Angolan President Joao Lourenco Pays First Bilateral Visit to India in 38 Years to Boost Ties.

President of the Republic of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco was on his four-day official visit to India from May 1 to 4, 2025, at the invitation of President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

      - He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, media etc.

      - This visit marks the first bilateral visit of President Lourenco, who assumed office in 2017, and the first visit of a President of Angola to India after 38 years.

      - He met Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and held high-level delegation talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) During the meeting, PM Narendra Modi announced USD 200 million as Line of Credit (LOC) for the modernisation of Angola's armed forces.

      (ii) During the state visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to India, India and Angola signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

(iii) Republic of Angola joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA.

India's Mining Sector Reports Record Output in FY25 and Iron Ore Production Up by 4.3%.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) released its provisional data, revealing that India's mining sector witnessed strong growth in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), following record production levels in FY24.

      - Key minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, and bauxite, along with non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper, have registered significant Year-on-Year (YoY) growth, reaching record production levels.

      - This growth trend reflects robust economic activity in key user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.

      - India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producers, among top-10 producer in refined copper and 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.

Main Point :-   (i) According to the provisional data released for FY25, India’s mining sector recorded significant growth across key minerals. Iron ore production reached 289 million metric tons (MMT), up from 277 MMT in FY24, marking a 4.3% increase. Manganese ore output also surged by 11.8%, touching a new high of 3.8 MMT, compared to 3.4 MMT the previous year. Bauxite production saw a modest 2.9% rise, increasing from 24 MMT to 24.7 MMT. Additionally, lead concentrate production grew by 3.1%, reaching 393 thousand tonnes (THT) from 381 THT in FY24.

      (ii) In the non-ferrous metal sector, which includes metals and alloys with minimal iron content, India also registered encouraging growth. Primary aluminium production increased from 41.6 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY24 to 42 LT in FY25, reflecting steady performance in this segment. These metals are essential for sectors like energy, transport, and infrastructure.

(iii) One of the most notable improvements came from refined copper production, which recorded a 12.6% Year-on-Year growth. The output rose from 5.09 LT in FY24 to 5.73 LT in FY25, indicating rising industrial demand and improved refining capacities in the country.

IA Inducts New Batch of Russian-made ‘Igla-S’ Shoulder-Launched Air Defence Missiles.

In May 2025, the Indian Army (IA) received a fresh batch of Russian-origin ‘Igla-S’ missiles, which are portable, shoulder-fired air defence weapons. These systems are specifically designed to neutralize low-flying aerial threats such as helicopters, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and low-speed aircraft, particularly in forward areas and mountainous terrain.

      - These missiles have been procured under an emergency procurement contract worth Rs 260 crore, approved by the Government of India (GoI).

      - In addition to the missiles, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), in collaboration with the Indian Army, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to acquire 48 launchers, 48 night vision sights, 85 missiles, and one missile test station under the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)–Next Generation (NG) project.

Main Point :-   (i) The Igla-S man-portable air defence systems were assembled in India by Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

      (ii) Igla-S is an upgraded version of the older Igla missiles, which have been part of India's defence since the 1990s.

(iii) This enhanced version provides greater resistance to countermeasures and improved seeker accuracy, with the capability to engage targets up to 6 km away and at altitudes of up to 3.5 km.

INCOIS Launches 'Submarine Cable Project' to Enhance Connectivity in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In May 2025, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), launched the 'Submarine Cable Project' aimed at improving long-term monitoring of the Indian Ocean.

      - The initiative is part of an international scientific collaboration focused on enhancing the understanding of oceanographic processes, seismic activity, and tsunami risk assessment in the region.

      - The project involves the installation of a 150-kilometre-long submarine cable off the coast of Wandoor in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.

      - This advanced infrastructure will support the collection of critical data to support early warning systems and marine research.

Main Point :-   (i) The submarine cable will feature two science nodes, equipped with oceanographic and geophysical sensors, installed at water depths between 2,000 and 2,500 metres.

      (ii) These nodes will enable real-time data collection on undersea conditions, contributing significantly to both climate research and disaster preparedness.

MoE Approves New IIFT Off-Campus Centre at GIFT City, Gujarat.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) approved the establishment of a new off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), based in New Delhi, at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

      - This new centre will be set up in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, strengthening India’s specialized educational infrastructure in international trade and finance.

      - The approval was granted by MoE under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, following IIFT's successful compliance with conditions stated in the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) The move marks a significant step in promoting advanced education and research at the heart of India's premier financial hub, GIFT City.

