Daily Current Affairs 21st May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

• Mizoram has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first fully literate state, with a literacy rate of 98.20%, as declared on 20 May 2025. This success is credited to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at adult education and functional literacy.
• Through the efforts of 292 volunteer teachers, Mizoram successfully educated the last remaining non-literates, setting an example of community-driven literacy and aligning with the vision of NEP 2020 and SDG-4.
• The use of the ULLAS mobile app and a strong sense of Kartavya Bodh played a key role in achieving this feat.

India Celebrates 150 Years of the Metre Convention with Major Legal Metrology Reforms

• On World Metrology Day 2025, India commemorated the 150 years of the Metre Convention with transformative announcements in the field of Legal Metrology.
• Highlights included India becoming the 13th country authorized to issue OIML certificates, mandating 1 mg precision in gold weighing, launching the eMaap portal for digital governance, and rolling out time synchronization under the “One Nation, One Time” initiative.
• These steps reflect India’s commitment to enhancing consumer protection, trade accuracy, and ease of doing business, while aligning with international standards in metrology.

Centre Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Cases

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has rolled out a digital solution named e-Zero FIR under its I4C platform to fast-track the registration of high-value cyber financial crime complaints.
• Launched by Amit Shah in Delhi as a pilot on May 20, 2025, the system auto-generates Zero FIRs for complaints exceeding ₹10 lakh reported via NCRP or helpline 1930.
• This initiative is designed to speed up investigations and tackle cyber frauds effectively, forming a core part of India’s evolving cybersecurity strategy.

India Set to Become World’s Top Potato Producer by 2050

• India is on track to become the world’s largest potato producer by 2050, overtaking China, with production projected to rise from 60 to 100 million tonnes.
• The International Potato Center (CIP), which has partnered with India for over five decades, highlighted the potential of tuber crops like sweet potatoes in boosting nutrition, employment, and climate resilience.
• The government is boosting agricultural innovation and research collaboration, reinforcing food and income security while enabling private sector participation and women/youth empowerment in the agriculture sector.

Geeta Samota: First CISF Officer to Summit Mount Everest

• Geeta Samota, a CISF Sub-Inspector from Rajasthan, has created history by becoming the first officer from CISF to summit Mount Everest.
• Trained by ITBP and ABVIMAS, her journey includes completing the Seven Summits challenge, setting national records, and inspiring women and youth with her achievements.
• Recognized with top national awards, her victory has energized the CAPF community and strengthened India’s presence in adventure sports and women’s empowerment.

Revamped OCI Portal Launched by Home Minister Amit Shah

• The Ministry of Home Affairs launched a revamped OCI portal to modernize services for Overseas Citizens of India.
• With over 5 million beneficiaries, the new system is aimed at simplifying registration, enhancing user experience, and providing secure digital services.
• Developed in response to evolving needs and technological trends, this launch underlines India’s commitment to supporting its diaspora through innovation and connectivity.

International News

WHO Adopts First-Ever Global Pandemic Treaty

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted the first global pandemic treaty, marking a historic step in international public health coordination.
• Approved by 124 member states, the treaty focuses on equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, while respecting national sovereignty.
• It introduces a pathogen-sharing system, enhances R&D capacity, and promotes a One Health approach.
• The absence of the United States, however, raises concerns about global cooperation and funding. This treaty is seen as a landmark victory for science, equity, and global preparedness.

Suez Canal Offers 15% Transit Discount to Attract Ships Amid Red Sea Ceasefire

• The Suez Canal Authority has initiated a 15% toll discount for large vessels to attract traffic back to the waterway, severely impacted by the Red Sea crisis sparked by Houthi rebel attacks in late 2023.
• Despite a recent ceasefire with the US, shipping giants remain wary due to continued threats against Israeli-linked ships.
• While the Suez Canal’s trade volume and revenue have plummeted, shipping companies like Maersk have adjusted well to the Cape of Good Hope route, maintaining profitability despite longer and costlier voyages.

Economy News

India’s Core Sector Growth Hits 8-Month Low in April 2025

• India’s core sector growth for April 2025 slowed sharply to 0.5%, marking the lowest performance in eight months. Key sectors like refinery products, fertilisers, and crude oil witnessed contraction, while only coal and natural gas posted minor gains.
• The Index of Core Industries (ICI), which constitutes 40.27% of the IIP, struggled under the weight of a high base effect from last year.
• Economists expect April’s IIP to remain subdued around 1%, reflecting a broader slowdown in industrial activity.

Awards News

Banu Mushtaq Makes History with International Booker Prize Win

• Banu Mushtaq, an Indian author, activist, and lawyer, has won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her Kannada-language short story collection Heart Lamp.
• Translated by Deepa Bhasthi, the book delves into the struggles, resistance, and resilience of Muslim women in southern India.
• Her personal experiences, association with the Bandaya movement, and firm stand against patriarchy are central to her powerful storytelling. This marks a historic win for Kannada literature and emphasizes the importance of marginalized voices in world literature.

Defense News

Indian Navy Revives Maritime Legacy with Ancient Stitched Ship Induction

• The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and M/s Hodi Innovations, is inducting an Ancient Stitched Ship, a replica of a 5th-century CE vessel inspired by Ajanta cave paintings.
• Built using traditional hand-stitching techniques by Kerala artisans, and supported technically by IIT Madras, the ship highlights India’s maritime heritage and naval craftsmanship.
• A planned voyage from Gujarat to Oman will retrace historic trade routes, reinforcing India’s ancient identity as a seafaring nation.

Schemes News

Centre Launches Special Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched a pilot apprenticeship scheme for youth in India’s northeast, offering ₹1,500 extra stipend under NAPS.
• The program, inaugurated in Aizawl, aims to tackle mobility barriers, promote industry exposure, and ensure employment readiness.
• With a budget of ₹43.94 crore, the scheme will be jointly implemented by IIE Guwahati and NSDC, supporting 26,000 youth, especially women, in gaining meaningful apprenticeships.

Sports News

Shivpal Singh Faces 8-Year Ban After Second Failed Dope Test

• India’s Olympian javelin thrower, Shivpal Singh, has failed a second dope test, with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) placing him under provisional suspension.
• His urine sample, collected during out-of-competition testing earlier this year, tested positive for a banned substance. A repeat offence under WADA and NADA rules could lead to an eight-year ban, threatening to end his sporting career.
• Shivpal previously served a reduced one-year ban after testing positive in 2021 and had made a successful comeback in 2023.

Spain and Liverpool Legend Pepe Reina to Retire at 42

• Pepe Reina, one of Spain’s most respected goalkeepers, will retire at 42 after a 25-year football career.
• His journey includes playing for elite clubs, winning international championships, and earning individual honors like the Premier League Golden Glove.
• His final appearance for Como against Inter Milan in Serie A will mark the end of a celebrated era in world football.

Science & Technology News

Next-Gen QR Codes to Replace Traditional Barcodes by 2027: GS1

• GS1 has announced the introduction of new-generation QR codes from 2027 as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
• These QR codes, tested in Australia and other nations, will provide greater transparency, traceability, and product information. India, set to become the third-largest economy, plays a crucial role in GS1’s roadmap, with the rollout depending on the digital readiness of retailers and manufacturers.
• The GS1 General Assembly was hosted in India for the first time, reinforcing the country’s importance in digital standardisation and consumer safety.

Important Days News

International Tea Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance, Background

• International Tea Day 2025, celebrated on May 21, recognizes the cultural, economic, and health significance of tea, the world’s most consumed beverage after water. Originating in ancient China, tea has grown into a global tradition and a source of livelihood for millions, especially in countries like India.
• This year’s theme, “Tea for Better Lives,” emphasizes tea’s role in promoting sustainability, health, and poverty reduction, while also celebrating its role in women empowerment and rural development.

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025: Promoting Unity Against Violence

Current Affairs Today | 21 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam