National News
President Murmu Invokes Article 143 Over Governors’ Bill Assent Powers
- President Droupadi Murmu has invoked Article 143 to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether judicial orders can impose timelines for the President and Governors in granting or withholding assent to State Bills under Articles 200 and 201.
- The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that criticized the Tamil Nadu Governor for delaying action on Bills. Central issues include the validity of ‘deemed assent’, judicial powers under Article 142, and the justiciability of executive discretion.
- The outcome may reshape the constitutional framework governing Centre-State legislative interactions.
Amit Shah Inaugurates Upgraded ₹500 Crore MAC to Combat Terrorism
- The Government of India has launched a significantly revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC) under the Intelligence Bureau to reinforce national security and strengthen counter-terrorism coordination.
- The new MAC, inaugurated by Amit Shah, links 28 major agencies across the country and integrates AI, ML, and GIS capabilities.
- It promises seamless data sharing, advanced threat prediction, and a unified response mechanism to tackle complex threats including terrorism, Naxalism, organised crime, and cyber warfare.
- This strategic upgrade is seen as a vital move in securing India’s internal security ecosystem.
Justice Bela M. Trivedi Bids Farewell to Supreme Court After Trailblazing Career
- Justice Bela M. Trivedi, the eleventh woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, retired on May 16, 2025, concluding a trailblazing career that began in 1995.
- Known for her landmark judgments in the EWS quota case, POCSO Act interpretation, and SC sub-classification, Justice Trivedi also held various key administrative positions in Gujarat.
- Her judicial legacy stands out for promoting gender representation, upholding constitutional values, and delivering progressive verdicts on child protection, reservation, and economic justice.
State News
Pushkar Kumbh Returns to Keshav Prayag After 12 Years
- The Pushkar Kumbh 2025 began at Keshav Prayag, located in Mana village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, after a 12-year gap, coinciding with the entry of Jupiter into Gemini.
- The event is a major spiritual gathering for Vaishnavite devotees, especially from South India, at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers.
- The district administration, led by DM Sandeep Tiwari, has made key infrastructure improvements and management provisions to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims. The event not only enhances spiritual tourism but also reinforces India’s diverse cultural fabric.
International News
Yala Glacier Declared ‘Dead’ in Nepal A Local Mourning on Loss
- Nepal’s Yala Glacier, once a vital research site, has been declared dead due to rapid melting caused by climate change. Scientists, monks, and local communities from HKH countries gathered to pay tribute.
- The event featured memorial plaques, Buddhist ceremonies, and speeches emphasizing the glacier’s scientific and symbolic importance.
- The loss of Yala is part of a broader trend of accelerating glacier retreat and snow loss, threatening water security for nearly 2 billion people in Asia.
Honduras Opens Embassy in Delhi: A Boost to India-Central America Ties
- Honduras officially opened its embassy in New Delhi, reflecting growing diplomatic and economic engagement with India. This move strengthens ties in trade, development, climate resilience, and technology.
- India has consistently supported Honduras through humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and developmental projects like the IT Centre at UNAH and irrigation initiatives.
- With increasing trade and the presence of Indian companies like Bajaj and TVS, Honduras offers India a strategic gateway to the Central American market.
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Talks in 3 Years, Agree on Prisoner Swap
- On May 16, 2025, Russia and Ukraine resumed direct peace talks in Istanbul, resulting in a prisoner exchange agreement involving 1,000 individuals from each side.
- While Turkey mediated the dialogue, the two nations failed to reach a ceasefire, largely due to Russia’s territorial demands and Ukraine’s firm rejection.
- Despite the obstacles, both delegations committed to further negotiations, marking a tentative step toward diplomacy in a war that has lasted over three years.
Economy News
India’s Exports Surge 9% in April 2025 Amid US Tariff Uncertainty
- India’s export sector recorded a strong start to FY2025, with merchandise exports growing by 9% in April, led by engineering and electronics goods.
