Current Affairs - May 18, 2025 Current Affairs

The Yala Glacier, located in Langtang, Nepal, has officially been declared "dead" following decades of rapid retreat caused by global warming. This glacier, a crucial site for glaciological research and training in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, has lost 66% of its mass since the 1970s and receded by 784 meters. A memorial ceremony was held on May 12, 2025, with participation from scientists, monks, and locals from Nepal and neighbouring countries. The event highlights the accelerating impacts of climate change on Himalayan glaciers and their vital role in regional water security and ecological balance.

India’s first manned deep ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan’, is set to be launched in 2026. The mission will utilise the indigenously developed submersible MATSYA 6000 to explore ocean depths of up to 6,000 meters. Spearheaded by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this initiative is part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) launched in 2021. With a focus on marine biodiversity, oceanic geology, and mineral exploration, Samudrayaan represents a major advancement in India's marine research capabilities and aligns with its strategic goals under the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

Rohit Sharma was honoured with a stand named after him at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a venue closely associated with his cricketing journey. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) held a grand ceremony on May 16, 2025, to inaugurate the Rohit Sharma Stand, formerly known as Divecha Pavilion Level 3. This tribute celebrated his recent retirement from Test and T20 cricket and recognized his historic achievements, including leading India to victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The renaming of the stand at Wankhede reflects both his roots in Mumbai and his contributions to Indian cricket.

On May 16, 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted their first direct negotiations in three years in Istanbul, marking a pivotal diplomatic moment amid the ongoing conflict. Hosted at Dolmabahce Palace under the mediation of Turkey, the talks led to a significant agreement on a mutual prisoner swap involving 1,000 individuals from each side. While no ceasefire was achieved, both delegations agreed to continue discussions and explore future steps toward de-escalation. Istanbul’s selection as the venue underscores Turkey’s strategic role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations, and the meeting was closely watched by the international community due to its geopolitical implications.

The PMAY-U Coffee Table Book was officially released in Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, on May 16, 2025. The event, held at Hotel Vivor, was led by Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development. The book, titled “Transforming Lives: A Glance of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission in Nagaland,” documents the progress and success stories of the PMAY-U scheme in the state. It emphasises the initiative’s role in providing affordable and dignified housing to the urban poor, fostering inclusive urban growth, and highlighting the socio-economic improvements brought about by the scheme in various communities across Nagaland.

The LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) mission, also known as Chandrayaan-5, is a collaborative lunar exploration project between India and Japan. The mission is targeted for launch in 2027-28 aboard Japan’s H3 rocket and aims to explore water and water-ice at the Moon’s south pole. ISRO (India) is building the lander, while JAXA (Japan) is responsible for developing the 350 kg rover. Both nations are contributing scientific instruments, with additional support from ESA and NASA. This joint venture marks a significant stride in international space collaboration, showcasing the growing global partnerships in planetary science and lunar research.

On May 16, 2025, Honduras officially inaugurated its new embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant step in deepening ties with India. This move aims to bolster cooperation in trade, development, technology, and climate resilience, while also enabling Honduras to utilize India as a strategic gateway to Asia. In turn, India can leverage Honduras’ position as a bridge to Central America. The inauguration followed a series of bilateral engagements and reflects India’s growing outreach to Latin America. Notably, Indian companies like Bajaj, Hero, and TVS have a strong presence in Honduras, further reinforcing the value of this diplomatic expansion.

On May 16, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the upgraded Multi Agency Centre (MAC) in New Delhi. This high-tech intelligence-sharing hub is part of India’s intensified efforts to enhance counter-terrorism operations. Developed under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) with an investment of ₹500 crore, the new MAC integrates Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Geographic Information Systems to enable real-time coordination between 28 key security and intelligence agencies across the country. By centralizing data and streamlining communication among agencies like RAW, Armed Forces, and State Police, the New Delhi-based MAC is poised to become a cornerstone of India's national security framework.

The proposed legislation introduced in the US Congress suggests a 5% excise tax on all international remittances made by non-citizens, including H-1B and F-1 visa holders. This provision, outlined in Section 112105 of the bill titled “The One Big Beautiful Bill,” would primarily impact immigrant communities such as the Indian diaspora, which remitted over $23 billion to India in 2023 alone. The tax aims to generate revenue by applying a $50 charge for every $1,000 transferred abroad. The measure has sparked concerns over economic fairness, the risk of increased use of informal transfer channels, and potential burdens on immigrant workers and their families.

The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed annually on May 16. Established by the United Nations through Resolution 72/130 in 2017, the day promotes global efforts toward reconciliation, tolerance, and inclusive peacebuilding. Rooted in the aftermath of World War II and inspired by UNESCO's ideals, the observance encourages individuals and nations alike to engage in dialogues and actions that bridge cultural, religious, and social divides. The day reinforces the belief that peace requires active participation and cooperation to dismantle discrimination and build resilient, harmonious societies aligned with the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16.