Current Affairs - May 8, 2025 Current Affairs

The Quad partners—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—came together at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies located in Honolulu, Hawaii, to conduct a Tabletop Exercise as part of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) simulation. This initiative is designed to enhance strategic coordination and logistics interoperability among the Quad nations in the Indo-Pacific region. By using a shared platform, the partners aim to streamline logistics, improve response capabilities, and reinforce regional security cooperation. Hawaii, strategically located in the Pacific, served as an ideal neutral and central site for this critical multilateral simulation exercise.

The ‘Jyothi’ scheme was launched by the state of Kerala in May 2025 as a targeted initiative to integrate children of migrant workers into the state’s formal education system. The scheme focuses on enrolling children aged 3 to 6 in anganwadis and those aged 6 and above in public schools. It addresses the barriers of frequent relocation, lack of documentation, and social marginalization that typically prevent migrant children from accessing continuous education. The month-long outreach involves local self-governments, Kudumbashree workers, schoolteachers, and PTAs, and aligns with Kerala’s broader commitment to inclusive development, welfare, and education for all.

The ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ is a comprehensive women’s empowerment initiative launched by the state of Maharashtra to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered social reformer. With a budget of Rs 10.50 crore, the campaign focuses on improving grassroots access to government welfare schemes and addressing key issues such as malnutrition, maternal and infant mortality, child marriage, and gender-based violence. It promotes female participation in local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions and introduces the Adishakti Awards to recognize outstanding efforts by Gram Panchayats. The campaign exemplifies Maharashtra’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender equality.

GISEC Global 2025, the Middle East and North Africa region's largest cybersecurity event, is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event attracts more than 750 companies and 25,000 visitors from across the globe. It serves as a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, data privacy, and threat intelligence. India is prominently participating under the leadership of the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). With over 350 hours of AI-focused cybersecurity content, the event underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for global tech innovation and cyber defence collaboration in the region.

The BUDX NBA House, an immersive and interactive fan experience that celebrates basketball, music, and culture, is set to make its debut in India during the 2025 NBA Finals. This landmark event will take place in Mumbai on June 7–8, marking the first time such a fan-focused NBA initiative is being hosted in the country. Attendees will be treated to live performances and appearances by NBA legends like Derek Fisher and Gary Payton, and they will get a chance to see iconic NBA elements, including the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The choice of Mumbai underscores the city's growing significance in hosting global sporting events.

India has launched chip-based e-passports as part of its efforts to modernize and secure travel documentation. These passports, embedded with RFID chips and biometric data, aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of international travel for Indian citizens. The initiative aligns India with countries such as the USA, UK, and Germany, which already use similar technology. This rollout under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 marks a significant step toward improving passport security, reducing fraud, and ensuring global compatibility with advanced e-passport systems.

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a pioneering milestone in renewable energy by drilling Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in the West Kameng district. This initiative, led by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) with support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences and international partners from Norway and Iceland, aims to utilise geothermal heat for applications like space heating and agricultural processing. The site was selected after two years of detailed geological and geochemical surveys, identifying Dirang as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone. This development marks a critical step toward sustainable energy use in high-altitude and remote areas.

HSBC and American Express were the leading foreign banks in terms of net credit card additions in FY25, according to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). HSBC added 216,997 cards, while American Express added 107,086 cards. This growth indicates a strong rebound for these banks after previous declines, and it reflects a broader trend of increasing consumer demand for credit cards in India. The overall banking industry also saw the addition of over 8 million new credit cards, highlighting a rise in digital payment adoption and consumer credit appetite.

The civil defence mock drill conducted in Bengaluru was named ‘Operation Abhyas’. It was organised by the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of a nationwide initiative to bolster emergency preparedness. The drill was held in the Halasuru area and involved realistic simulations of emergencies such as building evacuations, fire incidents, and debris rescue operations. It aimed to educate citizens on how to respond in crisis situations, especially amid rising national tensions following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The coordinated exercise highlighted the importance of public awareness and inter-agency response capabilities.

World Thalassaemia Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about thalassaemia, a serious inherited blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce normal haemoglobin. The condition can result in severe anemia and other health complications. The day aims to increase public understanding of the disorder, promote testing and treatment, and support those affected. The 2025 theme, “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients,” emphasises the importance of collaboration among medical communities, families, and support organisations to enhance patient care and advance research and policy for better health outcomes.

INS Kiltan docked in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025, a major international maritime defence exhibition. This visit highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime diplomacy and bolstering regional security partnerships. The engagement showcases the close and strategic naval relations between India and Singapore, underlining mutual interests in maritime security and cooperation. Crew interactions and outreach programs are intended to enhance interoperability with global navies, demonstrate India’s naval capabilities, and promote greater awareness about maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The choice of Singapore as the host city underscores its central role in regional maritime affairs.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on May 8 to honour the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The date was chosen as it marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. First celebrated in 1948 as International Red Cross Day, it was renamed in 1984 to its current title. The theme for 2025, “Keeping Humanity Alive,” emphasises the enduring mission of this global movement to provide relief and support to those affected by conflict, disaster, and health crises.