Current Affairs 21 May 2025

GeM emerges as largest procurement platform globally.

• GeM, one of the world’s largest e-procurement platforms, celebrated its 8th incorporation day, highlighting its growth and efficiency.
• CEO Mihir Kumar noted that GeM has onboarded 10 lakh MSMEs, 1.3 lakh artisans, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups.
• The platform now supports 1.64 lakh primary buyers, 4.2 lakh active sellers, offering 10,000+ product categories and 330+ service.

Bihar showcases agri-food strength at International Buyer-Seller Meet.

• Bihar took centre stage in India’s agri-food export push as the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) 2025 commenced in Patna.
• Organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in collaboration with APEDA, TPCI, and the Government of Bihar, the two-day event aims to boost food exports, facilitate global trade linkages, and unlock the state’s rich agricultural potential.

India's Core Industries Index Records 0.5% Growth in April 2025.

• The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew by 0.5% in April 2025 compared to April 2024, driven by cement, coal, steel, electricity, and natural gas production.
• The cumulative growth rate for April 2024 – March 2025 stood at 4.5% (provisional), with January 2025’s final growth rate recorded at 5.1%.

Mizoram Declared India’s First Fully Literate State.

• CM Lalduhoma officially declared Mizoram a fully literate state, marking a historic milestone in education.
• The achievement was celebrated in Aizawl, with dignitaries including Minister Jayant Chaudhary and Dr. Vanlalthlana in attendance.
• Mizoram surpassed 95% literacy, following door-to-door surveys and educational initiatives under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

India Showcases Green Hydrogen Vision at World Hydrogen Summit 2025.

• MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlighted India’s renewable energy leadership and green hydrogen potential at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030, targeting USD 100 billion in investments and 600,000 jobs.