Current Affairs Today 21st May 2025 Daily GK Update

Exp. Operation Olivia’ Helps Protect 6.98 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles In Odisha

Operation Olivia 2025 led by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025.

Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia focuses on safe nesting for Olive Ridley turtles, especially along Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coastal areas in Odisha.

Since inception, the ICG has conducted 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, detaining 366 boats for illegal fishing, significantly reducing threats to marine life.

ICG also partners with local fishing communities and NGOs, promoting Turtle Excluder Devices and sustainable practices through MoUs to enhance long-term marine conservation.

Exp. India’s First Khelo India Beach Games Inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya at Diu’s Ghoghla Beach

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Beach Games at Ghoghla Beach in the Union territory of Diu.

More than 1000 athletes from across the country will compete in six medal events and two demonstration sports over the next six days.

This is the first time the Beach Games are being held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella. The medal events include beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, beach sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Two traditional demonstration sports – mallakhamb and tug-of-war will also be staged during the games.  

Exp. Telangana CM Revanth Launches ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ Scheme

Telangana CM A Revanth launched the flagship scheme ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ at Macharam village, pledging to develop Achampet Assembly constituency as a national role model, with a 100-day target to provide solar pump sets to farmers, especially in Podu lands.

The government has spent ₹60,000 crore on farmer welfare, including a ₹500 bonus for fine variety paddy cultivators, 200 units of free power to 50 lakh poor families, and free RTC bus travel for women.

About Telangana

• Established – 2 June 2014
• Capital – Hyderabad
• Chief Minister – Revanth Reddy (replace K. Chandrashekar Rao)
• Deputy CM – Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
• Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma

Exp. BEL signs contract with Army for Indigenous Counter-Drone System, secures orders worth Rs 572 crore

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army Air Defence have signed a contract for the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS).

The system, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL, marks a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.

The IDDIS is designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving aerial threats. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has secured additional orders worth Rs 572 Crores since the last disclosure on 07th April 2025.

Major orders received include Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Data Communication Unit (DCU) for attack guns, AI based solutions for ships, simulators, communication equipment, jammers, spares, services etc,”.

Exp. Eliise Randmaa Creates History as Miss Estonia Wins Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge

Miss Eliise Randmaa (Estonia) made history by winning the Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad — Estonia’s first advancement to the next round since 1999.

The event featured 108 contestants in regional teams, competing in diverse athletic events like badminton, shot put, chess, football, sprints, and Zumba, emphasizing fitness, health, and resilience.

Miss Aurélie Joachim (Martinique) won silver, Miss Emma Morrison (Canada) took bronze, and Miss Anna-Lise Nanton (Trinidad and Tobago) secured fourth place with commendable performances.

The event began with cultural performances including Mallakhamb, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, and skating, inaugurated by Telangana’s Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, with BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla as chief guest.

Exp. 20 May – World Metrology Day

World Metrology Day is celebrated every year on May 20th to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875.

This international treaty established a framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement, known as metrology.

Theme 2025- Measurements for all times, for all people

The day highlights the importance of accurate measurements in science, industry, and everyday life, ensuring consistency and reliability worldwide.

Exp. 19 May – World Fair Play Day

World Fair Play Day is observed every year on 19th May to celebrate and promote the spirit of fairness and ethical behavior in sports and life.

The day highlights the significance of honesty, respect, and integrity among athletes, coaches, and sports officials worldwide.

On 1 July 2024 the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/78/310, proclaiming May 19 as World Fair Play Day.

Q.8. Who is the Intelligence Bureau chief who has recently been granted a one-year extension till June 2026?

हाल ही में इंटेलिजेंस ब्यूरो के किस प्रमुख को जून 2026 तक एक साल का विस्तार दिया गया है?

(a) Rakesh Asthana

(b) Tapan Kumar Deka

(c) Ajit Doval

(d) Anil Dhasmana

(e) Rajiv Jain

Exp. Tapan Kumar Deka Gets One-Year Extension as Intelligence Bureau Chief Till June 2026

Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer and counter-terrorism expert, has been granted a one-year extension till June 2026, marking his second extension as IB chief since his appointment in June 2022.

Deka has vast experience, having led counter-operations during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and operations against terror groups like the Indian Mujahideen, and is known for expertise in terrorism cases linked to Pakistan, including responses like Operation Sindoor.

The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under special rules allowing service beyond the retirement age of 60 in the public interest for key intelligence and administrative positions.

Recent Appointment in Defence Sector

• Vice Chief of Indian Air Force - Air Marshal N Tiwari (replace Air Marshal S P Dharkar).
• DG of Border Security Force (BSF) - Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
• DG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) - Gyanendra Pratap Singh
• Chief of Indian Air Force's Western Air Command - Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (replace Pankaj Mohan Sinha)
• DG of Medical Services (Navy) - Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai

Exp. Justice Kempaiah Somashekar Appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court

The President of India appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a Judge of the Karnataka High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.