      (ii) Separately, Monarch Networth Capital IFSC Private Limited has received the Certificate of Registration (CoR) to operate as a Registered Fund Management Entity (FME) (Retail) from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), Gandhinagar.

IndiaAI Mission Collaborates with Intel India to Strengthen AI Capabilities and Skilling Initiatives.

In May 2025, Intel Technology India Private Limited, based in Bengaluru (Karnataka), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India AI, a national initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and skill development across India.

      - The MoU aims to empower young individuals, professionals, startups, and public sector leaders with AI competencies to develop and apply AI skills for social impact and good governance.

      - The collaboration between Intel Technology India and IndiaAI Mission will focus on four key programmes to advance AI capabilities and skill development and expected to foster innovation and build AI expertise across diverse sectors, driving economic growth and social progress in India.

      - YuvaAI aims to equip school students with AI knowledge through the 'Intel AI for Youth' program. Additionally, higher education students will be trained for employability through the 'Intel AI for Future Workforce' initiative, providing them with skills to thrive in the AI-driven job market.

Main Point :-   (i) StartupAI will offer technical, business, and market access mentorship to early-stage companies. Workshops hosted by the 'Intel Startup' Program will provide valuable resources to these startups, helping them scale and gain traction in the AI industry.

      (ii) The IndiaAI Dialogues and 'Intel Digital Readiness for Leaders Programme' will offer workshops and immersive sessions to enhance AI policy understanding among public sector leaders. These sessions will enable better governance and strategic decision-making with AI at the forefront.

(iii) Lastly, Bhashini, the government’s language translation platform, will be integrated into AI-powered Personal Computers (PCs) in classrooms. This integration will enhance learning outcomes, providing students with better access to language tools and educational content.

Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with CLA to Set Up India’s First Transmedia Entertainment City.

In May 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CreativeLand Asia (CLA) Limited, based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), to conceptualize and operationalize 'Creatorland', India's first Transmedia Entertainment City, in Amaravati, AP.

      - The announcement was made during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025 (WAVES 2025) held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

      - The project is expected to attract investments between Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore over the next 5-6 years.

Main Point :-   (i) Creatorland will feature immersive theme parks, advanced gaming zones, esports arenas, and global cinema co-production zones. A key component will be the Virtual Studio Complex, equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based real-time rendering and volumetric capture technologies.

      (ii) The Creatorland Academy will train over 10,000 youth annually in fields such as Visual Effects (VFX), AI, gaming, and immersive storytelling. The initiative is expected to generate over 1.5 lakh employment opportunities across the entertainment, technology, and tourism sectors.

(iii) This ambitious initiative aims to position India as a global hub for entertainment, technology, and creative industries, offering immense opportunities for growth and development in these sectors.

Chhattisgarh CM Lays Foundation Stone for India’s First AI-Driven Data Centre Park in Nava Raipur.

In May 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai laid the foundation stone for India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Data Centre Park in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

      - The project will be developed and operated by Indore (Madhya Pradesh)-based RackBank Datacenters Private Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) The Data Centre Park will cover 13.5 acres (approximately 5.5 hectares), with 2.7 hectares designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) exclusively for AI-based services.

      (ii) The first phase will begin with a capacity of 5 MegaWatts (MW), with future plans to scale up to 150 MW. An additional investment of around Rs 2,000 crore is projected as the project progresses.

(iii) The facility will feature Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based high-performance computing infrastructure, live data streaming, AI processing, and data analytics services. It is intended to offer advanced solutions in areas such as AI, Health Tech, Defence, FinTech, and data analytics.

INS Sharda Takes Part in Inaugural India-Maldives HADR Exercise Held in Maldives.

In May 2025, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives to participate in the inaugural Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, scheduled from May 4–10, 2025.

      - This joint exercise signifies the growing defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives and aligns with India's regional maritime vision, MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

      - The primary aim of the inaugural Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise is to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The joint drill focuses on coordinated efforts in responding to humanitarian crises and natural disasters.

      - The exercise will cover multiple operational areas including Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, Medical Assistance, and Logistical Support. It also involves Joint Drills and Training Sessions along with Community Engagement activities during simulated disaster scenarios.

Main Point :-   (i) The MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025 during his visit to Mauritius. It builds on the earlier SAGAR doctrine (2015) and broadens its scope to include enhanced regional cooperation, especially among Global South nations.

      (ii) India is the primary training partner of MNDF, having trained over 1,500 Maldivian personnel in the last ten years. Since 2019, India has supported the Maldives in conducting over 630 MEDEVACs, SAR operations, and air surveillance missions, showcasing strong bilateral cooperation.

(iii) India continues to strengthen MNDF capabilities through infrastructure support. Key contributions include the development of the Composite Training Centre, the installation of a Coastal Radar System, and the construction of the "Ekatha" Harbour, which was inaugurated in 2023.

Nicaragua Withdraws from UNESCO in Protest Against 2025 Press Freedom Award Decision.

In May 2025, the government of Nicaragua officially withdrew from the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) — a UN agency that promotes education, science, culture, and the preservation of outstanding cultural and natural heritage across the globe.

      - This decision came as a response to UNESCO's announcement recognizing the exiled Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa as the recipient of the 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, awarded annually on World Press Freedom Day (May 3). The award, intended to honor exceptional contributions to press freedom, drew criticism from Nicaragua, prompting its exit from the organization.

      - Nicaragua’s withdrawal marks a significant setback for UNESCO, which continues to face scrutiny and opposition, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, under whose administration the U.S. had previously distanced itself from the agency.

      - Nicaragua, which became one of UNESCO’s 194 member states in 1952, will officially end its 74-year membership on December 31, 2026, in accordance with UNESCO’s constitution.

Main Point :-   (i) La Prensa, officially known as La Prensa – El Diario de los Nicaragüenses, was founded in 1926 and is based in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Since 2021, after its leaders were imprisoned and expelled and its assets were confiscated, the newspaper has continued operating online from exile. Most of its team now works from Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and the United States.

      (ii) The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was established in 1997. It recognizes individuals or organizations that have shown exceptional commitment to defending and promoting press freedom. The award is especially focused on those working under dangerous or challenging conditions.

(iii) The prize is named in honor of Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist. He was assassinated in 1986 because of his courageous journalism and outspoken criticism of drug cartels. His legacy represents the global struggle for press freedom.

Goldsikka Launches India’s First AI-Powered Gold Melting ATM.

In May 2025, Goldsikka Limited, based in Hyderabad (Telangana), unveiled India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered gold melting Automated Teller Machine (ATM). This cutting-edge ATM allows users to buy, sell, exchange, lease, digitize, and monetize gold and gold jewellery.

      - The ATM features an integrated Augmented Reality (AR) experience, enabling customers to virtually try on jewellery before purchasing.

      - The machine operates with zero human intervention, allowing customers to buy gold using credit or debit cards and also sell gold.

      - When selling gold, customers deposit their gold into the machine, which then melts it. The purity and value of the gold are displayed, and once the customer accepts the value, the amount is transferred to their bank account.

Main Point :-   (i) The process of depositing and selling gold takes around 30 minutes, during which the machine takes the depositor's photograph and verifies their Aadhar card and ID proof.

      (ii) In case any criminal record is found in the transaction, the ATM will withhold the gold and automatically alert the police.

(iii) In 2022, Goldsikka launched India’s first real-time Gold ATM.

Moody’s Revises India’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast Down to 6.3%.

In May 2025, Moody’s Ratings, headquartered in New York, United States of America (USA) and formerly known as Moody’s Investors Service, released the May update of its Global Macro Outlook 2025-26. In this report, the agency revised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for 2025 downward to 6.3%, reduced from its earlier estimate of 6.5%.

      - This downward revision reflects ongoing concerns about global economic instability, including increased policy uncertainty in the USA, rising trade restrictions, and intensifying geopolitical tensions—particularly between India and Pakistan.

      - Moody’s has, however, retained its GDP growth forecast for 2026 at 6.5%, following an estimated economic expansion of 6.7% in 2024.

      - In its May 2025 Global Macro Outlook 2025-26 update, Moody’s Ratings cut the global GDP growth forecast to 1.9% for 2025 and 2.3% for 2026, citing rising policy uncertainty, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks.

Main Point :-   (i) Despite some reduction in tariffs, persistent trade frictions—particularly between the United States and China—are expected to hamper international trade and investment flows. This will likely affect the broader G-20 economies, many of which depend heavily on stable global trade dynamics.

      (ii) Moody’s also flagged additional risk factors contributing to the global slowdown. These include ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, growing tensions in the South China Sea, and instability across global financial markets. Such risks are expected to strain investor confidence and threaten global economic stability.

(iii) Furthermore, Moody’s warns that these adverse conditions could limit the availability of liquidity and drive up capital costs, thereby worsening the financial environment. In India’s case, the agency anticipates that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may opt for further reductions in benchmark policy rates in 2025 to stimulate domestic economic growth amidst the global headwinds.

Togo Elects Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové as First President Under New Parliamentary System.

In May 2025, the Parliament of Togo (Togolese Republic), a West African nation, unanimously elected Jean-Lucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové as the country’s first President under its new parliamentary system. He was chosen by all 150 members present in the bicameral Parliament, which comprises a total of 174 seats across the National Assembly and the Senate, for a four-year ceremonial term.

      - This historic election follows a major constitutional reform enacted in May 2024, which transitioned Togo from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary form of governance. The reform aimed to distribute political power more broadly and redefine the structure of executive leadership.

      - Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové succeeded Faure Gnassingbé, who previously served as Togo’s long-time president. Under the new system, Faure Gnassingbé was sworn in as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, a newly established role that now holds the highest executive authority in the country.

      - Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové has had a long and influential political career. His public service began in 1967 when he was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a military coup. This marked his entry into national politics.

Main Point :-   (i) With the legalization of multiparty democracy in Togo, Savi de Tové went on to found the Party of Democrats for Unity (PDU). In 1999, the PDU merged into the Pan-African Patriotic Convergence (CPP), where he served as first vice-president, continuing his commitment to democratic governance.

      (ii) From 2005 to 2007, he served as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Handicrafts, under the leadership of Prime Ministers Edem Kodjo and Vawovi Agboyibo. Later, in 2009, he was appointed as President of the Permanent Framework for Dialogue and Consultation (CPDC), further contributing to national policy dialogue and political reform.

(iii) Under the new parliamentary system, the President of the Republic holds a ceremonial role and is elected by Parliament for a renewable four-year term, while executive power rests with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is chosen from the majority party or coalition. The Chairman serves a six-year term, overseeing both domestic and international affairs. A 12-month transition period allowed the outgoing president to retain executive powers until the new system came into full effect.

GoI Removes K.V. Subramanian as IMF Executive Director for India; Appoints Parameswaran Iyer as Interim ED.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terminated Krishnamurthy Venkata (K.V.) Subramanian as Executive Director (ED) for India at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 30 April 2025.

      - His three-year term, which began in November 2022, was cut short by six months, with no official reason cited for the early removal. He represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan at the IMF.

      - Parameswaran Iyer, currently serving as Executive Director for India at the World Bank (WB), has been appointed as the interim ED to represent India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka at the IMF.

      - K.V. Subramanian previously served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest person to hold the post. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to economic policymaking and structural reforms.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, Subramanian held directorial roles on the boards of key financial institutions, including B(i) Bank Limited, the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, and the RBI Academy, bringing academic and policy experience into practice.

      (ii) The interim appointment of Parameswaran Iyer as India’s Executive Director at the IMF comes just days before a crucial IMF Board meeting on May 9, 2025. The meeting will assess a USD 1.3 billion climate resilience loan for Pakistan and conduct the first review of Pakistan's USD 7 billion bailout program.

GoI Removes K.V. Subramanian as IMF Executive Director for India; Appoints Parameswaran Iyer as Interim ED.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terminated Krishnamurthy Venkata (K.V.) Subramanian as Executive Director (ED) for India at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 30 April 2025.

      - His three-year term, which began in November 2022, was cut short by six months, with no official reason cited for the early removal. He represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan at the IMF.

      - Parameswaran Iyer, currently serving as Executive Director for India at the World Bank (WB), has been appointed as the interim ED to represent India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka at the IMF.

      - K.V. Subramanian previously served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest person to hold the post. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to economic policymaking and structural reforms.

Main Point :-   (i) Additionally, Subramanian held directorial roles on the boards of key financial institutions, including B(i) Bank Limited, the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, and the RBI Academy, bringing academic and policy experience into practice.

      (ii) The interim appointment of Parameswaran Iyer as India’s Executive Director at the IMF comes just days before a crucial IMF Board meeting on May 9, 2025. The meeting will assess a USD 1.3 billion climate resilience loan for Pakistan and conduct the first review of Pakistan's USD 7 billion bailout program.

FSIB Recommends Sanjay Joshi as Chairman and Managing Director of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL).

In May 2025, the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), operating under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), recommended Sanjay Joshi, a 1989-batch officer, for appointment as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - This recommendation comes after the retirement of R.R. Singh in February 2025. Following his retirement, Amit Misra, the Executive Director (ED) of OICL, was appointed as acting CMD for a three-month period starting March 1, 2025.

      - The appointment of Sanjay Joshi as CMD is now subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If confirmed, he will serve as CMD until August 31, 2027, when he attains the age of 60.

Main Point :-   (i) Sanjay Joshi is currently serving as General Manager (GM) at United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL), based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

      (ii) He brings over 30 years of experience in the general insurance sector, having held roles such as Branch and Divisional Head in various regional offices, and a key role in the Large Corporate Cell (LCC) in Delhi.

(iii) At the Head Office of UIICL, he has served as Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Chief Grievance Officer (CGO), contributing significantly to product development and regulatory compliance.

Padma Shri Recipient K.V. Rabiya Passes Away.

In May 2025, Kariveppil Rabiya, a pioneering literacy advocate from Kerala and Padma Shri Awardee, passed away at Tirurangadi, Kerala. She was widely admired for her lifelong commitment to adult literacy and women's empowerment, despite battling significant health challenges.

      - Born on 25 February 1966, Rabiya was a differently-abled social worker from Malappuram, Kerala.

      - At the age of 17, while in her first year of college, she was crippled by polio, which affected her legs.

      - In June 1990, Rabiya launched an adult literacy campaign in Tirurangadi, Malappuram, becoming a prominent figure in Kerala’s literacy movement.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1994, she founded Chalanam, an organization that facilitated social transformation for thousands in her native Vellilakad village and surrounding areas.

      (ii) Rabiya was revered as Kerala's Aksharaputri (daughter of letters) for her critical role in the State’s total literacy movement and She played a pivotal role in making Malappuram the first e-literate district in India through the Akshaya project.

(iii) Rabiya received several prestigious awards, including the National Youth Award (1993), Kannagi Sthree Shakti Award (1999), UNDP Award (2000), Joseph Mundaserry Award (2010), and the Padma Shri (2022) for her exceptional contributions to social work and education.

International Day of the Midwife Observed on 5 May 2025.

The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is an annual global observance held on 5 May to honor the vital contributions of midwives in ensuring maternal and newborn health. The celebration of IDM 2025 was led by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

      - Theme of IDM 2025: "Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis".

Main Point :-   (i) The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) was proposed at the 1987 ICM conference in the Netherlands.

      (ii) The first IDM was celebrated on 5 May 1991.

World Hand Hygiene Day Observed on 5 May 2025.

World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) is a global awareness initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), observed annually on May 5 to emphasize the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare settings.

      - Theme for WHHD 2025: "It might be gloves. It's always hand hygiene".

Main Point :-   (i). WHHD is part of the ‘SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands’ campaign, which promotes evidence-based hand hygiene practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across the globe.

      (ii) The campaign stems from the WHO’s First Global Patient Safety Challenge: Clean Care is Safer Care, which was launched in 2009 to strengthen global commitment to infection prevention.

(iii) The year 2025 marks the 17th anniversary of the global hand hygiene campaign, highlighting sustained efforts to improve hygiene standards and patient safety worldwide.

Question : When is the International Day of the Midwife (IDM) observed every year?

Question : Who among the following leaders recently visited India and held bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, New Delhi?

Question : The Indian Army has recently inducted which Russian-origin shoulder-fired air defence missile system?

Question : Which organization has recently launched the 'Submarine Cable Project' in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Question : Where was the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) recently approved to establish its new off-campus centre?

Question : Which initiative has recently partnered with Intel Technology India to advance AI capabilities and skill development in India?

Question : Which state government has recently signed an MoU with CreativeLand Asia (CLA) to set up India’s first Transmedia Entertainment City?

Question : Which Indian Naval Ship recently arrived in the Maldives to participate in the inaugural India-Maldives HADR exercise in May 2025?

Question : Which country recently withdrew from UNESCO in May 2025 over a press freedom award controversy?

Question : Recently, which company launched India’s first AI-powered Gold Melting ATM?

Question : Recently, Moody’s Ratings revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 to what percentage?

Question : Recently, who was elected as the first President of Togo under the new parliamentary system?

Question : Who has been recently recommended by FSIB as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL)?

Question : Which renowned social worker, also known as Aksharaputri (daughter of letters) for her role in Kerala’s total literacy movement, passed away in May 2025?

Question : Recently, when was World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 observed?

Question : As per recently released data, by what percentage did India’s iron ore production grow in FY25 compared to FY24?

Question : Who laid the foundation stone for India’s first AI-based Data Centre Park in Nava Raipur?

Question : Recently, who was removed from the position of India's Executive Director at the IMF six months before the end of his tenure?

Question : Recently, who was removed from the position of India's Executive Director at the IMF six months before the end of his tenure?