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Current Affairs 17 & 18 May 2025
1. Sudha Murty received the ‘FICCI Lady of the Year Award 2025
Sudha Murty was honored by the Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Wing (FICCI FLO), Bangalore Chapter, during a special event commemorating International Women’s Day. The ceremony, held at Prestige Falcon Towers, celebrated her multifaceted contributions as an author, philanthropist, and social reformer. Murty engaged in a thought-provoking discussion centered around her latest book, The Circle of Life, sharing insights on women's empowerment, education, and financial independence. Her recognition at the event underscores her enduring impact on social development and women's empowerment in India.
Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Wing (FICCI FLO), Bangalore Chapter, during a special event commemorating International Women’s Day. The ceremony, held at Prestige Falcon Towers, celebrated her multifaceted contributions as an author, philanthropist, and social reformer. Murty engaged in a thought-provoking discussion centered around her latest book, The Circle of Life, sharing insights on women's empowerment, education, and financial independence. Her recognition at the event underscores her enduring impact on social development and women's empowerment in India.Foot notes:
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Philanthropy: Sudha Murty founded the Infosys Foundation in 1996, focusing on education, public hygiene, and poverty alleviation. Her efforts include establishing orphanages, supporting rural development projects, and providing computer and library facilities in Karnataka government schools.
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Literary Contributions: Sudha Murty is a celebrated author, known for her heartwarming stories exploring human values, social issues, and everyday experiences. Some notable works include "Mahashweta", "Dollar Bahu", and "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read".
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Awards and Recognition: She has received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (2006), Padma Bhushan (2023), and Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar (2023). She was also nominated as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in March 2024
About FICCI:
CEO: Anish Shah
Founded: 1927
Headquarters: New Delhi
2. Rajasthan launched the 'Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana'
The 'Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana' was launched by
the Rajasthan government to protect farmers' crops from damage caused by stray and wild animals. Under this scheme, farmers receive financial assistance to install solar-powered electric fencing around their fields, which delivers a mild, non-harmful shock to deter animals without causing injury. The government provides a subsidy covering 60% of the installation cost, up to 1.43 lakh per hectare, making it accessible to small and marginal farmers. This initiative aims to reduce crop losses, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state..
the Rajasthan government to protect farmers' crops from damage caused by stray and wild animals. Under this scheme, farmers receive financial assistance to install solar-powered electric fencing around their fields, which delivers a mild, non-harmful shock to deter animals without causing injury. The government provides a subsidy covering 60% of the installation cost, up to 1.43 lakh per hectare, making it accessible to small and marginal farmers. This initiative aims to reduce crop losses, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state..Foot notes:
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Financial Assistance: Small and marginal farmers in Uttar Pradesh are eligible for a grant of 1.43 lakh per hectare, covering 60% of the total cost.
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Eligibility: The scheme is open to all small and marginal farmers in Uttar Pradesh, provided they are residents of the state and have land in their name.
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Required Documents: To apply, farmers will need to submit documents such as their Aadhaar card, residence certificate, income certificate, land documents, and bank account details linked to their Aadhaar.
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Implementation: The scheme is expected to be implemented across Uttar Pradesh, with a proposed budget of 350 crore.
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
Capital: Jaipur
3. Anjali Singh made history as the first Indian-origin woman Speaker in NZ Parliament
Anjali Singh has made history by becoming the first woman
of Indian origin to be elected as Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's political landscape, highlighting the growing representation of the Indian diaspora in the country's governance. Singh's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to parliamentary proceedings, fostering inclusivity and diversity. Her rise to this prominent position reflects the increasing participation of women and minorities in politics, setting a precedent for future generations.
of Indian origin to be elected as Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's political landscape, highlighting the growing representation of the Indian diaspora in the country's governance. Singh's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to parliamentary proceedings, fostering inclusivity and diversity. Her rise to this prominent position reflects the increasing participation of women and minorities in politics, setting a precedent for future generations.Foot notes:
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Trailblazing Achievement: Anjali Singh became the first woman in India's military history to be posted in any Indian mission abroad, serving as Deputy Air Attache at the Indian Embassy in Moscow.
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Appointment: Singh's appointment was facilitated by former Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's proposal to give military women more global exposure, marking a significant step forward for women in the Indian Armed Forces.
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Personal Life: Anjali hails from Bihar, is married, and has an eight-year-old son, showcasing her ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities.
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Paving the Way: Her appointment is expected to inspire more women to join the armed forces and take on leadership roles, with the Indian Navy and Army also considering appointing women officers as defence attaches in the future.
About New Zealand:
Capital: Wellington
Largest City: Auckland
Official languages: English, Maori
4. Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa Won Superbet Chess Classic In Romania
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa achieved a
significant milestone by winning the Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025, marking his first Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title. The 19-year-old prodigy tied for first place with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, each scoring 5.5 points out of 9 rounds, leading to a three-way blitz playoff. Praggnanandhaa secured a draw against Firouzja and then defeated Vachier-Lagrave, clinching the championship in Bucharest. This victory earned him $77,667 and 10 GCT points, elevating his total to 18 points for the season. It also marked his second major triumph of the year, following his win at the Tata Steel Masters in January.
significant milestone by winning the Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025, marking his first Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title. The 19-year-old prodigy tied for first place with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, each scoring 5.5 points out of 9 rounds, leading to a three-way blitz playoff. Praggnanandhaa secured a draw against Firouzja and then defeated Vachier-Lagrave, clinching the championship in Bucharest. This victory earned him $77,667 and 10 GCT points, elevating his total to 18 points for the season. It also marked his second major triumph of the year, following his win at the Tata Steel Masters in January.Foot notes:
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Tournament Performance: Praggnanandhaa scored 5.5 points out of nine in the classical rounds, tying with Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja. He then won the blitz playoffs, defeating Vachier-Lagrave in the final game.
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Youngest Grandmaster: Praggnanandhaa is one of the youngest players to achieve the Grandmaster title. At 19 years old, he has already secured two major titles this year, including the Tata Steel Masters in January.
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Rise in Indian Chess: Praggnanandhaa's victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of legends like Viswanathan Anand. He is part of a new generation of Indian chess prodigies, including Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi, signaling India's growing dominance in international chess
About Romania:
Capital: Bucharest
Currency: Romanian leu (RON)
5. Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90m Mark at Doha Diamond League Men’s Javelin Throw Event
At the 2025 Doha Diamond League, Indian javelin thrower
Neeraj Chopra achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the 90-meter mark for the first time in his career. His throw of 90.23 meters not only set a new personal best but also established a national record for India. Despite this remarkable feat, Chopra secured second place, as Germany's Julian Weber clinched the top spot with a throw of 91.06 meters . Chopra's achievement places him among an elite group of javelin throwers worldwide who have crossed the 90-meter threshold, highlighting his status as one of the sport's leading athletes.
Neeraj Chopra achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the 90-meter mark for the first time in his career. His throw of 90.23 meters not only set a new personal best but also established a national record for India. Despite this remarkable feat, Chopra secured second place, as Germany's Julian Weber clinched the top spot with a throw of 91.06 meters . Chopra's achievement places him among an elite group of javelin throwers worldwide who have crossed the 90-meter threshold, highlighting his status as one of the sport's leading athletes.Foot notes:
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Personal Best: Chopra's throw of 90.23m was a significant improvement from his previous season's best of 84.52m, showcasing his growing prowess in the sport.
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New Coach: Neeraj credits his new coach, Czech legend Jan Zelezny, for playing a key role in his milestone achievement. The duo began working together in February 2025.
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Social Media Pressure: Chopra has spoken about the pressure he faces on social media, particularly after inviting Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic. He emphasized that he focuses on his work and doesn't let negative comments affect him.
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Patriotism: Neeraj prioritizes his country's interests, as evident from his response to criticism over Arshad Nadeem's invitation. He stated that his country's interests will always come first, and he was hurt by the hate and abuse he and his family received online.
6. Prashant Kumar appointed as new Director of the CBI
Prashant Kumar has been appointed as the new Director
General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh. A 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, he has previously served as the acting DGP of the state and has a distinguished career marked by four President's Gallantry Medals. His leadership has been instrumental in addressing law and order challenges, including handling the Kheri violence in 2021. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Kumar's appointment is expected to bring stability and effective policing to Uttar Pradesh. The state government anticipates that his tenure will enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the police force.
General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh. A 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, he has previously served as the acting DGP of the state and has a distinguished career marked by four President's Gallantry Medals. His leadership has been instrumental in addressing law and order challenges, including handling the Kheri violence in 2021. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Kumar's appointment is expected to bring stability and effective policing to Uttar Pradesh. The state government anticipates that his tenure will enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the police force.Foot notes:
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Experience: Kumar has over three decades of experience in various important posts, including Additional DG, Law and Order, and Additional DG of Meerut zone. He has successfully led operations against criminals and has a notable track record with four President's Gallantry Medals.
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Background: Prashant Kumar hails from Bihar's Siwan district and was initially allotted to the Tamil Nadu cadre before getting a transfer to Uttar Pradesh in 1994 due to personal reasons.
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Notable Achievements: He has been involved in over 300 encounters and has been praised for his leadership in handling law and order issues. Kumar was also recognized for his role during the Kheri violence in 2021.
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Appointment Context: This appointment marks the fourth consecutive time Uttar Pradesh has had an acting DGP, as the state government has yet to appoint a full-time DGP since Mukul Goel's removal in May 2022.
