Daily Current Affairs 22nd May 2025

Daily Current Affairs 22nd May 2025

Current affairs play a vital role in every competitive exam. Here is your daily dose of current affairs news analysis, bringing you the latest important events from India and around the world. This update is essential for all competitive exams, including Banking, SSC, Railways, UPSC, CUET, CLAT, and various state-level exams.

 

 National Affairs

1. Mizoram becomes first fully literate state

Mizoram has been declared a fully literate state, becoming the first state in India to achieve this milestone.

• The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a ceremony in Aizawl, attended by key dignitaries including Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary.
• Mizoram had a literacy rate of 91.33% according to the 2011 Census, making it the third-highest in India at the time.
• The state implemented the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram to educate remaining non-literate individuals.
• Earlier, in June 2024, Ladakh achieved full literacy as the first administrative unit, while Mizoram marks the first full state-level success in India.

What is ‘Full Literacy’?

• A state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%, as per the benchmark defined under the ULLAS scheme.
• Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2% as per the PLFS 2023–24, surpassing the threshold.

Top 10 Most Literate States (PLFS 2023–24 & Government Data):

1. Mizoram – 98.2%
2. Kerala – ~96% (latest estimates)
3. Tripura
4. Goa
5. Delhi
6. Himachal Pradesh
7. Maharashtra
8. Sikkim
9. Punjab
10. Tamil Nadu

2. PM Modi inaugurates 103 Amrit Bharat stations in 18 states

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat stations across 18 states from Rajasthan.

• He dedicated 43 projects worth Rs 23,400 crore to the nation.

What are Amrit Bharat Stations?

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to upgrade railway stations across India in a phased manner.
• Each station receives a tailored development plan based on specific needs.
• The scheme focuses on improving station infrastructure, including modernizing buildings and enhancing connectivity with other transport modes.
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities is prioritized.
• Eco-friendly initiatives and noise-reducing tracks are incorporated into the plans.
• The long-term goal is to transform railway stations into city centers with multifunctional roles beyond transportation.
• Modern amenities are included, such as aesthetically designed façades, renovated platforms, landscaped areas, kiosks, food courts, and children’s play zones.
• Efforts are made to improve access with wider roads, clear signage, dedicated pathways, expanded parking, and better lighting.
• Stations will reflect local heritage, culture, and architecture (e.g., Ahmedabad station inspired by Modhera Sun Temple).
• Gandhinagar was the first station upgraded under this scheme, featuring a five-star hotel and modern amenities.

3. MHA launches e-Zero FIR in Delhi to auto-register cybercrime cases

The Government of India has launched e-Zero FIR to enhance cybersecurity and speed up investigations for high-value cyber financial crimes.

• The initiative has been introduced by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a nodal agency established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• This initiative began as a pilot project in Delhi and applies to financial frauds involving amounts over Rs 10 lakh.
• The auto FIR system automatically converts eligible complaints filed through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Cybercrime Helpline 1930 into Zero FIRs.
• These FIRs are electronically filed at the e-Crime Police Station in Delhi and will be transferred to the appropriate territorial cybercrime police stations.
• Complainants have three days to convert their Zero FIR into a regular FIR, streamlining the legal process.
• The initiative aims to crack down on cybercriminals and will eventually be extended to other states and Union Territories.

4. PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone & dedicates development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth ₹26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

• The event featured participation from people across 18 states and union territories, with numerous dignitaries present.
• Modi emphasized the significance of the projects for India’s growth and modernization, particularly in infrastructure.
• Rajasthan’s significant infrastructure development includes a ₹70,000 crore investment in road infrastructure and a near ₹10,000 crore railway development investment this year.
• Announced the launch of health, water, and electricity projects aimed at urban and rural progress in Rajasthan.
• Highlighted government support for industrial development in Rajasthan, enhancing the state’s economic prospects, especially in food processing.

5. MoEFCC celebrates International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 with an Exhibition on Biodiversity and Bioresources, in Udaipur (Rajasthan)

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2025 celebration was held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with several local bodies.

• The theme for IDB 2025 is “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
• Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary (MoEFCC), inaugurated a fortnight-long campaign leading up to World Environment Day 2025 on “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
• An exhibition highlighting biodiversity and bioresources was launched, featuring contributions from various State Biodiversity Boards, NGOs, and the Forest Department of Rajasthan.
• India has made significant conservation efforts, notably increasing Ramsar sites to 89 and designating 49 Biodiversity Heritage Sites.

Background:

• May 22nd is the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of conserving biological diversity.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the United Nations on May 22, 1992.
• India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world, spanning an area of 329 million hectares and ranking as the ninth largest country.
• The country boasts rich biological diversity, with over 100,000 species of animals and 55,000 species of plants across ten bio-geographic regions.
• India holds significant traditional and indigenous knowledge, particularly in ancient texts related to Indian systems of medicine.

6. 16th census confirms 891 Asiatic lions across 11 districts of Gujarat

Gujarat has completed its 16th lion population census, revealing a total of 891 Asiatic lions.

• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the results, showcasing the state’s success in wildlife conservation.
• The census took place from May 10 to 13, covering 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts with 3,254 personnel involved.
• The operation included two phases: direct beat verification on May 10-11 and final enumeration on May 12-13.
• Districts surveyed included Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad.
• Asiatic lions have recovered from near extinction, with their population now primarily found in and around the Gir forest.
• Preliminary data shows 196 adult male lions, with the rest consisting of females, cubs, and sub-adults.
• The lion population is spreading beyond Gir National Park, indicating improved habitat conditions and connectivity.

Business and Economy

7. Morgan Stanley upgrades India’s growth forecast for FY26 & FY27

Morgan Stanley upgraded its forecast for the Indian economy to:

• 2% year-on-year for FY2026 (up from 6.1%)
• 5% year-on-year for FY2027 (up from 6.3%)

The upgrade is attributed to the de-escalation of US-China trade tensions, which enhances external demand.

• Domestic demand is highlighted as the main driver of growth amid global uncertainties.
• Continued policy support from the government is expected to boost domestic demand and growth.

The report anticipates:

• Continued easier monetary policy from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Fiscal policy will prioritize capital expenditure (capex).
• Macro stability is projected to remain strong with robust buffers.

Consumption recovery is expected to broaden, with improvements in urban demand and already robust rural consumption levels. Investment growth will be driven by:

• Public and household capex.
• Anticipated gradual recovery of private corporate capex.
• The RBI has projected a GDP growth of 6.5% for FY26.

Note:

• Morgan Stanley is a leading global investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City, USA.
• It was founded in 1935 and is known for offering a wide range of financial services.

8. Fitch Ratings ups India’s growth potential to 6.4 pc over next 5 years

Fitch Ratings raised India’s GDP growth potential by 0.2 percentage points to 6.4% over the next five years.

• The increase is attributed to a sharper rise in India’s labour force participation rate and a stronger contribution from total employment rather than labour productivity.
• China’s growth projection was scaled down by 0.3 percentage points to 4.3% due to weaker capital deepening and a decline in labour force participation.
• Fitch adjusted its potential GDP growth estimates for 10 emerging market economies, with India’s new estimate being higher than the previous 6.2%.
• Total-factor productivity (TFP) growth for India is expected to slow to its long-run average of 1.5%.
• The revised estimate for emerging markets is now 3.9%, a slight drop from 4% in November 2023, largely due to lower potential growth in China.
• India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, expected to achieve over 6% growth in the next two years, as reported by the IMF.

 Banking Current Affairs

9. India Post Payments Bank Partners with Aditya Birla Capital Limited to Simplify Accessibility to Loan Products across India

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL) formed a strategic partnership to enhance accessibility to loan products across India.

• The collaboration combines ABCL’s lending products with IPPB’s extensive network and digital infrastructure.
• IPPB will refer its customers to ABCL for various loan solutions, including personal loans, business loans, and loans against property.
• Customers will benefit from streamlined processes using ABCL’s digital platforms for quick approvals, minimal documentation, and hassle-free disbursement.
• The partnership employs AI and data analytics to offer personalized financial solutions tailored to customer needs.
• IPPB will act as a lead referral partner to ABCL, with credit approval at the discretion of ABCL.
• The partnership aims to enhance financial accessibility and promote growth for individuals and businesses throughout India.

About India Post Payments Bank:

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is a government-owned bank under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, launched on September 1, 2018.
• Aims to be the most accessible, affordable, and trusted bank for the common man in India.
• Focuses on removing barriers for the unbanked and underbanked populations and reaching the last mile through its extensive postal network.
• Operates with ~1,65,000 post offices (about 140,000 in rural areas) and employs around ~3,00,000 postal workers.

Summit and Conference

10. India successfully hosts the 2nd Blue Talks ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) of India, in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, hosted the “Second Blue Talks” at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.

• The event aimed to advance efforts leading up to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled for June 09-13, 2025, in Nice, France.
• Building on the success of the first Blue Talks in February 2024, the forum convened scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to foster commitments to ocean conservation and sustainable use.
• A white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation and Sustainable Growth” was launched, outlining a framework for enhancing India’s ocean resource management and sustainable development.
• The report highlights the role of India’s marine resources as crucial for national growth, with inputs from 25 ministries and alignment with the G20 President’s commitments.
• Key issues identified include the need for coordinated approaches to overcome growth barriers, limited data sharing, and technology gaps, particularly in emerging marine industries.
• Discussed themes included conserving marine ecosystems, enhancing scientific cooperation, reducing ocean pollution, and addressing the interconnection between ocean health, climate, and biodiversity.
• The event aimed to promote collaboration and innovative solutions for long-term sustainability of ocean resources.

International Affairs

11. Donald Trump unveils plans for ‘Golden Dome’ defence system

The US has chosen a design for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, announced by President Trump.

• The system aims to counter advanced aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
• An initial budget of 25 billion has been allocated, but total costs may reach up to 542 billion over 20 years.
• The program is designed to address increasingly sophisticated missile threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
• The system will integrate next-generation technologies across land, sea, and space, including satellite sensors.
• The Golden Dome is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but will be larger and capable of handling a wider range of threats, such as hypersonic weapons.
• Experts express skepticism about completing the project during Trump’s term, citing high costs and challenges specific to the vast US geography.
• Canada has shown interest in participating in the Golden Dome project.

Defence News

12. INS Kaundinya was inducted into the Indian Navy

A stitched vessel named INS Kaundinya was inducted into the Indian Navy at Karwar, Karnataka, as part of a joint venture involving the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations from Divar, Goa.

• The vessel is set to embark on its maiden transoceanic voyage along the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman.
• Kaundinya is constructed using traditional shipbuilding techniques with materials like wood, coir, fish oil, and natural resin, aligning with India’s rich maritime heritage.
• The ship is 20 meters long, features two masts (four meters high), square sails, two trailing oars, and a flexible hull made from Indian Laurel, Teak, and Wild Jack.

• The Indian Navy partnered with the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras for hydrodynamic testing of the vessel’s design.
• The project aims to rekindle interest in India’s maritime history and combat “sea blindness,” highlighting the importance of the Indian Ocean as a historical trade route.

Also, read: Daily Current Affairs 21st May 2025