Current Affairs 23 May 2025

Eight core industries record 0.5% growth in April 2025.

• The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew by 0.5% in April 2025 compared to April 2024, reflecting steady industrial performance.
• The ICI represents 40.27% of India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP), serving as a key economic indicator.
• The data was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, providing a snapshot of India's core industrial performance.

FSSAI Starts Campaign to Curb the Use of Harmful Ripening Techniques.

• Objective: Promote food safety and protect public health.
• Action Taken:
• Directed all states and Union Territories to act against illegal fruit ripening.
• Focus on curbing the use of banned agents like calcium carbide, especially during mango season.
• Reason:
• Address health risks from chemically ripened fruits.
• Respond to rising public health concerns.
• Part of: A nationwide enforcement drive to reduce chemical contamination in fruits.

Gujarat Sees 32% Rise in Lion Population Since 2020..

• Lion Count: Gujarat records 891 Asiatic lions in 2025.
• Growth: 32% rise over five years.
• Success: Result of conservation efforts like Project Lion.
• Concern: Lions moving into human-inhabited areas.
• Challenge: Managing rising human-wildlife conflict.

Trump Announces Futuristic $175 Billion Missile Shield Named "Golden Dome".

• Initiative: President Trump unveils Golden Dome, a next-gen missile defense system.
• Cost: $175B initially; could exceed $500B.
• Goal: Shield U.S. from advanced threats, including hypersonic and space-launched missiles.
• Technology: Includes space-based interceptors and lasers.
• Significance: One of the most ambitious U.S. defense projects ever launched.

15% Suez Canal Toll Discount Introduced Following Red Sea Ceasefire.

• Action: Suez Canal Authority offers 15% toll discount for large container ships.
• Reason: Following US-Houthi ceasefire easing Red Sea tensions.
• Goal: Revive maritime traffic and boost revenues after shipping disruptions.
• Context: Discount targets major cargo vessels to restore Suez Canal’s trade flow.