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Current Affairs 19 May 2025
1. Miss Estonia Creates History by Winning Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge in Hyderabad
Eliise Randmaa of Estonia made history by winning the gold medal
at the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge, held at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on May 17. This victory marks Estonia's first-ever win in this fast-track event, securing Randmaa an automatic spot in the Top 40 of the competition. Competing as part of the Blue Team, she outperformed contestants from over 100 countries, including runner-up Aurélie Joachim from the Americas and Caribbean region. The Sports Challenge is a significant segment of the Miss World pageant, testing the physical fitness and endurance of participants.
at the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge, held at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on May 17. This victory marks Estonia's first-ever win in this fast-track event, securing Randmaa an automatic spot in the Top 40 of the competition. Competing as part of the Blue Team, she outperformed contestants from over 100 countries, including runner-up Aurélie Joachim from the Americas and Caribbean region. The Sports Challenge is a significant segment of the Miss World pageant, testing the physical fitness and endurance of participants.Foot notes:
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Location and Context: Estonia is a country in Northern Europe, and its representative, Eliise Randmaa, has made history by winning the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge.
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Achievement: Eliise Randmaa's victory marked Estonia's first advancement to the next round of the Miss World pageant in over two decades, specifically since 1999.
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Significance: This win is significant not only for Estonia but also for Randmaa, who secured a direct entry into the Top 40 quarter-finalists of the Miss World competition.
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Cultural Representation: Estonia's participation in the Miss World pageant showcases its cultural presence on a global platform, highlighting the country's beauty, athleticism, and cultural heritage.
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Eliise Randmaa's Performance: Randmaa's win in the sports challenge demonstrates her physical fitness, mental agility, sportsmanship, and resilience, making her a standout representative of Estonia.
2. President Murmu Invokes Article 143 Over Governors’ Bill Assent Powers
President Droupadi Murmu has invoked Article 143(1) of the Indian
Constitution to seek the Supreme Court's advisory opinion on the powers and responsibilities of Governors and the President concerning the assent of state bills. This action follows the Supreme Court's April 8 verdict, which imposed timelines for Governors and the President to act on state legislation, prompting concerns about potential judicial overreach. The Supreme Court's forthcoming opinion, though advisory, is anticipated to have substantial implications for the balance of power within India's federal structure.
Constitution to seek the Supreme Court's advisory opinion on the powers and responsibilities of Governors and the President concerning the assent of state bills. This action follows the Supreme Court's April 8 verdict, which imposed timelines for Governors and the President to act on state legislation, prompting concerns about potential judicial overreach. The Supreme Court's forthcoming opinion, though advisory, is anticipated to have substantial implications for the balance of power within India's federal structure.Foot notes:
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Article 143: Article 143 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact that is of public importance.
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Purpose: The purpose of Article 143 is to enable the President to obtain the Supreme Court's advisory opinion on matters that are significant and contentious, helping to resolve disputes and provide clarity on constitutional issues.
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Scope: The President can refer any matter to the Supreme Court under Article 143, and the Court is bound to provide its opinion. However, the Court has the discretion to decline to answer questions that are too vague or lack specificity.
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Binding Nature: The Supreme Court's opinion provided under Article 143 is not binding on the President. The President can accept or reject the opinion, although it carries significant weight due to the Court's authoritative interpretation of the Constitution.
3. President Droupadi Murmu Confers 58th Jnanpith Award
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award upon
Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Renowned Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar was also honored with the award for his literary contributions; however, he was unable to attend the event due to health reasons. The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961 and presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, is India's highest literary honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to Indian literature. She also emphasized the unifying power of literature in India's cultural and historical journey, citing examples from ancient to modern times.
Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Renowned Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar was also honored with the award for his literary contributions; however, he was unable to attend the event due to health reasons. The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961 and presented by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, is India's highest literary honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to Indian literature. She also emphasized the unifying power of literature in India's cultural and historical journey, citing examples from ancient to modern times.Foot notes:
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Highest Literary Honor: The Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to literature by Indian writers.
