Current Affairs - May 24, 2025 Current Affairs

Wings India 2026, the flagship biennial event for India’s civil aviation sector, is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31. Hosted at Begumpet Airport, the event is organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airport Authority of India, and FICCI. It aims to bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem—ranging from airlines and manufacturers to investors and policy-makers. Hyderabad, known for its strategic aviation relevance and history, serves as an ideal venue. The event focuses on innovation, investment promotion, skill development, and global collaboration within the aviation sector.

On May 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia launched TOURISE, a global platform aimed at shaping the future of tourism by uniting leaders from the tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability sectors. Spearheaded by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the initiative is part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and become a global tourism leader. Having already surpassed its goal of attracting 100 million visitors by 2024, Saudi Arabia is now focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced tourism models. TOURISE is intended to foster collaboration, address key industry challenges, and guide the development of future global travel policies.

Fitch Ratings has raised India's medium-term GDP growth outlook to 6.4% till FY2026, up from its earlier estimate of 6.2%. This upward revision is primarily attributed to an increase in labour force participation, reflecting structural improvements in India’s employment landscape. The update sets India apart from many other emerging markets, whose growth forecasts have been revised downward. While some concerns remain regarding slower labour productivity growth, Fitch believes India’s Total Factor Productivity will stabilize at 1.5%. The revision underscores India's post-pandemic resilience and positions it as a strong performer in the global economic landscape.

The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/78/281 in 2024, officially declared May 25 as World Football Day to be observed annually. This date holds historical significance as it marks the opening of the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, which was the first Olympic football tournament organized by FIFA. The observance is meant to celebrate the unifying power of football across cultures and nations. FIFA also aligns this day with World Football Week, running from May 21 to 25, and adopts themes like "Together, We Are Stronger" to emphasize the sport's role in promoting inclusion and global unity.

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been chosen as the brand ambassador of Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL) for a two-year term. This decision is a strategic move by KSDL to modernize its brand appeal and connect with a younger demographic both in India and internationally. With over 28 million followers and a strong pan-India presence, Tamannaah is seen as an ideal face for the brand. Her appointment supports KSDL’s goals of expanding its market, increasing visibility, and blending its century-old legacy with a contemporary outlook. The contract, worth ₹6.2 crore, marks a major step in KSDL’s transformation journey.

Algeria officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) on May 19, 2025, marking a significant step in its international financial and development engagement. The NDB, established by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), aims to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects globally, especially in emerging economies. Algeria’s accession to the Shanghai-headquartered institution reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and international cooperation, particularly in South-South partnerships. As a North African nation rich in energy resources and strategically positioned between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, Algeria’s membership boosts the NDB’s global reach and diversifies its regional representation.

The 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The key theme for this year’s meeting was "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047", focusing on accelerating development across states and Union Territories through unity and collaboration. PM Modi emphasized the idea of “One State: One Global Destination,” highlighting the need for each state to develop unique global-standard infrastructure and capabilities. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation under the banner of “Team India,” promoting a unified national vision to drive inclusive and sustainable growth toward the centenary of India’s independence.

Paraguay emerged as the champions of the inaugural FIFA Youth Series, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the final match. The tournament, which was a pilot under-16 youth competition, took place at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich from 18 to 22 May as part of World Football Week. It featured six participating nations: Guatemala, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Switzerland, and Tunisia. Paraguay's win not only highlights the country's growing investment in youth football but also sets a high benchmark for future editions of the tournament, aligning with the theme ‘Together, We Are Stronger’.

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the 37th Test captain of Team India, marking a significant moment in his cricketing career. This announcement was made by the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) ahead of the Test series against England. At just 25 years old, Gill not only takes on a major leadership responsibility but also becomes one of the youngest individuals to captain the Indian Test side in recent years. His elevation to the role reflects the trust placed in his leadership abilities and consistent performance on the field.

Ram Mohan M K has been appointed as the new Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), bringing with him over two decades of experience in the marine export sector. His professional journey within MPEDA since 2003 includes key roles in marketing, quality assurance, and infrastructure development. He also served as Resident Director in Tokyo, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening India-Japan seafood trade relations. An alumnus of CMFRI and holding a Ph.D. from CIFE, Mumbai, Ram Mohan’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance India's seafood export performance and global trade compliance.