Daily Current Affairs 5th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

India Recalls IMF Executive Director K.V. Subramanian Ahead of Tenure End

• The Indian government has prematurely ended the IMF tenure of Dr. K.V. Subramanian, who served as the country’s Executive Director at the institution since 2022.
• Although no official reason has been cited, his critical stance on IMF data methodologies and the promotion of his book India @ 100 have been suggested as contributing factors.
• This move may impact India’s representation at the IMF and signals possible friction in global economic data discourse.

Parameswaran Iyer to Represent India at IMF Board Amid Strategic Global Meeting

• India has appointed Parameswaran Iyer as its interim IMF Executive Director, replacing K.V. Subramanian, who was relieved of his duties six months early.
• The change occurs ahead of a key IMF Board meeting on May 9, which will address a $1.3 billion climate loan and review Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout package.
• This nomination ensures India’s representation and voting power, especially amid growing diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.
• The IMF Executive Board consists of 25 directors, and India is part of a four-country constituency.
• The reshuffle reinforces India’s strategic interests and influence in global financial policy.

Warren Buffett Step down As CEO of Berkshire End of Legacy

• Warren Buffett’s announcement to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Greg Abel, a seasoned executive within the organization, has been named as his successor.
• This transition aims to uphold the company’s robust investment philosophy and ensure sustained growth.
• With a valuation of $1.2 trillion and substantial cash reserves, Berkshire Hathaway is poised for continued success under new leadership.

Defense News

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight of Stratospheric Airship Platform

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight-trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform on May 3, 2025, at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.
• Developed by ADRDE, Agra, the airship reached 17 km altitude with a 62-minute flight. It tested key systems like pressure control and emergency deflation, collecting vital sensor data.
• This indigenous innovation marks a significant advancement in earth observation, ISR, and long-endurance high-altitude platforms, positioning India among a select group of nations with such capabilities.

ITBP Scales Mt. Makalu: Historic Feat in Twin Peak Expedition

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) accomplished a major milestone by scaling Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, as part of a historic twin expedition.
• While the Mt. Annapurna attempt was halted near the summit due to a blizzard, the Makalu team achieved an 83% success rate.
• Led by Anoop Kumar Negi, the climbers also contributed to environmental sustainability by collecting 150 kg of waste under the ‘Clean Himalaya – Save Glacier’ campaign. With this, ITBP has now conquered six eight-thousanders, showcasing its dedication to adventure, discipline, and eco-conscious mountaineering.

Ranks & Reports News

India Justice Report 2025: Where Do We Stand?

• The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025, now in its fourth edition, offers a data-driven assessment of the institutional capacity of India’s justice delivery system, focusing on five pillars: police, prisons, judiciary, legal aid, and human rights commissions.
• Backed by Tata Trusts and partner institutions, the IJR uses government data to highlight key issues like the urban bias in policing, a low police-to-population ratio (e.g., Bihar: 81 per lakh), and a surge in pending cases (over 5 crore), driven by judicial vacancies and infrastructure gaps. It serves as a crucial accountability tool for policymakers and aspirants alike.

Summits & Conferences News

India to Showcase SVAMITVA Scheme at World Bank Land Conference 2025

• India’s participation in the 2025 World Bank Land Conference is set to highlight the country’s leadership in digital land reforms, with a particular focus on the SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform.
• These initiatives are revolutionizing rural land governance by offering legal land ownership through advanced technologies such as drones and geospatial data. SVAMITVA has already provided over 24.4 million property cards to households, unlocking significant land value.
• India’s involvement at the conference underscores its role in global discussions on securing land tenure, empowering rural populations, and fostering climate action.

Sports News

KCA Suspends Sreesanth for Three Years Amid Sanju Samson Controversy

• The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended S. Sreesanth for three years due to his controversial remarks against the association over Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the Indian team.
• The decision, made during a special General Body meeting on April 30, also involved show-cause notices to franchise teams and defamation cases against several individuals, including Sanju Samson’s father.
• This episode emphasizes the importance of discipline, media conduct, and the responsibility of franchise stakeholders in state cricket.

PM Modi Inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar

• The Khelo India Youth Games 2025, hosted in Bihar, marks a transformative moment for the state’s sports landscape.
• With participation from over 6,000 athletes across 27 disciplines, including new sports like sepaktakraw and esports, the event reflects India’s commitment to nurturing talent for future global competitions.
• The program has bolstered Bihar’s sports infrastructure, with 38 Khelo India Centres established, offering training in various disciplines.
• The state’s enhanced sports performance, seen in its record medal tally at the National Games, showcases the positive impact of structured athlete development and local support. Khelo India continues to expand, with plans for new events targeting broader inclusivity and engagement.

Science & Technology News

India Unveils First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• India has taken a global lead by launching two genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Rice 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1—developed by ICAR using CRISPR-Cas technology.
• These innovations aim to boost agricultural yield by up to 30%, reduce environmental impact by cutting greenhouse emissions by 20%, and conserve critical water resources.
• This step not only supports sustainable agriculture but also strengthens India’s position as a future global food supplier.