What is World Turtle Day and why is it important?

World Turtle Day, observed on May 23 every year, is an international awareness day dedicated to the protection and conservation of turtles and tortoises. Established in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), the day aims to highlight the ecological importance of these reptiles and the threats they face, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and illegal trade.

Daily Current Affairs 23rd May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

iGOT Karmayogi Crosses 1 Crore Users: A Milestone in Digital Civil Services Training

The iGOT Karmayogi platform has crossed a significant threshold, registering over 1 crore users across India’s central and state governments.
It is part of Mission Karmayogi, aimed at building a future-ready civil service.
With 2,400+ courses, over 3.1 crore certificates, and a strong emphasis on digital public infrastructure, the platform is a cornerstone of capacity building in governance.
Going forward, the focus will shift to regional language inclusion, AI-based enhancements, and international collaborations.

Depot Darpan & Anna Platforms to Revolutionize PDS Monitoring and Grievance Redressal

The Government of India, led by Minister Pralhad Joshi, has launched Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centricity of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
These initiatives aim to digitally monitor food depots, empower PDS stakeholders, and streamline grievance redressal using modern technologies like IoT and ASR.
With extensive pilot rollouts and significant financial backing, the platforms align with the vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat.

Konkan Railway Set to Merge with Indian Railways: What It Means

The long-awaited merger of the Konkan Railway with Indian Railways has been cleared after Maharashtra, the last shareholder state, approved the move.
This decision aims to address financial challenges faced by KRCL and promises better passenger services, connectivity, and regional development.
The Central Government has agreed to retain the iconic name and compensate Maharashtra’s investment, ensuring a smooth transition. The process will now be implemented by the Railway Board and is expected to enhance both infrastructure and user experience.

International News

India Welcomes UK’s Decision on Chagos Islands Handover

India has welcomed the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius under a landmark agreement signed on May 22, 2025, calling.
It a significant step in the global process of decolonisation and reaffirming its commitment to international law, territorial sovereignty, and regional stability.

Economy News

RBI Sells Nearly $400 Billion in FY25

In FY2024-25, the RBI sold a record $398.71 billion in foreign exchange to defend the rupee, which dropped to an all-time low of ₹87.95 against the US dollar.
This aggressive intervention was spurred by global uncertainty, particularly related to fears of a Donald Trump return and protectionist trade policies. Despite an increase in the ceiling for FCNR(B) deposits, capital inflows remained low.
This strategy led to a significant depletion of forex reserves, underscoring the high cost of defending the rupee in volatile times.

Fitch Raises India’s Medium-Term Growth Outlook to 6.4% till FY26

Fitch Ratings has raised India’s medium-term growth forecast to 6.4% for FY26, citing higher labour force participation and reduced pandemic scarring.
While the report warns of slowing labour productivity and reverting total factor productivity, India’s outlook shines in contrast to declining estimates for other emerging markets, especially China. This signals global recognition of India’s economic resilience and growth potential.

Agreements News

India Post Payments Bank & Aditya Birla Capital Join Hands to Broaden Loan Access Nationwide

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL) have formed a strategic partnership to enhance credit accessibility across India.
Through IPPB’s vast postal network and ABCL’s digital lending platforms, customers will now have simplified access to personal, business, and property loans.
The initiative emphasizes financial inclusion, supports Digital India, and offers personalized financial services using AI and data analytics. The move is expected to benefit rural populations, promote entrepreneurship, and bridge the urban-rural credit divide.

Awards News

President Murmu Confers 39 Gallantry Awards for Bravery and Valour

President Murmu, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025, conferred 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras on personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, and J&K Police for their gallantry in anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, the North-East, and other strategic regions.

Books & Authors News

“The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife: Puja Pujara’s Honest Take on Life Beyond the Pitch”

Puja Pujara’s memoir, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife, provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the emotional challenges, public scrutiny, and family sacrifices involved in the life of an Indian cricketer’s spouse.
Triggered by Cheteshwar Pujara’s exclusion from the Test team post-World Test Championship 2023, the book candidly explores themes of resilience, media pressure, and personal strength.
Through vivid storytelling and real-life incidents, Puja sheds light on the silent support systems behind every cricketing success.

Schemes News

Government Grants 4% Housing Quota to Disabled Officials in GPRA Pool

The Government of India has implemented a 4% reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) to support disabled central government officials.
This policy, enforced by the Directorate of Estates, aligns with the RPWD Act, 2016.
Eligible officials with a UDID card will now receive priority in monthly housing allotments, especially significant in light of the 15–18 year waiting periods currently faced by new officials. This marks a critical milestone in accessible housing and administrative inclusion.

Summits & Conferences News

India Plans Integration of Mission LiFE with National Action Plan on Climate Change

India is planning to integrate Mission LiFE with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to promote sustainable behaviours and enhance climate literacy.
Launched at COP26, Mission LiFE focuses on individual action, circular economy, and leveraging local cultures.
By aligning this mission with existing NAPCC frameworks, India aims to bridge the awareness-to-action gap and ensure inclusive, participatory climate governance.
Despite challenges like voluntary participation and impact measurement, this step is expected to catalyse long-term climate resilience.

India Takes Over Chairmanship of Asian Productivity Organization for 2025–26

India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for 2025–26 at the 67th Governing Body Meeting in Jakarta, with a strategic focus on sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and the Green Productivity 2.0 framework.
Led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, India reaffirmed its commitment to APO Vision 2030 and regional collaboration.
As a founding member, India contributes significantly through the National Productivity Council (NPC), supporting MSMEs, Industry 4.0, and inclusive growth. The APO, headquartered in Tokyo, comprises 21 member economies working to enhance productivity across the Asia-Pacific.

Sports News

Joe Root Becomes Fastest to 13,000 Test Runs: A Historic Milestone in Cricket

England’s celebrated batsman Joe Root made history by becoming the quickest player to amass 13,000 runs in Test cricket.
Achieving this in just his 153rd match during a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Root broke Jacques Kallis’ previous record and added another feather to his already illustrious cap.
Joe Root, during a Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22, 2025, became the fastest cricketer to reach 13,000 Test runs. Surpassing Jacques Kallis’ record, Root achieved this feat in 153 innings, further solidifying his stature as one of the modern greats of Test cricket.

Kanak Budhwar Shines: Gold in 10m Air Pistol at ISSF Junior World Cup

Kanak Budhwar, a 17-year-old Indian shooter, claimed gold in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany, defeating European champion and Olympian Anna Dulce.
Her journey from being underweight to becoming a World Cup winner is marked by technical improvements, family support, and expert coaching.
With earlier medals in Asian Championships and the Junior World Championships, this win strengthens India’s future in international shooting and may inspire her Olympic dreams.

Science & Technology News

Assam Introduces ‘Ankita’: India’s First AI News Anchor in Regional Language

Assam’s debut of AI anchor Ankita marks a pivotal move in digital governance and AI in media.
Unveiled by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ankita presented Cabinet highlights in Assamese, including the renaming of Dibrugarh Airport and a time grant for tea garden workers.
While the initiative showcases technological innovation, it also raises concerns about employment displacement in traditional media roles.

Important Days News

World Turtle Day 2025: A Global Call to Protect Ancient Reptiles

World Turtle Day, celebrated annually on May 23, raises global awareness about the conservation of turtles and tortoises, which are among the oldest and most threatened species on Earth.
Founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, the day highlights their ecological importance, such as maintaining marine balance and aerating soil, and their cultural symbolism of wisdom and longevity.
Facing threats like habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and illegal trade, over 129 of 300 species are endangered.
Through education, volunteering, and advocacy, individuals can help ensure the survival of these remarkable ancient reptiles.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025

Observed annually on 23 May, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula draws global attention to one of the most preventable childbirth-related health conditions—obstetric fistula.
With the 2025 theme “Her Health, Her Right,” this observance calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and aims to end the gender-based disparities that allow such a condition to persist in impoverished regions.

Current Affairs Quarterly Magazine | 23 May Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs by Ashish Gautam