Gadag)
- Mahadeva temple (Itagi)
- Sri Mallikarjuna temple (Kuruvatti)
- Someshwara temple (Lakshmeshwara)
- Tarakeshwara temple (Hangal)
- Architectural Importance : Showcases Vesara hybrid style.
- Stepwells integral to temple complexes, some larger than the temples themselves.
- Process & Future Steps
- Proposal being reviewed by experts from INTACH and Department of Archaeology.
- Upon acceptance to tentative list, a full nomination dossier will be submitted after 1 year.
- Other Karnataka sites on tentative list: Badami, Aihole, Srirangapatana, Hire Benkal, and Deccan Sultanate Monuments.
Anarghya Panchawatkar
- Anarghya Abhishek Panchawatkar of Gurugram has clinched the gold medal at the 11th Budokan International Karate Championship held in Dubai. Representing India under the banner of the Sports Shitokai Karate Federation, Anarghya delivered a stellar performance in the kumite category, securing the top podium position.
- The tournament saw participation from over 900 athletes representing 17 countries, competing across various age groups. Anarghya’s success did not stop at kumite, as he also earned a bronze medal in kata, underscoring his well-rounded expertise and command over both forms of karate.
Digital Access As A Fundamental Right In India
- The Supreme Court of India recognised digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. This landmark judgement mandates that the state must provide an inclusive digital ecosystem.
- The Supreme Court ruled that digital access is integral to the right to life and liberty. The judgement arose from petitions by acid attack survivors and visually impaired individuals. They faced barriers in completing digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The court identified these barriers as hindrances to accessing essential services and welfare schemes.
- The court emphasised the need for an inclusive digital ecosystem. It stated that access to services such as healthcare, education, and governance is increasingly digital. Therefore, the state must ensure that all citizens, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can participate equally in these digital platforms. The government is constitutionally obligated to build an inclusive digital ecosystem, ensuring access for:
- The marginalised and underprivileged
- Persons with disabilities (PwDs)
- Vulnerable groups
- Historically-excluded communities
- Changes to KYC Processes
- The court directed the government to reform KYC processes to accommodate individuals with disabilities. It mandated that KYC procedures should no longer require visual tasks that are impossible for certain individuals. This includes allowing alternative methods for identity verification, such as video-based KYC processes.
- The ruling reinforced the state’s obligation under various articles of the Constitution.
- Article 21 – Right to life with dignity
- Article 14 – Right to equality
- Article 15 – Protection against discrimination
- Article 38 – State’s duty to promote welfare and reduce inequality
- Recommendations for Government Action
- The Supreme Court issued twenty directives to the government. These directives aim to enhance KYC processes and digital accessibility. The court instructed regulatory authorities to adhere to accessibility standards and ensure that all digital platforms are designed to be inclusive.
Cheetah Corridor Project
- A Cheetah Corridor is being set up as part of India’s wildlife conservation efforts. The initiative is designed to facilitate the movement of cheetahs across regions, thereby expanding their natural habitat.
- The Cheetah Corridor will cover 17,000 square kilometres. It will stretch across 27 districts in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. This planned corridor includes 13 districts in Rajasthan, 2 in Uttar Pradesh, and 12 in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to create a continuous path for cheetahs to move freely.
- It will interlink several protected areas, including Shahabad Conservation Reserve, Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukundra Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhav National Park and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The primary goal of the corridor is to improve genetic diversity among cheetah populations.
- By connecting isolated wildlife reserves, the project aims to reduce habitat fragmentation. This will enable cheetahs to roam freely, find mates, and thrive in their natural environment. Cheetah is a conservation effort launched by the Indian government to bring cheetahs back to the country’s wild landscapes after their extinction in 1952.
- The initiative involves relocating cheetahs from Africa and introducing them into well-suited habitats in India, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The primary objectives of Project Cheetah are to restore ecological balance, support biodiversity, and boost both conservation initiatives and wildlife tourism in the country.
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) endorse the project. Their assessments indicate that the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape is ideal for cheetah habitation. This scientific backing reinforces the project’s credibility.
Sahajog Initiative
- Odisha government has launched Sahajog, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing access to government welfare schemes for the urban poor. Officially inaugurated on May 1, 2025, it seeks to bridge the gap between urban poverty and available state assistance.
- The programme is designed to ensure last-mile delivery of services to eligible beneficiaries in urban communities. Sahajog aims to identify and connect eligible urban poor families with various welfare schemes. It focuses on increasing awareness and facilitating the delivery of essential services directly to the beneficiaries.
- The initiative is a response to the pressing needs of economically weaker sections in urban areas. The programme will operate in a campaign mode from May 1 to June 20, 2025. It will cover 44 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across eight districts, benefiting approximately 15 lakh residents.
- The districts selected include Khurda, Cuttack, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak. Sahajog will facilitate access to 14 key welfare schemes.
- These include the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), ration cards under the National Food Security Act, pipe water supply, Ayushman Cards, and the Subhadra Yojana. The initiative is structured to provide comprehensive support to the urban poor.
- Community volunteers and frontline workers will play important role in the execution of Sahajog. They will receive performance-based incentives to encourage active participation. This grassroots involvement is essential for reaching the most vulnerable populations effectively.
Committee To Appoint CBI Director
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Committee for the appointment of the CBI Director at the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
- During the meeting, the appointment of the next CBI Director was discussed. The meeting comes ahead of the end of the two-year term of incumbent CBI Director Praveen Sood on the 25th of this month. The appointment of the CBI Director is done by the Central Government on the recommendation of a three-member appointment committee, which is headed by the Prime Minister and comprises the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
World Bank Land Conference 2025
- India is poised to play a crucial role at the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, set to take place from May 5th to 8th at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), will present India’s transformative SVAMITVA Scheme, alongside the Gram Manchitra platform.
- These initiatives, which harness advanced geospatial technologies and drones, aim to revolutionize rural land governance and contribute to climate action and sustainable development.
- India’s leadership at this global forum underscores its commitment to digital land reforms and climate-responsive governance. 2025 World Bank Land Conference is drawing attention for its focus on securing land tenure and fostering climate action through effective land governance. As a part of this, India’s SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform are gaining global recognition for their innovative approach to land mapping and rural empowerment.
- Aim of India’s Participation at the World Bank Land Conference 2025
- To showcase the success and potential of the SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform as models of digital land governance.
- To highlight India’s efforts in empowering rural populations, particularly women, through secure land tenure and digital mapping technologies.
- To contribute to global discussions on scaling land governance reforms and integrating geospatial technologies for climate action.
- SVAMITVA Scheme Overview : To provide legal ownership of rural properties through drone mapping and high-resolution geospatial data. Impact Over 24.4 million households across 1.6 lakh villages have received property cards, unlocking a land value of approximately $1.162 trillion. SVAMITVA exemplifies inclusive, tech-driven governance by improving land rights, tax administration, and infrastructure planning.
- Gram Manchitra Platform : A tool that utilizes SVAMITVA’s geospatial data to support village-level planning, including land use, disaster preparedness, and solar energy site selection. It serves as a catalyst for rural development by ensuring that local governance is informed by accurate, up-to-date geospatial information.
- India’s participation at the World Bank conference emphasizes its growing role in global land governance discussions.
- The country is committed to promoting South-South cooperation, where developing nations can share knowledge and best practices for land administration and sustainable development.
Padma Shri K.V. Rabia
- Won Padma Shri K.V. Rabia, An Inspirational Literacy Activist From Kerala, Passed Away At The Age Of 59 While Undergoing Treatment. Despite Battling Severe Health Conditions Such As Polio, Cancer, And Spinal Injury, Rabia Dedicated Her Life To Social Service And Women’s Education.
- Her Commitment To Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Literacy Earned Her Several Accolades, Including The Prestigious Padma Shri In 2022.
- Padma Shri (2022) – For Contributions To Social Service.
- National Youth Award (1993).
- Kannaki Stree Shakti Puraskar (1999).
- Seethi Sahib Memorial Award (2010).
- Vanitha Ratnam Award (2014) – State Recognition.
Global Space Exploration Summit (GLEX) 2025
- GLEX 2025’s theme is “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” emphasising innovation, inclusivity, and international cooperation in space science.
- GLEX 2025 is jointly organised by:
- International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – the world’s leading space advocacy body.
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – as the primary host.
- Astronautical Society of India (ASI) – as the co-host.
