Stay updated with the top headlines from 9th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, appointments, awards, schemes, summits, science, and sports — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. How many snow leopards were recorded in Ladakh as per SPAI study?
Answer: 477 snow leopards, making Ladakh one of the densest habitats globally, based on a study by Wildlife Institute of India and Ministry of Environment.
2. Why was the Kartarpur Corridor closed on 7 May 2025?
Answer: India temporarily shut the corridor following military strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK.
International News
3. What visa policy did Vietnam launch to attract Indian investors?
Answer: A 10-year Golden Visa for Indian tourists, professionals, and investors to promote long-term residency and business engagement.
4. Who was elected as the next Pope on 8 May 2025?
Answer: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. became Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, succeeding Pope Francis.
State News
5. What cloud-seeding initiative was approved in Delhi?
Answer: ₹3.21 crore budget for five trials led by IIT Kanpur to combat air pollution through artificial rainfall over 100 sq km.
6. Which Indian city joined WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities Network?
Answer: Kozhikode, recognized for elder-friendly infrastructure and inclusive urban planning.
Business & Banking News
7. What satellite internet milestone did Starlink achieve in India?
Answer: Received government approval to offer services and pursue GMPCS licensing under new satcom guidelines.
8. What premium credit card was launched by Kotak Mahindra Bank?
Answer: Kotak Solitaire Credit Card, offering 10 airmiles per ₹100, unlimited lounge access, and zero forex markup.
Awards News
9. Which Indian actor will be honored at Miss World 2025?
Answer: Sonu Sood, receiving the Humanitarian Award for COVID-19 relief work and collaborating on a Cancer-Free World initiative.
Agreements News
10. What trade agreement was initiated between India and Chile?
Answer: Terms of Reference signed for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with first round of talks scheduled for May 26–30.
Appointments News
11. Who will succeed C.K. Venkataraman as Titan’s MD in 2026?
Answer: Ajoy Chawla, currently leading Titan’s jewellery division, will take over from January 1, 2026.
Defense News
12. What naval event did INS Kiltan participate in?
Answer: IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore, showcasing India’s maritime capabilities and fostering regional cooperation.
13. What indigenous warship was delivered to the Indian Navy?
Answer: INS Arnala, India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, developed via PPP between GRSE and L&T.
Summits & Conferences
14. What humanitarian logistics initiative was launched by Quad nations?
Answer: Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) through a Tabletop Exercise in Honolulu to enhance disaster response coordination.
Schemes News
15. What artist welfare scheme was launched in Haryana?
Answer: Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana, offering ₹10,000 or ₹7,000 monthly honorarium to veteran artistes aged 60+.
Sports News
16. Which country will host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup?
Answer: Brazil, with matches across eight cities including Rio’s Maracanã Stadium.
17. What policy change did ECB announce regarding transgender athletes?
Answer: Transgender women banned from women’s cricket formats, following UK Supreme Court ruling on biological sex.
18. Why was IPL 2025 suspended temporarily?
Answer: Due to Indo-Pak tensions and security concerns, BCCI suspended the tournament for a week after the May 8 match cancellation.