Daily Current Affairs 19th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Archaeological Survey of India restores 16th-century stepwell in Delhi’s Mehrauli

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has restored the historic Rajon Ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell from the Lodi era, located in Mehrauli, Delhi.
• The project, supported by the World Monuments Fund India and the TCS Foundation, is part of a larger initiative to revive traditional water systems and promote sustainable water management.
• The restoration involved cleaning, structural repair, and community involvement, using traditional materials to preserve the site’s authenticity.
• This conservation effort reflects the synergy between heritage preservation and climate resilience.

India Celebrates 125 Years of Solar Research with Kodaikanal Observatory Stamp

• On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, a commemorative postal stamp was issued by the Department of Posts in Bengaluru on May 17, 2025.
• The stamp highlights the observatory’s historic architecture, solar imaging contributions, and its role in long-term solar observation, symbolizing over a century of India’s leadership in solar astrophysics.

Union Minister Lays Foundation Stone for ₹42.4 Crore Integrated Aquapark in Tripura Under PMMSY

• The foundation stone laying of the ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Tripura under PMMSY represents a significant boost to the fisheries sector in the Northeastern region.
• With fisheries growing at an impressive 9.08% rate nationally, this initiative targets increasing Tripura’s fish production to 2 lakh tonnes, surpassing its current demand.
• The project emphasizes technology-driven sustainable farming, capacity building, and infrastructure development, with aspirations to make Tripura a fish surplus state and exporter.
• The launch event, which included a Fish Festival, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming fisheries into a vibrant, innovative, and economically impactful sector.

Gyan Bharatam Mission: A New Era for India’s Manuscript Heritage

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the revamped National Manuscripts Mission, now named the Gyan Bharatam Mission, on June 9, 2025.
• With a substantial budget increase to ₹60 crore, the mission will focus on the digitization, documentation, and conservation of over one crore manuscripts.
• Originating in 2003, the original mission struggled due to funding issues and lack of access policy, especially for manuscripts held by private collectors.
• This renewed effort includes making the mission autonomous, enhancing digital preservation, and promoting India’s cultural and intellectual heritage globally.

• India is set to allow private operators into its nuclear energy sector, along with limited liability provisions, marking a strategic shift aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment.
• The move follows the U.S. greenlighting its nuclear firms to collaborate with India, and could significantly enhance energy security, promote clean energy expansion, and modernize India’s nuclear ecosystem.
• Key reforms may include amending the CLND Act and reducing exclusive reliance on state-owned enterprises like NPCIL.

International News

US Proposes 5% Remittance Tax on Non-Citizens: Impact on Indian Diaspora

• The United States has proposed a new 5% excise tax on international remittances by non-citizens, affecting individuals such as Indian H-1B holders, students, and green card holders.
• If passed, this law could reduce formal remittance flows, increase use of informal channels, and put pressure on salaries and investment outflows. The Indian diaspora, which sent over $23 billion in 2023, stands to be one of the most impacted groups.
• Experts have criticized the bill for being discriminatory and potentially overriding international tax treaties.

Banking News

RBI to Issue New Rs 20 Banknotes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s Signature

• The RBI will soon issue new ₹20 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, now bearing the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• These notes will have no changes in design, colour, or features, and will retain the Ellora Caves motif.
• The RBI confirmed that older notes remain valid, emphasizing this as a routine update following leadership change.

Economy News

NSDL Reports Robust FPI Investment in May Amid Economic Stability

• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) injected ₹4,452 crore into Indian equities this week, pushing total May inflows to ₹18,620 crore, per NSDL data.
• Despite earlier net outflows in 2025, this rebound highlights renewed investor confidence, driven by domestic economic stability, easing global uncertainty, and strong sectoral performance in defence, capital markets, and real estate.
• The Sensex and Nifty also surged, reflecting the positive market sentiment.

Awards News

President Murmu Confers Highest Literary Honour to Gulzar & Rambhadracharya

• The 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu to Gulzar, a renowned poet and lyricist, and Rambhadracharya, a spiritual scholar and Sanskrit poet, in May 2025.
• The event held at Vigyan Bhavan honoured their unique and lasting contributions to Indian literature—Gulzar for his emotional lyrics and screenwriting, and Rambhadracharya for his devotional writings and work in education for the visually impaired.
• This recognition reflects the diversity and depth of India’s cultural and literary heritage.

Sports News

Miss Estonia Creates History by Winning Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad

• Miss Estonia, Eliise Randmaa, made history by winning gold at the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad, securing a fast-track spot in the Top 40 quarter-finalists.
• The event saw 108 contestants compete in diverse sports like badminton and sprinting, and featured a cultural showcase of Mallakhamb, yoga, and skating. Dignitaries like Jupally Krishna Rao and Rajeev Shukla graced the occasion.
• This historic win highlights Estonia’s re-entry into the Miss World limelight after 25 years.

India Clinches SAFF U-19 Title After Penalty Shootout Thriller Against Bangladesh

• India clinched their second SAFF U-19 Championship title by defeating Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh on May 18, 2025.
• Captain Shami Singamayum gave India an early lead with a 2nd-minute free-kick, while Md Joy Ahamed equalized for Bangladesh in the 61st minute.
• This victory not only marks India’s second SAFF U-19 title (after 2023) but also reflects the country’s rising strength in youth football, supported by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) to promote regional talent and build a pipeline for senior teams.

• Carlos Alcaraz clinched his first Italian Open title after defeating Jannik Sinner in straight sets, marking his 7th ATP Masters 1000 win. The match showcased Alcaraz’s evolving tactical intelligence and mental resilience.
• With this win, he ended Sinner’s 26-match unbeaten run and asserted dominance in their growing rivalry. Alcaraz’s victory sets the stage for a strong performance at Roland Garros 2025, positioning him as the clear favorite on clay.

Science & Technology News

“US Doctors Use CRISPR to Cure Rare Liver Disorder in 9-Month-Old Baby”

• Doctors at CHOP and Penn Medicine used customized CRISPR-based gene editing to treat a rare liver disorder in baby KJ, making him the first person to receive a personalized therapy of its kind.
• The technique, known as base editing, precisely corrected his unique DNA mutation, showing promising results with improved health and minimal side effects.
• This breakthrough lays the groundwork for the treatment of thousands of rare diseases worldwide.

NASA’s GRAIL Mission Solves Lunar Mystery of Moon’s Asymmetry

• NASA’s GRAIL mission, launched in 2011, has helped solve the puzzle of the Moon’s asymmetrical appearance.
• Using dual satellites Ebb and Flow, the mission mapped the Moon’s gravity field, revealing that the nearside has a thinner crust, higher heat levels, and was more volcanically active due to heat-producing elements like thorium and titanium.
• In contrast, the farside has a thicker crust and fewer lava plains.
• These differences are due to gravitational asymmetry and tidal flexing, caused by Earth’s gravitational pull—a key insight into the Moon’s internal structure and thermal evolution.

ISRO’s PSLV-C61/EOS-09 Mission Faces Setback Due to Stage-3 Glitch

Important Days News

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025

• World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025, observed on May 17, highlights the role of communication and information technologies in fostering inclusive development and closing the digital divide.
• It commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1865, and this year’s theme, “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”, focuses on using tech for climate action, educational access, economic equity, and healthcare inclusion.
• Through global events, policy dialogues, and tech showcases, WTISD promotes the idea that digital access is a necessity, not a privilege.

Interational Museum Day, Date, Theme, Significance

• International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 to highlight the role of museums in preserving heritage, promoting education, and fostering cultural exchange. Established by ICOM in 1977, it is observed in over 158 countries.
• The 2025 theme is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and community engagement.
• Museums serve as educational hubs, cultural bridges, and promote sustainability and inclusivity worldwide.