Daily Current Affairs 15th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Neeraj Chopra Honoured with Honorary Lt. Colonel Rank in Territorial Army

• Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin star and Olympic gold medallist, has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, as per a May 13, 2025 government notification.
• The honour acknowledges his sports excellence and military service as Subedar Major. A former world and Olympic champion, Neeraj joins the ranks of personalities like M.S. Dhoni, reflecting India’s respect for civilian achievements in nation-building.
• The Territorial Army, a crucial support wing of the Indian Army, celebrates its 75 years of service.

India Ranks Among Top Six Patent Filers in 6G Technology

• India has positioned itself among the top six countries in 6G patent filings, according to Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, who made the announcement at the Bharat 6G 2025 Conference.
• The nation’s ambitious Bharat 6G Vision targets global leadership by 2030, powered by over ₹300 crore in research investments, strategic global partnerships, and a focus on cutting-edge technologies like terahertz communication, AI-native networks, and sub-millisecond latency capabilities.

State News

Blackstone’s ₹5,127 Cr Investment to Boost Maharashtra’s Logistics Infrastructure

• The Maharashtra government has secured a ₹5,127 crore FDI deal with Blackstone Group for the construction of logistics and industrial parks across the state. This initiative will be executed by Horizon Industrial Parks on nearly 794.2 acres, spanning 1.85 crore sq ft of infrastructure.
• The parks, to be developed in locations like Nagpur, Chakan, Bhiwandi, and others, are expected to create 27,510 jobs.
• The plan aligns with the Maharashtra Logistics Policy 2024, aiming to build sustainable, tech-driven, and employment-generating infrastructure, reinforcing Maharashtra’s role in industrial and supply chain growth.

ReNew Power to Build India’s Largest RE Complex in Andhra Pradesh

• ReNew Power is establishing India’s largest single-site renewable energy complex in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, with a planned investment of ₹22,000 crore.
• The project’s Phase-I includes 587 MW solar, 250 MW wind, and 415 MWh of battery storage.
• This development aligns with the state’s 72 GW RE target by 2029 and marks ReNew’s re-entry into the state, backed by favorable policies and ministerial support.

International News

World’s First Commercial-Scale E-Methanol Plant Begins Operations in Denmark

• The green energy transition, especially for the shipping sector. Developed by European Energy and Mitsui, the €150 million facility produces 42,000 metric tons of carbon-neutral methanol annually using renewable power and CO₂ capture.
• Shipping giant Maersk is a key customer, planning to fuel its dual-fuel container vessels with this sustainable alternative.
• The plant also supplies methanol to companies like Lego and Novo Nordisk and provides excess heat to thousands of homes nearby.
• While e-methanol remains costlier than fossil fuels today, it is projected to reach price parity by 2035, promising a cleaner future for maritime and industrial applications.

Trump Announces Removal of All U.S. Sanctions on Syria, Signaling New Diplomatic Chapter

• The U.S. decision to remove sanctions on Syria, announced by Donald Trump in May 2025, marks a crucial shift toward ending years of economic and political isolation for the war-affected nation.
• With a new transitional government in place, this policy change aims to foster peace, support humanitarian aid, and accelerate Syria’s economic recovery.
• This development could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics and international relations by encouraging cooperation and rebuilding in a country long ravaged by conflict and sanctions.

Banking News

Canara Bank Reports 33% Surge in Q4 Net Profit

• Canara Bank’s Q4 FY25 results indicate a strong performance with a 33.19% YoY rise in net profit to ₹5,004 crore.
• The bank also reported a 7.62% increase in total interest income and a 12% growth in operating profit, despite a marginal decline in net interest income and net interest margin. Notably, gross and net NPAs dropped significantly, suggesting improved asset quality.
• The bank’s global business and domestic operations witnessed healthy double-digit growth, and a ₹4 dividend per share was recommended.

PNB to Exit India SME Asset Reconstruction Company, Sells Stake for ₹34 Crore

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has agreed to sell its entire stake in India SME Asset Reconstruction Company (ISARC) for ₹34.04 crore, marking a strategic step to streamline its portfolio and prioritize core banking operations.
• The transaction includes 2.09 crore shares and follows RBI approval for the new investor, Authum Investment and Infrastructure Ltd.
• ISARC specializes in recovering distressed SME assets and reported solid financials for FY24. PNB’s decision is aligned with regulatory trends and received a positive response in the stock market.

