Current Affairs — 20 May 2025
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Tue, 20 May 2025
Banu Mushtaq's 'Heart Lamp', translated by Deepa Bhasthi, wins International Booker Prize 2025
'Heart Lamp' by Banu Mushtaq, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, was announced as the winner of the International Booker Prize 2025 at London's Tate Modern on 20 May 2025 — the first short story collection to win the prize.
Mizoram declared India's first fully literate State
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma declared Mizoram a fully literate State at Aizawl on 20 May 2025, making it the first State in India to attain full literacy under ULLAS.
Eight core industries grow 0.5% in April 2025
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries rose 0.5% (provisional) in April 2025 over April 2024, the Commerce Ministry said on 20 May 2025.
World Metrology Day 2025 marks 150 years of the Metre Convention; India authorised to issue OIML certificates
The Department of Consumer Affairs marked World Metrology Day on 20 May 2025, the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention signed in Paris on 20 May 1875, and announced that India has become the 13th country authorised to issue OIML certificates.
North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme launched in Aizawl: extra ₹1,500 a month for 26,000+ youth
Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram CM Lalduhoma launched a pilot scheme in Aizawl on 20 May 2025 under which over 26,000 youth from the North East will get an extra ₹1,500 a month for one year over their NAPS apprenticeship stipend.
Depot Darpan portal, Anna Mitra app and Anna Sahayata grievance system launched for PDS
Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the Depot Darpan portal and the Anna Mitra and Anna Sahayata digital platforms on 20 May 2025 to modernise the Public Distribution System.
PM addresses 78th World Health Assembly; theme 'One World for Health'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 78th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva via video on 20 May 2025, noting this year's theme 'One World for Health'.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, founding director of IUCAA, passes away in Pune
Astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, founding director of IUCAA Pune and co-developer of the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, passed away in his sleep at his Pune residence on 20 May 2025, aged 86.
India hosts 2nd Blue Talks ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference
The Ministry of Earth Sciences, with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, hosted the 2nd Blue Talks at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi on 20 May 2025 ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice (9–13 June 2025).
Nominations for Padma Awards 2026 open till 31 July 2025
The Ministry of Home Affairs said on 20 May 2025 that nominations for the Padma Awards 2026 can be made online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal until 31 July 2025.
Raksha Rajya Mantri leads India at 17th Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025)
An Indian delegation led by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth took part in the opening of LIMA 2025, the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, on 20 May 2025 and inaugurated the India Pavilion.
KVIC marks World Bee Day 2025 as 'Sweet Revolution Utsav'
KVIC celebrated World Bee Day on 20 May 2025 at its Mumbai office under the banner 'Sweet Revolution Utsav'; the 2025 theme is 'Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all'.
'CemHack for Green Infra' hackathon launched at NCB Ballabgarh
DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv launched 'CemHack for Green Infra', a first-of-its-kind national hackathon for the cement and construction sector, at the National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Ballabgarh on 20 May 2025.