Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: 12-18 May 2025

This comprehensive report covers the significant events and developments from 12 to 18 May 2025, tailored for aspirants preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations. Drawing from credible sources like The Hindu (The Hindu), The Indian Express (Indian Express), Times of India (Times of India), Hindustan Times (Hindustan Times), Business Standard (Business Standard), Livemint (Livemint), The Economic Times (Economic Times), Press Information Bureau (PIB) (PIB), PRS Legislative Research (PRS India), BBC News (BBC News), Reuters (Reuters), and Down To Earth (Down To Earth), this report ensures accuracy and relevance. The narrative is structured to engage students, using simple English and a storytelling approach to make complex topics accessible.

Politics and Governance

The week of 12-18 May 2025 was pivotal for India’s political and governance landscape, with debates and initiatives shaping public discourse. A significant issue was the legal challenge to the Safe Harbour provision under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Safe Harbour). This provision shields intermediaries, such as social media platforms, from liability for user-generated content, provided they follow guidelines. However, the 2023 Amendment Rules proposed revoking this protection for platforms failing to curb fake news, sparking a court battle. This debate underscores the tension between regulating misinformation and preserving freedom of expression, a critical topic for exam aspirants.

Another key discussion revolved around clientelism, patronage, and freebies in Indian politics (Clientelism). Clientelism involves exchanging goods or services for political support, often fostering corruption. Patronage sees state resources allocated to loyalists, while freebies are populist measures to win votes. An insightful analysis called for reforms to ensure welfare policies are sustainable, highlighting the need for transparent governance. This topic is vital for understanding electoral dynamics and policy-making.

At the state level, Kerala’s Vruthi Campaign, part of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam mission, achieved remarkable success (Vruthi Campaign). Launched in October 2024, it increased household waste collection from 40% to 75% within a year, showcasing effective local governance. This initiative demonstrates how state-led efforts can address environmental challenges, offering a model for other regions.

The Niveshak Shivir Initiative, launched by the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), also made headlines (Niveshak Shivir). This program helps investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares through a digital portal for Form IEPF-5, reducing dependency on intermediaries. It reflects the government’s focus on financial inclusion and investor empowerment, a key area for banking exam candidates.

Topic	Details	Source
Safe Harbour	Legal challenge to 2023 Amendment Rules for curbing fake news	Insights on India
Clientelism and Freebies	Analysis of political practices and need for sustainable welfare	Insights on India
Vruthi Campaign	Increased waste collection from 40% to 75% in Kerala	Insights on India
Niveshak Shivir Initiative	Digital portal for reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares	Insights on India

Economy

India’s economic developments during this week focused on strengthening manufacturing and addressing environmental challenges. An article titled A Fundamental Reset to Drive Manufacturing Growth outlined the sector’s potential (Manufacturing Growth). Manufacturing contributes 16-17% to India’s GDP, employs over 60 million workers, and exported $447.46 billion in FY23. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reached 59.1 in March 2024, signaling robust growth. The government aims to increase manufacturing’s GDP share to 25% by 2025, adding $500 billion to the global economy by 2030 through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. This ambition highlights India’s push for industrial self-reliance, a key topic for economic reforms.

Air pollution emerged as another economic concern, with the article India’s Air Pollution Strategy Needs Atmanirbharta noting that 12 Indian cities rank among the world’s 20 most polluted, per IQAir’s 2024 report (Air Pollution). Air pollution causes approximately 1.6 million deaths annually, according to a 2020 Lancet study. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) targets a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter by 2024, but experts advocate for indigenous technologies to enhance effectiveness. This issue connects economic costs with public health, relevant for banking and UPSC exams.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s expansion of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, adding 12 new products to reach a total of 74, also gained attention (Utkarsh Classes). This initiative promotes local economies and aligns with national goals of economic diversification.

Topic	Details	Source
Manufacturing Growth	Targets 25% GDP share by 2025, $500 billion global contribution by 2030	Insights on India
Air Pollution Strategy	12 cities in top 20 polluted, NCAP targets 20-30% PM reduction	Insights on India
ODOP Scheme	Uttar Pradesh adds 12 products, total 74	Utkarsh Classes

Science and Technology

The week was marked by groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements. LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics) emerged as a revolutionary technique for brain mapping (LICONN). By expanding brain tissue 16 times, it enables nanoscale resolution of synaptic connections using AI, offering insights into brain disorders. This innovation positions India at the forefront of neuroscience research.

In botany, the discovery of the longest banana infructescence from Musa indandamanensis in Campbell Bay, Nicobar, measuring 4.2 meters, was celebrated (Musa indandamanensis). This critically endangered species, with trees reaching 11 meters, is vital for developing disease-resistant banana varieties, underscoring conservation’s role in agriculture.

Space research highlighted Asteroid YR4, discovered in December 2024 (Asteroid YR4). This 65-meter-wide asteroid has a 3.8% chance of hitting the Moon in 2032, potentially creating a 500-2,000-meter crater. Monitoring such objects is crucial for planetary defense, a topic of interest for science enthusiasts.

