Current Affairs 17 May 2025

UN Report Confirms India as Fastest-Growing Large Economy.

• The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-year report forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.3% for 2025, with a slight increase to 6.4% in 2026.
• Growth is driven by strong private consumption and public investment, despite global economic uncertainties.
• The global economy is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, with trade tensions and policy uncertainty impacting projections.

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 150 Billion Mark.

• Aadhaar authentication transactions surpassed 150 billion, marking a major milestone for UIDAI and India’s digital economy.
• In April 2025, 210 crore transactions were recorded—8% higher than April 2024, reflecting the increasing adoption of Aadhaar-based services.
• Aadhaar e-KYC enhances customer experience and facilitates ease of doing business in banking and financial sectors.

World Food Prize for scientist for growing food with fewer chemicals.

• Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria, has been named the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate.
• Hungria developed seed and soil treatments using beneficial bacteria like rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense.
• Her innovations help soybeans fix nitrogen naturally and enhance root growth in crops like corn, improving nutrient and water uptake.

India, EU Launch ₹391 Crore Projects to Tackle Marine Plastic.

• India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major research and innovation initiatives aimed at tackling marine plastic litter and developing waste-to-hydrogen technologies.
• These initiatives were introduced with a joint investment of 391 crore rupees.
• Despite global efforts, marine pollution continues to threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and impact human health.

India Launches First Academia-Industry CCU Testbed Cluster for Cement.

• Department of Science and Technology (DST) unveiled five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds to combat industrial carbon emissions in the cement sector.
• The initiative aligns with India’s Climate Action and Net Zero goals, promoting sustainable industrial transition toward carbon neutrality by 2070.