Daily Current Affairs and GK | 10 May 2025

Topic: Important Days

1. World Lupus Day: 10 May

• World Lupus Day is celebrated every year on 10 May.
• This day is celebrated to raise awareness about lupus.
• The theme for 2025 is “Let's Make Lupus Visible Together”.
• Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. It can affects different parts of the body.
• It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart and even the brain.
• It is a chronic autoimmune disease where healthy tissues are attacked by the immune system.
• In this, the body's immune system is unable to identify which are its own organs and which are external viruses or bacteria.
• This disease is more prevalent in women, especially between the ages of 15 and 44 years.
• The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person.
• Some feel more tired, some have joint pain, and some get skin rashes, while some have problems like fever and hair loss.

Topic: Personality in News

2. Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025: 9 May

• Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2025 marks the 164th birth anniversary of the legendary Indian thinker, poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.
• This annual event is celebrated on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh, which typically falls in April or May.
• Rabindranath Tagore was given several honors and titles such as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’, recognizing his immense influence in the cultural and literary world.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s contributions to the fields of literature, music, and art continue to inspire generations, ensuring his place as one of India’s greatest intellectuals.
• Rabindranath Tagore
  • He was the first Asian Nobel laureate. He was a poet, playwright, philosopher, and reformer.
  • He was born on 7 May 1861. He was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj.
  • He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
  • He has written more than 2000 songs, which are known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.
  • Gandhiji gave the title of “Gurudev” to Rabindranath Tagore.
  • The birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is also called Pachishe Boishakh in Bengali.

Topic: State News/Punjab

3. Anti-Drone Systems approved by Punjab government to tackle narco-terrorism.

• The procurement of nine anti-drone systems has been approved by the Punjab Cabinet to enhance surveillance across six border districts.
• These systems will be deployed in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to monitor and counter narco-terror activities along the international border.
• The Cabinet also announced that terror victims and war-injured civilians will now be covered under the state’s ‘Farishtey Scheme’ for free treatment at any hospital.
• Ministers have been directed to visit border areas to oversee the availability of essential commodities and check black marketing.
• The 532-km stretch of border with Pakistan, from Pathankot to Abohar, has been marked for drone system deployment.
• State-of-the-art signal jammers are also planned for installation in 13 prisons across Punjab to prevent illegal communications.

Topic: Art and Culture

4. The 10th International Trade Fair began in Nepal on 8 May.

• The 10th International Trade Fair was inaugurated by Nepal’s Commerce Minister Damodar Bhandari at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
• The five-day event features 120 pavilions with participation from Nepal, China, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
• Major exhibits from China include EVs, electronics, agricultural tools, garments, home decor, and Tibetan incense.
• Nepali handicrafts, including wooden sculptures, ritual objects, jewellery, tea, coffee, and Himalayan herbs, are displayed.
• The fair is designed to facilitate global business-to-business interactions and showcase ‘Made in Nepal’ products.
• FNCCI president Umesh Dalmia said Nepal plans to make the event similar to the International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi.
• The aim of the trade fair is to provide a platform for business-to-business relations for the international market.

Topic: International News

5. The US and the UK announced a ‘breakthrough' trade deal under Trump and Starmer.

• On 8 May, a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom was announced by US President Donald Trump, who called it the "first of many."
• The deal includes reduced import taxes on selected British cars and tariff-free access for certain UK steel and aluminium products.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the announcement via video link, terming the agreement ‘fantastic’ and ‘historic.’
• The US agreed to lower car import duties from 25% to 10% annually for 100,000 UK-manufactured vehicles.
• British luxury car brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce are expected to benefit from the agreement.
• However, a 10% tariff would remain on most British goods under the new arrangement.
• Trump said the agreement, highlighted by reciprocity and fairness, enhances access for U.S. agricultural products, though final documentation is still in progress.
• The United States remains the top destination for British cars in 2024, receiving more than 25% of U.K. auto exports.
• According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. recorded a goods trade surplus of $11.9 billion with the UK last year.
• The total amount of goods imported by the U.S. from the U.K. last year was $68 billion, just 2% of total U.S. imports.

Topic: Miscellaneous

6. 80^th Victory Day Parade hosted by Russia amid ongoing Ukraine conflict.

• On 9 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin led the Victory Day parade in Moscow to mark 80 years since the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany.
• May 9, commonly known as Victory Day, is one of Russia's biggest secular festivals and is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur to demonstrate Moscow's status as a strong global power.
• The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in the phase of World War II it called the Great Patriotic War (1941-45), an enormous sacrifice that left deep scars on the national psyche.
• At the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin – the Kremlin's longest-serving head of state since Joseph Stalin – stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio and several other high-profile figures.
• This marks the fourth Victory Day parade since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar attended the Victory Day event at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Dr. Jaishankar said that the victory in the war over fascism in 1945 has immense significance.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

7. India and New Zealand have completed the first phase of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks in New Delhi.

