Daily Current Affairs and GK | 1 May 2025

Topic: Important Days

1. International Labour Day: 1 May

• International Labour Day is observed annually on 1 May to pay tribute to the contribution of workers around the world.
• In 1886, around 2,00,000 American labourers demanded eight hours of work-day and a huge strike took place.
• Later, the movement turned violent in Chicago. It was remembered as Haymarket Affairs.
• International Labour Day was first observed on May 1, 1889, by a coalition of socialist parties in Europe.
• Ever since, the day has been observed annually.
• International Labour Day is also known as May Day or Workers' Day.

Topic: Important Days

2. Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day: 1 May

• Every year on 1 May, Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are celebrated.
• In 2025, both states are celebrating their 65th foundation day.
• Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed in 1960 after the division of the Bombay province into two parts.
• Both states were formed on the basis of the language. The Marathi-speaking areas were included in Maharashtra, while Gujarati-speaking areas were included in Gujarat.
• The boundaries of the state were defined under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• Before 1960, Maharashtra was part of the Bombay State, which included present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

3. On 1 May, the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit 2025 inaugurated by PM Modi in Mumbai.

• The first edition of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 is being hosted by India at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025.
• A global platform for discussions on the future of the entertainment and audio-visual sectors will be provided through this summit.
• The event is being organized with the tagline ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’ to emphasize global collaboration.
• India is being positioned as a global center for media, digital innovation, and entertainment through this initiative.
• Key sectors such as films, OTT, gaming, comics, broadcasting, AI, and digital media are being integrated in this event.
• An exclusive zone called Creatosphere visited by PM Modi during the summit.
• He also interacted with creators selected through the 32 ‘Create in India’ challenges.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

4. Key infrastructure projects reviewed by PM Modi during the 46th Pragati meeting.

• On April 30, the 46th edition of PRAGATI held under the chairmanship of PM Narendra Modi.
• It is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for proactive governance and timely implementation involving the central and state governments.
• Eight major infrastructure projects—including three road projects and two projects each of railways and port, shipping, and waterways—were reviewed with a combined estimated cost of ₹90,000 crore.
• The Prime Minister emphasized Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for identification of beneficiaries under government schemes.
• He also instructed officials to explore the possibility of integrating additional programs into the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
• These should focus on promoting child care, improving health and hygiene practices, ensuring cleanliness, and addressing related aspects that enhance the overall well-being of mothers and newborns.
• While reviewing the Ring Road project, the Prime Minister emphasized its integration into broader urban planning, ensuring it supports the city’s long-term growth over the next 25 to 30 years through a holistic approach.
• Integration of a Circular Rail Network within urban transport systems was suggested as a sustainable mass transit solution.
• The Prime Minister emphasized strong community engagement along river stretches under the Jal Marg Vikas Project to boost cruise tourism and support local businesses, especially artisans under the ‘One District One Product’ initiative.
• The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of regularly updating departmental databases and using tools like PM Gatishakti for integrated planning.

Topic: National News

5. CBI cracked down on global child sexual exploitation network under Operation Hawk 2025.

• Based on intelligence from the US-led Operation Hawk, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled cybercrime networks involved in child sexual exploitation with global connections.
• A case was registered by the International Operations Division of the CBI against Sheikh Muizz Ahmed under Section 506 of Indian Penal Code, Section 66D of Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 12 read with Section 11 of POCSO Act, 2012.
• It was revealed that during March 2024, the accused from Mangaluru used the social media platform ‘Discord’ to exploit a minor girl from the USA.
• Obscene chats and explicit media were allegedly obtained by the accused through inducement and threats.
• Several locations in Mumbai and Mangaluru were searched by the CBI, leading to the seizure of mobile phones and laptops containing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
• Sheikh Muizz Ahmed was arrested and sent to judicial custody following the discovery of digital evidence.
• A second case was filed against Mukul Saini of Delhi under sections of the IPC, IT Act, and POCSO Act for similar offences.
• Between 2023 and 2024, the accused reportedly used platforms like ‘Discord’ and ‘Arisu’ to exploit another minor girl from the USA through coercion and blackmail.
• Extensive searches were carried out by the CBI in Delhi, where mobile phones and hard disks with incriminating content were recovered.
• Prior operations such as Operation Carbon (2021) and Megh Chakra (2022) were previously conducted by the CBI to address online child exploitation cases with international dimensions.

