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SSC Foundation Batch (Hybrid)
20 May, 2025
GK Update
Fri 16 May, 2025
National News
Jamia Millia Islamia Suspends All Agreements with Turkey
- Jamia Millia Islamia has announced the suspension of all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with academic institutions affiliated with the Turkish government with immediate effect, until further notice.
- This decision comes in the wake of similar actions taken by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Kanpur University, which have also cancelled their agreements with Turkish universities.
Turkey :
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Security Clearance of Celebi Airport Services Revoked
- The Central Government has revoked the security clearance of Turkey-based ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. with immediate effect.
- This company was earlier granted security clearance in November 2022 by the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
State Special
Sikkim's 50th Foundation Day
- Sikkim is celebrating its 50th Foundation Day on 16 May 2025, which commemorates its becoming the 22nd state of India in 1975.
- At the time of independence (1947), Sikkim was a protectorate of the Union of India, with its internal administration in the hands of the King Chogyal.
Sikkim :
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Five Seed Parks
- To enhance self-reliance in the agricultural sector, five seed parks will be established in Uttar Pradesh.
- These parks will be equipped with modern facilities like seed production, storage, processing, and speed breeding.
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International News
Libya Submitted Declaration to ICC
- Libya has formally submitted a declaration to the International Criminal Court (ICC) under Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute.
- Through this declaration, Libya has granted the ICC jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory from 2011 to 2027.
International Criminal Court (ICC):
| Year of establishment: July 2002 | Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands | Treaty basis: Treaty of Rome |
Balochistan Declares Independence
- Balochistan’s prominent activist and writer Mir Yaar Baloch has announced the formation of the "Republic of Balochistan."
Balochistan:
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Economy and Banking
Export of Goods and Services: April 2025
- India’s export of goods and services rose strongly by 12.7% in April 2025, reaching $73.8 billion, compared to $65.48 billion in the same month last year.
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Sports News
Khelo India Youth Games 2025
- The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 concluded on 15 May 2025 at the Pataliputra Sports Complex in Patna, the capital of Bihar.
- Around 8,000 athletes from 28 states and 8 union territories participated in the event.
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Defense News
'Teesta Prahar' Military Exercise
- The Indian Army conducted a large-scale joint military exercise named 'Teesta Prahar' at the Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal.
- Various army units participated in this exercise, including infantry, mechanized infantry, artillery, armed corps, paramilitary forces, army aviation engineering, and signals.
Indian Army :
| Headquarters: New Delhi | Armed Forces Day: 15 January | Slogan: "Service Before Self" |
Person In News
David Vance
- British political analyst and author David Vance, supporting Operation Sindur, said that it was a much-needed step long overdue.
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Nirav Modi
- On 15 May 2025, the London High Court rejected the bail plea of diamond trader Nirav Modi.
- Nirav Modi is accused of fraud involving ₹13,000 crore from Punjab National Bank (PNB), including the embezzlement of ₹6,498.20 crore. He has been in a London jail since March 2019.
Punjab National Bank (PNB):
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Michael Rubin
- Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has criticized the United States for failing to block the IMF's $1 billion bailout package to Pakistan.
International Monetary Fund (IMF):
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Appointments
Justice Kempaya Somashekar
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended on 15 May 2025 the appointment of Justice Kempaya Somashekar as the next Chief Justice of Manipur High Court.
- This appointment will take effect after the retirement of the current Chief Justice, Justice D. Krishnakumar, on 21 May 2025.
| Justice Somashekar is at present a Judge of the Karnataka High Court |
Reports and Indexes
WESP May 2025
- According to the United Nations' biannual report "World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), May 2025," despite global uncertainties, the Indian economy is projected to grow at a rate of 6.3% in the current financial year.
- This growth rate is slightly lower than the forecast of 6.6% released in January 2025.
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Environment News
India-EU Initiated Two Joint Research Projects
- India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major joint research projects focused on marine pollution and green hydrogen production from organic waste.
- These initiatives fall under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and involve an investment of approximately ₹391 crore.
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Important Days
National Dengue Day
- National Dengue Day is observed every year on May 16 to raise awareness about dengue fever and to promote measures for its prevention.
Related Facts:
Dengue:
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International Light Day
- International Light Day is celebrated every year on May 16.
- This day marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser by scientist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960.
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Endangered Species Day
- Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the third Friday of May.
- The day aims to promote the conservation of endangered species and raise awareness about their protection.