Current Affairs - National

The "Sundays on Cycle" nationwide cyclothon was organized by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in collaboration with the FIT INDIA Movement to commemorate eight years of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The main event took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, with participation from over 100 CGST commissionerates across the country. The event emphasized GST's transformative impact, unifying 30 different indirect taxes under one system. CBIC's active role in hosting such a significant event underlines its central involvement in implementing and celebrating the GST framework.

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established in 1899 in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the oldest and most prestigious solar research institutions in the country. To honour its 125 years of pioneering contributions to solar astrophysics, the Department of Posts released a commemorative stamp on May 17, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. The stamp features the observatory’s historic twin-domed building and highlights its significant scientific legacy, including telescopes dating back to the 19th century and sunspot data spanning over a century. This celebration promotes awareness of India’s role in global solar research.

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.

Aadhaar authentication transactions have crossed the significant milestone of 150 billion, showcasing the rapid growth and widespread adoption of Aadhaar-based services in India. This achievement highlights the role of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in driving the digital economy forward. In April 2025 alone, there were 210 crore authentication transactions, an 8% increase compared to April 2024. The Aadhaar e-KYC process has greatly enhanced customer experience by simplifying identity verification, thus facilitating easier access to banking, financial services, and various other sectors, reinforcing India’s progress in digital inclusion and service delivery.

The Inclusive India Summit 2025, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), is scheduled to take place at the India International Centre in New Delhi. This summit coincides with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation. The event focuses on promoting digital accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. It is supported by key partners, including the SBI Foundation, National Association for the Blind (NAB), Association of People with Disability (APD), and Mission Accessibility, making New Delhi a central hub for this important national initiative.