DRDO Hypersonic Short Range Ballistic Missile: The missile is named Shaurya (BM-04).
WHO Recognition: India received a certificate from WHO for the elimination of Trachoma at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Kaldan Multimodal Transport Project: This project involves India and Myanmar.
Sakujima Volcano Eruption: The eruption occurred in Japan.
World's Largest Snake: The northern green anaconda is found in Ecuador.
Hamid Idris: Associated with Sudan.
Amit Shah's e-FIR Initiative: Focuses on cybercrime.
Death of Dr. Jayant Narlikar: The renowned astrophysicist passed away in Pune.
Khelo India Beach Games: Held in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Italian Open Men's Singles Winner: Carlos Alcaraz.
Sangai Lily Festival: Celebrated in Manipur.
Haryana:
- Current MLA: Vinesh Phogat.
- Ramsar sites: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary and Sultanpur National Park.
- Indus Valley Civilization sites: Rakhigarhi and Banawali.
- GI tags: Basmati rice and Phulkari.
- Festivals: Pinjore Heritage Festival, Surajkund Crafts Mela, Kapal Mochan Mela, Gugga Naumi.
- Folk dances: Phaag, Dhamaal, Swaang.
- National Parks: Sultanpur National Park and Kalesar National Park.
- Damdama Lake is located within Haryana.
- Research Institutes: National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, National Brain Research Centre in Manesar.
DRDO Hypersonic Short-Range Ballistic Missile: The missile is named 'Agni' short-range BM-04.```markdown
Haryana State Information:
- Symbol: Circular shield with a lotus emerging from water in front of a rising sun.
- Formation: November 1, 1966, based on the Sardar Hukam Singh Committee's recommendations.
- Capital: Chandigarh
- First Chief Minister: Bhagwat Dayal Sharma
- Current Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini (Note: This information may be outdated)
- First Governor: Dharm Veer
- Current Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya (Note: This information may be outdated)
- High Court: Chandigarh
- Extreme Points: North (Panchkula), South (Nuh), East (Yamunanagar), West (Sirsa)
- Number of Districts: 22
- Largest District by Area: Sirsa
- District with Largest Population: Faridabad
- Legislature: Unicameral (Vidhan Sabha) with 90 seats.
- Lok Sabha Seats: 10
- Rajya Sabha Seats: 5
- Highest Peak: Located in Panchkula (Specific name not mentioned)
- Neighboring States: Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
- Neighboring Union Territories: Delhi, Chandigarh
- Population Density: 573 per sq km
- Sex Ratio: 879
- Literacy Rate: Approximately 76%
- State Bird: Black Francolin (Kala Titar)
- State Animal: Blackbuck (Kala Hiran)
Government Initiatives:
- A new online portal launched to unfreeze bank accounts frozen due to suspected cyberattacks.
- e-Gujarat Cop portal launched for Gujarat police to upload FIRs, Panchnamas, and charge sheets online.
- Cybercrime Refund Portal ("Tera Tujhko Arpan"): This portal facilitates the retrieval of funds recovered after cyberattacks. Example given: Recovering ₹100 after a cyber theft.
Political News:
- N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister of Manipur; President's rule currently imposed.
Technological Developments:
- China is using artificial photosynthesis to produce oxygen for rocket fuel in space.
Business News:
- Saab, a Swedish company, is the first to utilize 100% FDI benefits in a defense project in India.
Military Exercises:
- Joint military exercise Cyclone-25 between India and Egypt took place in Rajasthan.
International Organizations:
- WHO adopted its first global pandemic treaty, supported by 124 countries at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Gujarat Government Launches New Portals and Applications:
- iPragati Portal: Provides updates on the status of police complaints.
- Tera Tujhko Arpan Portal: Facilitates the retrieval of refunds received in cybercrime cases.
- Unfreeze Application: Allows citizens to unfreeze their bank accounts online.
- e-Gujarat Cop App: (Further details not provided in this chunk).
