Current Affairs 12 May 2025

La Prensa Wins UNESCO Press Freedom Prize Amidst Repression.

• Nicaragua’s La Prensa was awarded the 2025 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
• The century-old newspaper has faced censorship, asset confiscations, and arrests under the Ortega-Murillo regime but remains committed to fearless journalism.
• The award honors its resilience and commitment to press freedom, reinforcing global awareness of media suppression.

Public Sector Banks Report Record ₹1.78 Lakh Crore Profit in FY25.

• India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) posted a historic ₹1.78 lakh crore profit in FY25, a 26% increase over the previous year.
• SBI led the surge, contributing over 40% of the total earnings, with its net profit reaching ₹70,901 crore.
• Punjab National Bank recorded the highest percentage growth in profit at 102%, followed by Punjab & Sind Bank at 71%.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates BrahMos Aerospace Testing Facility at LKO.

• Rajnath Singh inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace Integration & Testing Facility in Lucknow, reinforcing India’s military capabilities.
• Operation Sindoor was launched to target terrorist infrastructure across the border, showcasing India’s strategic resolve.
• The facility inauguration coincided with National Technology Day, marking India’s advancements since the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998.

SEBI & IEPFA Launch "Niveshak Shivir" to Assist Investors.

• SEBI and the IEPFA convened a strategic meeting in Mumbai for the nationwide Niveshak Shivir initiative.
• The program aims to help investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares, improve financial literacy, and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
• Dedicated helpdesks will be established to provide direct assistance from company representatives and Registrars & Transfer Agents (RTAs).

UP AGREES & AI Pragya: Transforming Agriculture & Digital Skilling.

• UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched two World Bank-supported initiatives—UP AGREES and AI Pragya—on May 9, 2025.
• UP AGREES focuses on agricultural innovation across 28 districts, promoting technology-driven, climate-resilient farming.
• AI Pragya aims to train 10 lakh youth in AI and digital technologies, enhancing skills in education, healthcare, and governance.