• This development is a major step toward strengthening economic and trade relations.
• Prior to this, several virtual meetings helped prepare for the in-person negotiations.
• Discussions focused on trade in goods, services, trade facilitation, and economic cooperation.
• Both countries highlighted the need for a fair and balanced trade agreement.
• They agreed to work together on a modern and forward-looking FTA.
• There is a shared goal to finalize the agreement within this year.
• The next round of negotiations will take place in July 2025.
• In 2024–25, bilateral trade in goods reached 1.3 billion USD.
• This represents an increase of over 48% compared to the previous financial year.
• The FTA is expected to expand trade and investment potential.
• It aims to improve supply chain connectivity.
• It will also help create a stable and dynamic business environment for both countries.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

8. The 72nd Miss World pageant begins today in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• The opening ceremony will be held this evening at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
• This marks the start of a three-week series of events across the state.
• The program will combine fashion, cultural experiences, and social impact initiatives.
• It is the first time in the pageant’s 73-year history that one country is hosting it for two consecutive years.
• Last year’s edition took place in Mumbai in March.
• Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Limited, said the event aims to uplift communities and promote diversity.
• She also emphasized its focus on meaningful change through the theme of "beauty with a purpose."
• Telangana Tourism has announced a detailed schedule for the contestants.
• They will visit cultural and historic sites in Warangal, Pochampally, Buddhavanam, Yadagirigutta, and Mahabubnagar.
• On May 13, a heritage walk will be held through Charminar and Laad Bazaar.
• Contestants will also visit AIG Hospitals.
• They will tour the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre.
• This will help them learn about safety measures and tourism development in the state.
• The Continental Finale will take place on May 20.
• The Talent Finale will be held at Shilpakala Vedika on May 22.
• The ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ event is scheduled for May 26.
• The grand finale of the pageant will be held on May 31.
• Winners, including the new Miss World, will be crowned at the event.
• The pageant will officially conclude on June 2.
• On this day, contestants will meet the Governor and Chief Minister of Telangana at Raj Bhavan.
• This closing event coincides with Telangana’s State Formation Day celebrations.

Topic: International News

9. India opted out of voting at the recent IMF Board Meeting on financial aid for Pakistan.

• It voiced serious concerns about the potential misuse of IMF funds by Pakistan.
• India specifically pointed to the risk of those funds supporting cross-border terrorism.
• The IMF was evaluating two aid programs for Pakistan.
• These included a $1 billion Extended Fund Facility and a $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
• India criticized the IMF for possibly enabling Pakistan’s ongoing support of terrorism.
• It warned that such decisions could damage the reputation of international financial institutions.
• India stated that this also undermines global values and principles.
• Pakistan has been a frequent IMF borrower over the years.
• Its record of complying with IMF conditions is poor.
• Since 2019, Pakistan has entered into four different IMF programs.
• India argued that Pakistan's recurring need for bailouts signals the failure of previous efforts.
• It said these programs have not succeeded in establishing economic stability.
• India also questioned whether the IMF’s program design and oversight are effective in Pakistan's case.
• The IMF acknowledged India's concerns.
• It also took note of India's decision to abstain from the vote.

Topic: Indian Economy

10. Morningstar DBRS has upgraded India’s Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Ratings from BBB (low) to BBB.

• The rating has been given a Stable outlook.
• India’s Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Ratings were also raised from R-2 (middle) to R-2 (high).
• This rating also carries a Stable outlook.
• The upgrade is based on India’s structural reforms, including infrastructure development and digitalisation.
• India’s fiscal consolidation efforts have resulted in reduced debt and deficit levels.
• The country has experienced strong macroeconomic stability, with an average GDP growth of 8.2% from FY22 to FY25.
• Inflation has been kept in check, the exchange rate has remained stable, and external balances are solid.
• The banking sector has shown resilience, with well-capitalised banks and a 13-year low in non-performing loans.
• India’s credit rating may improve further if reforms continue and lead to increased investment and growth.
• Despite the high public debt, the risk to debt sustainability is low due to local currency borrowing and long-term debt maturities.
• Further reforms and a reduction in the public debt-to-GDP ratio could lead to additional upgrades.
• Morningstar DBRS’s rating system is similar to Fitch and S&P but uses 'high' and 'low' as suffixes instead of the +/- symbols.
• Morningstar DBRS is a global sovereign credit rating agency.