Spain and World Tourism Organization:
- Madrid is the capital of Spain, and it houses the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization.
010 FIFA World Cup:
- Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup; Pep Reina was a key player on that team.
India's Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses:
- The Indian central finance minister launched a six-year mission to achieve self-sufficiency in three types of pulses: arhar, urad, and masoor.
Global Justice, Peace, and Love Summit:
- The first Global Justice, Peace, and Love Summit was held in Dubai, UAE.
Renamed Indian Army Command:
- The Fort William command of the Indian Army was renamed Vijay Durg and is located in Kolkata.
Surajkund Fair:
- The 38th Surajkund Mela was held in Faridabad, Haryana.
Gujarat Government Launches New Applications and Portals:
- The Chief Minister of Gujarat launched five new initiatives: the iPragati portal (for tracking police complaint investigations), the Tera Tujhko Arpan portal, the Unfreeze application, and the e-Gujarat Cop app.
*
* **First AI University:** India's first AI university is located in Maharashtra.
* **Makhana Board:** The central government announced the establishment of a Makhana board in Bihar.
* **Footballer's Retirement:** Pepê Reina, a Spanish footballer, retired at 42 after playing for Liverpool and Barcelona, with over 900 matches played.
* **Self-Reliance Mission for Pulses:** The central finance minister launched a six-year mission for self-reliance in Arhar, Urad, and Masoor pulses.
* **Global Justice, Peace, and Love Summit:** The summit was held in Dubai, UAE.
* **Renamed Military Fort:** Fort William in Kolkata was renamed Vijay Durg.
* **Surajkund Fair:** The 38th Surajkund Mela was held in Faridabad, Haryana.
* **New Train Route in Uttar Pradesh:** A new 107 km train route connects Katernia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishnpura Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dudhwa National Park.
* **MSME Investment Limit:** The investment limit for micro enterprises in the 2025-26 Union Budget is ₹2.5 crore.
* **India's First Vista Dome Jungle Safari Train:**
* Launched in Uttar Pradesh.
* Features all-glass Vista Dome coaches.
* Route covers approximately 107 km.
* Includes:
* Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
* Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
* Dudhwa National Park (Lakhimpur Kheri)
* **World Anti-Doping Agency Recognition:** India became the 17th country to establish a WADA-recognized athlete passport management unit.
* **CRPF Day Parade:** Amit Shah attended the CRPF Day parade in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
* **Book Release:** "The Chief Minister and the Spy," about Sheikh Abdullah, authored by Amarjit Singh Dullet, was released.
* **Tata Steel Chess Tournament:** R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters 2024 title.
* **World Hydrogen Summit 2025:**
* Held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
* India participated.
* Aims to promote renewable energy.
* **India's Energy Targets:**
* Net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
* Energy independence by 2047.
* **India's Renewable Energy:**
* 223 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity installed.
* Solar energy holds the first rank.
* **Netherlands Information:**
* The Hague: Headquarters of the International Court.
* Amsterdam: Capital city.
* Rotterdam: Port city on the Rhine River (Europe's busiest port).* **Appointments:**
* Dr. Ajay Kumar appointed as the new chairman of UPSC.
* B.R. Gavai is India's 52nd Chief Justice.
* Ajit Doval is the current National Security Advisor of India.
* Tapan Kumar Deka (IB Head) received a one-year extension.
* **UNESCO Recognition:**
* Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
* **Sports:**
* Indian women's cricket team wins the Under-19 Women's Cricket World Cup for the second consecutive time, defeating South Africa.
* **Awards:**
* Chandrika Tandon's album "Triveni" wins a Grammy Award in the Chant Album category.
* **Technology:**
* China builds the artificial sun, EAST.
* **Summit:**
* World Hydrogen Summit 2025 to be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands; India to participate, aiming to promote renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and energy independence by 2047. India has 223 gigawatts of installed renewable energy.
* **Indian Intelligence Agencies:**
* Following the creation of RAW in 1968, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) retained responsibility for domestic intelligence gathering.
