Current Affairs - May 2, 2025 Current Affairs

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a major exercise to demonstrate its operational preparedness by performing a flypast and landing drill on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise took place on a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the under-construction expressway near Shahjahanpur. It involved the participation of advanced fighter jets like Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage, along with transport aircraft, emphasizing the strategic utility of such infrastructure for emergency operations and national defence purposes.

In 2025, Vietnam marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, which concluded with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. This historic event, known in Vietnam as the “Day of Southern Liberation for National Reunification,” symbolized the unification of North and South Vietnam. The 50th anniversary celebrations were held with significant fanfare, including military parades, an air show, and participation from international allies and observers. The commemoration honoured the sacrifices made during the 20-year-long conflict and reflected Vietnam's growing stature in global diplomacy and defence.

Jubilant Beverages Limited will acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH) as part of a strategic transaction approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The deal also involves capital infusion into JBL through compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) by Jubilant BevCo Ltd. and Goldman Sachs-backed investors. This acquisition strengthens the Jubilant Group’s presence in India's food and beverage sector and aligns with Coca-Cola’s operations in the country. The deal highlights significant foreign investment and collaboration in India's fast-growing beverage industry.

In a significant move to enhance last-mile connectivity and reduce urban pollution, 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector Service (DEVI) were flagged off in New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The initiative aims to strengthen links between metro stations and bus terminals, providing a cleaner and more efficient public transport option for residents of the National Capital. This aligns with broader efforts to promote electric mobility and environmental sustainability in urban areas.

India delivered an impressive performance at the inaugural Asian U-15 & U-17 Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan, securing a total of 43 medals across various categories. These included 15 gold, 6 silver, and 22 bronze medals. Despite this strong medal haul, India finished Third in the overall rankings, coming in just behind Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This ranking highlights India’s emerging strength in youth boxing on the Asian stage and sets a promising tone for the future of the sport in the country.

World Tuna Day is observed every year on May 2 to raise awareness about the critical need to manage tuna fish stocks sustainably. Tuna is not only a significant source of nutrition, rich in Omega-3, protein, and vitamin B12, but also a vital economic resource for many countries. Recognizing the increasing pressure on tuna populations due to overfishing, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day nine years ago to promote responsible practices and ensure the long-term conservation of this essential marine species.

Madhya Pradesh has pioneered India’s first AI-powered real-time forest alert system, aimed at enhancing forest conservation and management. The system integrates satellite imagery from the Google Earth Engine, artificial intelligence, and mobile-based field reporting to detect illegal activities such as land encroachment and deforestation. Currently piloted in five forest divisions—Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa—the initiative enables immediate alerts and on-ground verification by forest officials. This proactive approach enhances the efficiency and sustainability of forest monitoring and serves as a model for other states to replicate for better environmental governance.

The BRS COPs 2025 conference, where India played a pivotal role in pushing for global action on chemicals and waste, was held in Geneva. Led by India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the Indian delegation emphasized the need for collaborative solutions to plastic pollution, technology transfer, and financial support for developing nations. The conference’s theme, "Make visible the invisible," highlighted the global concern over chemical mismanagement. India reaffirmed its leadership in environmental governance by promoting its regulatory framework and advocating for stronger international agreements to address chemical and waste challenges.

Yoga Mahotsav 2025 was organized in Nashik, Maharashtra, to celebrate the 50-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), which is observed globally on June 21. The event was conducted by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush. A mass yoga demonstration following the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was held at Gauri Maidan in the Ramkund Parisar, Panchavati area. This initiative underscores the government's continued efforts to promote yoga as a global health and wellness practice, involving large-scale community participation leading up to the IDY.