Current Affairs - May 13, 2025 Current Affairs

The UN Global Road Safety Week, being held from 12 to 18 May 2025, marks the 8th edition of this global initiative. This year's campaign focuses on making walking and cycling safer, emphasizing the urgent need for improved infrastructure for non-motorized road users. With pedestrians and cyclists accounting for over 25% of global road traffic deaths, the initiative brings attention to the importance of designing urban spaces that prioritize safety and accessibility. Supported by the WHO and UN partners, this observance is part of broader efforts to reduce road injuries and promote sustainable, active modes of transport.

Uttar Pradesh has expanded its flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme by including 12 additional region-specific products, bringing the total number of recognized products to 74. This initiative, launched in 2018, aims to promote local craftsmanship, generate employment, and boost exports by focusing on one unique product per district. The newly added products include items like agricultural implements from Baghpat, hosiery from Saharanpur, and food processing goods from Firozabad and Pratapgarh. This move is part of the state’s larger vision to drive economic growth and achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2029 through localised industrial development.

The Bharat Bodh Kendra was inaugurated by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal at the India Habitat Centre, which is located in New Delhi. This centre aims to promote India's rich cultural and civilizational legacy by providing access to curated books and resources on subjects such as art, philosophy, spirituality, and history. Being part of the Habitat Library and Resource Centre, the Kendra also offers a tranquil environment for reflection and learning. The choice of New Delhi for this launch underscores the city's importance as a hub for national cultural initiatives.

Bhutan has become the first country globally to officially integrate cryptocurrency payments into its national tourism sector. Launched in May 2025 through a collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank, the initiative allows international tourists to pay for a range of services — including flights, accommodations, visas, monument entries, and shopping — using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This system uses QR code-based transactions and aims to promote seamless, cashless travel. The move also supports financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, and reduces reliance on traditional foreign exchange systems. Bhutan’s pioneering approach sets a benchmark in the fusion of blockchain technology with sustainable tourism.

The International Day of Plant Health is celebrated every year on May 12 to emphasize the critical role of plant health in sustaining food security, environmental biodiversity, and global development. Initiated through UN Resolution A/RES/76/256, this observance builds upon the momentum created during the International Year of Plant Health in 2020. The day also draws global attention to the challenges posed by pests, diseases, and climate-related threats to agriculture. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this initiative promotes actions to safeguard plants as vital components of food systems and ecological balance.

Ant Group, through its affiliate Antfin (Netherlands) Holding BV, is selling a 4% stake in Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications Ltd, via a bulk deal on Indian stock exchanges. The deal is valued at approximately ₹2,066 crore and is being executed at a floor price of ₹809.75 per share, reflecting a 6.5% discount to Paytm's last traded price on the NSE. This transaction marks a strategic portfolio shift by Ant Group and is among the notable secondary market deals in recent times. The sale also signals the gradual retreat of foreign investors from major Indian fintech companies like Paytm.

Israel has initiated a major strategic move by launching its National Food Security Plan 2050, backed by a significant investment of $710 million to $1.4 billion. This ambitious plan is designed to address multiple challenges, including climate change, labour shortages, and dependency on food imports. Central to the plan are goals like boosting domestic food production, enhancing agri-tech innovation, and diversifying sources of food imports to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience. The initiative demonstrates Israel's proactive approach to securing its food supply for the future while promoting environmentally sustainable practices in agriculture.

Kozhikode has been recognized for its elder-friendly urban policies, earning a spot in the WHO's Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The city focuses on enhancing accessibility, healthcare, public spaces, and digital inclusion for senior citizens. Initiatives such as senior-friendly parks, community health programs, and awareness campaigns for active ageing contribute to Kozhikode's age-friendly status. This recognition highlights the city's commitment to creating a supportive environment for its ageing population.

A total of 32 airports that had been closed due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan have now reopened for civil aircraft operations. These closures were initially enforced on May 15 as a precautionary measure amid escalating geopolitical tensions. With the ceasefire now in effect, the Airports Authority of India has lifted restrictions and resumed operations at these locations. Passengers are still advised to verify flight details directly with their airlines. This reopening marks a positive step toward the normalization of air travel and reducing disruption in regional connectivity following the conflict-related shutdown.

HCLTech has joined the European Commission’s AI Pact, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and responsible AI development. This voluntary initiative is designed to align companies with the forthcoming EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI regulation. By signing the pact, HCLTech has pledged to implement strong AI governance strategies, identify and mitigate high-risk AI applications, and train its workforce in ethical AI use. The company has also established an Office of Responsible AI and Governance to drive fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI across its operations. This step positions HCLTech as a global leader in responsible AI innovation.