- The conference represents a milestone in India’s expanding global space leadership, highlighting its transition from a regional space power to a key international player. Founded in 1951, the IAF has over 500 members from 78 countries, including major space agencies, private firms, research institutes, and universities.
- Its motto “Connecting @ll Space People” and vision “A space-faring world cooperating for the benefit of humanity” guide its efforts to promote global space cooperation.
- The GLEX series, organised by IAF, serves as a platform to share programmatic, technical, and policy insights and facilitate collaborative space missions across nations.
Govt Extends Tenure Of CBI Director For One Year
- Government has extended the tenure of CBI Director Praveen Sood for one year beyond 24th of this month. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of Praveen Sood for a period of one year. Mr Sood is an IPS officer of Karnataka Cadre and was to retire on 25th of this month.
‘Depot Darpan’ Portal
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs will launch the “Depot Darpan” portal and mobile app enable real-time monitoring of food storage depots, aiming to improve quality, safety, and transparency in warehousing. Depot Darpan will use geo-tagged data, automated ratings, and supervisory validation to assess infrastructure and operational efficiency, with each depot receiving a star rating based on performance.
- The platform integrates smart technologies such as CCTV, IoT sensors (for CO₂, humidity, fire hazards, etc.), and AI tools like ANPR, FRS, and automated bag counting to enhance security and operational control. Around 2,278 warehouses—managed by FCI, CWC, and other agencies—will be covered under the initiative, empowering officials with mobile-based monitoring and automated performance insights.
10 Years Of Jan Suraksha Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) : PMJJBY provides life insurance cover for death due to any cause, offering a sum of Rs. 2 lakh to the beneficiary’s family in the event of the policyholder’s death.
- Eligibility: Available for individual bank/Post office account holders aged 18-50 years.
- Premium: The premium is Rs. 436 per annum, or about Rs. 1.19 per day, to be deducted through auto-debit from the policyholder’s bank or post office account.
- Achievements
- As of April 23, 2025, the scheme has recorded 23.63 crore enrollments, with a total of Rs. 18,397.92 crore paid out for 9,19,896 claims.
- 10.66 crore women have enrolled in PMJJBY, and 7.08 crore enrollments were from PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account holders.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) : PMSBY aims to provide accidental death and disability cover. In case of accidental death or permanent disability, the scheme provides a sum of Rs. 2 lakh for death and Rs. 1 lakh for partial disability.
- Eligibility: All bank/Post office account holders aged 18-70 years.
- Premium: The premium for the scheme is extremely low — only Rs. 20 per annum or less than Rs. 2 per month. It is deducted via auto-debit.
- Achievements
- As of April 23, 2025, the scheme has enrolled 51.06 crore individuals, with Rs. 3,121.02 crore paid for 1,57,155 claims.
- 23.87 crore women and 17.12 crore PMJDY account holders are enrolled under this scheme.
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY) : APY aims to provide a pension to individuals, especially from the unorganised sector, who do not have access to formal pension schemes. Upon reaching 60 years of age, subscribers receive a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, depending on the contributions made during their working years.
- Eligibility: Open to bank account holders aged 18-40 years, non-tax payers, and without a formal pension plan.
- Premium and Contribution: The contributions vary based on the pension amount chosen (Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000). The scheme is designed to offer flexibility in contributions, with options to pay on a monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly basis.
- Achievements
- By April 23, 2025, more than 7.66 crore individuals have enrolled in APY.
- Around 47% of these subscribers are women, demonstrating significant female participation.
Uttar Pradesh Partners With World Bank
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the presence of World Bank President Ajay Banga, launched two transformative initiatives — UP AGREES and AI Pragya — aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and promoting digital skill development across the state. These World Bank-supported schemes target the twin goals of enhancing rural productivity and preparing the youth for a digital future, contributing to UP’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
- UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Accelerated Growth through Resilient, Equitable and Sustainable Agriculture)
- Focus: Agricultural innovation in 28 districts across Bundelkhand and Purvanchal
- Goals : Promote technology-driven farming, Improve agricultural productivity, Empower farmers with climate-resilient practices
- AI Pragya : Train 10 lakh youth in AI and digital technologies
- Focus Areas: Government services, education, healthcare, and agriculture
- Goal: Build a robust AI talent base across UP
- Implementation Regions
- The projects will cover districts including,
- Basti, Maharajganj, Ballia, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Kushinagar, Siddharthnagar, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Banda, Chitrakoot, etc.
