Meta Description: Stay updated with the top current affairs and GK highlights of May 18, 2025, including India’s economic outlook, defense exercises, political developments, and sports updates.
GK & Exam-Focused Highlights
- World Hypertension Day: Observed on May 17, focusing on the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!” to raise awareness about high blood pressure.
- Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee: Sikkim celebrated the 50th anniversary of its statehood, marking its integration into India in 1975.
- Gyan Bharatam Mission: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the revamped National Manuscripts Mission, now named Gyan Bharatam Mission, focusing on the conservation and digitization of India’s manuscript heritage.
- Mosura Fentoni Discovery: Scientists discovered a new extinct species of radiodont named Mosura fentoni, a marine predator from the Cambrian period, notable for its unique three-eyed structure.
- GST Collection Leader: Maharashtra topped the GST collection growth rate in FY 2024-25, showcasing robust economic activity.
International News
- Israel-Hamas Conflict: Escalation of violence in October 2023, with humanitarian crises in Gaza and global diplomatic interventions.
- Nobel Peace Prize 2023: Awarded to Narges Mohammadi (Iranian activist) for fighting against oppression of women.
National News (India)
- Women’s Reservation Bill: Passed in September 2023, reserving 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies (effective post-2026).
- Chandrayaan-3 Success: India became the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole (August 23, 2023).
- G20 Summit Outcomes: Hosted in New Delhi (Sept 2023); key focus on renewable energy, African Union’s inclusion, and the New Delhi Declaration.
Science & Technology
- OSIRIS-REx Mission: NASA’s spacecraft returned samples from asteroid Bennu (Sept 24, 2023), aiding solar system research.
Sports
- Asian Games 2023: Held in Hangzhou, China (Sept 23 – Oct 8); India won 107 medals (28 gold, including Neeraj Chopra’s javelin gold).
- Cricket World Cup 2023: Hosted by India (Oct 5 – Nov 19); 10 teams competing.
Awards & Honors
- Nobel Prize in Literature: Awarded to Jon Fosse (Norwegian author) for innovative plays and prose.
- Nobel Physics Prize: Shared by scientists for studying attosecond light pulses (electron movement research).
Important Days
- World Mental Health Day: Observed on October 10; 2023 theme: “Mental health is a universal human right.”
- International Day of Non-Violence: Celebrated on October 2 (Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary).
Miscellaneous
- Economic Updates: India’s Q1 (2023-24) GDP growth at 7.8%; inflation eased to ~6.8%.
- Environmental Issues: Canada’s 2023 wildfires burned record 45 million acres, impacting global air quality.
