Daily Current Affairs 13th May 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains daily current affairs 13th May 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related current affairs 13th May 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 13th May, 2025 Current affairs test.
National News
TDB-DST Unveils Theme for National Technology Day 2025
The Technology Development Board (TDB), functioning under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has introduced the official theme for National Technology Day 2025.
The chosen theme is titled “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration.”
“YANTRA” symbolizes India’s deep-rooted tradition in mechanical engineering and coordinated innovation.
“Yugantar” signifies a transformative shift, highlighting India’s evolution from technology adoption to a frontrunner in global deep-tech and research & development.
Government Reviews ‘Safe Harbour’ Provision Amid Fake News Challenges
To combat the increasing threat of misinformation on online platforms, the Indian government is reconsidering provisions under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), in its report to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication and IT, has emphasized the need for greater accountability from social media platforms regarding the content they host.
Delhi Police Introduces ‘Nayi Disha’ for School Dropout Reintegration
The Delhi Police has launched a community-focused programme titled ‘Nayi Disha – A Path Back to Learning’.
The initiative is geared toward reintegrating children who have dropped out of school back into the formal education system.
It involves proactive steps like door-to-door visits and collaboration with NGOs, educational institutions, and social workers to understand and resolve the root causes of school dropout.
Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio Reflects India’s Progress
India has shown commendable improvement in maternal health indicators, reflected in the declining Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
Recent data from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner indicates that MMR has dropped to 93 per 100,000 live births during 2019-21.
This is a steady improvement from 97 in 2018-20 and 103 in 2017-19.
The decrease is attributed to effective governmental schemes, better healthcare access, and greater awareness regarding maternal care services.
Indian Pharma Industry Faces Pressure After Trump’s Drug Pricing Order
US President Donald Trump has signed a “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) executive order that mandates the US pays no more for drugs than the lowest global price.
While this move benefits US consumers, it could disrupt pricing models in cost-sensitive markets like India.
Indian pharmaceutical policies may face renewed pressure and pricing challenges as a consequence.
International News
India and EU to Resume FTA Talks
India and the European Union are set to recommence discussions on their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on May 12, 2025.
The objective is to expedite the first phase of negotiations and strengthen trade ties.
An FTA seeks to minimize or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers to promote seamless trade and investment between member nations.
Bhutan Leads with Crypto-Powered Tourism Payments
Bhutan has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first country to implement cryptocurrency payments in its tourism sector.
This initiative is in collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank.
The new system ensures cashless transactions for international tourists, while also promoting digital financial inclusion in Bhutan.
Trump to Announce Renaming of Persian Gulf During Saudi Visit
US President Donald Trump is poised to declare that the US will begin referring to the Persian Gulf as either the “Arabian Gulf” or the “Gulf of Arabia.”
This aligns with the terminology used by key Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Although “Persian Gulf” is the traditional term used since the 16th century, Arab nations have long advocated the use of “Arabian Gulf” in official documents and maps.
The decision is indicative of broader changes in US foreign and regional policy strategies.
Banking News
RBI Enforces Mandatory Digital Lending App Disclosures
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a new directive to enhance the regulation of digital lending.
Under the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025, regulated entities are now required to submit information regarding their Digital Lending Apps (DLAs) to the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) portal.
The new rule becomes mandatory starting May 13, 2025.
The aim is to protect borrowers, ensure fair practices, and increase transparency in the digital lending space.
Business News
HCLTech Signs AI Pact for Ethical AI Development
HCLTech has joined the European Commission’s AI Pact, strengthening its commitment to the ethical advancement of artificial intelligence.
This voluntary agreement precedes the introduction of the EU’s AI Act, which is set to be the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI.
The pact promotes responsible AI innovation, transparency, safety, and the safeguarding of human oversight.
Appointments News
SECI Chairman Rameshwar Prasad Gupta Removed Prematurely
The Indian government has relieved Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, Chairman of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), from his duties before the completion of his tenure.
Gupta, who previously served in the Ministry of Environment, was appointed as SECI Chairman in June 2023, with his term originally set to end in June 2025.
No official explanation was provided for his early removal, and Gupta has refrained from commenting on the matter.
Defence News
India’s Strategic Success in Operation Sindoor
India executed a powerful military response named Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).
The action was a retaliation for the killing of Indian civilians by terrorists linked to Pakistan.
The operation resulted in the destruction of nine major terror launchpads, which were reportedly operated by groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Books& Authors News
New Book on PMO Chronicles Its Evolution Over the Years
A new publication titled “PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years” has been released by author and academic Himanshu Roy.
The book delves into the historical, political, and administrative evolution of India’s most powerful executive institution, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Released by Rupa Publications on April 15, 2025, the 192-page hardback provides a comprehensive analysis of the PMO’s role since India’s independence.
Sports News
Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket
Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a phenomenal 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
Kohli’s departure signifies the conclusion of an era defined by his exceptional performances and impactful leadership on the global cricket stage.
