NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Operation Olivia’ Helps Protect 6.98 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles In Odisha: Operation Olivia 2025 led by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025.Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia focuses on safe nesting for Olive Ridley turtles, especially along Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coastal areas in Odisha.Since inception, the ICG has conducted 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, detaining 366 boats for illegal fishing, significantly reducing threats to marine life.ICG also partners with local fishing communities and NGOs, promoting Turtle Excluder Devices and sustainable practices through MoUs to enhance long-term marine conservation.
2. Telangana CM Revanth Launches ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ Scheme: Telangana CM A Revanth launched the flagship scheme ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ at Macharam village, pledging to develop Achampet Assembly constituency as a national role model, with a 100-day target to provide solar pump sets to farmers, especially in Podu lands.The government has spent ₹60,000 crore on farmer welfare, including a ₹500 bonus for fine variety paddy cultivators, 200 units of free power to 50 lakh poor families, and free RTC bus travel for women.
3. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, Anna Sahayata Apps: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched three new apps — Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata — aimed at modernizing India’s agricultural infrastructure and Public Distribution System through digital innovation.The apps will enhance efficiency, service quality, transparency, and accountability by integrating technologies like smart warehousing, CCTV, IoT sensors, and providing real-time grievance redressal in local languages.Depot Darpan helps officials monitor warehouse performance, Anna Sahayata enables citizens to register complaints via voice and messages, and Anna Mitra serves as a command center for ration distribution with detailed sales and inspection data.
4. Justice Kempaiah Somashekar Appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court: The President of India appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a Judge of the Karnataka High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.The appointment was announced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and followed the recommendation of a three-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, ahead of the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar.Justice Somashekar began his legal career in 1990, served as District and Sessions Judge from 1998, was appointed Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court in July 2016, and became a permanent judge in July 2018.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NCC Cadet successfully climbs Mount Everest for the third time: A ten-member mountaineering team of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has successfully scaled Mount Everest (8,848.86 metres), the world’s highest peak.This marks NCC’s third successful expedition to Mount Everest, following previous feats in 2013 and 2016.This year’s team comprised an equal number of boy and girl cadets, all first-time climbers, selected through a rigorous national-level process. With an average age of just 19 years—and the youngest cadet being only 16—the team has been hailed for its exceptional determination, discipline, and endurance.
2. Banu Mushtaq Becomes First Kannada Author to Win International Booker Prize 2025 for ‘Heart Lamp’: Banu Mushtaq made history as the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi.Heart Lamp contains 12 stories written between 1990 and 2023, focusing on the emotional struggles of Muslim women in southern India.The International Booker Prize celebrates fiction translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland; the £50,000 prize is shared equally between the author and the translator.Mushtaq’s win follows Geetanjali Shree’s 2022 victory with Tomb of Sand, and comes after the 2023 longlisting of Perumal Murugan’s Pyre (Tamil).The 2025 edition of the prize featured 13 first-time nominees, including landmark entries from Kannada, Romania, and Iraq, with Sophie Hughes making a record fifth appearance on the longlist.
3. 19 May – World Fair Play Day: World Fair Play Day is observed every year on 19th May to celebrate and promote the spirit of fairness and ethical behavior in sports and life.The day highlights the significance of honesty, respect, and integrity among athletes, coaches, and sports officials worldwide.On 1 July 2024 the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/78/310, proclaiming May 19 as World Fair Play Day.
4. 20 May – World Metrology Day: World Metrology Day is celebrated every year on May 20th to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875.This international treaty established a framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement, known as metrology.Theme 2025- Measurements for all times, for all peopleThe day highlights the importance of accurate measurements in science, industry, and everyday life, ensuring consistency and reliability worldwide.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Tapan Kumar Deka Gets One-Year Extension as Intelligence Bureau Chief Till June 2026: Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer and counter-terrorism expert, has been granted a one-year extension till June 2026, marking his second extension as IB chief since his appointment in June 2022.Deka has vast experience, having led counter-operations during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and operations against terror groups like the Indian Mujahideen, and is known for expertise in terrorism cases linked to Pakistan, including responses like Operation Sindoor.The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under special rules allowing service beyond the retirement age of 60 in the public interest for key intelligence and administrative positions.
2. BEL signs contract with Army for Indigenous Counter-Drone System: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army Air Defence have signed a contract for the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS).The system, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL, marks a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.The IDDIS is designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving aerial threats. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has secured additional orders worth Rs 572 Crores since the last disclosure on 07th April 2025.Major orders received include Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Data Communication Unit (DCU) for attack guns, AI based solutions for ships, simulators, communication equipment, jammers, spares, services etc.
SPORTS
1. India’s First Khelo India Beach Games Inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya at Diu’s Ghoghla Beach: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Beach Games at Ghoghla Beach in the Union territory of Diu.More than 1000 athletes from across the country will compete in six medal events and two demonstration sports over the next six days.This is the first time the Beach Games are being held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella. The medal events include beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, beach sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Two traditional demonstration sports – mallakhamb and tug-of-war will also be staged during the games.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. New Caledonia: After a failed attempt by French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls to establish a new political accord, uncertainty looms over the territory. The recent collapse of negotiations has intensified the ongoing debate about independence from France. GKToday explores the historical context, current challenges, and the implications of recent events. New Caledonia has a complex history marked by colonialism. France annexed the territory in 1853, initially using it as a penal colony. The 20th century saw attempts to integrate the Kanak people through policies like granting French citizenship in 1957. However, deep-rooted divisions persisted, leading to violent conflicts from 1984 to 1988. The emergence of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) during this period signified a growing demand for independence.
2. Ancient Solar Storms: This event is now recognised as the most powerful solar storm ever detected. The study marks the significance of understanding ancient solar activity and its implications for current infrastructure. Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland identified this ancient solar storm, which occurred around 12,350 BC. The team developed a climate-chemistry model to analyse solar particle storms during the last Ice Age. Their findings reveal that this storm was 18 per cent stronger than the previously known strongest storm from AD 775. The study utilised tree-ring data to confirm the strength of the ancient event. By assessing radiocarbon levels preserved in ancient wood samples, researchers established a distinct isotopic signature. The 12,350 BC event was found to be over 500 times more intense than the notable 2005 solar particle storm.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. MGNREGA Employment Challenges in 2024-25: MGNREGA aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. It was established to enhance livelihood security in rural areas. The scheme is crucial for alleviating poverty and improving rural infrastructure. In 2024-25, registered households under MGNREGA rose by 8.6 per cent. However, the actual employment generated fell by 7.1 per cent. The average workdays per household also decreased by 4.3 per cent. Only 7 per cent of households managed to complete the guaranteed 100 days of work. The report revealed stark regional disparities. Odisha experienced the most decline in employment at 34.8 per cent. Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan followed with decreases of 25.1 per cent and 15.9 per cent, respectively. Conversely, states like Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh reported increases in employment.
2. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to combat cyber fraud and financial crime. This initiative is part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) aimed at empowering financial institutions with actionable intelligence. The FRI categorises mobile numbers based on their risk of financial fraud, aiding in the prevention of cyber crime. Advance notifications are crucial in combatting cyber fraud. The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) provides a Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) to stakeholders. This list includes mobile numbers disconnected due to cyber crime involvement or failed re-verification. The swift identification of high-risk numbers allows financial institutions to take immediate protective actions before fraudulent transactions occur.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Eliise Randmaa Creates History as Miss Estonia Wins Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge: Miss Eliise Randmaa (Estonia) made history by winning the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad — Estonia’s first advancement to the next round since 1999.The event featured 108 contestants in regional teams, competing in diverse athletic events like badminton, shot put, chess, football, sprints, and Zumba, emphasizing fitness, health, and resilience.Miss Aurélie Joachim (Martinique) won silver, Miss Emma Morrison (Canada) took bronze, and Miss Anna-Lise Nanton (Trinidad and Tobago) secured fourth place with commendable performances. The event began with cultural performances including Mallakhamb, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, and skating, inaugurated by Telangana’s Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, with BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla as chief guest.
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