The appointment was announced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and followed the recommendation of a three-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, ahead of the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar.

Justice Somashekar began his legal career in 1990, served as District and Sessions Judge from 1998, was appointed Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court in July 2016, and became a permanent judge in July 2018.

Q.10. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched three new apps — Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata. What is the main objective of the three apps?

केंद्रीय मंत्री प्रहलाद जोशी ने तीन नए ऐप लॉन्च किए हैं – डिपो दर्पण, अन्न मित्र और अन्न सहायता। तीनों ऐप का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?

(a) To improve urban transportation systems

(b) To modernize India’s agricultural infrastructure and Public Distribution System

(c) To promote digital literacy among farmers

(d) To provide subsidies for agricultural equipment

(e) To enhance rural healthcare services

Exp. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, Anna Sahayata Apps

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched three new apps — Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata — aimed at modernizing India’s agricultural infrastructure and Public Distribution System through digital innovation.

The apps will enhance efficiency, service quality, transparency, and accountability by integrating technologies like smart warehousing, CCTV, IoT sensors, and providing real-time grievance redressal in local languages.

Depot Darpan helps officials monitor warehouse performance, Anna Sahayata enables citizens to register complaints via voice and messages, and Anna Mitra serves as a command center for ration distribution with detailed sales and inspection data.

Exp. Legendary Nuclear Scientist Dr. M.R. Srinivasan Passes Away at 95

Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a pioneering nuclear scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman, passed away at 95; he played a key role in India’s civil nuclear energy program for over five decades.

He contributed significantly to India’s nuclear infrastructure, including leading projects like the Apsara reactor, Madras Atomic Power Station, and founding the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Honored with major national awards for his contributions: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990), and Padma Vibhushan (2015) — India’s fourth, third, and second-highest civilian awards respectively — Dr. Srinivasan’s legacy strengthened India’s energy security and scientific progress.

Exp. Eminent Astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar passes away at 86

Renowned astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar passed away at the age of 86 in Pune, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in Indian astronomy and a tireless promoter of scientific temper among the youth.

Dr. Narlikar is celebrated for co-developing the Hoyle–Narlikar theory with British scientist Sir Fred Hoyle, and for his leadership roles at premier institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

He was widely honoured for his contributions, receiving numerous awards such as:

• Padma Bhushan (1965) – At age 26, India’s third-highest civilian award
• UNESCO Kalinga Award (1996) – For science popularisation
• Padma Vibhushan (2004) – India’s second-highest civilian award
• Janssen Medal (2004) – From the Société Astronomique de France
• Maharashtra Bhushan (2011) – Maharashtra’s highest civilian honour
• Sahitya Akademi Award (2014, Marathi) – For his autobiography “Chaar Nagrantale Majhe Vishwa” (A Tale of Four Cities).

Exp. Banu Mushtaq Becomes First Kannada Author to Win International Booker Prize 2025 for ‘Heart Lamp’

Banu Mushtaq made history as the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short story collection Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi.

Heart Lamp contains 12 stories written between 1990 and 2023, focusing on the emotional struggles of Muslim women in southern India.

The International Booker Prize celebrates fiction translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland; the £50,000 prize is shared equally between the author and the translator.

Mushtaq’s win follows Geetanjali Shree’s 2022 victory with Tomb of Sand, and comes after the 2023 longlisting of Perumal Murugan’s Pyre (Tamil).

The 2025 edition of the prize featured 13 first-time nominees, including landmark entries from Kannada, Romania, and Iraq, with Sophie Hughes making a record fifth appearance on the longlist.

Banu Mushtaq began her career as a journalist, contributing to a popular local tabloid and actively participating in the Bandaya movement, which used literature and activism to fight social and economic injustices.

After leaving journalism, she pursued a career in law to support her family and went on to publish six short story collections, an essay collection, and a novel over the course of her literary journey.

Exp. NCC Cadet successfully climbs Mount Everest for the third time

A ten-member mountaineering team of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has successfully scaled Mount Everest (8,848.86 metres), the world’s highest peak.

This marks NCC’s third successful expedition to Mount Everest, following previous feats in 2013 and 2016.

This year’s team comprised an equal number of boy and girl cadets, all first-time climbers, selected through a rigorous national-level process. With an average age of just 19 years—and the youngest cadet being only 16—the team has been hailed for its exceptional determination, discipline, and endurance.

Exp. Saroj Ghose, father of India’s science museum movement, passes away

Saroj Ghose, founding Director General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and pioneer of India’s science museum movement, passed away at age 89.

Ghose was the founding director general of NCSM and served in that capacity from 1979 to 1997.

Dr Ghose, a Padma Bhushan (2007) and the Padma Shri (1989) recipient also served as president of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Paris and played a crucial role in designing landmark institutions such as the Science City in Kolkata, the National Science Centre in New Delhi, and the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai.