CURRENT AFFAIRS
24 May, 2025
1. PM E-DRIVE SCHEME –
• In a major step toward sustainable clean urban mobility, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will deploy electric buses under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, with a focus on major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
What is the PM E-DRIVE Scheme?
• About: The PM E-DRIVE is a flagship scheme approved by Cabinet with Rs. 10,900 crore outlay; effective from October 2024, to March 2026.
• The primary objective of this initiative is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across various categories, build robust EV charging infrastructure, and develop a strong domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• PM E-DRIVE Scheme builds on earlier programs like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-I) (2015), FAME-II (2019) to accelerate adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers.
2. WORLD HYDROGEN SUMMIT 2025 –
• At the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy outlined India’s initiatives to emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen production.
What is Green Hydrogen (GH2)?
• About: Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources like solar power, or via biomass gasification.
• Applications: Its use include fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), industrial uses such as fertilizers and refineries sector, and transportation sectors like road and rail.
3. WINGS INDIA 2026 TO TAKE OFF FROM HYDERABAD IN JANUARY –
• The announcement of Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad is significant as it highlights the growing importance of India’s civil aviation sector, which is rapidly expanding due to rising air travel demand and technological advancements.
• The event will showcase innovations, facilitate investments, and promote skill development, making it a key milestone for industry stakeholders. With a curtain raiser scheduled in Delhi on May 23, the event is gaining momentum and attention from both domestic and international participants.
Aim
• To provide a comprehensive platform that promotes the growth and development of India’s civil aviation sector.
Objectives
• Bring together stakeholders from various aviation sub-sectors including commercial, general, business aviation, and advanced air mobility.
• Foster collaborations between manufacturers, airlines, investors, and policy-makers.
• Showcase technological advancements and innovations in aviation.
• Promote investment opportunities and facilitate knowledge sharing.
• Support skill development initiatives to meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.
4. PM MODI INAUGURATES RISING NORTH EAST INVESTORS SUMMIT 2025, BOOSTING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT –
• The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 is in the spotlight due to its emphasis on attracting large-scale investments and fostering economic growth in one of India’s most diverse and strategically important regions. With a focus on infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, the summit represents the government’s commitment to making the Northeast a front-runner in India’s development narrative. The event is crucial for promoting regional integration and enhancing the economic opportunities for local communities.Aim and Objectives.
• Aim: To boost investment inflows and accelerate economic growth in the North Eastern states of India.
Objectives
• Showcase Northeast’s vast potential across multiple sectors such as tourism, textiles, bio-economy, and energy.
• Facilitate Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements.
• Strengthen collaboration between central ministries, state governments, and private investors.
• Promote sustainable and inclusive development for local communities.
• Create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure connectivity.
5. RBI TRANSFERS RECORD ₹2.69 LAKH CRORE SURPLUS TO CENTRE FOR FY25 –
• The RBI has made headlines for approving the highest-ever dividend to the Government of India. This move is not only significant for fiscal policy and deficit management but also reflects India’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals post-COVID.
Context and Decision
• RBI’s 616th Central Board meeting held on May 23, 2025.
• Chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• Approved ₹2,68,590.07 crore as surplus transfer for FY25.
About the Surplus Transfer
• Surplus derived from RBI’s income from open market operations, foreign exchange, and investments.
• Surplus is transferred after accounting for expenses, provisions, and risk buffers.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. SPICED scheme is implemented under which ministry ?
a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
b) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
d) Ministry of Rural Development
Q2. Which state has become the first fully literate state in India ?
a) Mizoram
b) Assam
c) Uttarakhand
d) Himachal Pradesh
Q3. The Irula Tribe is primarily found in which region ?
a) Nilgiri Mountains
b) Aravalli Hills
c) Ladakh
d) Chotanagpur Plateau
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding border infrastructure development in India:
1. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) operates primarily under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for infrastructure development only along India’s land borders with China and Pakistan.
2. The Sela Tunnel project, providing all-weather connectivity, is located in the state of Sikkim on the border with Nepal.
3. The Vibrant Villages Programme aims to enhance infrastructure and economic opportunities in border villages primarily located along the northern border (Indo-China border).
4. Project DANTAK, executed by the BRO, focuses on developing road infrastructure within Bhutan, contributing to bilateral cooperation.
How many of the above statements are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) functions under the Ministry of Defence. While it plays a crucial role along the borders with China and Pakistan, its mandate extends to other border areas (e.g., Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan) and friendly foreign countries, as well as infrastructure development in difficult terrains within India, including non-border areas.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Sela Tunnel project provides all-weather connectivity to Tawang and other forward areas. It is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China (Tibet Autonomous Region), not Sikkim or near the Nepal border.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Vibrant Villages Programme is a centrally sponsored scheme announced in the 2022 budget, focusing on comprehensive development of select border villages primarily along India’s northern border (states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and UT of Ladakh) facing China, to improve infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and reverse out-migration.
• Statement 4 is correct. Project DANTAK is one of the oldest projects undertaken by the BRO, established in 1961 at the request of the Bhutanese government. It has been instrumental in developing crucial road infrastructure (highways, bridges, airfields) within Bhutan, signifying strong India-Bhutan bilateral ties.
Q5. Which one of the following geographical features is not typically associated with the topography of the Tibetan Plateau ?
a) High-altitude cold deserts like the Qiangtang Plateau.
b) Presence of major mountain ranges like the Himalayas to its south and Kunlun to its north.
c) Deep river valleys and ravines, particularly in its southeastern parts.
d) Extensive, low-lying coastal plains and mangrove ecosystems.
Explanation-
• The Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World,” is characterized by extremely high average elevations (4,500–5,000 metres).
• Option (a) is correctly associated; the Qiangtang Plateau in northern Tibet is a high-altitude, cold desert.
• Option (b) is correctly associated; the Himalayas form its southern boundary, and the Kunlun Mountains are to its north.
• Option (c) is correctly associated; the southeastern parts of Tibet feature deep valleys and ravines carved by major rivers.
• Option (d) is not associated with the Tibetan Plateau. Extensive, low-lying coastal plains and mangrove ecosystems are features of coastal regions at or near sea level, which is antithetical to the high-altitude, landlocked nature of Tibet.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
C | A | A | B | D |