Current Affairs - May 14, 2025 Current Affairs

The ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system has been successfully test-fired and is designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). It is a cost-effective solution for detecting and neutralising multiple drones simultaneously, which is vital in modern asymmetric warfare scenarios. The system stands out for its capability to operate effectively even in challenging terrains, including high-altitude areas exceeding 5000 meters. Its development aligns with the growing need for indigenous, scalable, and efficient anti-drone technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and defence zones from aerial threats in various operational environments.

The United States signed a historic $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia during President Donald Trump's official visit to Riyadh in May 2025. This agreement is recognized as the largest defence sales pact ever, encompassing advanced weapons systems, air-to-air missiles, radar technologies, and commercial exports such as gas turbines. The deal aims to significantly bolster Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities amid rising regional tensions, especially concerning Iran. It also reflects Trump’s strategic efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf allies, stimulate American defence manufacturing, and reinforce U.S. influence in the Middle East. The agreement underscores a broader agenda of regional security and economic cooperation.

The ₹3,706 crore semiconductor plant, a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, is being set up in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, under the India Semiconductor Mission. This is a strategic location near the upcoming Jewar Airport and within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the facility will focus on chip assembly and packaging, producing 36 million units monthly. It aims to meet 40% of India’s chip demand, reduce reliance on imports, and create 2,000 direct jobs. The government’s approval reinforces its commitment to bolstering domestic semiconductor capabilities and promoting industrial growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Harvansh Chawla, a distinguished lawyer and international trade expert, has taken on the role of Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI). His appointment is expected to enhance economic cooperation, investment, and trade among the BRICS and BRICS Plus countries. Under his leadership, the chamber aims to tackle trade barriers, encourage cross-border alliances, and promote innovation in key sectors. Chawla brings deep expertise in global trade policy and legal frameworks, positioning him as a strategic figure to guide BRICS CCI’s efforts in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development across member nations.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has opened a new office in Srinagar’s Transport Bhawan to strengthen its presence in the region and manage various water transport initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. This move aligns with IWAI’s plans to develop river navigation infrastructure for National Waterways NW-26 (Chenab), NW-49 (Jhelum), and NW-84 (Ravi). By establishing a regional office in Srinagar, IWAI aims to streamline coordination with the J&K government, enhance project execution, and promote sustainable inland water transport in the Union Territory.

The Government of India has standardized the celebration of Ayurveda Day to be observed on September 23 each year. This marks a departure from the earlier practice of aligning it with Dhanteras, a festival based on the lunar calendar, which resulted in a shifting date each year. The choice of September 23 aligns with the autumnal equinox, symbolizing balance and harmony—core principles in Ayurveda. This fixed date aims to enhance global awareness and visibility for Ayurveda, making it easier for international communities to engage with and participate in the celebration of India’s traditional system of medicine.

Prime Minister Modi’s strong push for indigenous military equipment in his address after Operation Sindoor, Indian defence stocks witnessed a significant rise, surging nearly 9%. This reflects investor confidence in the government’s focus on self-reliance in the defence sector. Companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) saw the highest individual surge of 9.4%, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) also experienced notable gains. Other key players, such as Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock, benefited from the sentiment, indicating a broader market reaction tied to policy-driven support for domestic defence manufacturing.

In May 2025, Union Bank of India, in collaboration with Canara Bank, introduced specialized deposit schemes aimed at addressing the decline in deposit growth rates. These innovative offerings provide not only attractive financial returns but also bundled lifestyle and health-related benefits. The initiative reflects a strategic move by public sector banks to enhance customer loyalty, attract high-value deposits, and differentiate themselves in a competitive financial environment. With personalized services, concessions based on account balances, and added perks like health insurance, Union Bank is positioning itself as a modern, customer-focused institution seeking to adapt to evolving banking demands.

Bill Gates has committed to donating 99% of his wealth by 2045, marking one of the most ambitious philanthropic pledges in history. With a net worth of approximately $108 billion, Gates plans to accelerate his giving through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the next two decades, he intends to contribute an additional $200 billion toward initiatives focused on global health, poverty reduction, and the eradication of infectious diseases like malaria and measles. His commitment reflects a strong belief in using personal wealth for societal good and is inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s philosophy that great wealth should be used to improve humanity.

Ajay Kumar, a seasoned 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre and former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu, following the end of Preeti Sudan’s term in April 2025. Known for his expertise in defence reforms and digital governance, Ajay Kumar’s leadership is expected to bring strategic insight and reform-oriented direction to UPSC, which plays a pivotal role in selecting India’s civil servants. His distinguished academic background and administrative experience make him well-suited for this influential role in public service recruitment.

Google has initiated the AI First India 2025 Startup Accelerator as part of its effort to promote the growth of AI-driven startups in India. This program is tailored specifically for startups in the Seed to Series A stages and emphasizes areas such as Agentic AI and Multimodal AI. Startups selected for the program will benefit from mentorship provided by Google experts, access to Cloud TPUs, AI development tools, and technical guidance for implementing advanced AI models such as Gemini and Gemma. The program reflects Google's commitment to fostering innovation and AI talent within India's tech ecosystem.

Maharashtra has taken a proactive step toward environmental sustainability by launching a comprehensive policy mandating the use of artificial sand, or m-sand, in all government and semi-government construction projects. Approved on May 13, 2025, this policy is aimed at curbing illegal river sand mining, reducing ecological degradation, and promoting sustainable construction practices. It includes provisions such as setting up 1,500 crusher units across districts, allotting state land for such units, granting MSME status to producers, and reducing royalty rates on m-sand. This initiative not only safeguards natural resources but also boosts local industry and employment.

Ashwini Vaishnaw recently inaugurated two state-of-the-art semiconductor design centres located in Noida and Bengaluru, a significant step in advancing India’s position in the global semiconductor industry. These facilities are dedicated to designing 3-nanometer chips, a cutting-edge technology in the semiconductor domain. The move is part of a broader national strategy to build a strong semiconductor ecosystem, reduce reliance on imports, and foster innovation using India’s pool of engineering talent. By establishing these hubs in Noida and Bengaluru, India is making strides toward becoming a key player in next-generation chip design and manufacturing.