About CBI:
Formed: 1963
Headquarters: New Delhi
7. A.K. Singh appointed as the new Chairperson of the Cauvery Water Management Authority
A.K. Singh has been appointed as the new Chairperson of
the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). This appointment follows the Supreme Court's directive for the establishment of a full-time leadership for the CWMA to ensure effective implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's award. A.K. Singh, an experienced civil servant, brings a wealth of expertise in water resource management and inter-state coordination. The CWMA, under his guidance, aims to enhance transparency, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and foster collaborative efforts to resolve ongoing water-sharing issues.
the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). This appointment follows the Supreme Court's directive for the establishment of a full-time leadership for the CWMA to ensure effective implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's award. A.K. Singh, an experienced civil servant, brings a wealth of expertise in water resource management and inter-state coordination. The CWMA, under his guidance, aims to enhance transparency, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and foster collaborative efforts to resolve ongoing water-sharing issues.Foot notes:
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Establishment: The CWMA was constituted in June 2018, following a Supreme Court directive, to address the Cauvery water sharing dispute among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
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Composition: The authority comprises a chairman, a secretary, and eight members, with two full-time and two part-time members from the center's side, and four part-time members from the states.
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Function: The main mandate of the CWMA is to secure implementation and compliance of the Supreme Court's order regarding storage, apportionment, regulation, and control of Cauvery waters.
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Role of Central Government: The central government provides help in implementing the modified award if any state or UT party doesn't cooperate, and initially contributed Rs. 2 crore for the authority's functioning.
8. Antonio Guterres received the UNESCO Peace Prize 2025
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General,
has been honored with the 2025 Félix Houphouët-Boigny – UNESCO Peace Prize. This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and sustainable development. Guterres' leadership has been instrumental in addressing global challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and the promotion of peace and security. The award ceremony took place on February 24, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, underscoring his significant contributions to fostering a culture of peace worldwide. This accolade not only celebrates his achievements but also reaffirms the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting global peace.
has been honored with the 2025 Félix Houphouët-Boigny – UNESCO Peace Prize. This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and sustainable development. Guterres' leadership has been instrumental in addressing global challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and the promotion of peace and security. The award ceremony took place on February 24, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, underscoring his significant contributions to fostering a culture of peace worldwide. This accolade not only celebrates his achievements but also reaffirms the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting global peace.Foot notes:
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Role as Secretary-General: Guterres has been serving as the UN Secretary-General since 2017, working to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development, and uphold international law.
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Climate Change: Guterres has been vocal about climate change, urging countries to drastically reduce emissions and transition away from fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic consequences.
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Sustainable Development Goals: He supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to promote prosperity while protecting the planet and ensuring equality and human rights for all.
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Global Cooperation: Guterres advocates for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to address global challenges, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy.
9. Sanjay Khare appointed as the new Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India
Sanjay Khare has been appointed as the new Chief
Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India, succeeding Praveen Kumar Srivastava. His appointment was confirmed by the President of India following a recommendation from the high-powered selection committee, which includes the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Khare, a retired 1984-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, brings over three decades of experience in public administration to the role. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening the integrity of governmental processes and enhancing public trust in administrative systems.
Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India, succeeding Praveen Kumar Srivastava. His appointment was confirmed by the President of India following a recommendation from the high-powered selection committee, which includes the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Khare, a retired 1984-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, brings over three decades of experience in public administration to the role. His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening the integrity of governmental processes and enhancing public trust in administrative systems.Foot notes:
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Background: Kothari is a retired 1978-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, with experience serving as Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind and chief of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).
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Tenure: The CVC chief serves a four-year term or until attaining the age of 65. Kothari's appointment was met with opposition from the Congress, which questioned the selection process.
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Role and Responsibilities: As CVC, Kothari oversees vigilance activities in the Central government, advises authorities on planning and reforming vigilance work, and refers corruption cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
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Autonomy: The CVC is an autonomous body, free from executive control, ensuring impartiality in its functions and decision-making processes.
10. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day' observed on 17th May
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is
observed on 17 May every year to raise awareness about the importance of communication and information technologies. This day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It highlights how advancements in telecom and digital technology can improve people’s lives globally. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus on key issues such as bridging the digital divide or promoting internet accessibility. The observance encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to work together for a more connected and inclusive digital world.
observed on 17 May every year to raise awareness about the importance of communication and information technologies. This day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It highlights how advancements in telecom and digital technology can improve people’s lives globally. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus on key issues such as bridging the digital divide or promoting internet accessibility. The observance encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to work together for a more connected and inclusive digital world.Foot notes:
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History: The day originated as World Telecommunication Day in 1969, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1865. In 2006, it merged with World Information Society Day to become WTISD.
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Theme: The theme for WTISD 2025 is "Gender equality in digital transformation," highlighting the need to close the gender digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in the digital world.
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Objectives: WTISD aims to promote global cooperation, reduce digital divides, and encourage the use of ICTs for sustainable development, innovation, and social impact.
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Global Celebrations: People around the world celebrate WTISD through various events, including online campaigns, workshops, and conferences, to raise awareness about the importance of ICTs and digital technologies.
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