* IB established in 1887 (named IB in 1920), responsible for intelligence gathering within and outside India. RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) created in 1968, focusing on foreign intelligence; IB handles domestic intelligence.
* The IB's failure to prevent the Pulwama attack was acknowledged by the Home Minister.
* Tapan Kumar Deka's contribution included providing accurate information about nine Pakistani terrorist bases, leading to their destruction on May 7th.
* **Mizoram Statehood and Literacy:**
* Mizoram became a state on February 20, 1987.
* Mizoram is the first state in India to achieve complete functional literacy.
* **Ladakh Literacy:**
* Ladakh declared the first Union Territory (UT) to achieve complete functional literacy in 2024.
* **Dr. Ambedkar Day:**
* New York City declared April 14th as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Day.
* **India's Fiscal Deficit (Budget 2025-26):**
* The fiscal deficit is projected to be 4.4% of the GDP.
* **Tax-Free Income (Budget 2025-26):**
* Income up to ₹1 lakh is tax-free.
* **India Justice Report 2025:**
* Karnataka ranked top.* **Functional Literacy**
* Mizoram: First state in India to achieve full functional literacy (over 95% literacy rate).
* Ladakh: First Union Territory to achieve complete functional literacy in 2024.
* **China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)**
* Colombia: Joined China's Belt and Road Initiative.
* Purpose: To expand China's market reach to Europe, Africa, and Latin America via land (Belt) and sea (Road) routes.
* **Bank of Maharashtra**
* Launched India's first ATM on the Panchvati Express.
* **Axiom Mission**
* Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut selected for the Axiom Mission to the International Space Station.
* **Awards**
* Sachin Tendulkar: Received the Colonel C.K. Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award.
* **Committees**
* Kurian Joseph Committee: Formed in Tamil Nadu to review Centre-State relations, following a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the state government.
* **Economic Survey**
* Real GDP growth for fiscal year 2025 is estimated at 6.4%.
* **Legal Appointments & Rights**
* Mount Taranaki: Granted legal rights (New Zealand).
* Dinesh Maheshwari: Appointed as the 23rd Law Commission Chairperson.- **Important Dates:**
- May 20th: World Bee Day and World Metrology Day.
- May 21st: Anti-Terrorism Day (in remembrance of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination), International Tea Day.
- October 1st: World Coffee Day.
- **Geographical Indications (GI) Tags:**
- Darjeeling Tea: Received India's first GI tag in 2004.
- **International Organizations:**
- Interpol: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) assumed the presidency of Interpol's Governance Committee.
- **Economic Forecasts:**
- Indian Economy: The real GDP growth rate for fiscal year 2025 is projected at 6.4%.
- **Legal Personhood:**
- Mount Taranaki: Granted legal personhood in New Zealand.
- **Appointments:**
- Law Commission of India: Dinesh Maheshwari appointed as the 23rd Chairperson.
- **China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):**
- A Latin American country recently joined the initiative. The BRI aims to expand China's market reach to Africa and Europe.
- **International Tea Day:**
- Celebrated annually on May 21st; declared in 2019, theme: "Tea for a Better Life." Tea originates from China and is produced from the *Camellia sinensis* plant.
- **International Booker Prize:**
- 2024 Winner: Samanta Schweblin for *The Orbital*.
- First Indian Winner: V.S. Naipaul (*In a Free State*)
- First Indian Woman Winner: Arundhati Roy (*The God of Small Things*)
- **International Booker Prize:**
- 2024 Winner: Jeannie Arbon for *Cairo*.
- 2025 Winner: *Heart Lamp* by Bhanu Manik, translated by Deepa Bist.
- **Disaster Relief:**
- India's Operation Brahma: Launched to aid Myanmar earthquake victims.
- **Judiciary:**
- India's 52nd Chief Justice: Justice V.R. Gavayi.
- **Aviation:**
- South East Asia's largest pilot training institute launched in Amravati, Maharashtra.
- **Historical Events:**
- Sir Shankar Nair's advocacy against the British: Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919).
