Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 10th May 2025

 

National News 

1. U.P. CM unveils two initiatives with support of World Bank 

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met World Bank president Ajay Banga in Lucknow on Friday and launched two initiatives ‘UP AGREES’ and ‘AI Pragya’— related to agricultural innovation and digital transformation in the State. 
• Mr. Adityanath praised the role of the World Bank in helping U.P. move closer to its vision of becoming a $1-trillion economy. 
• While ‘UP AGREES’ pushes for revolutionising agriculture in 28 districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions, ‘AI Pragya’ aims to build a robust Artificial Intelligence talent base by training 10 lakh youth across the State. 

2. 8,000 X accounts, news portal blocked in India; media bodies decry action 

•  Over 8,000 accounts, apparently most of them Pakistani, on the X platform have been withheld in India.
• The announcement came from X’s Global Government Aairs handle late Thursday evening. 
•  Through Thursday and Friday, some Indian accounts on X, such as the ones belonging to the New Delhi Based news portal Maktoob News, Srinagar-based journalist Anuradha Bhasin, and political content creator Arpit Sharma, were also withheld. 
•  The news portal The Wire has o been blocked, the site said on its social media handle, vowing to challenge the blocking order. 
•  The site continued to be available on some network carriers and Internet service providers (ISPs) on Friday evening, as website blockings do not generally become apparent immediately across all networks.
•   The X account of BBC Urdu was withheld on Friday.
•  The actions come across social media and video sharing platforms as the government seeks to stamp out disinformation regarding Operation Sindoor and its aftermath. 
•  X disagrees with orders X said that it disagreed with the orders while indicating that it was not in a position to challenge the orders legally as users could do. 
•  The account through which X posted this statement, belonging to its Global Government Affairs team, was itself withheld shortly after it made this post. 
•  After the account withheld that particular post, its other posts were visible again on Friday morning. 
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also did not announce blocking of The Wire or respond to a query on the site’s inaccessibility. 
•  “For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts,” X said. “... it amounts to censorship of existing and future content, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech.” 
•  The Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Association and the Delhi Union of Journalists jointly condemned the action. 
•  “Such crackdowns are against the freedom of the press and directly against the interests of the Indian public,” they said in a statement. 

3. India a part of wider trend of eroding press freedom: report 

• Indian media “has been shackled and subjected to a systemic strategy to cripple it”, according to the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25. 
•  The report, titled “Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn”, flags several concerning trends, including a “growing trust deficit in media outlets”, “choking of independent websites” and the extreme precarity of gig workers who are also having to contend with the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). 
•  The report reviews the state of press freedom in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. 
•  Noting that Pakistan is “for all intents and purposes an authoritarian regime operating under the guise of democracy”, the study pointed out that it witnessed the “most violent year for journalists in the country in two decades with eight journalists killed in the period under review.” 
•  Highlighting that most governments in South Asia have failed to reverse the “ever increasing levels of impunity for crimes against journalists”, the report reveals details of the “horrible murder of Mukesh Chandrakar in Bastar”, who was abducted, murdered and buried in a septic tank. 
•  In a section titled “India: Propaganda and the Press”, the report flagged the proliferation of hate speech and disinformation with the “IT cells” of political parties playing a big role. 
•  Self-censorship issues Noting that “the legal environment for the press has become increasingly hostile in recent years”, the report pointed to the use of “defamation laws, sedition charges, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)” to curb media freedom. 
•  “Journalists and media houses have faced legal challenges for publishing reports critical of the government, which has led to self-censorship within the industry, following a chilling effect,” it said. “Every authoritarian effort is being made to crush those who seek to hold power to account — crackdowns on media houses; surveillance, intimidation and harassment of journalists, filling of police cases; arbitrary detentions; and the unleashing of raids by the Income Tax Department, and the Enforcement Directorate that oversees financial crimes,” the report stated, adding that “withholding government advertisements are routine avenues to harass media houses.” 
•  Further, the “ongoing mauling of freedom of speech and expression is being done on grounds of national security, maintaining public order, or preventing misinformation,” the report said. It referenced the Global Risks Report 2024, which has found “manipulated and falsified information” to be the “most severe short-term risk the world faces”. 
•  The report also dwells on other challenges facing the media, in India specifically and South Asia in general. These include the media workforce reeling under a “shrunken job market”, the “growing use of AI for content creation”, decline in advertisement revenue, new labour codes encouraging contract work, restructuring of corporate media houses because of mergers and acquisitions, and the worsening precarity of freelance journalism. 
• On the flip side, the report noted that the media’s digital transition has also presented new opportunities, especially for “growing alternative media as a counterbalance to the stagnating legacy media”. 

