Current Affairs - May 16, 2025 Current Affairs

Mariangela Hungria, a renowned microbiologist from Brazil, has been honoured with the 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking work in agricultural microbiology. Her research focuses on using beneficial bacteria such as rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense to enhance soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. By improving nitrogen fixation in soybeans and promoting root development in crops like corn, her work significantly boosts nutrient and water uptake. These innovations contribute to sustainable farming practices and food security, particularly in regions heavily reliant on agriculture. Her recognition marks a major achievement for Brazilian science and global food sustainability efforts.

In April 2025, India's unemployment rate stood at 5.1% according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This figure represents the proportion of the labour force that was actively seeking work but remained unemployed. The data also included figures for the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), which was 55.6% overall, with 58% in rural areas and 50.7% in urban regions. These statistics are part of the government’s first monthly labour force and unemployment data collection, offering a more granular view of the country’s employment landscape.

The International Day of Light is observed every year on May 16 to commemorate the anniversary of the first successful laser operation performed by physicist Theodore Maiman in 1960. This date highlights the importance of light and optical technologies in improving the quality of life and fostering sustainable development. The celebration aims to promote science, education, and development through light-based technologies. The first official celebration of this day took place on May 16, 2018.

Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended all its Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with academic institutions affiliated with the government of Turkey due to concerns related to national security. This step follows a similar decision by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which suspended its MoU with Inonu University, also located in Turkey. The move reflects heightened scrutiny and caution in India’s academic collaborations where national interest and security are perceived to be at stake. Such measures underline the growing sensitivity in international academic relations and the importance of aligning institutional partnerships with national strategic priorities.

National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India. It was initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to raise awareness about the dangers of dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The day aims to educate the public on prevention methods, symptoms, and the importance of timely medical intervention. With the increasing threat posed by vector-borne diseases, this observance plays a key role in mobilising efforts to reduce the spread of dengue and support public health initiatives across the country.

Anurag Bhushan, a senior Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1995 batch, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Sweden. This appointment reflects India’s intent to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with Sweden, a key partner in clean energy, technology, and sustainable development. Bhushan’s role is strategically important for advancing bilateral cooperation in innovation, climate action, and trade. His diplomatic experience and current position as Additional Secretary in the MEA prepare him to strengthen India’s presence in Northern Europe and support joint initiatives like LeadIT 2.0 on low-carbon industrial transitions.

India and the European Union (EU) have jointly initiated two significant projects focused on addressing the growing issue of marine plastic pollution and promoting sustainable energy through waste-to-hydrogen technologies. These initiatives involve a combined investment of ₹391 crore and aim to foster research and innovation in environmental conservation. Marine plastic litter poses a major threat to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health, making collaborative efforts like this vital. The partnership reflects the EU and India’s shared commitment to environmental sustainability and technological advancement for global ecological challenges.

FIFA lifted the suspension on the Republic of Congo’s football federation (FECOFOOT) after the organization complied with conditions aimed at eliminating third-party interference, particularly from the Congolese Ministry of Sports. The suspension had halted football operations in the country and resulted in the temporary closure of several sports facilities. The resolution followed negotiations and a commitment from the government to restore full administrative autonomy to FECOFOOT. By fulfilling FIFA’s reinstatement requirements, Congo can now fully participate in international football activities. The development underscores FIFA’s strict stance on maintaining the independence of national football bodies from political or governmental control.

The Teesta Prahar exercise was conducted by the Indian Army at the Teesta field firing range in West Bengal. This comprehensive military drill involved multiple units, including infantry, mechanised infantry, artillery, armoured corps, para special forces, army aviation, engineering, and signals. The exercise aimed to enhance operational coordination and preparedness across diverse combat and support arms. Its strategic importance is elevated in the context of Operation Sindoor, reflecting the Army’s focus on readiness in high-sensitivity regions. Such exercises reinforce India's defence capabilities and demonstrate the integration of advanced training and real-time coordination across military divisions.

Srihari LR, a 19-year-old chess player from Chennai, became India’s 86th Grandmaster by securing his third and final GM norm at the Asian Individual Chess Championship held in Al-Ain, UAE. He crossed the required 2500 Elo rating and remained unbeaten in the first 8 rounds of the championship, defeating notable Grandmasters like Abhijeet Gupta and Pranav V. Trained under GM Shyamsundar at Chess Thulir Academy, Srihari’s achievement highlights India’s growing strength in chess and its focus on nurturing young talent. This milestone continues India’s legacy as a rising global chess powerhouse.

Bhawna Agarwal has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India. With over 25 years of experience in technology, digital startups, and media, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. Agarwal joined HPE in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks, playing a key role in expanding the company’s business and client relationships. She takes over from Som Satsangi, a veteran with more than 27 years at HPE, who will remain with the company until July 2025 to support a smooth leadership transition. Her leadership supports HPE’s growing focus on India’s digital transformation and local manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Kanpur-based lab DMSRDE, has developed an advanced nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane specifically designed for high-pressure seawater desalination. This innovation supports the Indian Coast Guard by providing a stable and efficient onboard desalination solution tailored to India’s coastal conditions. The project was completed within eight months and has already passed technical trials on an Offshore Patrolling Vessel. The development marks a significant leap in indigenous defence and marine technology and aligns with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reducing dependency on imported systems and enhancing maritime self-reliance.