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Current Affairs 16 May 2025
1. Srihari LR Becomes India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster
Srihari L R has achieved the prestigious title of becoming India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster.
He secured this milestone after a series of strong performances in international tournaments. Srihari’s consistent play and strategic mastery earned him the final GM norm required for the title. His accomplishment adds to India’s growing reputation as a global chess powerhouse. With this achievement, Srihari joins the elite group of Indian chess players who have brought pride to the nation.
He secured this milestone after a series of strong performances in international tournaments. Srihari’s consistent play and strategic mastery earned him the final GM norm required for the title. His accomplishment adds to India’s growing reputation as a global chess powerhouse. With this achievement, Srihari joins the elite group of Indian chess players who have brought pride to the nation.Foot notes:
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Tournament Details: The championship was held in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, from May 6 to 15, 2025, where Srihari scored 5.5/9 points.
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Requirements: To earn the Grandmaster title, Srihari had to meet two main requirements: attain a minimum FIDE Elo rating of 2500 points and secure three Grandmaster norms in international competitions. He crossed the Elo rating requirement at the 2024 Dubai Open and earned his norms at the Budapest GM Round-Robin in August 2023, the 2023 Qatar Masters in October 2023, and the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025.
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India's Chess Legacy: Srihari's achievement continues India's legacy in chess, following in the footsteps of legendary players like Viswanathan Anand, who became the country's first Grandmaster in 1988.
2. Former England Selector Ed Smith appointed as MCC's next President
Former England cricketer and national selector Ed Smith has been appointed as the next
President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He will assume the role on October 1, 2025, for a 12-month term, succeeding Lord King of Lothbury . Smith's cricketing career spanned 13 seasons, during which he played for Kent, Middlesex, and England, amassing nearly 13,000 first-class runs, including 34 centuries . During his presidency, Lord's will host significant events, including the final of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup and its first-ever Women's Test match .
President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He will assume the role on October 1, 2025, for a 12-month term, succeeding Lord King of Lothbury . Smith's cricketing career spanned 13 seasons, during which he played for Kent, Middlesex, and England, amassing nearly 13,000 first-class runs, including 34 centuries . During his presidency, Lord's will host significant events, including the final of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup and its first-ever Women's Test match .Foot notes:
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Appointment: Ed Smith, a former England men's cricket selector, has been appointed as the President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for a one-year term starting October 1, 2025.
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Appointment Process: Smith was appointed by Lord King of Lothbury, the current MCC President, at the MCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.
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Background: As a former England selector, Ed Smith brings significant cricket expertise to the role, which will likely influence MCC's strategic decisions and initiatives.
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Role Significance: The MCC President plays a key role in representing the club and contributing to the development of cricket globally, making Smith's appointment notable in the cricket community.
3. Anurag Bhushan appointed as next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment of Anurag Bhushan as the next
Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden . A 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Bhushan currently serves as Additional Secretary in the Ministry. He is expected to assume his new role in Sweden shortly. This appointment underscores the strengthening of India-Sweden relations, which are characterized by shared values, robust business and investment ties, and collaborative efforts in research and development.
Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden . A 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Bhushan currently serves as Additional Secretary in the Ministry. He is expected to assume his new role in Sweden shortly. This appointment underscores the strengthening of India-Sweden relations, which are characterized by shared values, robust business and investment ties, and collaborative efforts in research and development.Foot notes:
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Current Position: Bhushan currently serves as Additional Secretary in the MEA and is expected to take up his new role in Stockholm shortly after diplomatic formalities.
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Background and Experience: Bhushan has a distinguished diplomatic career spanning multiple continents and key portfolios, including previous ambassadorial assignments in countries like Afghanistan and Nigeria, and postings in Washington D.C. and Dubai.
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India-Sweden Relations: The appointment highlights India's strategic commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Sweden, particularly in areas like clean energy, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The two countries have a dynamic bilateral relationship built on shared values and mutual interests.
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Objectives: As Ambassador, Bhushan's key objectives will include promoting India's interests in Northern Europe, strengthening bilateral trade and innovation partnerships,
4. Indian Army Conducts Teesta Prahar Exercise in West Bengal
The Indian Army recently conducted a large-scale integrated field exercise named Teesta
Prahar at the Teesta Field Firing Range in West Bengal. Organized by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise aimed to validate joint operations and combat readiness across diverse terrains, particularly focusing on riverine environments. Key combat and support units, including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Para Special Forces, Army Aviation, Engineers, and Signals, actively participated in the drill. The exercise emphasized jointness, rapid mobility, and tech-enabled warfare, reinforcing the Army's capability to operate effectively in challenging conditions .
Prahar at the Teesta Field Firing Range in West Bengal. Organized by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise aimed to validate joint operations and combat readiness across diverse terrains, particularly focusing on riverine environments. Key combat and support units, including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Para Special Forces, Army Aviation, Engineers, and Signals, actively participated in the drill. The exercise emphasized jointness, rapid mobility, and tech-enabled warfare, reinforcing the Army's capability to operate effectively in challenging conditions .Foot notes:
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Exercise Name: Although the exact name "Teesta Prahar" isn't confirmed, a similar exercise called "Trishakti Prahar" was conducted by the Indian Defense Forces in the same region, focusing on synergizing firepower assets and battle preparedness.
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Location: The exercise was held at the Teesta Field Firing Ranges near Siliguri, a strategically important city in West Bengal. This region is crucial as it connects the Indian mainland to the northeastern states.
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Equipment and Participation: The exercise likely involved various modern defense equipment, including helicopters, infantry combat vehicles, mortars, artillery guns, and anti-tank guided missiles.
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Over 1,500 personnel from infantry and mechanized infantry battalions participated in a similar exercise in February 2024.
5. Pankaj Advani Clinches 2025 CCI Billiards Classic Title
Pankaj Advani clinched his third consecutive CCI Billiards Classic title in 2025, defeating
Dhruv Sitwala 5–2 in the final held at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai . The match saw Advani overcoming a slow start, leveling the game at 2–2 before dominating the remaining frames. This victory adds to Advani's illustrious career, which includes 28 world titles across billiards and snooker. He received a prize of 2.5 lakh, while Sitwala took home 1.5 lakh as the runner-up. Advani's consistent performance solidifies his status as a legend in Indian cue sports.
Dhruv Sitwala 5–2 in the final held at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai . The match saw Advani overcoming a slow start, leveling the game at 2–2 before dominating the remaining frames. This victory adds to Advani's illustrious career, which includes 28 world titles across billiards and snooker. He received a prize of 2.5 lakh, while Sitwala took home 1.5 lakh as the runner-up. Advani's consistent performance solidifies his status as a legend in Indian cue sports.Foot notes:
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Title Win: Pankaj Advani won the CCI Billiards Classic 2025 title for the third consecutive time, defeating Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 in the final.
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Tournament Details: The final match was held at the Wilson Jones Billiards Hall of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai, showcasing high-intensity billiards.
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Performance: Advani was not at his best in the first three frames but seized the opportunity when Sitwala faltered, capitalizing with a 145 break to level the match at 2-2. He then won the next three frames to seal the title.
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Prize Money: Advani earned Rs. 2.5 lakh for his victory, while Sitwala took home Rs. 1.5 lakh for his efforts.
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Achievements: This win marks another milestone in Advani's illustrious career, with 28 World Championship titles across cue sports.
6. ICC Boosts Test Cricket with Doubling of WTC Final Prize Pool
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant increase in the prize
money for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, aiming to bolster the prestige of Test cricket. The total prize pool now stands at a record $5.76 million, more than double that of previous editions. The winning team will receive $3.6 million, a 125% increase from the $1.6 million awarded to Australia in 2023, while the runners-up will earn $2.16 million, up from $800,000 in the previous edition . This substantial financial boost underscores the ICC's commitment to revitalizing interest in the longest format of the game.
money for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, aiming to bolster the prestige of Test cricket. The total prize pool now stands at a record $5.76 million, more than double that of previous editions. The winning team will receive $3.6 million, a 125% increase from the $1.6 million awarded to Australia in 2023, while the runners-up will earn $2.16 million, up from $800,000 in the previous edition . This substantial financial boost underscores the ICC's commitment to revitalizing interest in the longest format of the game.Foot notes:
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Record Prize Money: The ICC has announced a record-breaking prize money of $3.6 million for the winner of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023-25, which is more than double the amount awarded in previous editions.
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Winners and Runners-up: The winners of the WTC Final, to be played between South Africa and Australia at Lord's starting June 11, 2025, will take home $3.6 million, while the runners-up will earn over $2.1 million.
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Comparison to Previous Editions: The prize money for the winners has been doubled from $1.6 million, which was awarded to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023. The runners-up prize money has also increased significantly from $800,000.
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ICC's Commitment: The increase in prize money reflects the ICC's efforts to prioritize Test cricket and build on the momentum of the first three cycles of the nine-team competition.
7. Bhawna Agarwal appointed as Senior Vice President & MD of HPE India
Bhawna Agarwal has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director
of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India, effective immediately. She succeeds Som Satsangi, who is retiring after a distinguished 27-year tenure with the company and will remain until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Agarwal, who joined HPE in 2019, has held leadership roles including heading the Compute Business Unit and overseeing Account Management and Industry Verticals in India. With over 25 years of experience across digital startups, media, and consumer technology sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India, effective immediately. She succeeds Som Satsangi, who is retiring after a distinguished 27-year tenure with the company and will remain until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Agarwal, who joined HPE in 2019, has held leadership roles including heading the Compute Business Unit and overseeing Account Management and Industry Verticals in India. With over 25 years of experience across digital startups, media, and consumer technology sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.Foot notes:
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Background and Experience: Agarwal brings over 25 years of diverse leadership experience in digital start-ups, media, and consumer technology companies. She joined HPE in 2019 and has held various leadership roles, including leading the Compute Business Unit and Growth team, and Account Management and Industry Verticals.