4. ‘Single-use food, beverage packaging forms 84% of Himalayan plastic waste’ 

• Single-use food and beverage packaging forms more than 84% of the plastic waste in the eco-sensitive Himalayan region, an anti waste collective of NGOs has found. According to the Zero Waste Himalaya Alliance, about 70% of the plastics collected from across the Himalayan belt from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh is non-recyclable. 
• The gravity of the environmental reality came to light at the Zero Waste Himalaya Network Meet held in Himachal Pradesh’s Bir in April. 
• The alliance was initiated by the Zero Waste Himalaya, an organisation based in Sikkim’s Gangtok, and the Integrated Mountain Initiative based in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. 
• The two organisations have been spearheading The Himalayan Cleanup (THC), one of the biggest movements against plastic pollution in the Indian Himalayan region, since 2018. 
• A statement issued by the alliance on Thursday said, “Over the past six years, the data has indicated that the Himalayan waste crisis is fundamentally a production and systems issue rather than a post-consumer waste management flaw. 
• While the role of individual behavioural change was acknowledged and emphasised, the need for systemic, policy-level interventions and a paradigm shift away from centralised, extractive waste systems was seen as critical.”
• A report released by THC said the 2018 waste collection exercise was conducted at more than 250 sites. 
• Among the nine Himalayan States targeted in 2025, Sikkim generated the most trash items. 
• This was followed by West Bengal’s Darjeeling with 36,180 items audited across 37 sites. 

International News 

5. The 10th International Trade Fair began in Nepal on 8 May

 

• The 10th International Trade Fair was inaugurated by Nepal’s Commerce Minister Damodar Bhandari at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The five-day event features 120 pavilions with participation from Nepal, China, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
•  Major exhibits from China include EVs, electronics, agricultural tools, garments, home decor, and Tibetan incense. 
• Nepali handicrafts, including wooden sculptures, ritual objects, jewellery, tea, coffee, and Himalayan herbs, are displayed.
•  The fair is designed to facilitate global business-to-business interactions and showcase ‘Made in Nepal’ products.
•  FNCCI president Umesh Dalmia said Nepal plans to make the event similar to the International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi.
•  The aim of the trade fair is to provide a platform for business-to-business relations for the international market. 

6. The US and the UK announced a ‘breakthrough' trade deal under Trump and Starmer 

• On 8 May, a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom was announced by US President Donald Trump, who called it the "first of many." 
• The deal includes reduced import taxes on selected British cars and tariff-free access for certain UK steel and aluminium products. 
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the announcement via video link, terming the agreement ‘fantastic’ and ‘historic.’ 
•  The US agreed to lower car import duties from 25% to 10% annually for 100,000 UK-manufactured vehicles. 
• British luxury car brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce are expected to benefit from the agreement. 
• However, a 10% tariff would remain on most British goods under the new arrangement. 
• Trump said the agreement, highlighted by reciprocity and fairness, enhances access for U.S. agricultural products, though final documentation is still in progress. 
• The United States remains the top destination for British cars in 2024, receiving more than 25% of U.K. auto exports. 
• According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. recorded a goods trade surplus of $11.9 billion with the UK last year. 
• The total amount of goods imported by the U.S. from the U.K. last year was $68 billion, just 2% of total U.S. imports. 

