Daily Current Affairs 8th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Biju Patnaik Memorial Unveiled in Delhi for Battle of Stalingrad Contribution

• Russia honoured Biju Patnaik by unveiling a memorial plaque at its Embassy in New Delhi, recognizing his heroic role as a WWII pilot during the Battle of Stalingrad.
• Patnaik, who joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936, flew vital supply missions to support the Red Army, and also played key roles in the Burma evacuation.
• China’s resistance against Japan, and Indonesia’s independence struggle, solidifying his legacy as a global freedom supporter and aviation hero.

Cabinet Approves ₹11,828 Crore Expansion Plan for Five IITs

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹11,828.79 crore expansion for five IITs—Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, and Dharwad.
• This move will boost academic capacity, create 130 faculty posts, establish five research parks, and increase student intake by over 6,500.
• The decision aligns with the goal of enhancing industry-academia collaboration, employment generation, and regional development, furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and cementing India’s global position in STEM education.

India Launches Chip-Based E-Passports to Enhance Travel Security

• India has launched chip-based e-passports featuring RFID chips and biometric data, aimed at boosting travel security and global standardization.
• Rolled out under Passport Seva Programme 2.0, the initiative also brings new rules effective from 2025, including mandatory birth certificates, digital residential addresses, and removal of parents’ names from passports.
• This marks a major step in India’s digital governance and commitment to secure international mobility.

India Launches Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Portal to Boost Circular Economy

• The Government of India has launched a dedicated Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Portal to advance its circular economy goals and ensure efficient use of resources.
• The initiative, spearheaded by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, provides a one-stop digital platform for stakeholders to engage in real-time data sharing, registration, and performance monitoring.
• It is expected to significantly boost India’s sustainable metal recycling efforts by enhancing transparency, informing policy, and improving industrial participation.

‘Operation Abhyas’: Bengaluru Conducts Civil Defence Mock Drill Amid Rising Tensions

• Operation Abhyas, a civil defence mock drill in Bengaluru, was conducted by the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• The exercise involved rescue simulations, fire control measures, and public awareness activities. Prompted by the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, the drill highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness amid a rising threat perception across the country.
• Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stressed public cooperation and readiness in times of national crisis.

State News

Maharashtra Government Announces Biopic on Ahilyabai Holkar for 300th Birth Anniversary

• The Maharashtra government’s announcement of a biopic on Ahilyabai Holkar comes as a significant cultural tribute on her 300th birth anniversary in 2025.
• Recognized for her visionary leadership, religious contributions, and administrative excellence, the queen’s legacy will be captured through this film project.
• It will be produced in Marathi and other Indian languages and released on Doordarshan and OTT platforms, aiming to reach a wide audience and inspire future generations.
• The move also underlines efforts to preserve and promote India’s historical women leaders.

Maharashtra Launches ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ for Women’s Empowerment

• Maharashtra has introduced the Adishakti Abhiyan, a comprehensive women-centric welfare campaign with a Rs 10.50 crore budget, to tackle key social issues such as malnutrition, domestic violence, child marriage, and promote women’s participation in governance.
• Committees at multiple levels will implement the scheme, and annual awards will incentivize effective action.
• The initiative was launched on Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive and empowered communities.

Arunachal Pradesh Drills First Geothermal Production Well

• CESHS has successfully completed Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Backed by international collaboration and scientific studies, the initiative marks a major step toward renewable energy, especially for space heating and agriculture-based processing in the Himalayan terrain.
• With support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the state government, this breakthrough could make Dirang India’s first geothermal-powered city, highlighting the region’s potential in clean energy transformation.

Banking News

Amex and HSBC Top Credit Card Additions Among Foreign Banks in FY25

• In FY25, foreign banks like HSBC and American Express emerged as top performers in net credit card additions, according to RBI data. HSBC added 216,997 cards, while Amex added 107,086, reversing past declines and capitalizing on India’s growing digital payment ecosystem.
• The overall banking industry added 8 million+ cards, underscoring a surge in consumer credit demand and the revival of foreign players’ retail banking ambitions in India.

