MAY 2025 CURRENT AFFAIRS | MOST IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR SSC EXAMS | PARMAR SSC

Introduction and Book Delivery Update

Opening Remarks

• The speaker greets the audience and checks if their voice is audible to everyone.

• An update on book deliveries is provided, indicating that most have been delivered while some are pending. The speaker assures that all books will arrive within a day or two.

Current Affairs Overview

Upcoming Hindi Book Release

• A question about the release of the Phantom book in Hindi is addressed, with an assurance that it will be available soon, likely by tomorrow or the day after.

Notable Visitors to India

• The President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, recently visited India. This visit is highlighted as significant for current affairs discussions.

• Angola has become the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Key details include its currency (Angolan Kwanza) and capital (Luanda).

• Iran's Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Arachi also visited India during this period. Additionally, India's Finance Minister traveled to Milan, Italy, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. These visits are noted for their relevance in international relations discussions.

National News Highlights

PM Modi's Inaugurations

• PM Modi inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (Waves) in Mumbai; this event focuses on audio-visual entertainment industries globally.

• He also inaugurated Vinjijam International Sea Port in Kerala developed by Adani Group; it's identified as a transshipment port located south of Kochi, which is known as "Queen of the Arabian Sea." There are 13 major ports in India overall.

Major vs Minor Ports

• A distinction between major ports (regulated by central government) and minor ports (controlled by state governments) is made; examples include Kandla and Mundra ports respectively. JNPT is mentioned as India's largest container port located near Mumbai.

Defense Updates

New Missile Testing Range

• PM Modi inaugurated DRDO's Navdurga testing range located in Andhra Pradesh; this adds to India's existing missile testing capabilities at Chandipur and Wheeler Island (now APJ Abdul Kalam Island).

Operation Sindoor Overview

• Discussion on Operation Sindoor highlights India's military action targeting nine sites in Pakistan associated with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed; key figures involved were Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vamika Singh who played significant roles during these operations.

Global Space Exploration Conference

• The 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference was held in New Delhi with a theme focused on space exploration renaissance titled "Reaching New Worlds." This indicates India's active participation in global space initiatives.

Geothermal Energy and Conservation Initiatives in India

Geothermal Energy Development

• The first geothermal production well in Northeast India has been drilled in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant development for the region.

• Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's interior heat; when magma contacts groundwater, it heats the water to generate energy.

• Other notable geothermal sites in India include Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh and Puga Valley in Ladakh.

Cheetah Conservation Corridor

• Raja Rammohan Roy is referred to as the 'Father of Indian Essence.'

• India's first international cheetah conservation corridor will connect Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, linking Mukundra Hill Tiger Reserve, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, and Kuno National Park.

• Kuno National Park is significant as it is where cheetahs were relocated from South Africa and Namibia.

Advancements in Railways

• PM Modi launched the Luch D9 9000 horsepower electric locomotive aimed at enhancing freight transport efficiency.

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated Operation Hawk as an anti-cybercrime initiative to combat cyber threats effectively.

State Government Initiatives

Haryana's Support for Artists

• The Haryana government introduced the Pandit Laxmichandra Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana to financially support senior artists and art scholars.

Bihar's Women's Education Campaign

• Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the Mahila Samvad Campaign aimed at educating women about various government schemes available to them.

Kerala's Educational Initiative for Migrant Workers' Children

• Kerala has initiated the Jyoti scheme to support educational opportunities for children of migrant workers.

Karnataka's Water Supply Schemes

• Karnataka launched two initiatives: Sanchar Kaveri for clean drinking water supply using GPS-tagged tankers and Saral Kaveri allowing urban families to pay for new water connections through installments.

Uttar Pradesh’s Eco-Tourism Development

Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launch

• Uttar Pradesh government partnered with Indian Railways to launch India's first Vistadome Jungle Safari Train under "One Destination, Three Forests," connecting Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

Understanding River Systems: The Kaveri River

Origin and Tributaries of Kaveri River

• The Kaveri River originates from Brahmagiri Hills located in Kodagu district, Karnataka. It is often referred to as the Ganges of South India due to its significance.

• Key tributaries of the Kaveri include Bhavani, Hemavati, Amaravati, and Shimsa; these tributaries are essential for understanding its hydrology.

Understanding Lifelong Learning and Literacy in India

Literacy Rates and Notable States

• Over 95% literacy is considered fully literate; Ladakh was the first Union Territory (UT) to achieve this status, surpassing Mizoram.