7. India and New Zealand have completed the first phase of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks in New Delhi 

•  This development is a major step toward strengthening economic and trade relations. 
•  Prior to this, several virtual meetings helped prepare for the in-person negotiations. 
•  Discussions focused on trade in goods, services, trade facilitation, and economic cooperation. 
• Both countries highlighted the need for a fair and balanced trade agreement. 
•  They agreed to work together on a modern and forward-looking FTA. 
•  There is a shared goal to finalize the agreement within this year. 
•  The next round of negotiations will take place in July 2025.
• In 2024–25, bilateral trade in goods reached 1.3 billion USD. 
• This represents an increase of over 48% compared to the previous financial year. 
•  The FTA is expected to expand trade and investment potential. 
•  It aims to improve supply chain connectivity. 
• It will also help create a stable and dynamic business environment for both countries. 

8. 80 th Victory Day Parade hosted by Russia amid ongoing Ukraine conflict 

•  On 9 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin led the Victory Day parade in Moscow to mark 80 years since the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany. 
•  May 9, commonly known as Victory Day, is one of Russia's biggest secular festivals and is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur to demonstrate Moscow's status as a strong global power. 
•  The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in the phase of World War II it called the Great Patriotic War (1941-45), an enormous sacrifice that left deep scars on the national psyche. 
• At the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin – the Kremlin's longest-serving head of state since Joseph Stalin – stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio and several other high-profile figures. 
• This marks the fourth Victory Day parade since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 
•  External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar attended the Victory Day event at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. 
• Dr. Jaishankar said that the victory in the war over fascism in 1945 has immense significance 

State News 

9. Anti-Drone Systems approved by Punjab government to tackle narco-terrorism. 

•  The procurement of nine anti-drone systems has been approved by the Punjab Cabinet to enhance surveillance across six border districts. 
•  These systems will be deployed in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to monitor and counter narco-terror activities along the international border. 
•  The Cabinet also announced that terror victims and war-injured civilians will now be covered under the state’s ‘Farishtey Scheme’ for free treatment at any hospital. 
•  Ministers have been directed to visit border areas to oversee the availability of essential commodities and check black marketing. 
• The 532-km stretch of border with Pakistan, from Pathankot to Abohar, has been marked for drone system deployment. 
•  State-of-the-art signal jammers are also planned for installation in 13 prisons across Punjab to prevent illegal communications. 

10. Spotlight on Hyderabad as city gears up to host 72nd Miss World Pageant today 

•  The global spotlight is set to shine on Telangana as the 72nd edition of the Miss World beauty pageant kicks off in Hyderabad on Saturday, with an opening ceremony at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
•   The event marks the beginning of a three-week jamboree that promises to blend glamour, culture, and social purpose across Telangana. 
•  “We are delighted to bring the 72nd Miss World Festival to Telangana, a State that beautifully represents its rich culture, innovation, and hospitality. 
•  This collaboration is not just about hosting the Miss World Festival; it’s about empowering communities, celebrating diversity, and making a lasting impact through our shared commitment to beauty with a purpose,” said Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World Organisation. 
•  One of the key highlights will be a heritage walk through Charminar and Laad Bazaar on May 13, concluding with a dinner at Chowmahalla Palace. 
•  Competitive categories The competitive rounds begin with the Continental Finale on May 20 and 21 at T-Hub, followed by the Talent Finale at Shilpakala Vedika on May 22. The Top Model Fashion Finale is on May 24 at either Trident Hotel or Hitex, and the prestigious ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ event will be held at Hitex on May 26.
•  The pageant will culminate in a grand finale at Hitex on May 31, where the new Miss World and other titleholders will be crowned. 

Economy News 

11.India opted out of voting at the recent IMF Board Meeting on financial aid for Pakistan 

•  It voiced serious concerns about the potential misuse of IMF funds by Pakistan.
•  India specifically pointed to the risk of those funds supporting cross-border terrorism. 
• The IMF was evaluating two aid programs for Pakistan. 
•  These included a $1 billion Extended Fund Facility and a $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 
•  India criticized the IMF for possibly enabling Pakistan’s ongoing support of terrorism. 
•  It warned that such decisions could damage the reputation of international financial institutions. 
•  India stated that this also undermines global values and principles. 
•  Pakistan has been a frequent IMF borrower over the years.
•  Its record of complying with IMF conditions is poor. 
•  Since 2019, Pakistan has entered into four different IMF programs. 
•  India argued that Pakistan's recurring need for bailouts signals the failure of previous efforts. 
•  It said these programs have not succeeded in establishing economic stability. 
•  India also questioned whether the IMF’s program design and oversight are effective in Pakistan's case. 
•  The IMF acknowledged India's concerns.
•  It also took note of India's decision to abstain from the vote. 

12. Morningstar DBRS has upgraded India’s Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Ratings from BBB (low) to BBB 

•  The rating has been given a Stable outlook. 
•  India’s Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Ratings were also raised from R-2 (middle) to R-2 (high).
•   This rating also carries a Stable outlook. 
•  The upgrade is based on India’s structural reforms, including infrastructure development and digitalisation. 
•  India’s fiscal consolidation efforts have resulted in reduced debt and deficit levels. 
•  The country has experienced strong macroeconomic stability, with an average GDP growth of 8.2% from FY22 to FY25. 
•  Inflation has been kept in check, the exchange rate has remained stable, and external balances are solid. 
• The banking sector has shown resilience, with well-capitalised banks and a 13-year low in non-performing loans. 
•  India’s credit rating may improve further if reforms continue and lead to increased investment and growth. 
•  Despite the high public debt, the risk to debt sustainability is low due to local currency borrowing and long-term debt maturities. 
•  Further reforms and a reduction in the public debt-to-GDP ratio could lead to additional upgrades. 
• Morningstar DBRS’s rating system is similar to Fitch and S&P but uses 'high' and 'low' as suffixes instead of the +/- symbols. 
•  Morningstar DBRS is a global sovereign credit rating agency. 

Important Day News 

13. World Lupus Day: 10 May 

•  World Lupus Day is celebrated every year on 10 May. 
•  This day is celebrated to raise awareness about lupus. 
•  The theme for 2025 is “Let's Make Lupus Visible Together”. 
•  Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. It can affects different parts of the body. 
•  It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart and even the brain. 
•  It is a chronic autoimmune disease where healthy tissues are attacked by the immune system. 
•  In this, the body's immune system is unable to identify which are its own organs and which are external viruses or bacteria. 
•  This disease is more prevalent in women, especially between the ages of 15 and 44 years.
•  The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person. 
•  Some feel more tired, some have joint pain, and some get skin rashes, while some have problems like fever and hair loss. 

14. Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: 9 May 

•  Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 marks the 164th birth anniversary of the legendary Indian thinker, poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.
• This annual event is celebrated on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh, which typically falls in April or May. 
•  Rabindranath Tagore was given several honors and titles such as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’, recognizing his immense influence in the cultural and literary world. 
•  Rabindranath Tagore’s contributions to the fields of literature, music, and art continue to inspire generations, ensuring his place as one of India’s greatest intellectuals. 

Rabindranath Tagore 

• He was the first Asian Nobel laureate. He was a poet, playwright, philosopher, and reformer. 
•  He was born on 7 May 1861. He was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj. 
•  He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. 
•  He has written more than 2000 songs, which are known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’. 
•  Gandhiji gave the title of “Gurudev” to Rabindranath Tagore. 
•  The birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is also called Pachishe Boishakh in Bengali. .