Current Affairs 29 May 2025

Philippines allows visa-free entry for Indians under new rules.

• Objective: Boost tourism and strengthen India–Philippines ties.
• Policy Change: Philippines introduces visa-free entry for Indian nationals.
• Duration: Stay allowed for 14 or 30 days, based on eligibility.
• Eligibility: Depends on passport type and residency status.
• Expected Impact: Increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines.
• Attractions: Islands, beaches, and cultural sites await Indian travellers.

New method developed to detect hidden properties in exotic materials.

• Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, have developed a novel method to detect hidden quantum properties in exotic materials using a concept known as the spectral function.
• The spectral function, a tool previously used to measure electron behaviour, can also indicate the topological nature of materials.

Karnataka wins Tata-Airbus helicopter manufacturing unit.

• Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems will establish an H125 helicopter final assembly line in Kolar, Karnataka, marking India's first private helicopter assembly facility.
• This initiative supports the Make in India campaign, aiming for self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
• The plant will produce helicopters for India and neighboring countries.

India's first gene-edited sheep developed by Kashmir university.

• Researchers at a Kashmir-based Agricultural university have produced India’s first gene-edited sheep, marking a historic milestone in the field of animal biotechnology.
• The team of researchers led by Riaz Ahmad Shah had previously cloned India’s first Pashmina goat- Noori- in 2012, a milestone that garnered global acclaim.
• The gene editing was performed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Launch of "Know Your DIGIPIN" and "Know Your PIN Code" Web Portals.

• The Department of Posts launched two new digital platforms — Know Your DIGIPIN and Know Your PIN Code.
• DIGIPIN Portal: To enable digital address precision using geo-coded grids and enhance last-mile service delivery across India.
• PIN Code Portal: To modernize the traditional six-digit PIN Code system using geospatial technology and GNSS-based mapping.