Agreement News

India-Vietnam Strengthen Buddhist Ties with New MoU

• India and Vietnam have signed a significant MoU to deepen Buddhist cooperation during the UN Day of Vesak 2025 in Vietnam.
• This initiative, led by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), formalized the launch of the Vietnam Chapter of IBC, aiming to promote Buddha Dhamma, foster global peace, and enhance cultural exchange.
• The agreement highlights India’s Buddhist diplomacy and promotes spiritual collaboration through teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace.

Schemes News

National Scheme Launched to Transform ITIs and Train 20 Lakh Youth in 5 Years

• The Union Cabinet has cleared the National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and the setting up of five National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) for skilling, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore.
• The scheme, supported by ADB and World Bank, aims to transform 1,000 ITIs and train 20 lakh youth over five years through industry-aligned courses and upgraded infrastructure. Five NSTIs will be upgraded in Chennai, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar.
• The goal is to create an aspirational skilling ecosystem under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

New SHAKTI Policy Offers Thermal Plants Greater Autonomy and Coal Linkage Options

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Revised SHAKTI Policy to streamline and simplify coal allocation for thermal power plants through a new two-window mechanism.
• The reform introduces greater autonomy, flexibility, and market-based pricing, promotes import substitution, and enhances the ease of doing business while reducing dependency on long-standing Power Purchase Agreements.
• The revised scheme is expected to benefit stakeholders across the power and coal ecosystem, including Gencos, Railways, and consumers.

Kerala Launches ‘Jyothi’ Scheme to Educate Migrant Children

• Kerala’s ‘Jyothi’ scheme, launched in May 2025, aims to enrol migrant children into anganwadis and public schools while offering integrated health, welfare, and social support.
• The programme seeks to bridge the educational gap caused by migration, foster cultural inclusion, and promote recreational engagement for migrant kids.
• It aligns with Kerala’s efforts to modernise its migrant registry and make public services more inclusive.

Summits & Conferences News

SMLME 2025 Kicks Off in Dubai with Major Maritime Announcements

• The Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East (SMLME) 2025 opened in Dubai, reinforcing the UAE’s ambition to lead global maritime logistics.
• A key highlight was the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) announcing its new office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, expanding India’s maritime footprint. As a full member of IACS, IRS enhances technical compliance, ship classification, and audit services.
• This move supports both Saudi Vision 2030 and India’s strategic role in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea maritime corridors.
• The event demonstrated regional synergy on sustainability, logistics infrastructure, and innovation in the marine industry.

Sports News

Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

• On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma, India’s red-ball captain and one of the country’s most accomplished batters, announced his retirement from Test cricket, just ahead of the India vs England series.
• Having debuted in 2013 with back-to-back centuries, Rohit’s Test career was a journey of resilience and reinvention, marked by leadership and challenges.
• Despite his wish to lead during IPL 2025, shifting priorities within the BCCI and a focus on grooming a younger captain for the 2025–27 WTC cycle led to this early and unexpected decision.

Important Days News

BRO Celebrates its Foundation on May 7th

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence, celebrated 64 years of service on May 7, 2025.
• Tasked with building strategic infrastructure in India’s border areas, BRO has constructed over 55,000 km of roads, 450+ bridges, and 19 airfields.
• It plays a pivotal role in defence logistics, civil development, and international cooperation.
• With record-breaking projects like the Umling La road, BRO has earned global recognition for its contributions to national security and connectivity.

World Thalassaemia Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance, Background

• World Thalassaemia Day 2025, observed on May 8, emphasizes the theme “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients”.
• Established by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) in 1994, the day seeks to raise awareness about thalassaemia, advocate for preventive strategies like genetic screening, and ensure equitable access to quality care for patients worldwide.
• With a significant number of cases reported annually, especially in countries like India, the observed.

World Red Cross Day 2025 – History, Theme, and Global Significance

• World Red Cross Day 2025, observed on May 8, honored the legacy of Henry Dunant and the humanitarian work of Red Cross volunteers across the globe.
• With the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive,” the day spotlighted the organization’s commitment to neutrality, empathy, and service in crisis zones.
• The event reaffirmed the role of the Red Cross in fostering compassion and global solidarity, with activities like blood drives, medical camps, and awareness programs.