Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025

Notes:
A groundbreaking study has recently offered new hope for treating Lafora Disease, a rare and deadly genetic disorder. Lafora Disease seriously affects the brain and nervous system, leading to severe health issues. It is part of a group of disorders called autosomal recessive progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), which causes seizures, mental decline, and loss of motor skills. It is more common in areas where marriages between close relatives, called consanguineous marriages, are practiced. It is mainly seen in Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southern India.

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The 2nd Tri-Service Future Warfare Course was held in New Delhi from April 21 to May 9, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre. It focused on how technology impacts warfare and aimed to prepare senior officers for modern warfare complexities, fostering jointness and integration among the services. The course was conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and coordinated by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).

Notes:
Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.

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Recently, India extended financial support to the Maldives by offering a $50 million Government Treasury Bill to help the island nation with fiscal reforms and economic stability. This move highlights India’s commitment under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to support its close maritime neighbours. The Maldives holds strategic importance in India’s regional outreach and is a key partner in India’s maritime vision, called Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Maritime Awareness for Holistic Action and Security through Active Geographical Engagement for Regional Stability). The support reflects not just economic assistance but a deeper strategic and diplomatic partnership between India and the Maldives.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced on July 1, 2017, to simplify and unify India’s complex tax system. It merged multiple central and state taxes into a single tax, making compliance easier and improving transparency. In 2024, India’s total GST revenue collection reached ₹21.36 lakh crore, the highest since the GST launch, showing an 8.86% rise from the previous year. In April 2025, gross GST revenue was ₹2.36 lakh crore, marking a 12.6% year-on-year growth, as per the Ministry of Finance. Maharashtra topped GST collections for FY 2024 and April 2025 but saw slower growth at 11% in April. Gujarat showed the highest growth, with a 13% rise and ₹14,970 crore collection in April 2025. Gujarat’s total GST revenue for FY 2024–25 stood at ₹1.74 lakh crore, the highest ever, according to GST Council data shared via Forbes.

Notes:
Minister of Power and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the Bharat Bodh Kendra at India Habitat Centre (IHC), New Delhi. Bharat Bodh Kendra is a new section under the Habitat Library and Resource Centre. It is dedicated to deepening understanding of India’s cultural and civilizational heritage. The centre offers curated books and resources on Indian art, music, spirituality, history, and philosophy. It provides a quiet space for reflection, learning, and cultural exploration.

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Recently, Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a meeting of Latin American leaders in Beijing. Colombia’s capital is Bogotá. It is called the “Gateway of South America” because it connects South America with Central and North America. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also called One Belt, One Road (OBOR), plans to build many roads, railways, and ports across several countries. It aims to boost China’s economic leadership by creating infrastructure in nearby regions. The initiative is known as the “21st Century Silk Road.”

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Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a new iron-doped catalyst. This catalyst improves oxygen-related electrocatalytic reactions. Oxygen electrocatalysis is important for clean energy technologies like water splitting to produce hydrogen, generating clean fuels, and making hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). These technologies often face challenges such as slow reaction speeds, high energy use, and expensive materials. They usually depend on precious metals like platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru). The new iron-based catalyst aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency in these clean energy processes.

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Recently, 31 Maoists were killed in one of India’s biggest anti-Naxal operations called Operation Black Forest. It was a 21-day counterinsurgency mission in the Kurraguttalu Hills, spread across 1,200 square kilometres on the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. The aim was to destroy Naxal bases, remove top Maoist leaders, and regain control of the area. This supports India’s goal to end Left Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026. The forces involved included the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG). The Karregutta Hills, key to this operation, lie between Telangana and Chhattisgarh.

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The Telangana government recently sanctioned 10,000 Indiramma houses for Chenchu tribal families to improve their living conditions. The Chenchus are a food-gathering tribe mainly living in the Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the government due to their isolated lifestyle and low development indicators. Chenchus are also found in Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha. Their language, also called Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family, and many speak Telugu as well. A Chenchu village is called a “Penta”, with huts spaced based on family closeness. They live in small families, with men and women having equal social roles.