Topic: National Appointment

6. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma took over as Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army Command.

• On 30 April, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army Command, based in Udhampur.
• The post was earlier held by Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, who retired after serving a 15-month tenure.
• Lt. Gen. Kumar's retirement marks the end of over 30 years of distinguished military service.
• With more than three decades in the Army, Lt. Gen. Sharma has served in diverse and challenging operational theatres.
• Participation in key operations like Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak, and Parakram has been a part of his operational experience.
• Several crucial appointments have been held by Lt. Gen. Sharma, including Director General Military Operations and roles in the Military Secretary Branch.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: National News

7. The government has decided to include caste-based data collection in the next national census.

• The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs made this decision. 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs. 
• Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision. 
• He said the move reflects the government's commitment to inclusive governance. 
• He also referred to the earlier introduction of a 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. 
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also approved a major highway project. 
• The project will connect Shillong and Silchar. It will cost ₹22,864 crore. 
• The highway will be over 166 kilometers long. 
• It will increase connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley in Assam. 
• The committee also fixed a fair and remunerative price for sugarcane. 
• The price is set at ₹355 per quintal for the 2025–26 season. 
• This decision will benefit around five crore sugarcane farmers across the country.
• It is not yet clear when the next national census will be carried out.
• It was to be held in 2021 but could not be carried out because of the Covid pandemic.
• Under Article 246 of Indian Constitution, Census is a Union subject.

Topic: Books and Authors

8. The National Archives of India released a book titled ‘Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician’.

• The book tells the story of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. 
• It covers his life and his major contributions to mathematics. 
• The book follows Ramanujan’s journey from Erode, Tamil Nadu. 
• It highlights his groundbreaking work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. 
• His theorems and results still impress mathematicians around the world. 
• The authors of the book are Arun Singhal and Dr. Devendra Kumar Sharma. 
• Ramanujan:
  • Srinivasa Ramanujan Aiyangar was an Indian mathematician.
  • He is regarded as one among the greatest mathematicians of all time.
  • He had almost no formal training in pure mathematics.
  • He contributed significantly to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.
  • He was born in Erode, Mysore State, British India (now in Tamil Nadu, India).

Topic: Indian Economy

9. SEBI has issued a warning about ‘Opinion Trading’ platforms.

• These platforms allow users to bet on the outcome of yes-or-no events. 
• They often imitate legitimate trading services. This is done by using terms like profits, stop loss, and trading. 
• SEBI clarified that such activities are usually outside its regulatory scope.
• The reason is that the items traded are not considered securities. 
• Investors should be aware that SEBI’s protection mechanisms do not apply in these cases. 
• These platforms are not recognized as official stock exchanges. They are also not registered or regulated by SEBI. 
• Conducting securities trades on them is illegal. It can result in regulatory action. 
• SEBI has urged recognized exchanges to take action against such violations. 
• The press release aims to make the public aware about SEBI’s limited role regarding these platforms.

Topic: International News

10. The United States and Ukraine have agreed on a new economic partnership. 

• The deal gives the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. 
• Washington will get access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for a joint fund to invest in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
• In exchange, both countries will contribute to a fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. 
• The agreement follows months of detailed negotiations. 
• The U.S. Treasury confirmed the creation of a Reconstruction Investment Fund. 
• This fund will receive 50 percent of profits and royalties from new resource permits issued by Ukraine. 
• The U.S. will receive priority access to Ukraine’s natural resources. 
• However, it will not gain ownership of those resources. 
• The deal also excludes any control over Ukraine’s gas infrastructure. 
• An earlier version of the agreement was set for February. 
• It was delayed after a disagreement between President Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. 
• The disagreement occurred during a meeting at the White House.