Current Affairs - May 20, 2025 Current Affairs

India received the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma from the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. This recognition marks a significant public health achievement, as India became the third country in the Southeast Asia region to eliminate Trachoma as a public health concern. The event took place on October 8th, 2024, and underscores India's progress in combating infectious diseases and improving eye health for millions through sustained government and community health efforts. Geneva, the headquarters of the WHO, is a central location for such international recognition.

The Delhi Games 2025, a major sporting event inaugurated by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, is being organized by the Delhi Olympic Association. The event is backed by public sector undertakings (PSUs) which operate under the Ministry of Petroleum, making this ministry the primary sponsor of the Games. This sponsorship highlights the role of non-sports ministries in supporting athletic events through affiliated PSUs, showcasing cross-sector collaboration in national sporting initiatives.

The ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme was launched by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in Macharam village, located in Nagarkurnool district. The initiative aims to support tribal farmers by providing them with free solar-powered pumps ranging from 5 to 7.5 horsepower to help irrigate horticultural crops. This move is part of a larger commitment to sustainable agriculture and tribal welfare. The Telangana government has allocated Rs 12,600 crore for the scheme's implementation over the next four years, emphasizing its long-term vision for rural development, clean energy adoption, and agricultural productivity enhancement in tribal regions.

The “Golden Dragon-2025” joint military exercise between China and Cambodia took place in Cambodia, marking the seventh edition of this bilateral defence cooperation initiative. This exercise expanded in scale and sophistication, featuring advanced unmanned combat systems and encompassing land, sea, and air operations. Held at Cambodia’s Ream Port Joint Support and Training Centre, the drill focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peace cooperation between the two countries. It reflects the deepening military ties and mutual trust in strategic areas between China and Cambodia.

Dr. M.R. Srinivasan was a key architect of India’s nuclear energy programme and served as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. He passed away in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 95. Over his career, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of 18 nuclear power units in India. His contributions were nationally recognized with several civilian honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Dr. Srinivasan’s legacy is instrumental in shaping India's peaceful nuclear capabilities and energy independence.

Bihar played a key role in advancing India’s agri-food export ambitions by hosting the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 in Patna. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), and the Government of Bihar. The initiative focused on creating global market linkages and highlighting Bihar’s vast agricultural potential, from fruits and vegetables to processed food products. It marked a significant step in integrating Bihar’s farmers and food producers into international trade and value chains.

On May 19, 2025, Kamil al-Taib Idris was appointed as Sudan’s first prime minister since the civil war erupted in 2023. This appointment marks a crucial step toward political stabilization and the formation of a transitional civilian government after intense conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Kamil Idris is a respected legal expert and diplomat, known for his neutrality and non-partisan stance, which enhances his acceptance among different factions. His leadership aims to restore political legitimacy, facilitate elections, and address the humanitarian crisis facing Sudan’s population.

The Indian Navy is set to induct a unique, traditionally constructed stitched ship at its Naval Base in Karnataka. This ship is a recreation of a 5th-century maritime vessel, inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques depicted in paintings from the Ajanta Caves. The vessel does not use nails or rivets but is held together with rope stitching, reflecting maritime craftsmanship from centuries ago. Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the ceremony. The event not only showcases India’s naval heritage but also underscores Karnataka’s growing importance as a hub for maritime and cultural initiatives.

Dhanuka Agritech Limited has launched a specialized herbicide named DINKAR, designed specifically for use in transplanted paddy cultivation. This product aims to enhance weed management and overall productivity in paddy fields. The launch event was notable for the presence of Japanese dignitaries from Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., highlighting international collaboration in agricultural technology. By targeting paddy, one of India’s most widely cultivated and water-intensive crops, DINKAR is expected to significantly aid farmers in improving yield and reducing labor-intensive manual weeding. This innovation reflects ongoing advancements in agri-tech tailored to the specific needs of Indian agriculture.

The first-ever Khelo India Beach Games were inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. This significant event brought together over 1,000 athletes to compete in six medal sports such as beach soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Additionally, traditional Indian sports like mallakhamb and tug-of-war were showcased as demonstration events. Hosting such a large-scale beach sporting event in Diu marks an important step in promoting coastal sports infrastructure and tourism in the region, highlighting the government's commitment to expanding athletic engagement across diverse geographies.

On May 19, 2025, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 8th anniversary, marking eight years of transforming public procurement in India. Launched in 2016, GeM has become a key digital platform for government procurement, promoting inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency. During the anniversary, GeM highlighted its achievements, such as empowering over 10 lakh MSEs, integrating 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and launching GeMAI—India’s first generative AI chatbot in the public sector. The celebration emphasized GeM’s continued evolution and its role in creating a more accessible and technology-driven procurement ecosystem across the nation.

World Bee Day is observed every year on May 20 to recognise the crucial role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems, food security, and biodiversity. Established by the United Nations, this day raises awareness about the threats faced by pollinators such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The 2025 theme, “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All,” emphasizes how protecting pollinators supports sustainable agriculture, helps mitigate biodiversity loss, and ensures global food security. Given their vital role in pollinating over 75% of food crops, protecting bees is essential for ecological balance and human well-being.

Tamil Nadu has set up a ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund aimed at protecting its rich biodiversity. Initially managed by the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA), the fund faced delays due to the agency’s inactivity. To ensure the timely execution of conservation initiatives, the state government transferred fund management to the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur. AIWC, known for its expertise in wildlife research and conservation, is now responsible for overseeing surveys, assessments, and mapping of endangered species. This strategic move strengthens Tamil Nadu’s commitment to proactive and scientifically grounded wildlife conservation efforts.