Stay updated with the top headlines from 20th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, banking, schemes, defense, science, obituaries, and important days — curated for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What strategic sea route was approved for the North-East via Myanmar?
Answer: India approved a ₹22,864 crore Shillong–Silchar Highway project to establish a new multi-modal sea route via Myanmar, bypassing Bangladesh, enhancing connectivity under the Act East Policy.
2. Why did government school enrolment drop in 23 states?
Answer: Due to data cleansing and post-pandemic shifts to private schools, leading to reduced midday meal coverage; MoE has ordered a probe with findings due by June 30, 2025.
3. What public health milestone did India achieve at WHA 2025?
Answer: India was certified by WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, credited to the SAFE strategy and MoHFW’s efforts.
4. What AI initiative was launched by GeM on its 8th anniversary?
Answer: GeMAI, India’s first GenAI chatbot for public procurement, was launched to enhance citizen services and support inclusive digital governance.
5. What marine conservation success was achieved by Operation Olivia?
Answer: The Indian Coast Guard protected 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha through patrols, TEDs, and aerial surveillance during the 2025 nesting season.
6. How is China’s rare earth policy affecting India’s EV sector?
Answer: Export curbs by China threaten India’s EV growth due to refining gaps; India is pushing domestic capacity via KABIL and recycling initiatives.
State News
7. What assistive initiative was launched in Kota for persons with disabilities?
Answer: PM Divyasha Kendra was inaugurated to provide mobility aids and skill training under ALIMCO and the Ministry of Social Justice.
8. What change was made to Tamil Nadu’s Endangered Species Fund?
Answer: The ₹50 crore fund was transferred to AIWC, Vandalur, to bypass administrative delays and support species like the Malabar Civet.
International News
9. What volcanic alert was issued in Indonesia?
Answer: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, prompting a red aviation alert due to ash clouds reaching 1.1 km, with risks of lahar floods.
10. Who was appointed Sudan’s first PM since the 2023 civil war?
Answer: Kamil Idris, a legal diplomat, was appointed to lead the transitional government and restore civilian rule.
11. What military drill was launched by China and Cambodia?
Answer: Golden Dragon-2025, focusing on counter-terrorism, HADR, and unmanned systems, held at Ream Port Training Center.
Banking News
12. Why was HCBL Co-operative Bank’s licence cancelled by RBI?
Answer: Due to capital shortfall and non-compliance; 98% of depositors are insured up to ₹5 lakh under DICGC.
Schemes News
13. What response did the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme receive?
Answer: 70 firms applied under the ₹22,805 crore scheme, with 80% from SMEs, aiming to reduce import dependence.
14. What agriculture campaign was launched in Tripura?
Answer: Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, running from May 29 to June 12, 2025, to raise awareness and boost farm productivity.
Obituaries
15. Who was Jayant Narlikar and what was his legacy?
Answer: Padma Vibhushan astrophysicist and IUCAA founder, known for expanding theoretical astrophysics in India, passed away at 87.
16. What contribution did M.R. Srinivasan make to India’s nuclear sector?
Answer: Former AEC Chairman and NPCIL founder, he led India’s first nuclear reactor project and passed away at 95.
Important Days
17. What is the theme of World Bee Day 2025?
Answer: “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all,” highlighting pollinators’ role in food security and biodiversity.
18. What is the significance of World Fair Play Day?
Answer: First observed on May 19, 2025, to promote fairness, inclusion, and peace through sports.
Miscellaneous
19. What discovery was made in the Amazon rainforest?
Answer: Scientists identified the Northern Green Anaconda as the world’s largest snake species, emphasizing Amazon biodiversity.