- The spike was largely driven by tariff uncertainty in the US, resulting in a 27% surge in exports to Washington.
- Despite a rise in imports widening the trade deficit, the growth in services exports, along with solid performance in gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, indicates resilience and diversification in India’s trade strategy.
RBI Forecasts Inflation to Align with Target in FY26
- RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has indicated a positive inflation outlook for FY26, citing declining crude oil prices and strong domestic demand.
- During the April 2025 MPC meeting, the committee reduced the repo rate to 6% and adopted an accommodative policy stance to stimulate economic growth. Despite risks from global trade tensions, most MPC members echoed optimism on inflation but cautioned against potential external shocks.
Books & Authors News
PMAY-U Coffee Table Book Released in Kohima to Highlight Urban Housing Progress
- The Government of Nagaland released a Coffee Table Book on May 16, 2025, titled “Transforming Lives”, showcasing the impact of PMAY-U in the state.
- The publication highlights success stories of affordable housing, urban development, and community empowerment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- The mission has significantly improved the lives of thousands of urban poor in Nagaland through its inclusive and sustainable approach.
Sports News
Rohit Sharma Stand Inaugurated At Wankhede Stadium
- On May 16, 2025, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) unveiled the Rohit Sharma Stand at Wankhede Stadium, commemorating the cricketer’s Test and T20I retirement and his achievements, including leading India to T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 victories.
- The MCA also honoured Ajit Wadekar, India’s 1971 series-winning captain, and Sharad Pawar, former MCA, BCCI, and ICC president.
- The MCA Office Lounge was dedicated to Amol Kale, further celebrating cricketing contributions.
- The ceremony was attended by the Mumbai Indians squad, dignitaries, and past players.
Neeraj Chopra Crosses 90m Mark, Finishes Second in Doha Diamond League 2025
- Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic champion, achieved a career-defining milestone by breaching the 90m barrier in javelin with a 90.23m throw at the 2025 Doha Diamond League.
- He became the first Indian and third Asian to do so, joining an elite group of global athletes. Despite his historic effort, Chopra finished second, as Germany’s Julian Weber produced a world-leading throw of 91.06m in the final round.
- Chopra, expressing satisfaction and hope, aims to achieve more 90m+ throws in future events.
Praggnanandhaa Clinches First Grand Chess Tour Title at Superbet Classic
- Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa scripted a historic victory at the Superbet Classic 2025, part of the Grand Chess Tour, by defeating Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the final tiebreak game.
- Sharing the lead with Alireza Firouzja and Vachier-Lagrave after the classical rounds, Praggnanandhaa showcased remarkable composure and skill in the blitz format, ultimately securing 1.5 points in tiebreaks.
- This win marks a significant comeback from his previous year’s playoff losses and reflects India’s rising chess supremacy on the global stage.
Science & Technology news
“Samudrayaan: India’s First Manned Deep Ocean Mission to Launch by 2026”
India-Japan’s LUPEX Mission Enters Design Phase
- India and Japan’s Chandrayaan-5 (also called LUPEX) mission is advancing to the design phase, aiming to detect water and water-ice at the Moon’s south pole.
- Scheduled for launch in 2027–28 on Japan’s H3 rocket, the 6.5-tonne lander and a 350-kg rover equipped with seven instruments (from ISRO, JAXA, ESA, and NASA) will perform in-situ scientific experiments.
- The project marks a strong symbol of global collaboration and follows India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
India Explores Human Sustainability in Space under BioE3 Policy
- India has announced its first-ever biological space experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the AXIOM-4 mission, conducted by ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- The initiative focuses on studying microalgae and cyanobacteria under microgravity conditions to evaluate their viability as sustainable food sources for future long-duration space missions.
- This scientific advancement aligns with the government’s BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), showcasing India’s rising capabilities in space biosciences and biomanufacturing innovation
Current Affairs Today | 17 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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