Stay updated with the top headlines from 19th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, banking, economy, awards, sports, science, and important days — curated for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. Which 16th-century monument was restored by ASI in Delhi?
Answer: Rajon Ki Baoli, a Lodi-era stepwell in Mehrauli, was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India with support from World Monuments Fund India and TCS Foundation.
2. What milestone was celebrated by the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory?
Answer: Its 125th anniversary was commemorated with a postal stamp issued by the Department of Posts, recognizing its contributions to solar imaging and astrophysics.
3. What aquaculture initiative was launched in Tripura?
Answer: A ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark under PMMSY was launched to boost fish production and make Tripura a fish surplus state.
4. What is the Gyan Bharatam Mission?
Answer: A revamped version of the National Manuscripts Mission, with ₹60 crore funding, aimed at digitizing and conserving over one crore manuscripts.
5. What reform was announced in India’s nuclear energy sector?
Answer: Private operators will be allowed with limited liability provisions, potentially amending the CLND Act to attract investment and modernize the sector.
International News
6. What remittance tax proposal was made by the US?
Answer: A 5% excise tax on international remittances by non-citizens, impacting Indian H-1B holders, students, and green card holders.
Banking News
7. What update did RBI announce for ₹20 banknotes?
Answer: New ₹20 notes will be issued under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature, with no design changes.
Economy News
8. What FPI trend was reported by NSDL in May 2025?
Answer: FPIs invested ₹18,620 crore in Indian equities, reflecting renewed confidence amid economic stability and sectoral growth.
Awards News
9. Who received the 58th Jnanpith Award in 2025?
Answer: Gulzar and Rambhadracharya were honored for their contributions to Indian literature — Gulzar for emotional lyrics and Rambhadracharya for Sanskrit devotional works.
Sports News
10. Who won the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge?
Answer: Miss Estonia, Eliise Randmaa, won gold in Hyderabad, securing a Top 40 quarter-finalist spot.
11. Who won the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025?
Answer: India defeated Bangladesh 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, clinching their second title at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Arunachal Pradesh.
12. Who won the 2025 Italian Open in tennis?
Answer: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner to claim his first Italian Open title and seventh ATP Masters 1000 win.
Science & Technology News
13. What medical breakthrough was achieved using CRISPR?
Answer: US doctors cured a rare liver disorder in a 9-month-old baby using base editing, a precise form of CRISPR gene therapy.
14. What lunar mystery was solved by NASA’s GRAIL mission?
Answer: The Moon’s asymmetry was explained by differences in crust thickness and heat-producing elements, mapped by satellites Ebb and Flow.
15. What setback did ISRO face with PSLV-C61/EOS-09?
Answer: A third-stage pressure glitch led to launch failure, preventing EOS-09 from reaching orbit.
16. What coding tool was launched by OpenAI?
Answer: Codex, an AI agent for automating software development tasks, now available via ChatGPT with customizable workflows.
Important Days
17. What is the theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025?
Answer: “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” promoting tech for climate action, education, and healthcare inclusion.
18. What is the theme of International Museum Day 2025?
Answer: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and cultural engagement.