Daily Current Affairs 22nd May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Inaugurates 103 Amrit Stations Across 18 States Under ₹1,100 Crore Plan

• On May 22, 2025, PM Modi inaugurated 103 Amrit Stations in 18 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure with a blend of comfort, connectivity, and cultural heritage.
• In Bikaner, he also launched the Bikaner-Mumbai Express and laid the foundation for railway electrification, roadway development, and state-level infrastructure worth ₹26,000 crore, including projects up to the Indo-Pak border, enhancing defence logistics and regional accessibility.

Supreme Court Mandates Three Years of Legal Practice for Judicial Service Entry

• The Supreme Court of India, in a pivotal ruling dated May 20, 2025, mandated that candidates must have a minimum of three years of legal practice to apply for entry-level judicial posts such as Civil Judge (Junior Division).
• The ruling comes after widespread evidence revealed that appointing fresh law graduates without court experience led to inefficiencies in justice delivery.
• The move is seen as a step toward ensuring judicial competence, better understanding of litigation, and public trust in the justice system.

FSSAI Launches Crackdown on Illegal Fruit Ripening Practices

• The FSSAI has directed all states to take strict action against the use of calcium carbide, an illegal fruit ripening agent, especially in mango markets. The chemical is known to be carcinogenic and causes mouth ulcers.
• The regulator has called for enhanced inspections, public awareness, and the promotion of safe alternatives like ethylene gas. This initiative strengthens food safety enforcement and protects public health during the peak fruit season.

Gujarat’s Lion Population Grows by 32% Since 2020

• Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population has increased by 32% to 891 in 2025, according to the 16th lion census by the Gujarat Forest Department.
• Under the ₹2,900 crore Project Lion, conservation efforts have led to a 16.67% expansion in lion territory, now covering 35,000 sq. km.
• However, this growth has resulted in increased human-lion interactions, with a rise in livestock attacks and the need for new habitats outside Gujarat.
• Experts recommend sustainable coexistence models and reviving relocation projects like Kuno National Park.

International News

Trump Unveils $175 Billion ‘Golden Dome’: A Space-Age Missile Shield for the US

• The Golden Dome is a newly unveiled space-based missile defense system proposed by US President Donald Trump.
• It seeks to create a multi-layered shield to counter hypersonic and space-launched missile threats, integrating terrestrial assets like THAAD, Patriot, and Aegis, while introducing orbital interceptors and laser weaponry.
• Despite being in its conceptual stage, the initiative has drawn global scrutiny, especially from China and Russia, who view it as a threat to space stability.
• The plan is anticipated to be operational by 2029, though concerns over cost, coordination, and feasibility persist.

Banking News

DoT Launches Financial Fraud Risk Indicator to Tackle Cyber Crime

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) to tackle rising incidents of cyber fraud associated with UPI transactions.
• Integrated into the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), the FRI classifies mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk based on inputs from cybercrime portals, banks, and financial institutions.
• Major UPI platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay are already incorporating these alerts to prevent financial crimes, making this a crucial cybersecurity measure in India’s digital economy.

Economy News

IREDA Secures ‘Excellent’ DPE Rating, Tops Power & NBFC Sector CPSEs

• IREDA, the country’s largest green financing NBFC, has secured an ‘Excellent’ rating from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for FY 2023-24, ranking among the top 4 CPSEs in India.
• The recognition reflects its outstanding performance and leadership in the Power and NBFC sectors.
• Under the leadership of CMD Pradip Kumar Das, IREDA has consistently contributed to India’s renewable energy mission and demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development and nation-building.

Morgan Stanley Raises India’s Growth Forecast for FY26 and FY27

• Morgan Stanley has increased India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for FY26 and 6.5% for FY27, driven by robust domestic demand, rising urban and rural consumption, and strong public capital expenditure.
• The report highlights the stability of macroeconomic fundamentals, expected policy easing by the RBI, and the positive impact of reduced global trade tensions on India’s external outlook.

Appointments News

Justice K. Somashekar Appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court

• Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of service, has been appointed Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court by the President of India, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium.
• The appointment comes in light of the retirement of Justice D. Krishnakumar and marks a critical leadership transition in one of India’s relatively new High Courts.
• Key highlights include the judicial experience of Justice Somashekar, the consultation with CJI, and the significance of strong judicial leadership in Northeast India.

Books & Authors News

“Original Sin: Jake Tapper’s Explosive Account of Biden’s Mental Decline”

• Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson investigates President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, focusing on how it was concealed from the public by his inner circle.
• The book outlines troubling incidents, from memory lapses to debate struggles, and critiques the media’s failure to highlight these issues. Released amid Biden’s cancer diagnosis, the book underscores the urgent need for transparency in leadership and responsible journalism.
• Key themes include presidential fitness, media accountability, and democratic integrity.

Summits & Conferences News

India Reaffirms Global Health Commitment at 78th World Health Assembly

• India demonstrated strong global leadership at the 78th World Health Assembly by advocating for health equity, universal coverage, and pandemic preparedness.
• Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the achievements of Ayushman Bharat, India’s recognition in maternal and child health by UN bodies, and its WHO certification as Trachoma-Free.
• India also called for a legally binding global pandemic agreement with a focus on equity, transparency, and technology transfer, especially for the Global South.

Indian Tea Industry Charts New Growth Path at Vanijya Bhawan Convention

• The International Tea Day Convention 2025 in New Delhi celebrated the cultural, economic, and strategic significance of Indian tea.
• With vibrant participation from stakeholders, the event emphasized the need for branding, youth engagement, organic innovation, and expanding export potential.
• Through panel discussions, a tea appreciation zone, and interactive tasting sessions, the convention spotlighted India’s effort to strengthen its leadership in the global tea market and promote sustainable and inclusive growth within the sector.

Sports News

Spurs Beat Manchester United to Clinch Europa League Title

• Tottenham Hotspur created history by winning the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final against Manchester United with a 1-0 victory.
• Brennan Johnson scored the decisive goal, while a stunning goal-line clearance by Micky van de Ven and crucial saves from goalkeeper Vicario sealed the win. After 17 years without a trophy, Spurs have now secured a spot in next season’s Champions League.
• The victory is a major breakthrough for manager Ange Postecoglou and brings renewed hope to fans after a challenging Premier League season.

Science & Technology News

Arunachal Pradesh Welcomes New Butterfly Species: Euthalia malaccana Recorded for the First Time

Obituaries News

Dr. Saroj Ghose, Pioneer of India’s Science Museums, Passes Away at 89

• Dr. Saroj Ghose, the visionary pioneer of India’s science museum movement, passed away on May 17, 2025.
• As the founding Director General of NCSM, he was instrumental in creating a decentralised network of science centres to promote scientific temper and informal education across the country.
• His post-retirement work on landmark institutions like the Parliament Museum and the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum solidified his legacy. The NCSM, under the Ministry of Culture, remains committed to carrying forward his mission of democratizing science in India.

Current Affairs Today | 22 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam