Daily Current Affairs 3rd May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Dedicates ₹8,800 Crore Vizhinjam International Seaport to the Nation

• On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking India’s first deepwater transshipment port capable of handling the world’s largest cargo ships.
• Strategically located near international shipping routes, it aims to reduce dependency on foreign ports, boost maritime trade, and position India as a global logistics hub.
• The port aligns with national initiatives like Sagarmala, PM-Gati Shakti, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, while also promoting economic growth, employment, and Kerala’s historic maritime role.

State News

Lakkundi Group of Monuments Proposed for UNESCO Tentative List

• Karnataka’s Lakkundi temples, built during the Kalyana Chalukya era, are being considered for inclusion in the UNESCO tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
• The state has collaborated with INTACH to draft and finalize the proposal, focusing on the architectural significance, especially the Vesara temple style and stepwells.
• These monuments meet key UNESCO criteria for showcasing cultural exchange and historical value. If accepted, the full nomination dossier will be submitted after a year. This move marks a major step in conserving and globally recognizing India’s ancient architectural heritage.

International News

FAO Launches AIM4NatuRe to Boost Global Ecosystem Monitoring

• The AIM4NatuRe initiative, launched by the FAO, is a global effort to improve ecosystem restoration monitoring across diverse landscapes like forests, wetlands, marine ecosystems, and agricultural lands.
• Funded by the UK and aligned with Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, the initiative will operate from 2025 to 2028 and use FERM (Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring) to enhance data transparency, interoperability, and accountability.
• It also supports Indigenous Peoples’ role in biocentric restoration, ensuring a more holistic and inclusive approach to global biodiversity goals.

Economy News

RBI’s Gold Reserves Soar with 57.5 Tonne Purchase in FY25

• In FY25, the RBI enhanced its gold reserves by 57.5 tonnes, responding to escalating global uncertainties, a volatile US dollar, and rising gold prices. This marks the second-largest yearly gold acquisition since RBI began buying gold in 2017.
• With gold surpassing ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, the move underscores a broader trend among central banks to shift from the dollar towards safe-haven assets, aiming to diversify and stabilize national reserves amid geopolitical risks and market instability.

India’s Exports Hit Record $824.9 Billion in FY 2024–25: RBI Data

• India’s total exports rose to $824.9 billion in FY 2024–25, showing a 6.01% increase, driven by record services exports of $387.5 billion and a surge in non-petroleum merchandise exports.
• The growth reflects India’s strong positioning in global trade, boosted by reforms under Foreign Trade Policy, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

April 2025 Coal Output Marks Upward Growth Trend in India’s Energy Sector

• India’s coal sector has shown robust growth in April 2025, with 14.01 MT production and 16.81 MT dispatch from captive and commercial mines.
• The success is attributed to policy reforms, newly operational mines, and improved coordination by the Ministry of Coal, marking a key milestone in India’s push for energy self-reliance and reduced coal imports.

Agreement News

SBI to Power Banking Services at 26 Land Ports Across India

• The State Bank of India (SBI) and the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) have signed an MoU to strengthen banking infrastructure across 26 land ports in border states.
• These ports handle over ₹70,000 crore in trade and witness 31 lakh people in annual cross-border movement. SBI aims to upgrade banking services like forex, insurance, and digital banking, boosting trade capacity to ₹2 trillion by 2030, aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India and Denmark Renew Energy Cooperation with a New MoU

• India, Denmark, renewed, energy cooperation, net-zero emissions, 2070, MoU, knowledge exchange, technological collaboration, renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, partnership, accelerating, clean energy transition.
• The MoU will promote knowledge exchange and technological collaboration, particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure. The partnership is a significant step toward accelerating India’s clean energy transition.

Appointments News

Sunil Bharti Mittal Joins World Bank’s Investment Lab to Boost Job Creation

• Sunil Bharti Mittal has joined the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL) as part of its expanded phase launched on April 24, 2025.
• The initiative aims to attract private investments, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance job creation across developing nations. With a strategic focus on five priority areas, PSIL integrates top global leaders to deliver sustainable economic impact.

Kapil Dev Joins SoBo Mumbai Falcons as Brand Ambassador

• Kapil Dev, the iconic 1983 World Cup-winning captain, has joined SoBo Mumbai Falcons as brand ambassador for the T20 Mumbai League 2025, which runs from May 26 to June 8 at Wankhede Stadium.
• His role is expected to bring prestige, experience, and fan engagement to the team and the tournament. Other notable players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane will also feature in the event, which will be broadcast on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar.

Defense News

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Appointed Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force

• Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM has taken charge as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff, IAF, on 2 May 2025. A veteran fighter pilot with over 3600 flying hours, he has held key positions in testing, training, and strategy.
• His notable contributions include involvement in Kargil operations and LCA Tejas testing. A recipient of PVSM, AVSM, and VM, he is expected to guide the IAF in achieving new operational heights.

Indigenous Dhruv Helicopter Cleared for Military Use After Crash Probe

• The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been cleared for operational use by the Indian Army and Air Force. The fleet had been grounded since January 2025 after a fatal crash involving a Coast Guard Dhruv.
• The clearance follows the Defect Investigation Committee’s report, and the helicopters are now being deployed, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack. The clearance marks a significant step in restoring helicopter availability for India’s armed forces and validates HAL’s indigenous aviation capability.

Ranks & Reports News

NITI Aayog’s New Report Aims to Boost MSME Competitiveness in India

• NITI Aayog’s report on MSMEs highlights key challenges like limited access to credit, skill shortages, and barriers to technology adoption.
• By recommending targeted interventions, including a revamped credit guarantee system, enhanced training, and stronger state-level policy frameworks, the report aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs and integrate them into global value chains.

Forbes W-Power List 2025 Recognizes India’s Leading Women Achievers

• The Forbes India W-Power 2025 list honors India’s most dynamic and self-made women across a wide spectrum of fields. From international finance leaders like Gita Gopinath to sports champions such as PV Sindhu and Smriti Mandhana, these women exemplify ambition, resilience, and excellence.
• By featuring professionals from diverse sectors, the list not only showcases the depth of women’s contributions but also highlights the importance of visibility, equality, and opportunity in shaping the future.

Science & Technology News

India Helps Complete Key Magnet System for ITER

• India’s active role in the ITER nuclear fusion project marks a critical step in global energy innovation. With the Central Solenoid completed and India’s pivotal input in manufacturing the cryostat, cooling systems, and heating technologies, the project is moving closer to achieving self-sustaining fusion energy.
• ITER stands as a symbol of international cooperation, aiming for a carbon-free, radioactive waste-free, and sustainable energy future.

Important days News

World Press Freedom Day 2025: Defending Democracy, Ensuring Truth

• May 3, 2025, marks the observance of World Press Freedom Day, a globally recognized occasion that honors the critical role of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in a democratic society.
• Celebrated annually since 1993, the day highlights the growing challenges faced by journalists worldwide—from censorship to violence—and calls on governments, civil society, and citizens to protect press freedom as a fundamental human right.
• The occasion emphasizes the public’s right to accurate information and the vital role journalists play in upholding transparency, accountability, and democracy.

Obituaries News

Dr. Mathew Kalarickal, India’s Pioneer of Angioplasty, Passes Away at 77

• Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, who introduced angioplasty to India and mentored scores of cardiologists, passed away on April 18, 2025.
• A Padma Shri recipient, he was renowned for performing India’s first angioplasty in 1986, significantly altering heart care practices. His legacy continues through his trainees and his work across multiple countries.

Current Affairs Today | 3 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam