Current Affairs - May 6, 2025 Current Affairs

China claimed its 14th Sudirman Cup title in 2025 by defeating South Korea 3-1 in the final held in Xiamen, China. Despite a valiant effort by South Korea’s An Seyoung, who extended her unbeaten streak to 25 consecutive wins, the Chinese team showcased superior depth and coordination to dominate the overall match. The Sudirman Cup, a prestigious World Mixed Team Badminton Championship organized by the Badminton World Federation, has largely been dominated by China, which has now won 14 out of the 18 editions. This consistent performance underscores China’s long-standing supremacy in the global badminton arena.

Operation Hawk 2025 was launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to dismantle global online child sexual exploitation networks. Working in coordination with international law enforcement agencies, the CBI acted on intelligence inputs, especially from the United States, leading to the registration of cases against individuals exploiting minors via platforms like Discord and Arisu. This operation builds on the success of earlier missions such as Operation Carbon (2021) and Operation Megh Chakra (2022), underscoring India’s ongoing commitment to tackling cybercrimes involving minors. Operation Hawk exemplifies the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex digital threats across borders.

The Maldives has unveiled plans to establish the Maldives International Financial Centre (MIFC) in its capital, Malé, with a massive $8.8 billion investment. This ambitious project, in collaboration with the Qatari-owned MBS Global Investments, is expected to be completed by 2030. Designed as a sustainable financial-free zone, the MIFC will serve as a hub for global financial institutions, fintech startups, and remote-working professionals. The initiative reflects the Maldives' strategic move to diversify its economy beyond tourism and position itself as a prominent financial player in the Indian Ocean region.

World Asthma Day 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, May 6. Organized annually by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), this day is dedicated to raising global awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting over 250 million people. The 2025 theme, “Make inhaled treatments accessible for all,” underscores the need to improve access to essential inhaled medications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where asthma-related mortality remains high. The event has grown significantly since its inception in 1998, now engaging over 100 countries in asthma education, advocacy, and efforts to reduce health disparities.

Tamil Nadu has officially designated May 5 as Traders Day to recognize and honour the contributions of the business community. This initiative, announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin, aligns with the Dravidian Model of governance that emphasizes inclusive development and economic empowerment. The decision comes after sustained requests from the state's business sector, reflecting the government's responsiveness to stakeholder needs. In addition to trade support, Tamil Nadu has demonstrated leadership in education, boasting a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 47% and hosting some of India’s top colleges, underlining the state’s multifaceted approach to development.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is partnering with France to develop a 1-gigawatt AI data centre, which is projected to be the largest of its kind in Europe. This multi-billion-euro initiative is part of a broader vision shared by both countries to become global leaders in artificial intelligence. The AI data centre will also serve as a hub within a larger AI campus, promoting not just cutting-edge technological infrastructure but also the cultivation of AI talent and innovation. This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of international alliances in advancing the global AI ecosystem.

Italy hosted the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, where significant discussions took place between India and Italy regarding their Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with her Italian counterpart Giancarlo Giorgetti to explore deeper cooperation in digital innovation, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate sustainability. With bilateral trade exceeding $14.5 billion in FY2023–24, both nations emphasized strengthening multilateral ties and leveraging their technological capabilities for mutual growth. This meeting marked a continued effort to implement structured economic collaboration under the Joint Strategic Action Plan and reinforce shared global commitments.

INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives to participate in a week-long Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise. This joint initiative aims to improve coordination and operational readiness between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force in times of natural disasters or humanitarian crises. The exercise reflects India's broader "MAHASAGAR" vision, which emphasizes maritime cooperation, regional peace, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region. Deployments like that of INS Sharda demonstrate India's commitment to being a responsible maritime partner and first responder in the region.

A 12-member team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) achieved a remarkable feat by successfully scaling Mt. Makalu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world, as part of a dual expedition targeting both Mt. Makalu and Mt. Annapurna. This marked the ITBP's first-ever attempt to summit both peaks. The successful ascent of Mt. Makalu on April 19, 2025, with an 83% success rate, underscores the ITBP's expertise in high-altitude mountaineering, endurance, and environmental conservation. Their legacy in mountaineering is further strengthened through this historic achievement in the Himalayan region.

According to the International Monetary Fund's latest World Economic Outlook, India is expected to rise to the position of the world’s fourth-largest economy in 2025, surpassing Japan. The projection is based on nominal GDP estimates, with India anticipated to reach $4,187.02 billion, slightly ahead of Japan’s $4,186.43 billion. This milestone reflects India's rapid economic growth and resilience, reinforcing its position as a major global economic power. The shift also highlights the broader trend of emerging markets gaining prominence in the global financial landscape, with India at the forefront of that transition.

Mumbai International Airport, operated by the Adani Group, has introduced a modernized, digital-first Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC). The upgraded facility is equipped with advanced technology including real-time data systems, high-resolution visual displays, and integrated communication platforms. This development is aimed at significantly improving the airport’s operational efficiency and coordination among various stakeholders such as airlines, ground staff, and air traffic controllers. The AOCC represents a major step toward smart infrastructure in aviation, reinforcing Mumbai's role as a major global air travel hub with cutting-edge technological capabilities.

India will take a leading role in the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, presenting key initiatives like the SVAMITVA Scheme and the Gram Manchitra platform. The SVAMITVA Scheme, a central government initiative under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, was launched across the nation on April 24, 2021, following a successful pilot phase in nine states. This leadership role underscores India's commitment to innovative land governance, mapping, and transparency in rural property ownership. India's participation emphasizes its growing influence and proactive policy-making in global discussions on land management and development.

The 7th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 was inaugurated in Bihar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment in India's sports development agenda. The event is part of the broader Khelo India initiative aimed at promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talent across the country. With over 1,000 Khelo India centres now operational, the scheme not only supports modern sports but also revives traditional Indian games such as Gatka, Kalarypattu, and Kho Kho. Hosting the games in Bihar underscores the government's commitment to regional inclusion and enhancing sports infrastructure nationwide.