- **Awards and Recognition:**
- Banu Musthaq: Writer from Karnataka, received an award for her book depicting the struggles of Muslim women, jointly awarded by England and Ireland.
- Geetaanjali Shree: Received an award in 2022 for her book, "Ret Ki Samadhi" (Tomb of Sand), translated into English as "Tom of Sand" by Daisy Rockwell.* **2023 International Booker Prize:**
* Awarded to *Tomb of Sand* by Geetanjali Shree, translated by Daisy Rockwell.
* **Sixth BIMSTEC Summit:** Hosted in Bangkok, Thailand.
* **Telangana:** Launched the "Bhoomi Bharathi" portal to ensure land security and transparency.
* **Cheetah Project:** Relocation of cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh approved.
* **India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise:** "Dustlik" exercise conducted in Pune.
* **Air Defense Systems:**
* China: HQ-9
* Russia: S-400 (Triumf), supplied to India.
* Israel: Iron Dome
* India: S-400 (from Russia), Akash Prime (with Akash missile), Samar (surface-to-air), and Vsarodh (short-range).
* USA: THAAD, with the upcoming Golden Dome missile defense shield.
* **The Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield:**
* A US$175 billion project.
* Designed to counter missile attacks from China and Russia.
* Will be more powerful and larger than Israel's Iron Dome system.
* Led by Michael Guetlein, head of the US Space Force.
* **International Awards:** Bhanu Musthaq from India was awarded the 2025 International Booker Prize for *Heart Lamp*.
* **International Observances:** International Tea Day was observed on May 21, 2025.
* **Geopolitical Developments:** Colombia joined the Belt and Road Initiative.
* **India Domestic Affairs:**
* Mizoram achieved complete functional literacy, becoming the first state to do so.
* Uttar Pradesh launched India's first Vista Dome jungle safari train.
* Tapan Kumar Deka, head of the Intelligence Bureau, received a one-year extension.
* Gujarat government launched the "iPragati 13 Tujhko Arpan" portal and "Unfreeze" application.
* **Sports:** Spanish and Liverpool football legend Pepe Reina announced his retirement at age 42.
* **Global Health:** The WHO adopted its first-ever global pandemic treaty.- **12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017):**
- Focused on rapid, sustainable, and inclusive development.
- Initial target growth rate of 9%, revised to 8.2%, then 8%, achieving 6.7-6.9%.
- Agriculture target: 4% growth.
- Fertility rate target: 2.1% (replacement rate).
- **Current Affairs Headlines (May 22, 2025):**
- USA announces $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense shield program.
- Bhanu Mustak (India) awarded 2025 International Booker Prize for *Heart Lamp*.
- International Tea Day celebrated on May 21, 2025.
- Colombia joins Belt and Road Initiative.
- Mizoram becomes first fully literate state.
- Tapan Kumar Deka (Intelligence Bureau chief) receives one-year extension.
- World Hydrogen Summit 2025 begins in Netherlands.
- Uttar Pradesh launches India's first Vista Dome jungle safari train.
- Pepe Reina (footballer) announces retirement at age 42.
- Gujarat government launches iPragati 13, Arpan portal, and Unfreeze application.
- WHO announces its first global pandemic treaty.
- **Kargil War:** The Kargil War took place during the Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002).
- **Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002):** Focused on economic prosperity with social justice and empowerment. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched during this plan.
- **Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007):** Relied on an input-output model and aimed for development with social justice and empowerment. Achieved the highest growth rate to date at 7.6%. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was enacted in 2005 and implemented nationwide on February 2, 2006.
- **Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012):** Targeted rapid and inclusive development. Achieved an 8% growth rate, the highest to date at that time. The Right to Education Act (RTE) was passed in 2009 and implemented from April 1, 2010.
- **Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997):**
* Based on the John W. Miller model.
* Focused on human resource development.
* 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities) enacted in 1992.
* Establishment of WTO on January 1, 1995.
* **Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002):**
* Focused on social justice, empowerment, and economic prosperity.
* Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) launched on December 25, 2000.
* Kargil War occurred during this period.
* **Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007):**
* Based on the input-output model.
* Focused on social justice, empowerment, and development.
* Achieved the highest growth rate up to that point: 7.6%.
* National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) enacted in 2005, implemented on February 2, 2006.
* **Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012):**
* Targeted rapid and inclusive development.
* Aimed for 9% growth rate, revised to 8.1%, achieved 8% growth (highest up to that point).
* Right to Education Act, 2009, implemented April 1, 2010.
- **Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990):**
- Goals: Modernization and social justice.
- Slogan: "Roti, Rozi, aur Utpadakta" (Bread, Employment, and Productivity) or "Bhojan, Kaam aur Utpadakta" (Food, Work, and Productivity).
- Growth rate target: 5%, achieved 6%.
- Establishment of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) in 1988.
- Two-year plan holiday (1990-1992).
- 1991: Foreign exchange crisis; adoption of the New Economic Policy (LPG – Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization).
- **Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997):**
- Based on the John W. Mellor model.
- Focus on human resource development.
- Context: The Human Development Index (HDI) was introduced in 1990-91 by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen, through the UNDP.
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) related to Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.
- Establishment of WTO on January 1, 1995.
- **Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985):**
- Input-Output model.
- Goals: Employment creation and poverty alleviation.
- Establishment of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in 1982.
- Nationalization of six more banks in 1980 (following earlier nationalization of 14).
- Operation Blue Star and India's control over Siachen Glacier in 1984.
- **Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990):**
- Goals: Modernization and social justice.
- Slogan: "Roti, Rozi, aur Utpadakta" (Food, Work, and Productivity).
- Target growth rate: 5%; Achieved growth rate: 6%.
- Establishment of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) in 1988.
- Followed by a two-year plan holiday (1990-1992).
- **1991 Economic Crisis:**
- Foreign exchange reserves crisis under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Adoption of the New Economic Policy (LPG): Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization.- **Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974):**
- Ashok Rudra Model.
- Godgil drafted the plan.
- Target: Economic development with stability.
- Achieved 3.3% growth vs. targeted 5.5-5.7%.
- 1971 India-Pakistan War.
- 1974: Operation Smiling Buddha (first nuclear test in Pokhran, Gujarat).
- 1969: Nationalization of 14 banks.
- **Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1978):**
- D.P. Dhar Model.
- Target: Poverty alleviation.
- Achieved 4.8% growth (target was 4.4%).
- Ended prematurely in 1978.
- **Rolling Plan (1978-1980):**
- Introduced after a change in government (Morarji Desai became PM).
- Originator: Dr. Gunnar Myrdal (book: *Asian Drama*).
- Implemented in India by L.K. Jha.
- **Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985):**
- Input-Output Model.
- Targets: Employment generation and poverty alleviation.
- 1982: Establishment of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).
- 1980: Nationalization of six more banks.
- 1984: Death of Indira Gandhi; Operation Blue Star; India took control of Siachen Glacier (Operation Meghdoot).
- **Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961):**
- Based on the Mahalanobis model, emphasizing heavy industry.
- Establishment of iron and steel plants in Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), Rourkela (Odisha), and Durgapur (West Bengal).
- Target growth rate: 4.5%; Achieved: 4.27%.
- **Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966):**
- Focused on both agriculture and industry (Sukhamoy Chakravarty model).
- Affected by the Sino-Indian War (1962) and the Indo-Pakistani War (1965), resulting in failure to meet targets.
- Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri; introduction of the slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan."
- Establishment of the Food Corporation of India (1965).
- **Plan Holiday (1966-1969):**
- Three-year gap after the Third Five-Year Plan.
- Introduction of annual plans.
- Green Revolution initiated to achieve food self-sufficiency.
- **First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956):**
- Based on the Harold Domar model.
- Drafted by K.N. Raj.
- Focused on agriculture.
- Targeted 2.1% growth; achieved 3.6%.