NALSA Executive Chairperson
- President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Supreme Court Judge, Justice Surya Kant, As The Chairman Of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- This appointment adheres to the convention of appointing the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court to the crucial position of NALSA Executive Chairman.
- The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. This organization plays a pivotal role in providing free legal services to the weaker sections of society and aims to organize Lok Adalats for the amicable settlement of disputes.
New SHAKTI Policy
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Revised SHAKTI Policy (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) on May 7, 2025. The revised framework simplifies the coal linkage process for thermal power producers, introduces flexibility in supply mechanisms, and aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the sector. SHAKTI Policy was launched in 2017 to introduce transparency in coal allocation.
- Originally, only Central/State sector plants were allocated coal through nomination. Amendments were made in 2019 and 2023, culminating in this latest 2025 revision.
- Government of India approved the Revised SHAKTI Policy to streamline coal allocation, enhance energy security, and boost private sector participation. With a simplified two-window system replacing the earlier eight-paragraph format, the move marks a paradigm shift towards transparency, efficiency, and greater autonomy in the coal supply chain.
- Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy (2025)
- Window-I: Coal Linkage at Notified Price
- Applicable to Central Sector TPPs (Thermal Power Projects) including Joint Ventures and subsidiaries.
- Coal linkage to be earmarked to State Governments or authorized agencies based on recommendations by the Ministry of Power.
- Utilization allowed in,
- State Gencos.
- IPPs selected via Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
- Existing IPPs with PPA under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
- Window-II: Coal Linkage at Premium Price
- Open to all domestic coal-based and imported coal-based power plants.
- Coal can be secured via auction for,
- Short-term (up to 12 months).
- Long-term (up to 25 years).
- No Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) required.
- Freedom to sell electricity in power markets.
Arunachal Pradesh Drills 1st Geothermal Production Well
- Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the first geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. This historic development marks a breakthrough in tapping high-altitude geothermal potential and promises to bring eco-friendly heating and agricultural processing technologies to the region.
- The geothermal drilling in Dirang is the first of its kind in Northeast India, establishing a major precedent for renewable energy use in remote and mountainous areas. The well, drilled after two years of scientific research, could soon make Dirang India’s first geothermal-powered city, revolutionizing clean energy access in high-altitude terrains.
- International Partners : Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo , Geotropy ehf (Iceland) , Guwahati Boring Service (GBS) , Background and Scientific Details
- Based on two years of geochemical and structural surveys in western Arunachal.
- Dirang was identified as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone with estimated reservoir temperature of 115°C.
- Geological features include quartzite overlying schist near the Main Central Thrust (MCT) — favorable for geothermal activity.
- Potential Applications
- Eco-friendly fruit, nut, and meat drying
- Space heating for high-altitude homes and institutions
- Controlled-atmosphere storage systems for agriculture
- Geothermal-powered city infrastructure in future
Fiscal Health Index 2025
- Fiscal Health Index 2025, released by NITI Aayog, show how well Indian states are managing their money. It checks how states earn income, spend on development and handle debt. The report helps us know which states are using their resources wisely. Know the names of top-10 best performing states in the Fiscal Health Index 2025.
- Odisha is the top state in the Fiscal Health Index 2025. It scored the highest due to its excellent debt management, smart spending and good revenue collection. Chhattisgarh ranks second, showing strong performance in balancing its income and expenses, with a good debt profile.
- Goa takes the third spot, mainly because of its high revenue collection. These states have managed their finances well, which helps them invest more in public services and development.
- Fiscal Health Index is a report by NITI Aayog that checks how well Indian states manage their finances. It studies 18 major states based on their income, spending, population and role in the economy. The FHI gives a fair comparison of states using common measures, helping them understand their performance and make better financial decisions for the future.
Bhutan Becomes To Integrate Crypto Payments In Tourism
- Royal Government of Bhutan has taken a major step toward digital innovation in tourism by launching a cryptocurrency-based payment system through a strategic partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank.
- This move makes Bhutan the first sovereign country to officially integrate crypto payments into its national tourism policy, offering global travellers a seamless, cashless experience while enhancing financial inclusion within the kingdom.
- This initiative is currently making headlines as it marks a historic first in sovereign adoption of crypto payments for public tourism services. By allowing international visitors to pay using over 100 cryptocurrencies, Bhutan is setting a global precedent in the blockchain and travel sectors while also enhancing accessibility for rural vendors.
- Enables Binance users to pay for,: Flight tickets, Hotel bookings, Visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Monument entry, Local shopping
- Payments accepted via QR codes (static & dynamic), eliminating the need for card terminals.
- Aim and Objectives
- Promote cashless travel for global tourists.
- Encourage financial inclusion, especially in rural Bhutan.
- Reduce foreign exchange friction and transaction costs.
- Position Bhutan as a technological leader in sustainable and smart tourism.
- Background and Static Facts
- Fiat currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).
- Crypto auto-conversion: All crypto payments convert instantly to BTN to ensure stable payouts.
- Bhutan is already known for its crypto mining industry, holding 12,062 BTC worth approximately $1.17 billion.
- Over 100 businesses, including rural ones, have integrated with Binance Pay.
- Significance of the Initiative
- Pioneers the use of cryptocurrencies in tourism at a national scale.
- Makes tourism in Bhutan more accessible, efficient, and tech-driven.
- Promotes Bhutan’s vision of innovation, inclusion, and economic diversification.
- Taps into the $3 trillion global crypto market.
- Binance CEO Richard Teng emphasized that the move sets a model for using technology to connect cultures.
- Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, called it a symbol of the country’s commitment to digital convenience and innovation.
Monthly Current Affairs May 2025 Question
- Who Appointed As Head Of Revamped National Security Advisory Board
A. Ashwini Vaishnaw
B. Alok Joshi
C. Ajit Doval
D. Rakesh Asthana
ANSWER: B - What Is Total Capital Cost Of 166.80 Km Greenfield Highway Project
A. ₹10,000 Crore
B. ₹15,000 Crore
C. ₹22,864 Crore
D. ₹30,000 Crore
ANSWER: C - What Cabinet Committee On Political Affairs Approved In Upcoming Census
A. Population reduction strategy
B. Language enumeration
C. Caste enumeration
D. Employment survey
ANSWER: C - Which country has Nvidia traditionally relied on for manufacturing
A. South Korea
B. Taiwan
C. Japan
D. China
ANSWER: B - Which Indian ruler’s sword was recently brought back to India from London
A. Shivaji Maharaj
B. Raghuji Bhosale I
C. Bajirao I
D. Mahadaji Shinde
ANSWER: B - How Much Maharashtra Government Pay To Acquire Raghuji Bhosale’s Sword
A. Rs 57.15 lakh
B. Rs 35 lakh
C. Rs 50 lakh
D. Rs 47.15 lakh
ANSWER: D - When was the International Solar Alliance (ISA) established
A. 30 January 2016
B. 30 November 2015
C. 5 May 2019
D. 15 August 2015
ANSWER: B - When is “World Portuguese Language Day” celebrated
A. March 10
B. May 5
C. June 15
D. October 12
ANSWER: B - What achievement did FC Goa recently secure
A. First place in ISL 2025
B. Entry to FIFA Club World Cup
C. Their second Super Cup title
D. Qualification for Europa League
ANSWER: C - Which country recently became 123rd member of the International Solar
Alliance
A. Nigeria
B. Angola
C. Kenya
D. Ethiopia
ANSWER: B - K.V. Rabia, who passed away in May 2025, was a notable figure in which field
A. Environmental conservation
B. Literacy movement
C. Space research
D. Political activism
ANSWER: B - What significant step was taken under the Namami Gange Mission
A. Construction of new dams
B. Release of dolphins into the Ganga
C. Reintroduction of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle
D. Ban on industrial fishing in Ganga
ANSWER: C - What Makes The Geothermal Drilling In Dirang Significant
A. It is India’s first geothermal drilling project.
B. It is the first such project in Northeast India.
C. It is Asia’s largest geothermal project.
D. It was completed within six months.
ANSWER: B - What potential milestone could Dirang achieve due to the geothermal drilling
A. First solar-powered city in India
B. Highest energy-producing city in the Northeast
C. First geothermal-powered city in India
D. First hydroelectric city in the Himalayan region
ANSWER: C - When did the Government of India begin rolling out chip-based e-passports
A. January 26, 2024
B. March 31, 2024
C. April 1, 2024
D. May 1, 2024
ANSWER: C - What is a major benefit of the chip-based e-passports
A. Free travel insurance
B. Increased pages in passport
C. Tamper-proof and secure documentation
D. Automatic visa approval
ANSWER: C - What is the objective of the Revised SHAKTI Policy
A. Promote solar energy
B. Replace oil imports
C. Streamline coal allocation and enhance energy security
D. Increase hydroelectric capacity
ANSWER: C - Which state topped the Fiscal Health Index 2025 released by NITI Aayog
A. Goa
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Odisha
D. Maharashtra
ANSWER: A - What was the primary reason for Odisha securing the top position in the Fiscal
Health Index 2025
A. High population growth
B. Excellent debt management and good revenue collection
C. High industrial output
D. Central government funding
ANSWER: B - Who secured the bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai
on May 11, 2025
A. Lim Sihyeon
B. Kang Chae Young
C. Deepika Kumari
D. Atanu Das
ANSWER: C - Which country’s archer did Deepika Kumari defeat to win the bronze medal
A. China
B. Japan
C. South Korea
D. Thailand
ANSWER: C - What stage of negotiation has the India-EU Free Trade Agreement entered
recently
A. Initial Talks
B. Review Phase
C. Two-stage Approach
D. Finalization
ANSWER: C - How many Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)/Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
has India signed so far
A. 10
B. 11
C. 13
D. 15
ANSWER: C - What was the code name for the nuclear tests conducted in May 1998
A. Operation Vijay
B. Operation Shakti
C. Operation Agni
D. Mission Vikas
ANSWER: B - Under which department does the Technology Development Board function
A. Ministry of Electronics and IT
B. Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
C. Department of Science and Technology
D. NITI Aayog
ANSWER: C - What is the theme of National Technology Day 2025
A. Innovation for a New India
B. Science for Sustainability
C. YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration
D. Digital Bharat: Accelerating Progress
ANSWER: C - Which newspaper won the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom
Prize 2025
A. The Times of India
B. La Prensa
C. El Nuevo Diario
D. Nicaragua Today
ANSWER: B - What is the main reason La Prensa received the UNESCO award
A. Launching a new digital edition
B. Supporting environmental journalism
C. Upholding freedom of expression in Nicaragua
D. Winning a global journalism competition
ANSWER: C - Who has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India
A. Sanjiv Khanna
B. D.Y. Chandrachud
C. Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
D. N.V. Ramana
ANSWER: C - Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is a Supreme Court judge
appointed
A. Article 76
B. Article 124(2)
C. Article 148
D. Article 368
ANSWER: B - Who holds authority to assign specific cases to benches in the Supreme Court
A. President of India
B. Prime Minister
C. Law Minister
D. Chief Justice of India
ANSWER: D - Where was the first Semicon India 2022 Conference held
A. Mumbai
B. Hyderabad
C. Bengaluru
D. Pune
ANSWER: C - Who became the first woman from the Pakistani Hindu minority in
Balochistan to be appointed Assistant Commissioner
A. Meena Kumari
B. Kashish Chaudhary
C. Lata Sharma
D. Poonam Rani
ANSWER: B - Where has the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol production plant
been inaugurated
A. Norway
B. Denmark
C. Germany
D. Sweden
ANSWER: B - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Is Developed By Which Country
A. United States
B. France
C. Israel
D. Russia
ANSWER: A - Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary Is Located In Which State
A. Maharashtra
B. Bihar
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Tamil Nadu
ANSWER: C - Which Country Developed A High-resolution Ocean Simulation System Called
LICOMK++ To Better Study Ocean & Climate Patterns
A. Australia
B. China
C. Japan
D. Russia
ANSWER: B - When was the Jnanpith Award instituted
A. 1955
B. 1961
C. 1975
D. 1980
ANSWER: B - Who was the first recipient of the Jnanpith Award
A. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji
B. Ashapoorna Devi
C. G. Sankara Kurup
D. Gulzar
ANSWER: C - Which novel earned Ashapoorna Devi the Jnanpith Award in 1976
A. Odakkuzhal
B. Prothom Protishruti
C. Godaan
D. The Bamboo Flute
ANSWER: B