• Mizoram ranks second with a literacy rate of 98.2%, while Serchhip district in Mizoram is noted as the most literate district in India.

• Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh, is identified as the least literate district according to the 2011 census.

Government Initiatives for Education

• The Delhi Chief Minister launched the Nayi Disha program aimed at reintegrating school dropouts into education.

• Additionally, 60 new Chief Minister Schools were announced to enhance educational access in Delhi.

International Developments and Organizations

Angola's Membership and International Solar Alliance

• Angola recently became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which was co-launched by India and France on November 30, 2015.

• The ISA headquarters is located in Gurugram, Haryana.

Asian Development Bank Meeting

• Italy hosted the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan; future Winter Olympics are scheduled for Milan and Cortina in 2026.

• ADB's headquarters are situated in Manila, Philippines.

Regional Cooperation Frameworks

ASEAN and SAARC Overview

• ASEAN's headquarters are located in Jakarta, Indonesia; India is not a member of ASEAN.

• SAARC was formed in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with its headquarters now based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Member countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan among others.

BEAMSTOCK Membership

• BEAMSTOCK includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan as its members.

Environmental Insights from Recent Reports

State of Forest Report Findings

• The State of Forest Report released in 2023 indicates that India's forest cover stands at 25.17%.

• Madhya Pradesh has both the highest forest cover area-wise but also suffered significant losses; Mizoram shows high percentage-wise forest cover increase among states.

What is the Longest International Border?

Lake Superior and the 49th Parallel

• The longest international border in the world is between the USA and Canada, marked by the 49th parallel.

• Lake Superior, located along this border, was mentioned as a notable geographical feature.

• This information was highlighted as part of a question from a recent UPSC Civil Services exam.

Geography of Africa

• The highest peak in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro, which is a volcanic mountain located in Tanzania.

• The Rockies were described as young fold mountains, emphasizing their geological significance.

What are Key Passes in Nepal?

International Trade Fair and Territorial Claims

• The 10th International Trade Fair in Nepal took place at Virukti Mandap.

• Discussion included territorial claims over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani by India regarding currency notes last year.

Important Passes in Uttarakhand

• Key passes mentioned include Mana Pass, Niti Pass, Lipulekh Pass, and Mansadhura.

How are India and Honduras Strengthening Ties?

Diplomatic Relations

• India has opened a new embassy for Honduras to strengthen diplomatic relations.

Geography of Honduras

• Honduras is not an island country; it is situated on the mainland of Central America with its capital being Tegucigalpa.

Recent Awards in Indian Football

All India Football Federation Awards

• Subhash Bose received the Men's Player of the Year award while Soumya Gugulot won Women's Player of the Year.

• Vishal Kaith was awarded Men's Goalkeeper of the Year; Elangbam Pangthoi Chanu received Women's Goalkeeper award.

Who Received the World Food Prize?

Contributions to Agriculture

• Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungaria was awarded for her work on biological nitrogen fixation.

Importance of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria

• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Pseudomonas help legumes absorb atmospheric nitrogen without additional fertilizers.

Understanding Green Revolution Contributions

Norman Borlaug's Legacy

• Norman Borlaug initiated the World Food Programme and is known as the Father of the Green Revolution. He received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his contributions to agriculture.

Phases of Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution occurred in two phases: focusing initially on rice and wheat before expanding to other crops by 1980.

Recent Jnanpith Award Winners

Notable Recipients

• The 58th Jnanpith Award was given to Urdu poet Gulzar Sahib and Swami Rambhadracharya ji.

Jnanpith Award and Literary Achievements

Overview of Jnanpith Award

• The 59th Jnanpith Award has been announced for Vinod Kumar Shukla, although he has not yet received it.

• The Jnanpith Award is recognized as India's highest literary award, awarded in 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule.

• The Sahitya Akademi Award is the second highest literary award in India, given in a total of 24 languages.

Notable Literary Prizes

• Bhanu Mustaq's book "Heart Lamp" won the International Booker Prize for 2025; it's notable for being the first Kannada book to achieve this honor.

• Geetanjali Shree's "Tome of Sand Samadhi," originally titled "Reet Samadhi" in Hindi, was the first Indian work to win this prize.

Recent Awards and Recognitions

Film Industry Honors

• Jafar Panahi from Iran received the Palme d'Or at Cannes for his film "It Was Just an Accident," highlighting his inspirational journey post-incarceration.

Sports Achievements

• Four Indian sprinters set a new world record of 38.69 seconds in the 4x100 meter relay at the National Relay Carnival 2025 held in Chandigarh.

Khelo India Youth Games and Rankings

Event Highlights

• Bihar hosted the Khelo India Youth Games, with Gajsamha as its mascot. Maharashtra topped with 58 gold medals.

Participating Cities

• Events were held across five cities: Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Patna, and Begusarai.

Football and Badminton Tournaments

Kalinga Super Football Tournament

• Goa emerged as champions while Jamshedpur was the runner-up; Albino Gomes was recognized as best goalkeeper.

Badminton Achievements

• China won multiple badminton trophies including BWF Sudhir Manek Cup and both Thomas (men's) and Uber (women's) Cups against Thailand.

Archery World Cup Success

Medal Count

• India secured seven medals at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shancai, China, including two gold medals by Madhur Dhamangaonkar.

This structured summary captures key insights from various topics discussed within the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Tri-Nation Series 2025 and Notable Achievements

Highlights from Recent Sports Events

• Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Final in the Tri-Nation Series 2025, while Sneharana received the Player of the Series award.

• L.R. Sri from Tamil Nadu has achieved the title of 86th Grandmaster in chess, marking a significant milestone for Indian chess.

• Pankaj Advani continues to dominate billiards, winning the CCI Billiards Classic title, with Sourav Kothari as another notable player in this sport.

Neeraj Chopra's Javelin Success

• Neeraj Chopra made headlines by throwing a javelin 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League but finished second to Julian Weber from Germany, who threw 91.06 meters.

• Javelin Day is celebrated on August 7th to commemorate Neeraj's gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.

Chess Achievements

• R Praggnandha won the Superbit Chess Classic held in Bucharest, Romania, despite being overshadowed by Guesh D's recent World Championship victory over Magnus Carlsen.

• R Vaishali, an 84th Grandmaster and sister of R Praggnandha, also contributes to India's chess legacy.

Football and Beach Games Updates

• FC Barcelona secured their 28th La Liga title after defeating Espanyol with a score of 2-0.

• The first-ever Khelo India Beach Games were inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at Koggala Beach; Manipur topped the medal tally followed by Maharashtra and Nagaland.

Tennis Tournament Results

• Carlos Alcaraz won the Italian Open against Jannik Sinner just before their French Open final match began later that day.

• Coco Gauff triumphed in women's singles at Roland Garros (French Open), defeating Aryna Sabalenka after previously losing to Jasmine Pelloni in another match earlier on that day.

International Competitions Overview

• India defeated Bangladesh to lift the South Asian Football Federation Cup Under-19 Championship title established since 1997; its headquarters are located in Dhaka.

• Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first UEFA Europa League title following a successful campaign this season.

Athletics Milestones

• Kushmani became the first Indian to win a Formula 2 race at Monaco Grand Prix; this marks a historic achievement for Indian motorsport athletes.

• In badminton, Srikanth finished second at Malaysian Masters after losing to China's world number four Li Xiufeng; his performance remains commendable amidst tough competition.(2618)

Shooting Sports Achievements

• India topped the International Shooting Sports Federation Junior World Cup held in Germany with China and Italy finishing second and third respectively; notable gold medalists include Tejaswini (women’s 25m pistol), Kanak Budhwar (women’s air pistol), and Shambhavi Shir Sagar (10-meter rifle event).

• Gulvir Singh won gold in men's 10,000-meter race while para-athlete Mahendra Gurjar set a world record in F420 javelin throw during Para Athletics Grand Prix.(2664)

Appointments Update

• Cardinal Robert Francis has been appointed as Pope Leo XIV following his predecessor's passing; he represents continuity within Roman Catholic leadership traditions.(2710)

• Justice Suryakant has been appointed as executive chairman of NALSA which signifies important changes within legal frameworks.(2710)

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Overview

Introduction to NALSA

• NALSA stands for National Legal Services Authority, which is a stipulatory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987.

• Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. The current Patron-in-Chief of NALSA is Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, while Dr. Ajay Kumar S serves as the Chairman.

Recent Appointments and Awards

• Ajay Kumar has recently been appointed as the new Chairman of UPSC, succeeding Preeti Sood.

• Notable sports awards include Rohit Sharma receiving the Arjuna Award in 2015 and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020; Virat Kohli received his Arjuna Award in 2013 and Khel Ratna Award in 2018.

Defense News Highlights

Key Developments in Defense

• DRDO successfully conducted its first flight trial of a stratospheric airship platform in Madhya Pradesh; DRDO was founded in 1958 with the motto 'Balasya Moolam Vigyanam'.

• Sameer V. Kamat is currently serving as the chairman of DRDO.

Military Exercises and Operations

• The Indian Navy showcased its capabilities at MDEX Asia hosted by Singapore.

• Rajnath Singh inaugurated a BrahMos supersonic missile production unit at Uttar Pradesh's Defense Industrial Corridor; BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia named after two rivers: Brahmaputra and Moskva.

Recent Military Operations

Operation Updates

• Operation Killer was executed following Operation Sindoor, resulting in the elimination of three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Bhargava Astra, India's first affordable micromissile air defense system developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, has its headquarters located in Nagpur.

Training Exercises

• The Army conducted an international field training exercise called Teesta Prahar at the Teesta Field Firing Range located in northern West Bengal.

• INSV Kaun, a traditional stitched sailship built using ancient shipbuilding techniques known as Tankai method, reflects fifth-century Janata cave art; it is situated in Aurangabad district (now Sambhaji Nagar), Maharashtra.

Science and Technology Updates

Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine Test

• The Indian Navy and DRDO successfully test-fired the Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine, enhancing India's capabilities in underwater warfare.

Ayurveda Day Announcement

• The Government of India has designated September 23rd as Ayurveda Day, coinciding with the autumnal equinox.

Understanding Equinoxes

• The spring (vernal) equinox occurs on March 21st, marking equal days and nights globally.

• Key dates include the summer solstice on June 21st (longest day), winter solstice on December 22nd (shortest day), and notable events like International Day, Aphelion, and Perihelion.

Important Global Days

May Observances

• International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st with a focus on educating women about government schemes.

• World Press Freedom Day falls on May 3rd; this year's theme was "Reporting in the Brave New World."

Health Awareness Days

• World Asthma Day is observed on May 6th; discussions around asthma pathogens were highlighted.

• National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11th with a focus on technological advancements.

International Celebrations and Themes

Notable International Days

• International Nurses Day is recognized on May 12th to honor Florence Nightingale's contributions.

• Other significant days include International Family Day (May 15th), Population Day (July 11th), and various observances throughout May focusing on health, biodiversity, and environmental awareness.

Miscellaneous Insights

Press Freedom Index Ranking

• India ranks 151 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index released during World Press Freedom Day. This indicates limited press freedom compared to other nations like Sri Lanka (139), Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan (175), and China (178).

Human Development Index and Economic Rankings

Overview of Human Development Index

• India ranks 130 in the Human Development Index (HDI), with Iceland at number one and China at 78.

• The HDI rankings are published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Free Trade Agreement Between India and UK

• A landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been concluded between India and the UK after extensive negotiations.

Achievements in Mountaineering

Notable Climbers

• Geeta Samota is recognized as the first CISF personnel to conquer Mount Everest.

• Rita Sherpa made history by climbing Mount Everest for a record-breaking 31 times.

National Commission for Women

Establishment and Leadership

• The National Commission for Women was established on January 31, 1992, under a statutory body framework.

• Its chairperson is Vijay Kishor Rahatkar.

India's Economic Status

GDP Insights

• India has surpassed Japan to become the fourth largest economy globally, following the USA, China, and Germany.

• Nominal GDP is discussed as not being adjusted for inflation; it reflects inflationary pressures without accounting for them.

Understanding GDP Deflator

Inflation Adjustment Mechanism

• The formula for GDP deflator: GDP nominal + (GDP real * 100), which adjusts nominal figures to account for inflation.

Recent Passings of Notable Figures

Tributes to Influential Personalities

• Baba Shiv Nanda, known for his yoga performances, passed away; he received Padma Shri in 2022.

• KV Rabia, a social worker who also received Padma Shri in 2022, has passed away alongside M.R. Srinivasan, a nuclear scientist awarded multiple honors including Padma Vibhushan.

Current Affairs Resources

Accessing Information

• Current Affairs PDFs can be downloaded from the Parmar SSC Telegram channel or through the Parmar Academy application and website.

Reordering and Stock Availability

Discussion on Stock Reordering

• The speaker mentions that the item will be back in stock on December 12-13, indicating a specific timeline for availability.

• There is a concern raised about the lack of live inventory updates, suggesting that users are not receiving real-time information regarding stock levels.

• The speaker questions whether the audience is subscribed to notifications, implying that subscription may provide updates on stock status.

• A sense of frustration is expressed as the speaker wonders why they are watching if there are no updates or actions being taken regarding stock availability.

• The mention of checking Gmail suggests that communication via email might be expected for further updates or confirmations related to orders.