Don't Have an Account?
SSC Foundation Batch (Hybrid)
20 May, 2025
GK Update
Sat 24 May, 2025
National News
10th Governing Council Meeting: NITI Aayog
- The 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held on 24th May 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- Chief Ministers of all states and Lieutenant Governors or Administrators of Union Territories participated in the meeting.
Related facts:
NITI Aayog:
|
|
Tobacco-Free India
- The Government of India has launched a comprehensive nationwide campaign to make all educational institutions across the country tobacco-free.
- The objective of this initiative is to protect the youth from the use of tobacco and other addictive substances, which pose serious risks to their health and future.
National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):
|
Foundation Stone of Observatory Towers
- Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, laid the foundation stone for the iconic Observatory Towers on the New Zuari Bridge in Goa.
- Both towers will be inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with each having a height of 125 meters.
28th Coordination Committee Meeting
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized the 28th Coordination Committee meeting in New Delhi to devise methods and means to prevent offences of untouchability and atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
State Special
Uttar Pradesh’s Export Growth
- Uttar Pradesh's exports have more than doubled in eight years, reaching ₹1.70 lakh crore in 2023–24, up from ₹88,967 crore in 2017–18.
- Products from the state were exported to over 100 countries, making UP one of the top exporting states in India.
Related facts:
|
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited
- The Maharashtra government has approved the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways.
- This merger has been officially supported by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, making Konkan Railway a part of Indian Railways.
|
International News
"Global Hub of Terrorism"
- India, in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), labelled Pakistan as a "global hub of terrorism" and accused it of sponsoring cross-border terrorist activities.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
|
|
Lawsuit Against Donald Trump Administration
- Harvard University filed a lawsuit for the second time against the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
- The case was filed in the federal court of Boston against the Trump administration’s order to restrict the admission of foreign students at Harvard.
Harvard University:
|
Germany Supports India’s Action Against Terrorism
- Germany has extended clear and strong support to India’s fight against terrorism and its right to self-defense.
- Following the terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which innocent tourists were killed, Germany fully justified India’s retaliatory action — Operation Sindoor.
Germany:
|
|
Prisoner Exchange: Russia-Ukraine
- Russia and Ukraine have carried out the largest prisoner exchange since the beginning of the war.
- Both countries handed over 390 prisoners each, including soldiers as well as civilians.
Related Facts:
|
Russia :
|
Ukraine :
|
Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
- Richard Marles, leader of the Australian Labor Party, has been reappointed as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
Australian:
|
|
Economy and Banking
RBI Approves Transfer of Surplus Funds
- The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of ₹2,68,590.07 crore as surplus (dividend) to the Central Government for the financial year 2024-25.
- This is the highest ever surplus transfer, which is 27.4% more than the ₹2.1 lakh crore transferred in the previous year (2023-24).
Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
|
|
Wings India 2026
- Under the leadership of Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), a preview event of Wings India 2026, Asia's largest civil aviation program, was organized in New Delhi.
Related Facts:
|
India’s Economic Growth Rate: CareEdge Ratings
- According to the new report ‘The Economic Meter and GDP Preview for Q4FY25’ by credit rating agency CareEdge Ratings, India’s economic growth rate for the fourth quarter (Q4) of the financial year 2024-25 is estimated at 6.8%.
- For the entire financial year 2024-25 (FY25), the country’s average GDP growth is expected to be 6.3%.
Rating agency ICRA report: On the number of domestic air passengers in India
- According to the report of rating agency ICRA, the number of domestic air passengers in India in FY 2025 (April 2024–March 2025) was around 16.54 crore (1,653.8 lakh), showing a growth of 7.6% on an annual basis.
- This figure is 16.8% higher than the pre-Covid level (FY 20) of around 14.15 crore (1,415.6 lakh) passengers. This growth has been in line with ICRA's estimate (7-10% annual growth).
Science and Technology
Infrared Contact Lens Developed
- Scientists at the University of Science and Technology, China, have developed a revolutionary infrared contact lens that enables users to see in the dark and even with their eyes closed.
Related Facts:
|
Professor Ganesh Thakur Appointed as TAMEST Chair
- Professor Ganesh Thakur, of Indian origin, has been appointed as the Chair of the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST).
- He has also become the first faculty member from the University of Houston to hold this prestigious position.
Environment News
Southwest Monsoon
- In the year 2025, the Southwest Monsoon reached Kerala on 24th May, eight days earlier than its usual date of 1st June.
- This is the earliest monsoon arrival in the last 16 years (first time since 2009).
Related Facts:
|
Important Days
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day
- World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is observed annually on 24th May to raise awareness about serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, to dispel myths and social stigma associated with it, and to promote empathy and support for patients and their families.
Related Facts:
|
Commonwealth Day
- Commonwealth Day is observed annually on 24th May. It is celebrated by all the countries that were once under British colonial rule. The day marks the birth anniversary of Queen Victoria (24 May 1819). Earlier, it was known as Empire Day, with the first celebration held on 24 May 1902.
|