Daily Current Affairs 13th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

CAQM Issues Fresh Directions to Curb Stubble Burning in North India

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has mandated Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to implement strict measures to curb paddy stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
• The directions include forming a Parali Protection Force, mandating use of paddy straw in brick kilns, mapping farms for appropriate crop residue management (CRM) strategies, and setting a common procurement rate for paddy straw.
• Emphasis was also placed on ex-situ management, real-time data platforms, and the inventory review of CRM equipment.
• These steps are in line with the Supreme Court’s directive in the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case to ensure compliance and accountability during the crop burning season.

Centre Reconsiders ‘Safe Harbour’ Clause in IT Act Amid Fake News Concerns

• The Indian government is revisiting the “safe harbour” clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, to make social media intermediaries more accountable for fake news and misinformation.
• Triggered by national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, the move aims to reform intermediary liability and possibly incorporate changes into the upcoming Digital India Act (DIA).
• The government’s plan includes granting statutory recognition to the PIB Fact Check Unit, which has faced judicial scrutiny. The issue also mirrors global concerns, especially debates around Section 230 in the US.

India’s Pharma Industry Faces Fresh Challenges After Trump’s Drug Order

• Donald Trump’s new MFN drug pricing policy, aimed at ensuring Americans pay the lowest global prices, has triggered concerns in India’s pharmaceutical sector.
• While the move may bring immediate relief to US consumers, it could lead to global price hikes, especially in low-cost drug markets like India.
• The Indian industry fears pressure from global pharma to raise prices and adopt TRIPS-plus IP provisions.
• Stock markets reacted negatively, reflecting worries about profit margins and trade negotiations affecting affordable access to medicines.

State News

Uttar Pradesh Expands ODOP Scheme with 12 New Products

• The Uttar Pradesh government has expanded its One District One Product (ODOP) scheme by adding 12 new products, raising the total to 74 items across 75 districts. Launched in 2018, the ODOP scheme aims to promote indigenous crafts, generate employment, and enhance exports.
• The scheme supports artisans through financial aid, marketing, and GI tagging, with a long-term goal of achieving a $1 trillion state economy by 2029.
• This latest inclusion strengthens local economies, aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and encourages Make in India.

Andhra Govt Waives Property Tax for Defence Homes in Villages

• The Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of Pawan Kalyan, has declared a property tax waiver for homes owned by active defence personnel in gram panchayat areas.
• This move, supported by the Sainik Welfare Department, expands existing benefits and pays tribute to fallen heroes like Agniveer Murali Naik, who was killed in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The policy applies to properties jointly owned with spouses and includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces, reflecting a broader commitment to national defence and rural welfare.

International News

US-China Agree to Slash Tariffs Amid Trade War De-escalation

• The US-China trade war has entered a cooling phase with both countries agreeing to a 115% reciprocal tariff reduction and a 90-day truce on further measures. The agreement, reached after talks in Geneva, halts years of trade hostilities that had disrupted global supply chains and markets.
• The truce is expected to bring economic relief, boost global trade stability, and provide countries like India with strategic export opportunities.
• Key players include US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who labeled the discussions as candid and productive.

Bhutan Becomes First Country to Integrate Crypto Payments in Tourism

• In a pioneering move, Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to roll out a crypto payment system in its tourism sector, allowing visitors to use over 100 cryptocurrencies for services like flight bookings, SDF fees, and local shopping.
• This system, using QR code technology, automatically converts payments to the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), ensuring price stability for vendors.
• With over 100 local businesses already onboard—many in rural areas—the initiative marks a milestone in financial inclusion, digital innovation, and global crypto adoption.

Banking News

RBI Cracks Down on Digital Lending Apps: Mandatory Reporting from May 13

• The RBI’s new mandate under the Digital Lending Directions, 2025, requires all regulated entities to report their digital lending apps (DLAs) on the newly launched CIMS portal starting May 13, 2025, with a deadline of June 15, 2025.
• A public directory of DLAs will be released by July 1, 2025.
• These measures aim to protect borrowers, promote transparency, and ensure stricter oversight of digital lending service providers, particularly in light of rising complaints about unethical practices and unregulated apps.

Ant Group to Sell 4% Stake in Paytm Worth ₹2,066 Crore via Bulk Deal

• Ant Group, via Antfin Netherlands, has announced the sale of a 4% stake in Paytm (One97 Communications) for ₹2,066 crore through a bulk deal on the BSE and NSE.
• The shares will be sold at a 6.5% discount to the market price, with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup acting as placement agents.
• This move is part of Ant’s broader portfolio adjustment and marks a significant foreign exit from the Indian fintech ecosystem, where Ant and Alibaba have invested $851 million since 2015.

SBI, Private Lenders Sell 20% of Yes Bank to Japan’s SMBC for ₹13,482 Cr

• India’s banking sector has seen its largest foreign acquisition, with Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) buying a 20% stake in Yes Bank for ₹13,482 crore from SBI and seven private Indian banks.
• This cross-border banking deal not only strengthens India-Japan economic ties but also reflects growing confidence in Yes Bank’s transformation and the robustness of India’s banking regulations.
• With regulatory approvals pending, this deal positions SMBC as a key strategic partner in India’s financial landscape.

Agreements News

HCLTech Joins European Commission’s AI Pact to Champion Responsible AI

• HCLTech has signed the European Commission’s AI Pact, reinforcing its commitment to responsible AI development in anticipation of the EU AI Act.
• Through this pact, the company will enhance AI governance, promote AI literacy, and identify high-risk AI systems. Its dedicated Office of Responsible AI and Governance supports these goals.
• With a global presence and a revenue of $13.8 billion, HCLTech aims to lead in the ethical use of AI technologies, ensuring transparency, fairness, and security.

C-DOT and Synergy Quantum Partner to Develop Quantum Key Distribution for Drones

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has partnered with Synergy Quantum India to jointly develop drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.
• Using the BB84 protocol with polarization encoding, this MoU aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above.
• The initiative aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting quantum-secure communication for defence, emergency services, and critical infrastructure.
• The partnership strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem in quantum technology, facilitating secure mobile communication via drones.

Books & Authors News

PMO Through the Ages: Himanshu Roy Explores the Nerve Centre of Indian Governance

• The book “PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years” by Himanshu Roy, published by Rupa on April 15, 2025, offers a deep dive into the evolution, structure, and significance of the PMO in India.
• It discusses how successive Prime Ministers, from Nehru to Modi, have shaped the PMO’s influence on governance and policy-making.
• Designed for both general readers and scholars, the book explores key themes such as bureaucratic control, centralization of power, and the changing dynamics of executive leadership.
• It serves as a vital resource for understanding one of India’s most powerful administrative institutions.

Bandaru Dattatraya’s Autobiography ‘Janta Ki Kahani’ Released by Vice-President

• On May 9, 2025, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar released ‘Janta Ki Kahani – Meri Aatamkatha’, the autobiography of Bandaru Dattatraya, Governor of Haryana.
• The book recounts significant events from his personal and political life, emphasizing service, humility, and social welfare. The ceremony also featured tributes to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and was attended by senior ministers and public figures.
• The book aims to inspire future generations through stories of resilience, character, and commitment.

Awards News

Bhuwan Ribhu Becomes First Indian Lawyer to Receive World Law Congress Honour

• Bhuwan Ribhu, a veteran child rights lawyer, has made history by becoming the first Indian lawyer to receive the World Jurist Association’s Medal of Honour.
• The award, presented at the World Law Congress 2025 in the Dominican Republic, recognises his tireless legal work spanning two decades. His efforts have led to landmark judicial reforms in child protection laws, including criminalising trafficking, mandating FIRs for missing children, and banning child labour in hazardous industries.
• Ribhu’s work through the Just Rights for Children (JRC) network has united over 250 organisations globally, reinforcing India’s growing leadership in the fight for child justice.

Ranks & Reports News

India’s Total Fertility Rate Remains at 2.0: SRS 2021 Report

• According to the SRS 2021 Report released by the Registrar General of India, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remained constant at 2.0, reflecting a near replacement-level fertility.
• The report highlights Bihar with the highest TFR (3.0) and Delhi & West Bengal with the lowest (1.4). It also shows a decline in the child population (0–14 years) and an increase in the elderly population, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh.
• The mean age of marriage for women has increased to 22.5 years. With the 2021 Census still pending, the SRS data offers critical insights into India’s evolving demographic structure.

Current Affairs Today | 13 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam