Stay updated with the top headlines from 14th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, state, banking, economy, appointments, summits, sports, and obituaries — curated for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What date has been fixed for Ayurveda Day celebrations?
Answer: The Government of India has designated 23rd September as Ayurveda Day to align with the autumnal equinox and promote global recognition of Ayurveda.
2. What semiconductor project was approved in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: A ₹3,706 crore chip plant by HCL and Foxconn was approved under the India Semiconductor Mission to produce display driver chips by 2027.
3. Where were India’s first 3nm chip design hubs inaugurated?
Answer: In Noida and Bengaluru, developed by Renesas Electronics and supported by the India Semiconductor Mission.
4. How much FCI rice was allocated for ethanol production?
Answer: An additional 2.8 million tonnes, raising the total to 5.2 million tonnes under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
5. What financial aid did India extend to the Maldives?
Answer: India rolled over a $50 million treasury bill for one year via SBI to support the Maldives’ debt crisis.
State News
6. What sand mining reform was launched in Maharashtra?
Answer: A policy mandating artificial sand (m-sand) use in government construction, with MSME status for producers and reduced royalty.
7. What infrastructure initiative was launched in Srinagar by IWAI?
Answer: A regional office to develop inland waterways along Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers for eco-tourism and logistics.
International News
8. What arms deal was signed between the US and Saudi Arabia?
Answer: A $142 billion agreement including advanced missiles and military systems, signed during President Trump’s visit to Riyadh.
9. Who was appointed Canada’s new Foreign Minister?
Answer: Anita Anand, becoming the first Hindu woman to hold the post, sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita.
10. What cultural themes marked the opening of the 78th Cannes Film Festival?
Answer: Tributes to artistic freedom, democracy, and inclusivity, with speeches by Juliette Binoche and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Banking News
11. What new deposit schemes were launched by Canara and Union Bank?
Answer: Canara TruEdge (linked to Monthly Average Balance) and Union Wellness Deposit (6.75% interest with health benefits).
Economy News
12. What change occurred in India’s coal imports?
Answer: A 9.2% drop during April 2024–Feb 2025, saving $6.93 billion in forex, driven by domestic production and mining reforms.
Appointments News
13. Who was appointed UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary and 1985-batch IAS officer, known for digital and defense reforms.
Summits & Conferences
14. What recognition did India receive at the World Bank Land Conference 2025?
Answer: Named “Country Champion” for digital rural land governance via SVAMITVA and Gram Manchitra initiatives.
15. What energy goals were discussed at the Western Regional Power Conference?
Answer: Smart metering, green energy zones, and Net Zero targets under Viksit Bharat 2047.
Sports News
16. How did India perform at the Archery World Cup 2025 in Shanghai?
Answer: Won 7 medals — 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze. Deepika Kumari earned her 18th individual podium finish.
Obituaries
17. Who was Padma Shri scientist Subbanna Ayyappan and what happened to him?
Answer: Known as the father of India’s Blue Revolution, he was found dead in the Cauvery River under mysterious circumstances, prompting calls for a CBI probe.
Miscellaneous
18. What philanthropic pledge did Bill Gates make?
Answer: Committed to donating 99% of his fortune by 2045, including $200 billion over two decades for global health and poverty eradication.