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Current Affairs 22 May 2025
1. Haryana's Kanak Won India’s First Gold Medal At ISSF Junior World Cup
Seventeen-year-old Kanak Budhwar from Haryana secured
India’s first gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany, by winning the women’s 10m air pistol event. She achieved a score of 239.0 in the 24-shot final, surpassing Moldova’s two-time Olympian and reigning European champion, Anna Dulce, by 1.7 points. Kanak's victory was marked by a strong finish, including a crucial 10.5 shot that propelled her into the lead, followed by a series of high-scoring shots that solidified her top position. This triumph adds to her previous accomplishments, including a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Lima last year.
India’s first gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany, by winning the women’s 10m air pistol event. She achieved a score of 239.0 in the 24-shot final, surpassing Moldova’s two-time Olympian and reigning European champion, Anna Dulce, by 1.7 points. Kanak's victory was marked by a strong finish, including a crucial 10.5 shot that propelled her into the lead, followed by a series of high-scoring shots that solidified her top position. This triumph adds to her previous accomplishments, including a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Lima last year.Foot notes:
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Opponent: She defeated Anna Dulce, a two-time Olympian and reigning European champion from Moldova, by a margin of 1.7 points.
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Performance: Kanak showed remarkable composure in the final stages, hitting crucial high-scoring shots, including three high 10s and a 10.1, to secure the gold medal.
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Qualification: Kanak and fellow Indian shooter Prachi qualified for the final with scores of 572 and 571, respectively. While Prachi finished fifth, Kanak's consistent performance earned her the top spot.
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Mentorship: Kanak's victory is also attributed to her coach, Jitu Rai, a former Asian Games and World Cup medalist, who has been instrumental in her development as a shooter.
2. China’s Miao Lijie & Japan’s Yuko Oga Named as Ambassadors for FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025
Chinese basketball legend Miao Lijie and Japanese icon
Yuko Oga have been appointed as ambassadors for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in Shenzhen, China, from July 13 to 20. Miao, a three-time Olympian and 2024 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee, led China to four Asia Cup titles and holds the distinction of being the first Chinese player to win both WCBA and WNBA championships. Oga, inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023, was Japan’s dynamic point guard for over a decade, earning multiple medals and becoming the top scorer at the 2010 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Yuko Oga have been appointed as ambassadors for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in Shenzhen, China, from July 13 to 20. Miao, a three-time Olympian and 2024 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee, led China to four Asia Cup titles and holds the distinction of being the first Chinese player to win both WCBA and WNBA championships. Oga, inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023, was Japan’s dynamic point guard for over a decade, earning multiple medals and becoming the top scorer at the 2010 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.Foot notes:
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Ambassadors: Miao Lijie from China and Yuko Oga from Japan have been appointed as ambassadors for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025.
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Event Details: The FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 20, 2025.
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Miao Lijie's Profile: Although specific details about Miao Lijie's current basketball career aren't available, her appointment suggests she is a notable figure in Chinese basketball.
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Yuko Oga's Profile: Yuko Oga is a well-known Japanese basketball player, and her appointment as an ambassador highlights her influence in the sport.
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Role: As ambassadors, Miao Lijie and Yuko Oga will likely promote the tournament, inspire fans, and contribute to the event's success in their respective countries and across Asia.
3. USA Became India’s 4th Largest Crude Oil Supplier
The United States became India's fourth-largest crude oil
supplier, overtaking the United Arab Emirates. India's imports of U.S. crude oil nearly doubled year-over-year, reaching 0.33 million barrels per day, up from 0.17 million barrels per day in April 2024. This increase is attributed to a decline in U.S. exports to Europe and refinery closures, redirecting supplies toward Asia, particularly India. Despite this shift, Russia remains India's top crude oil supplier, accounting for 37.8% of imports, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The growing energy trade between India and the U.S. reflects India's efforts to diversify its energy sources and strengthen bilateral relations.
supplier, overtaking the United Arab Emirates. India's imports of U.S. crude oil nearly doubled year-over-year, reaching 0.33 million barrels per day, up from 0.17 million barrels per day in April 2024. This increase is attributed to a decline in U.S. exports to Europe and refinery closures, redirecting supplies toward Asia, particularly India. Despite this shift, Russia remains India's top crude oil supplier, accounting for 37.8% of imports, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The growing energy trade between India and the U.S. reflects India's efforts to diversify its energy sources and strengthen bilateral relations.Foot notes:
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Increased Supply: The US nearly doubled its crude oil supply to India in April, reaching 0.33 million barrels per day, and surpassing the UAE to become India's fourth-largest supplier.
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Market Share: The US achieved a 7.3% share of India's crude imports in April, exceeding the UAE's 6.4% share. Russia maintained its top position with a 37.8% share, followed by Iraq (19.1%), and Saudi Arabia (10.4%).
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Reason for Growth: The growth in US crude oil exports to India is attributed to slowing US exports to Europe, prompting a shift towards Asian markets. India's private sector refineries, operated by Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, are the primary recipients of US crude oil.
4. Professor Nick Webborn appointed as Chair of UK Sport
Professor Nick Webborn, a distinguished sports medicine
specialist, has been reappointed as Chair of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) following an open recruitment process. He has held this position since 2017, bringing extensive experience from his roles at 11 Paralympic Games, including serving as Chief Medical Officer for ParalympicsGB at London 2012 and as President at Tokyo 2020. Webborn is also a Clinical Professor of Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Brighton and serves on the International Paralympic Committee’s Medical Committee. His reappointment aims to continue the BPA’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that ParalympicsGB remains a leading nation in Paralympic sport and leverages athletic success to drive social change.
specialist, has been reappointed as Chair of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) following an open recruitment process. He has held this position since 2017, bringing extensive experience from his roles at 11 Paralympic Games, including serving as Chief Medical Officer for ParalympicsGB at London 2012 and as President at Tokyo 2020. Webborn is also a Clinical Professor of Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of Brighton and serves on the International Paralympic Committee’s Medical Committee. His reappointment aims to continue the BPA’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that ParalympicsGB remains a leading nation in Paralympic sport and leverages athletic success to drive social change.Foot notes:
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Background: Professor Webborn is a world-leading expert in sport and exercise medicine with extensive experience in high-performance sports. He has worked on 13 Paralympic Games and provided performance support to British athletes for decades.
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Previous Roles: Before his appointment, Professor Webborn served as Chair of the British Paralympic Association (BPA) since 2017 and recently stepped down after serving the maximum eight years. During his tenure, ParalympicsGB sustained its position near the top of successive Paralympic medal tables while embedding social impact as a cornerstone of their work.
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Expertise: As a renowned sports medicine specialist, Professor Webborn has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He was Chief Medical Officer for ParalympicsGB at the London 2012 Paralympics and for the Invictus Games 2014.
5. Octa receives the ’Best CSR program by CFD broker Asia 2025’ award
Octa, a global CFD broker, has been honored with the 'Best
CSR Program by CFD Broker Asia 2025' award by Global Banking & Finance Review. This recognition highlights Octa's commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly its initiatives in education and disaster relief across Asia. In 2023, Octa executed 21 CSR projects, benefiting over 5,700 individuals, including equipping educational institutions in India and providing emergency aid in Malaysia and Indonesia. The company's efforts reflect its dedication to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
CSR Program by CFD Broker Asia 2025' award by Global Banking & Finance Review. This recognition highlights Octa's commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly its initiatives in education and disaster relief across Asia. In 2023, Octa executed 21 CSR projects, benefiting over 5,700 individuals, including equipping educational institutions in India and providing emergency aid in Malaysia and Indonesia. The company's efforts reflect its dedication to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.Foot notes:
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Award-winning Program: The STATUS 200 coding bootcamp, organized in cooperation with Ideas International, aimed to create new career opportunities for dedicated Malaysian students passionate about programming.
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Partnership: Octa partnered with Ideas International, a Malaysian academy focused on providing high-quality, affordable education for youths with diverse backgrounds.
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Charity Focus: Octa's charity initiatives prioritize education and emergency relief. Previous initiatives include improving school infrastructure in Indonesia and contributing to children's literacy development in Nigeria.
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Recognition: The award from Global Banking and Finance Review highlights Octa's dedication to bringing long-lasting change to local communities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
6. India assumes Chairmanship of Asian Productivity Organization for 2025-26
India has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Asian
Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The handover took place during a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance regional productivity. This leadership role enables India to influence regional productivity strategies, foster cooperation among Asia-Pacific member countries, and promote sustainable socio-economic development through productivity growth. India's active participation in APO initiatives underscores its commitment to driving productivity and sustainable development in the region .
Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The handover took place during a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance regional productivity. This leadership role enables India to influence regional productivity strategies, foster cooperation among Asia-Pacific member countries, and promote sustainable socio-economic development through productivity growth. India's active participation in APO initiatives underscores its commitment to driving productivity and sustainable development in the region .Foot notes:
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Chairmanship Term: India has officially taken over the chairmanship of the APO for the 2025-26 term, with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) leading the initiative.
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Leadership: The Indian delegation is led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of DPIIT and APO Director for India, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in driving digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
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APO Vision 2030: As Chair, India aims to advance the APO Vision 2030 and contribute to programs addressing productivity challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on inclusive, responsive, and results-driven initiatives.
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Capacity Building: Over 100 Indian professionals participate in APO-led capacity-building initiatives annually through the National Productivity Council (NPC), significantly improving productivity across India's industrial, services, and agricultural sectors.
7. Rishi Verma appointed as Head Of AI Centre At FSS
Rishi Verma has been appointed as the Head of the Artificial
Intelligence Centre at Financial Software & Systems (FSS), a prominent global provider of payment technology solutions. With nearly a decade of experience in innovation and intellectual property strategy, Verma has co-invented patents such as the AI-based “System and Method for Ocular Assistance” and has led analytics and commercialization initiatives across various technology sectors . An alumnus of Vellore Institute of Technology and BITS Pilani, he brings a multidisciplinary background in electrical engineering and data science to his new role.
Intelligence Centre at Financial Software & Systems (FSS), a prominent global provider of payment technology solutions. With nearly a decade of experience in innovation and intellectual property strategy, Verma has co-invented patents such as the AI-based “System and Method for Ocular Assistance” and has led analytics and commercialization initiatives across various technology sectors . An alumnus of Vellore Institute of Technology and BITS Pilani, he brings a multidisciplinary background in electrical engineering and data science to his new role.Foot notes:
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Experience: Verma brings over 14 years of experience in AI/ML, analytics, and digital transformation, having led initiatives in Generative AI and built AI Centres of Excellence at organizations such as RBL Bank, Diebold Nixdorf, L&T Infotech, and FirstRand Bank.
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Role: As Head of AI-COE, Verma will focus on designing secure, scalable, and intelligent payment solutions while building enterprise-grade AI capabilities that align with global fintech demands.
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AI-Driven Initiatives: FSS has been actively enhancing its AI-driven initiatives, including strengthening fraud management capabilities and improving customer experience through digital intelligence.
8. Sanjay Banga appointed as MD & CEO of Tata Power Renewable Energy
Sanjay Banga has not been appointed as the Managing
Director & CEO of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL). Sanjay Banga currently serves as President of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) vertical at Tata Power. He oversees operations across multiple regions, including Mumbai, Delhi, Ajmer, and the Odisha DISCOMs, as well as Tata Power Trading Company Limited and Powerlinks Transmission. With over three decades of experience in the power sector, Banga has held leadership roles at Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited and has contributed significantly to Tata Power’s T&D growth strategy .
Director & CEO of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL). Sanjay Banga currently serves as President of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) vertical at Tata Power. He oversees operations across multiple regions, including Mumbai, Delhi, Ajmer, and the Odisha DISCOMs, as well as Tata Power Trading Company Limited and Powerlinks Transmission. With over three decades of experience in the power sector, Banga has held leadership roles at Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited and has contributed significantly to Tata Power’s T&D growth strategy .Foot notes:
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Background: Banga is currently the President of Transmission and Distribution at Tata Power, overseeing operations in Mumbai, Delhi, Ajmer, and Powerlinks Transmission.
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Previous Experience: Before joining Tata Power, Banga worked with Reliance Energy (formerly BSES Ltd) from 1996 to 2003 and started his career with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) as an Engineer Trainee.
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Reason for Appointment: Banga's appointment comes after Deepesh Nanda's resignation as MD & CEO of TPREL due to personal commitments, effective May 31, 2025.
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Banga's expertise in power generation and distribution is expected to strengthen Tata Power's renewable energy initiatives.
9. International Day for Biological Diversity observed on 22nd May
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed
annually on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. The 2025 theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development," emphasizes the interdependence between biodiversity conservation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework . This observance marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, a pivotal treaty aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
annually on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. The 2025 theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development," emphasizes the interdependence between biodiversity conservation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework . This observance marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, a pivotal treaty aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.Foot notes:
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Biodiversity Importance: Biodiversity is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, providing essential ecosystem services such as clean air and water, soil health, pollination, and climate regulation.
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Biodiversity Loss: Human activities like deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change have led to alarming rates of biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems and species worldwide.
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Global Framework: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, including conserving 30% of land, sea, and freshwater ecosystems and mobilizing $200 billion annually for biodiversity conservation.
10. Saroj Ghose, father of India Science museum movement passed away
Dr. Saroj Ghose, renowned as the 'Father of India's Science
Museum Movement,' passed away on May 17, 2025, in Seattle, USA, at the age of 89. As the founding Director General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) from 1979 to 1997, he was instrumental in establishing a nationwide network of interactive science centers, including the Science City in Kolkata, the National Science Centre in New Delhi, and the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. Dr. Ghose introduced the concept of Mobile Science Museums to bring science education to remote areas and played a pivotal role in modernizing India's museology landscape.
Museum Movement,' passed away on May 17, 2025, in Seattle, USA, at the age of 89. As the founding Director General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) from 1979 to 1997, he was instrumental in establishing a nationwide network of interactive science centers, including the Science City in Kolkata, the National Science Centre in New Delhi, and the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. Dr. Ghose introduced the concept of Mobile Science Museums to bring science education to remote areas and played a pivotal role in modernizing India's museology landscape.Foot notes:
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Pioneering Work: Dr. Ghose was a pioneer in science communication and popularization, transforming the way science is presented to the public through interactive exhibits and museums.
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National Council of Science Museums (NCSM): He served as the Director General of NCSM from 1979 to 1997, establishing a network of science centers across India, including the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai and the National Science Centre in New Delhi.
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Awards and Recognition: Dr. Ghose received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan (2007) and Padma Shri (1989) for his contributions to science popularization.
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International Impact: He was a globally recognized figure, serving as President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and leading international exhibitions like "India: A Heritage of Science," which showcased India's scientific achievements worldwide.
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