The MY Bharat Portal, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, promotes youth engagement in national development through volunteerism (MY Bharat). This digital platform fosters a sense of civic responsibility, aligning with technological advancements in governance.

The establishment of the country’s sixth semiconductor plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, further boosted India’s tech ambitions (Utkarsh Classes). This aligns with global trends in technology self-reliance, critical for UPSC aspirants.

Topic	Details	Source
LICONN	Brain mapping at nanoscale using AI	Insights on India
Musa indandamanensis	4.2-meter banana infructescence, critically endangered	Insights on India
Asteroid YR4	3.8% chance of lunar impact in 2032	Insights on India
MY Bharat Portal	Youth engagement through volunteerism	Insights on India
Semiconductor Plant	Sixth plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh	Utkarsh Classes

International Relations

India’s international engagements were shaped by legal and diplomatic discussions. An article on the Right to Self-Defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter explored its implications for India’s security policies (Right to Self-Defence). The International Court of Justice (ICJ) restricts this right to state-led attacks, while the unwilling or unable doctrine—allowing action against non-state actors in uncooperative states—lacks legal consensus. This is particularly relevant for India’s approach to cross-border terrorism.

India’s active participation in global forums like the G20, UN, BRICS, and QUAD continued to strengthen its diplomatic presence, though specific events from this week were not detailed. These engagements are crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and economic cooperation, key areas for UPSC mains.

Topic	Details	Source
Right to Self-Defence	Legal debate on state vs. non-state actors	Insights on India

Environment

Environmental initiatives and challenges were prominent. Kerala’s Vruthi Campaign significantly improved waste management, as noted earlier (Vruthi Campaign). The state also implemented geotubing technology to combat coastal erosion at Poonthura, led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) (Geotubing). This innovative approach uses geotextile tubes to protect coastlines, offering a model for sustainable infrastructure.

The Dongria Kondh Tribe in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills was recognized for their environmental stewardship (Dongria Kondh). This Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) speaks Kui, a Dravidian language, and their sustainable practices are vital for biodiversity conservation. Their critically endangered status highlights the need for protective policies.

Air pollution remained a pressing issue, with 12 Indian cities among the most polluted globally (Air Pollution). The NCAP’s goals and the call for indigenous solutions underscore the intersection of environment and public health.

Conservation efforts also included protecting species like Phayre’s Langur and Western Hoolock Gibbon, both endangered primates in Northeast India (Phayre’s Langur, Western Hoolock Gibbon). These efforts align with global wildlife conservation goals.

Topic	Details	Source
Vruthi Campaign	Waste collection from 40% to 75% in Kerala	Insights on India
Geotubing	Coastal erosion control in Poonthura, Kerala	Insights on India
Dongria Kondh Tribe	Environmental stewardship, critically endangered	Insights on India
Air Pollution	12 cities in top 20 polluted, NCAP targets PM reduction	Insights on India
Phayre’s Langur	Endangered primate in Northeast India	Conservation India
Western Hoolock Gibbon	Endangered, frugivorous primate	NE Primate Conservancy

Defense

India’s defense sector saw significant advancements. The BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, a joint venture with Russia, was highlighted for its Mach 3 speed and 290-km range, with upgrades to 350-400 km and plans for over 800 km (BrahMos). Its first combat use in Operation Sindoor and multi-platform capability make it a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy. The inauguration of the largest BrahMos production facility in Lucknow by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked a leap in manufacturing capabilities (Utkarsh Classes).

In cybersecurity, an MoU between C-DOT and Synergy Quantum for drone-based Quantum Key Distribution using the Decoy-State BB84 protocol promised secure communication systems (Quantum Key Distribution). This aligns with India’s focus on technological self-reliance in defense.

Topic	Details	Source
BrahMos Missile	Mach 3, range upgrades to 350-400 km, multi-platform	Insights on India
BrahMos Facility	Largest production facility in Lucknow	Utkarsh Classes
Quantum Key Distribution	Secure communication using drones, Decoy-State BB84	Insights on India

Sports

India’s sporting achievements brought national pride. The country secured second place at the Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 2 in Shanghai, showcasing its growing prowess in archery (Utkarsh Classes). Domestically, Maharashtra topped the 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025 medal tally, reflecting strong youth sports programs (Utkarsh Classes).

A highlight was the Indian Army conferring the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Neeraj Chopra, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, on 15 May 2025 (Utkarsh Classes). This recognition celebrates his contributions to sports and national inspiration, a motivational story for aspirants.

Topic	Details	Source
Archery World Cup	India finishes second in Shanghai, Stage 2	Utkarsh Classes
Khelo India Youth Games	Maharashtra tops medal tally	Utkarsh Classes
Neeraj Chopra	Honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank by Indian Army	Utkarsh Classes

Conclusion

The week of 12-18 May 2025 was a dynamic period, with developments spanning governance, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. From legal debates on digital regulation to scientific breakthroughs like LICONN, and from environmental initiatives to sporting triumphs, these events reflect India’s multifaceted progress. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding these topics provides a knowledge edge, connecting current affairs to broader themes of policy, development, and global engagement. Staying updated with such credible sources ensures a strong foundation for success.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which provision of Indian law, recently challenged in court, protects intermediaries like social media platforms from liability for user-generated content?
Option 1: Section 66A of the IT Act
Option 2: Section 79 of the IT Act
Option 3: Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution
Option 4: Rule 3 of the IT Rules, 2021
Option 5: Section 69A of the IT Act
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, known as the Safe Harbour provision, protects intermediaries (e.g., social media platforms) from legal liability for user content, provided they comply with due diligence guidelines. The 2023 Amendment Rules proposed to revoke this protection if platforms fail to prevent fake news, leading to legal challenges and raising debates about the balance between regulation and freedom of expression.

Question 2: What is the name of the initiative launched by SEBI and IEPFA to help investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares?
Option 1: Niveshak Shivir
Option 2: Investor Connect
Option 3: Sahyog Portal
Option 4: SEBI Express
Option 5: Dhan Raksha Abhiyan
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Niveshak Shivir Initiative, launched by the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) in collaboration with SEBI, facilitates the retrieval of unclaimed dividends and shares through a digital process involving Form IEPF-5. It aims to enhance financial literacy, reduce dependency on intermediaries, and promote digital investor empowerment.

Question 3: Which newly discovered asteroid has a 3.8% chance of impacting the Moon by 2032?
Option 1: Asteroid RX2025
Option 2: Asteroid XN3
Option 3: Asteroid VY6
Option 4: Asteroid MS9
Option 5: Asteroid YR4
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Asteroid YR4, discovered in December 2024, is a 65-meter-wide object with a 3.8% probability of colliding with the Moon in 2032. If it hits, it could create a massive crater between 500 to 2,000 meters. Monitoring such near-Earth objects is critical for planetary defense strategies and space research.

Question 4: Which community in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills was recently recognized for their role in environmental conservation?
Option 1: Baiga Tribe
Option 2: Koya Tribe
Option 3: Sora Tribe
Option 4: Dongria Kondh Tribe
Option 5: Bhil Tribe
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Dongria Kondh Tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) living in the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha, was acknowledged for their environmental stewardship. Known for their sustainable practices and close ties to nature, they play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, making them important figures in discussions on indigenous rights and conservation.

Question 5: What is the targeted share of manufacturing in India’s GDP by 2025, as per the government’s vision?
Option 1: 20%
Option 2: 22.5%
Option 3: 25%
Option 4: 30%
Option 5: 18%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The government aims to increase manufacturing’s share in India’s GDP from the current 16-17% to 25% by 2025. This goal is part of broader efforts to boost industrial output through schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and contribute $500 billion to the global economy by 2030.

Question 6: Which Indian missile, recently upgraded in range, was first used in combat during Operation Sindoor?
Option 1: Nirbhay
Option 2: Agni-Prime
Option 3: Prithvi-II
Option 4: Shaurya
Option 5: BrahMos
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, was first used in combat in Operation Sindoor. It travels at Mach 3 and initially had a 290-km range, now upgraded to 350-400 km, with plans for further expansion beyond 800 km. Its multi-platform deployment (land, sea, air) makes it central to India’s strategic defense.

Question 7: What does the LICONN technique, recently in the news, help scientists achieve?
Option 1: Gene editing in human embryos
Option 2: Earthquake prediction
Option 3: Nanoscale brain mapping
Option 4: Real-time weather modeling
Option 5: Quantum teleportation
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics) is a breakthrough brain-mapping technique that allows visualization of brain tissue at nanoscale resolution. It works by expanding the brain 16 times and then using AI to trace neural connections. This innovation offers deep insights into neurological disorders and supports neuroscience research.

Question 8: What is the main objective of the MY Bharat Portal launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs?
Option 1: Job placement for rural youth
Option 2: Promote civic volunteerism and youth engagement
Option 3: Sports training and scholarships
Option 4: Mental health support for adolescents
Option 5: Skill certification and training
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The MY Bharat Portal was launched to promote youth participation in nation-building through structured volunteerism. It encourages civic responsibility and social engagement among Indian youth by connecting them to various development initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership in governance and social change.

Question 9: Which Indian athlete was recently awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army?
Option 1: Neeraj Chopra
Option 2: PV Sindhu
Option 3: Avinash Sable
Option 4: Bajrang Punia
Option 5: R Praggnanandhaa
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Indian Army on 15 May 2025. This recognition celebrates his achievements and symbolic contribution to the nation’s pride, reflecting the military’s tradition of honoring exceptional civilians.

Question 10: What innovative coastal protection technique was implemented at Poonthura in Kerala?
Option 1: Floating breakwaters
Option 2: Artificial coral reefs
Option 3: Mangrove afforestation
Option 4: Geotubing using geotextile tubes
Option 5: Underwater concrete barriers
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Geotubing involves the use of large geotextile tubes filled with sand or other materials to form barriers that prevent coastal erosion. At Poonthura, Kerala, this technology was implemented under the guidance of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). It represents an environmentally sustainable approach to preserving vulnerable coastlines.