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Established in 1961: Instituted in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith, a research and cultural institute founded in 1944, the award aims to promote and nurture Indian literature.
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Eligibility Criteria: The award is open to Indian writers writing in any of the 22 languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including English. Winners are chosen based on their overall literary contribution.
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Recipients: Notable recipients of the Jnanpith Award include Gulzar, a renowned poet-lyricist, and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a Sanskrit scholar, who were jointly awarded the 58th Jnanpith Award. Other notable winners include Amitav Ghosh, Ashapoorna Devi, and G. Sankara Kurup.
4. India Clinches SAFF U-19 Title Against Bangladesh
India clinched the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship title by defeating
Bangladesh 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Captain Singamayum Shami gave India an early lead with a stunning free-kick in the second minute, but Bangladesh equalized in the 61st minute through substitute Md Joy Ahamed. The match proceeded to penalties, where India initially trailed 2-3 before rallying to secure victory, with Shami converting the decisive spot-kick. This triumph marked India's fourth SAFF U-19 title and extended their unbeaten record against Bangladesh in SAFF finals to four. The win was celebrated by a 13,000-strong home crowd, highlighting the rising enthusiasm for youth football in India.
Bangladesh 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Captain Singamayum Shami gave India an early lead with a stunning free-kick in the second minute, but Bangladesh equalized in the 61st minute through substitute Md Joy Ahamed. The match proceeded to penalties, where India initially trailed 2-3 before rallying to secure victory, with Shami converting the decisive spot-kick. This triumph marked India's fourth SAFF U-19 title and extended their unbeaten record against Bangladesh in SAFF finals to four. The win was celebrated by a 13,000-strong home crowd, highlighting the rising enthusiasm for youth football in India.Foot notes:
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Thrilling Final: India won the SAFF U-19 Championship title by defeating Bangladesh 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.
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Goalkeeper's Brilliance: India goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam made crucial saves during the penalty shootout, including denying Salahuddin Sahed's effort, to help seal the win.
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Tournament Performance: India's victory marked their fourth SAFF U-19 Championship title, demonstrating the team's dominance in the region and highlighting the emerging talent in Indian youth football.
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Match Details: The final match was played at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, India, from May 9-18, 2025, with six national teams participating in the tournament.
5. Paolini beats Gauff in Rome to become first Italian winner
Jasmine Paolini made history by becoming the first Italian woman in
40 years to win the Italian Open, defeating Coco Gauff 6–4, 6–2 in the final at Rome's Foro Italico . The 29-year-old showcased exceptional tactical play and composure, capitalizing on Gauff's 55 unforced errors and seven double faults to secure the title in just 89 minutes . This victory marks Paolini's second WTA 1000 title and propels her into the top four of the WTA rankings, solidifying her status as a leading contender on clay courts . Paolini's win not only ends a four-decade wait for an Italian champion in Rome but also highlights the resurgence of Italian tennis on the global stage .
40 years to win the Italian Open, defeating Coco Gauff 6–4, 6–2 in the final at Rome's Foro Italico . The 29-year-old showcased exceptional tactical play and composure, capitalizing on Gauff's 55 unforced errors and seven double faults to secure the title in just 89 minutes . This victory marks Paolini's second WTA 1000 title and propels her into the top four of the WTA rankings, solidifying her status as a leading contender on clay courts . Paolini's win not only ends a four-decade wait for an Italian champion in Rome but also highlights the resurgence of Italian tennis on the global stage .Foot notes:
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Historic Victory: Jasmine Paolini defeated Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open final, becoming the first Italian woman to win the tournament in 40 years, since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
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Impressive Performance: Paolini dominated the match, converting five of seven break points and producing 12 winners, while Gauff struggled with 55 unforced errors and double faults.
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Career Milestone: This victory marked Paolini's second WTA 1000 title, following her win at the 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships, and her third WTA singles title overall.
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Ranking Boost: Paolini is projected to rise to No. 4 in the world rankings, overtaking Iga Swiatek, and will likely secure a top 4 seeding at the upcoming French Open.
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Doubles Final: Paolini and her partner Sara Errani will play in the women's doubles final on Sunday, aiming to defend their title and make Paolini the first player to sweep the singles and doubles titles at a WTA 1000 event since Vera Zvonareva in 2009.
6. Telangana is the first state to launch AI-based 'AgriGPT' service
Telangana has become the first state in India to launch an AI-based
agricultural advisory service called 'AgriGPT'. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into agriculture, aiming to provide farmers with real-time, personalized advice on crop management, weather forecasts, pest control, and market trends. Developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Indian Institute of Science, AgriGPT leverages data from various sources to offer actionable insights to farmers. The service is accessible through a user-friendly interface, ensuring that even farmers with limited technological proficiency can benefit from its features.
agricultural advisory service called 'AgriGPT'. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into agriculture, aiming to provide farmers with real-time, personalized advice on crop management, weather forecasts, pest control, and market trends. Developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Indian Institute of Science, AgriGPT leverages data from various sources to offer actionable insights to farmers. The service is accessible through a user-friendly interface, ensuring that even farmers with limited technological proficiency can benefit from its features.Foot notes:
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AI-Powered Precision Agriculture: AgriGPT integrates real-time climate data and advanced analytics to provide tailored farming advice, enhancing agricultural practices for higher productivity and sustainability.
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Features and Benefits: AgriGPT assists farmers in integrating sustainable practices feasible on a smaller scale and provides up-to-date, science-based information on regional conditions, helping agricultural consultants tailor guidance to specific needs.
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Developer Background: Anil Mishra, a visionary entrepreneur with a background in computer engineering, has been instrumental in building technology-driven startups for the Indian agriculture industry, leveraging AI to revolutionize the sector.
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Partnerships and Innovation Hub: Telangana's proactive approach to AI innovation is evident in its partnership with Google to establish an AI Accelerator in Hyderabad, empowering startups to develop AI-driven solutions for critical sectors like agriculture.
7. Anurag Dhankar appointed as new DGP of Tripura
Anurag Dhankar, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer,
has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura. He brings extensive experience, having previously served in various capacities, including as Superintendent of Police in multiple districts of Tripura and as an officer in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Dhankar also held the position of Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) in Tripura before his elevation to DGP. His appointment aligns with the state's compliance with the Supreme Court's directives on police reforms, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process for the DGP position.
has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura. He brings extensive experience, having previously served in various capacities, including as Superintendent of Police in multiple districts of Tripura and as an officer in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Dhankar also held the position of Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) in Tripura before his elevation to DGP. His appointment aligns with the state's compliance with the Supreme Court's directives on police reforms, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process for the DGP position.Foot notes:
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Experience: Dhankar has extensive experience in policing, having served in various key positions in Tripura and on central deputation, including roles in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.
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Notable Roles: He led the CBI investigation against fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case and served as the Chairman of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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Qualifications: Dhankar holds a Master's degree in Police Management from Osmania University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Crimes from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), USA.
8. Archaeological Survey of India restores 16th CE stepwell in Delhi’s Mehrauli
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the
World Monuments Fund and funded by the TCS Foundation, has completed the restoration of Rajon Ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Built in 1506 during the reign of Sikandar Lodi, this four-tiered structure had suffered from decades of neglect, with silt and debris obstructing its water channels. The comprehensive six-month project involved desilting, structural repairs, restoration of decorative elements, and the installation of an automated water management system to maintain water quality and levels . This restoration is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which houses over 55 monuments spanning various historical periods .
World Monuments Fund and funded by the TCS Foundation, has completed the restoration of Rajon Ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Built in 1506 during the reign of Sikandar Lodi, this four-tiered structure had suffered from decades of neglect, with silt and debris obstructing its water channels. The comprehensive six-month project involved desilting, structural repairs, restoration of decorative elements, and the installation of an automated water management system to maintain water quality and levels . This restoration is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which houses over 55 monuments spanning various historical periods .Foot notes:
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Restoration Project: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has successfully completed the conservation work of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation.
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Historical Significance: Built around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, Rajon ki Baoli is a testament to Lodi-era architecture and traditional water engineering, featuring elegant arched colonnades, ornate stucco medallions, and finely carved stone elements.
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Conservation Efforts: The restoration work included cleaning, desilting, structural repairs, and water quality improvements using traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar to preserve the original character of the structure. Fish were introduced to maintain water quality.
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Community Engagement: The ASI and its partners engaged local communities to promote awareness of the stepwell's cultural and ecological value through educational programs and participatory conservation activities, ensuring the site's long-term care.
9. NTPC Simhadri bags gold and silver at Tusker Awards 2025
NTPC Simhadri has been honored with two prestigious accolades at
the Tusker Awards 2025, organized by the ICTEP Council in Trivandrum, Kerala. The power station received the Gold Award for Excellence in Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising, recognizing its innovative public outreach initiatives. Additionally, it secured the Silver Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), highlighting its impactful community engagement efforts. These awards underscore NTPC Simhadri's commitment to both effective communication and meaningful societal contributions. The recognition further cements its position as a leader in integrating corporate responsibility with operational excellence.
the Tusker Awards 2025, organized by the ICTEP Council in Trivandrum, Kerala. The power station received the Gold Award for Excellence in Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising, recognizing its innovative public outreach initiatives. Additionally, it secured the Silver Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), highlighting its impactful community engagement efforts. These awards underscore NTPC Simhadri's commitment to both effective communication and meaningful societal contributions. The recognition further cements its position as a leader in integrating corporate responsibility with operational excellence.Foot notes:
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Double Win: NTPC Simhadri won two prestigious awards at the Tusker Awards 2025: Gold in the Excellence in Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising category and Silver in the CSR Excellence category.
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Event Details: The awards ceremony was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and was attended by notable figures, including MP Shashi Tharoor, who delivered the keynote address.
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NTPC's Achievement: This recognition highlights NTPC Simhadri's commitment to sustainable practices, meaningful CSR initiatives, and innovative outreach programs, aligning with its vision of responsible energy leadership.
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CSR Initiatives: NTPC's CSR efforts focus on creating positive impacts in local communities, promoting social development, and fostering inclusive growth.
10. Brian Glanville, journalist lauded as 'the greatest football writer', passed away
Brian Glanville, acclaimed as “the greatest football writer” by peers
and critics alike, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 93. Over a remarkable seven-decade career, he served as the football correspondent for The Sunday Times for 33 years and contributed to World Soccer magazine for over 50 years. Renowned for his intellectual rigor and sharp commentary, Glanville covered every World Cup from 1958 to 2006, earning respect for his investigative work and literary flair. Beyond journalism, he authored more than 30 books, including the seminal The Story of the World Cup, and wrote screenplays, plays, and short stories. A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Glanville's legacy endures through his profound influence on football journalism and literature .
and critics alike, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 93. Over a remarkable seven-decade career, he served as the football correspondent for The Sunday Times for 33 years and contributed to World Soccer magazine for over 50 years. Renowned for his intellectual rigor and sharp commentary, Glanville covered every World Cup from 1958 to 2006, earning respect for his investigative work and literary flair. Beyond journalism, he authored more than 30 books, including the seminal The Story of the World Cup, and wrote screenplays, plays, and short stories. A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Glanville's legacy endures through his profound influence on football journalism and literature . Foot notes:
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Glanville authored numerous books on football, including "The Story of the World Cup" and "Football Memories".
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Glanville was lauded as "the greatest football writer" by many, including American journalist Paul Zimmerman.
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Glanville's writing was characterized by his forthright views and insightful analysis.
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He was known for his ability to balance criticism with admiration, as seen in his praise for players like Paul Gascoigne.
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