Economy News

India’s Inflation Eases in April 2025 Amid Declining Food Prices

• Headline inflation dropped to 3.16% in April 2025, the lowest since July 2019, while food inflation fell sharply to 1.78%, largely due to a decline in vegetable, fruit, and cereal prices.
• Both rural and urban areas witnessed easing price trends, supporting macroeconomic stability and consumer reliefs.

Appointments News

Harvansh Chawla Takes Charge as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Harvansh Chawla’s appointment as Chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry marks a strategic step to boost economic cooperation among the BRICS nations.
• Leveraging his extensive legal and trade experience, Chawla aims to promote stronger trade ties, policy advocacy, and sustainable development.
• The Chamber, representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, plays a crucial role in fostering business-government collaboration, making this leadership change significant for the global economy.

Awards News

Brazilian Scientist Mariangela Hungria Wins 2025 World Food Prize for Sustainable Farming Innovation

• Mariangela Hungria’s 2025 World Food Prize win highlights her transformative work in biological nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for harmful chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
• Her research has enabled Brazil to become the top soybean producer worldwide while fostering sustainable farming methods that enhance soil health and mitigate environmental damage.
• This breakthrough is crucial amid global efforts to balance food security with ecological preservation, making her contribution highly significant in the contemporary agricultural landscape.

Defense News

India Successfully Tests Bhargavastra: Indigenous System to Counter Drone Swarms

• India’s Bhargavastra represents a groundbreaking indigenous anti-drone system that effectively counters the growing menace of drone swarms using a mix of hard-kill micro rockets, soft-kill jamming, and advanced sensors.
• Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), it can operate across diverse terrains and integrates seamlessly with India’s network-centric warfare infrastructure.
• This innovation is pivotal in enhancing national security amid evolving aerial threats and recent hostile drone incursions near India’s borders.

Summits & Conferences News

‘Inclusive India Summit 2025’ Marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day

• The Inclusive India Summit 2025, organized by DEPwD on the occasion of GAAD, brings together stakeholders to enhance digital accessibility and inclusive development for persons with disabilities.
• Through panel discussions, partnerships, the launch of an AI chatbot, and a new accessibility-focused curriculum, the summit highlights India’s push for technological equity.
• This collaborative effort underscores the nation’s vision for a digitally inclusive future.

Science & Technology News

DST and DRDO Join Hands to Strengthen India’s Space Surveillance

• India has strengthened its space surveillance infrastructure by signing an MoU between ARIES (DST) and IRDE (DRDO).
• This collaboration aims to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) through the use of observational telescopes, Electro-Optical systems, and AI/ML-based analytics.
• By integrating scientific research and defense technologies, the initiative is a key milestone in India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in space security and satellite tracking.

India Launches First Cluster of CCU Testbeds to Decarbonize Cement Sector

• India has initiated a major green transition in the cement sector by launching five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds through a collaborative academia-industry approach.
• Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this national initiative targets industrial emissions by capturing CO₂ and transforming it into valuable products.
• The effort aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), offering scalable and innovative pathways for decarbonizing one of the most polluting industrial sectors.

Sports News

Mehidy Hasan Miraz Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month – April 2025

• Bangladeshi cricketer Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2025 due to his brilliant all-round performance against Zimbabwe in a two-Test series.
• He made a remarkable impact with both bat and ball, scoring 116 runs and claiming 15 wickets, including a century and multiple five-wicket hauls.
• This accolade reflects his growing stature in international cricket and marks a historic moment as he becomes the third Bangladeshi to win the award.
• His contribution not only helped his team level the series but also highlighted the importance of consistent performers in modern-day Test matches.

Important Days News

The International Day of Families 2025, Date, Significance, Wishes

• The International Day of Families, observed on May 15, was established by the United Nations in 1994 to highlight the importance of families as the foundation of society.
• It aims to raise awareness about the challenges families face and promote efforts that ensure their well-being, development, and social stability across the globe.

Obituaries News

Jose Mujica Dies at 89: A Life of Humility, Reform, and Integrity

• Jose Mujica, the former Uruguayan president known worldwide as the “poorest president,” died in 2025 after battling cancer. His life story—from Tupamaros guerrilla fighter to a transformative political leader—epitomized humility and progressive values.
• Mujica’s presidency brought landmark reforms like legalizing abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis.
• He famously lived simply on his farm, donating most of his salary to charity, which earned him global admiration.
• His legacy continues to inspire political discourse on integrity, simplicity, and social reform.

Current Affairs Today | 16 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam