Stay updated with the top headlines from 24th May 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, science, appointments, and summits — tailored for competitive exam aspirants.
National Affairs
1. What major infrastructure projects did PM Modi inaugurate in Rajasthan?
Answer: PM Modi launched ₹26,000 crore worth of projects in Bikaner, including 103 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations across 18 states, solar power projects (100 MW in Didwana and 300 MW in Bikaner), and highway upgrades.
2. What housing reservation was announced for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)?
Answer: MoHUA announced a 4% reservation in General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) for PwDs, covering houses up to Type 5 for officials from ASO to Director level.
3. What new research facilities were inaugurated at NCPOR, Goa?
Answer: Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated ‘Sagar Bhavan’ and ‘Polar Bhavan’ — India’s first integrated polar and ocean research hubs, featuring labs, clean rooms, and a 3D climate visualization platform.
4. What aquaculture initiative was launched in Tripura?
Answer: A ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark was announced under PMMSY, along with a Fish Festival in Agartala to promote biodiversity and local aquatic products.
5. What international agri-food event was hosted by Bihar?
Answer: Bihar hosted its first International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) to boost exports of GI-tagged products like Makhana, Shahi Litchi, and Katarni Rice, with participation from 20 countries.
6. What cybercrime initiative was launched by MHA?
Answer: The e-Zero FIR system was launched to auto-register FIRs for cyber financial crimes above ₹10 lakh, integrating NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR platform, and NCRB’s CCTNS.
International Affairs
7. Which country officially joined the BRICS-backed New Development Bank (NDB)?
Answer: Algeria joined the NDB, becoming its newest member alongside Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia.
8. What did Global Forest Watch report about India’s forest loss?
Answer: India lost 18,200 hectares of primary forest in 2024, with a total of 348,000 hectares lost between 2002–2024, accounting for 15% of India’s total tree cover loss.
Reports & Rankings
9. Which Indian city ranked as the wealthiest in the Henley & Partners 2025 report?
Answer: Mumbai ranked 27th globally with 51,000 millionaires and 25 billionaires, showing a 69% growth in millionaire count over the last decade.
Banking & Finance
10. What RBI approvals were granted in May 2025?
Answer: QuickPay received in-principle approval for a Payment Aggregator license; Getepay got final authorization; CIFL received approval to sell its stake in CIHL.
11. What partnership was announced between IPPB and Aditya Birla Capital?
Answer: They partnered to expand credit access via IPPB’s postal network and ABCL’s digital lending platforms, especially in rural areas.
12. What bancassurance deal did SBM Bank India sign?
Answer: SBM Bank partnered with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance to offer term plans, savings, and retirement products to its retail and NRI customers.
13. What support will IndusInd Bank offer to startups?
Answer: Through its MoU with AIC STPINEXT, IndusInd Bank will provide zero-balance current accounts, mentorship, and free payroll tools to MSMEs and startups.
Economy & Business
14. What rebranding was approved for NESFB?
Answer: NESFB was renamed Slice Small Finance Bank after its merger with fintech Slice, integrating digital innovation with regional banking.
15. What GDP forecast was released by ICRA?
Answer: India’s Q4 FY25 GDP growth is projected at 6.9%, with full-year FY25 growth estimated at 6.3%, down from 9.2% in FY24.
16. What is Fitch’s revised medium-term growth forecast for India?
Answer: Fitch raised India’s growth potential to 6.4% over the next five years, citing higher employment and working-age population.
17. What stake sale was announced by Punjab National Bank?
Answer: PNB signed an agreement to sell its entire 20.90% stake in ISARC to Authum Infrastructure for ₹34 crore, aligning with RBI’s ARC guidelines.
Science & Technology
18. What breakthrough did CSIR-NAL achieve with its HAP prototype?
Answer: CSIR-NAL successfully tested its High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype, reaching 24,000 feet and showcasing autonomous flight capabilities for surveillance and disaster response.
Defense News
19. What is the USA’s new missile defense initiative?
Answer: President Donald Trump unveiled the $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ plan, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, integrating satellite-based missile detection and AI-driven tracking systems.