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Previous Role and Responsibilities: Before her appointment, Agarwal led Account Management and Industry Verticals for India, playing a critical role in client engagement and revenue growth. She has a reputation for driving growth, fostering innovation, and building strong teams.
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Succession Details: Agarwal succeeds Som Satsangi, who is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to HPE. Satsangi will remain with the company until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
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Strategic Focus: Under Agarwal's leadership, HPE India is expected to scale cloud-native innovations, strengthen local partner ecosystems, drive localized manufacturing and R&D, and enable digital transformation
8. Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria awarded the prestigious World Food Prize 2025
Brazilian microbiologist Dr. Mariangela Hungria has been awarded the 2025 World Food
Prize for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture. Over a 40-year career at Brazil's agricultural research agency, Embrapa, she developed biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers by enhancing soil bacteria's ability to provide nutrients to crops. Her innovations, particularly the use of rhizobia bacteria strains, have significantly boosted Brazil's soybean production, transforming the country into the world's leading soybean producer and exporter.
Prize for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture. Over a 40-year career at Brazil's agricultural research agency, Embrapa, she developed biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers by enhancing soil bacteria's ability to provide nutrients to crops. Her innovations, particularly the use of rhizobia bacteria strains, have significantly boosted Brazil's soybean production, transforming the country into the world's leading soybean producer and exporter.Foot notes:
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Award Details: Mariangela Hungria has been awarded the World Food Prize 2025 for her groundbreaking research on biological nitrogen fixation, a natural process that enables crops to grow with fewer chemical fertilizers. She will receive a $500,000 award in recognition of her efforts.
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Research Impact: Hungria's work has played a pivotal role in boosting Brazil's soybean production, making it the world's largest producer. Her research has also impacted other crops like wheat, corn, and beans, and has helped reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
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Sustainable Farming: Hungria's innovative approach to reducing chemical fertilizer use by harnessing soil bacteria has gained renewed attention as countries seek sustainable farming solutions amid climate change and ecological degradation. Her work enriches soil quality, helping reduce deforestation pressures.
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Career Achievements: Hungria has researched biological seed and soil treatments for over 40 years and has developed dozens of microbial treatments that enable crops to access nutrients through symbiotic soil bacteria. She has authored over 500 scientific papers and is a recipient of Brazil's highest agricultural honor, the Frederico de Menezes Veiga Award.
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Global Recognition: Hungria's contributions have gained global recognition, and she has been listed among the top one percent of agricultural scientists worldwide by Stanford University since 2020.
9. National Dengue Day observed on 16th May
National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India to raise awareness about
dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant public health challenge. Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010, this day emphasizes the importance of early detection, community participation, and preventive measures to combat the disease. These efforts aim to reduce the incidence of dengue, especially during the pre-monsoon period when the risk of outbreaks increases.
dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant public health challenge. Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010, this day emphasizes the importance of early detection, community participation, and preventive measures to combat the disease. These efforts aim to reduce the incidence of dengue, especially during the pre-monsoon period when the risk of outbreaks increases.Foot notes:
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Objective: National Dengue Day aims to raise awareness about dengue prevention, emphasizing mosquito control and community involvement to reduce dengue cases.
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History: The day was launched by India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2010 to address the increasing dengue problem in the country.
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Importance: It highlights dengue's public health urgency, encourages government action, promotes research, and empowers individuals to take preventive measures.
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Activities: Observance includes awareness campaigns, workshops, community clean-up drives, health camps, and distribution of educational materials to promote dengue prevention and control.
10. Indore Becomes the India's First Beggar- Free City
Indore has been officially declared India's first beggar-free city following a comprehensive
rehabilitation campaign launched in February 2024. The initiative successfully identified and rehabilitated approximately 5,000 individuals engaged in begging, providing them with employment opportunities and enrolling their children in schools. The success of this campaign not only enhances Indore's reputation for cleanliness but also demonstrates the impact of coordinated social welfare efforts in addressing urban challenges.
rehabilitation campaign launched in February 2024. The initiative successfully identified and rehabilitated approximately 5,000 individuals engaged in begging, providing them with employment opportunities and enrolling their children in schools. The success of this campaign not only enhances Indore's reputation for cleanliness but also demonstrates the impact of coordinated social welfare efforts in addressing urban challenges.Foot notes:
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Achievement: Indore has been declared India's first beggar-free city after a year-long campaign that began in February 2024, rehabilitating approximately 5,000 beggars.
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Rehabilitation Process: The campaign categorized beggars into three groups: habitual beggars (60%), those begging due to financial difficulties or disabilities (20%), and those forced into begging (20%), providing tailored support for each group.
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Community Involvement: The initiative involved community engagement, especially with communities like the Nath and Nut Samaj, who often resist rehabilitation. Training and support were provided directly within these communities to build trust.
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Government and Institutional Support: The campaign received extensive support from government bodies, including the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the World Bank, which praised Indore's initiative as a model for other cities.
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Sustainability Measures: To maintain the city's beggar-free status, begging and giving alms are banned, with penalties for violations. Citizens are incentivized to report instances of begging with a reward of Rs 1,000, and many have already claimed this reward.
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