Daily Current Affairs 9th May 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Ladakh Now Home to 477 Snow Leopards: A Conservation Milestone

• A scientific study published in May 2025 has established that Ladakh hosts 477 snow leopards, marking it as one of the world’s densest snow leopard habitats.
• Conducted under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), the research covered 93,000 sq km and involved key bodies like the Wildlife Institute of India and Ministry of Environment.
• The study emphasizes Ladakh’s ecological richness, highlights the success of community conservation, and warns of future challenges from climate change and infrastructure development.

Kartarpur Corridor Closed After Indian Strikes Under ‘Operation Sindoor’

• India temporarily shut the Kartarpur Corridor on May 7, 2025, in response to military strikes under Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
• This came after the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025.
• The corridor, a significant visa-free religious link for Sikh pilgrims to visit Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, was closed for the day, affecting several devotees who had arrived for prayers.

Vietnam Launches 10-Year Golden Visa to Attract Indian Investors and Tourists

• Vietnam has announced a 10-year Golden Visa to attract Indian investors, tourists, and professionals, positioning itself as a long-term residency hub in Southeast Asia.
• The move complements its growing air connectivity, digital visa process, and dynamic economic sectors like IT, textiles, and tourism.
• It marks a strategic effort to transition from a short-stay destination to a sustainable center for innovation and business engagement

State News

Delhi to Conduct Five Cloud-Seeding Trials with IIT-Kanpur’s Expertise

• The Delhi Cabinet has approved a ₹3.21 crore budget for five cloud-seeding trials across the National Capital Region (NCR) to address rising air pollution levels.
• Managed by IIT Kanpur, the trials aim to induce artificial rainfall over a 100 sq km area and will commence by June 2025, post approval from 13 key ministries and agencies.
• The initiative also includes AI-based monitoring and supports a tech-driven approach to environmental management in India’s capital.

Kozhikode Joins WHO’s Global Age-Friendly Cities Network

• Kozhikode has been inducted into the WHO’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) for its efforts in making the city more accessible, inclusive, and supportive for the elderly.
• This international recognition highlights initiatives like elder-friendly infrastructure, healthcare accessibility, and community engagement.
• Kozhikode’s recognition showcases Kerala’s broader focus on human development and aligns with global urban best practices.

International News

Robert Francis Prevost Becomes Elected Next Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

• On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States was elected as the 267th pope, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. Succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, the new pope brings a moderate, globally aware perspective shaped by missionary work in Peru.
• The conclave, with 133 cardinals from 70 nations, was the most international to date. As the first American pope, Leo XIV faces challenges such as healing Church divisions, addressing abuse scandals, and reasserting the Church’s moral leadership amid geopolitical conflicts.

Business News

Starlink Gets Government Nod: A New Era in Satellite Connectivity

• Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has received approval from the Indian government to offer satellite internet services, marking a major step in expanding digital access across the country.
• Following regulatory reviews and a Letter of Intent, Starlink can now obtain a GMPCS licence. The move aligns with new satcom guidelines focusing on data localisation, NavIC integration, local manufacturing, and telecom security.
• This approval is expected to revolutionise internet access in remote and underserved areas and promote technological collaboration under the Digital India initiative.

Kotak Bank Launches Solitaire Credit Card for Premium Travellers

• Kotak Mahindra Bank’s newly launched Kotak Solitaire Credit Card is a premium, invite-only travel card offering 10 airmiles per ₹100 on travel bookings through Kotak Unbox, unlimited airport lounge access, and zero forex mark-up.
• It allows airmile transfers to major airlines like Air India, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, along with hotel partners like Marriott Bonvoy.
• With exclusive hotel booking perks, minimal cash withdrawal fees, and a ₹25,000 annual fee, it competes with other luxury travel cards in the Indian credit card market.

Awards News

Actor Sonu Sood Honoured for Philanthropic Work During COVID-19

• Sonu Sood, the renowned Indian actor and humanitarian, will be honoured with the Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Festival on May 31, 2025, in Hyderabad.
• This global recognition celebrates his vital COVID-19 relief efforts, especially for migrant workers, students, and underserved communities, through the Sood Charity Foundation (SCF).
• He will also serve as a judge for the finale and will collaborate with the Miss World Organisation on a Cancer-Free World initiative, strengthening his global impact on healthcare and social welfare.

Agreement News

India and Chile Set Stage for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• India and Chile have taken a significant step towards deepening their bilateral trade relations by signing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Building on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in 2006 and expanded in 2016, this new agreement aims to promote cooperation in digital services, MSMEs, critical minerals, and investment.
• The decision follows the Chilean President’s State visit to India in April 2025, where both countries reiterated their commitment to economic integration.
• The first round of CEPA negotiations will be held in New Delhi from May 26–30, 2025.

Appointments News

Ajoy Chawla to Succeed C.K. Venkataraman as Titan’s MD from January 2026

• Titan, a leading Tata Group company, has named Ajoy Chawla as its next Managing Director, effective 1 January 2026, following the retirement of C.K. Venkataraman.
• The announcement aligns with Titan’s record performance in FY25, marked by ₹57,819 crore in revenue and 22% annual growth. A Titan veteran,
• Chawla has played a pivotal role in the success of the jewellery division and is expected to lead the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.
• Titan, founded in 1987 as a TIDCO-Tata JV, now spans segments like watches, jewellery, ethnic wear, and accessories.

Defense News

INS Kiltan Showcases Indian Naval Prowess at IMDEX Asia 2025

• INS Kiltan’s participation in IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore demonstrates India’s growing maritime diplomacy, defence cooperation, and commitment to regional security.
• The event, hosting navies from over 70 countries, provides a platform for strategic engagement, showcasing of indigenous naval capabilities, and fostering interoperability through joint activities and professional exchanges.

INS Arnala: India’s First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft Delivered

• The Indian Navy has inducted Arnala, the first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRSE and L&T Shipyard.
• With over 80% indigenous content, this 77-meter warship boosts coastal defence, especially for low intensity maritime operations and mine laying.
• The delivery supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens India’s maritime security architecture.

Summits & Conferences News

Quad Concludes Simulation to Boost Indo-Pacific Humanitarian Logistics

• The Quad countries recently conducted a Tabletop Exercise in Honolulu to initiate the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN), which aims to enhance shared logistics for civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific.
• The effort underscores the Quad’s strategic goal of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, highlighting cooperation, resilience, and non-military humanitarian support in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Schemes News

Haryana Launches “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” to Support Veteran Artistes

• The Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana, recently approved by the Haryana Cabinet, provides monthly honorariums of ₹10,000 or ₹7,000 to senior artistes based on income criteria.
• Open to residents of Haryana aged 60 or above with at least 20 years of experience in arts, the scheme not only offers financial relief but also acknowledges their lifelong cultural contributions.
• By doing so, the state aims to preserve traditional art forms, support aged artists, and honour regional heritage.

Sports News

FIFA Announces Host Cities for 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil

• FIFA has announced eight host cities in Brazil for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled from June 24 to July 25. The 32-team tournament will utilize stadiums that featured in the 2014 Men’s World Cup, including the iconic Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
• The event aims to promote women’s football, boost economic activity, and enhance international sports exposure for Brazil.
• This announcement marks a milestone in the global growth of women’s sports.

ECB Bans Transgender Women from Women’s Cricket Following Supreme Court Ruling

• The ECB has banned transgender women from all women’s cricket formats following a UK Supreme Court ruling that defines legal gender as biological sex.
• While mixed and open categories remain accessible to transgender players, this policy shift mirrors decisions by other sports bodies such as FA, England Netball, and ICC.
• The move has sparked debate between inclusivity and fair competition, marking a turning point in gender policy in sport.

IPL 2025 Suspended Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

• The IPL 2025 has been suspended for a week following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This decision by the BCCI was prompted by security concerns voiced by franchises and stakeholders, especially after the cancellation of the May 8 Dharamsala match.
• The board, while acknowledging the nation’s defense readiness, opted to prioritize stakeholder safety and is awaiting a reassessment before resuming.
• The event underscores the influence of international conflict on sporting schedules, with logistics and player welfare at the center of the BCCI’s crisis response.

Current Affairs Today | 9 May Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam