Monthly Current Affair GK Digest: May 2025

International News

FTA Impact: Expected to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, reducing tariffs and trade barriers.
Double Contribution Convention: Exempts Indian workers in the UK from paying social security contributions for three years, saving ₹4,000 crore.
Strategic Discussions: Negotiations were led by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds, following talks between PM Narendra Modi and PM Keir Starmer.
Sectoral Benefits: Boosts IT, auto components, and consulting sectors, enhancing India’s global competitiveness.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list for the third consecutive year, earning $275 million, driven by his Saudi Pro League salary and endorsements.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes

The combined earnings of the top 10 athletes reached $1.4 billion, marking a slight increase from $1.38 billion in 2024.

Financial Inclusion – Waste pickers will receive access to credit, subsidies, and financial aid to improve their livelihoods.
Digital Profiling & Registration – Around 2.5 lakh waste pickers will be formally identified and issued occupational photo ID cards.
Health & Safety Measures – Beneficiaries will get Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY health insurance, PPE kits, and skill training.
Decentralized Waste Collection Centers – Waste picker collectives will manage local waste collection hubs, ensuring better working conditions.
This collaboration aims to enhance dignity, financial security, and social inclusion for waste pickers across India.

The theme for this year’s event was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing yoga’s role in holistic wellness, sustainable living, and global harmony.
Key Highlights:

Mass Yoga Demonstration: Over 6,000 participants performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), promoting accessibility and inclusivity in yoga practice.
Launch of Yoga Sangam Portal: A digital platform connecting yoga enthusiasts nationwide for synchronized IDY 2025 celebrations.
Expert Sessions: Renowned yoga gurus and Ayurveda experts conducted sessions on mental resilience, spiritual balance, and therapeutic yoga.
Minister’s Address: Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s global leadership in yoga and wellness.

On May 1, 2025, the Indian government merged Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) and Karnataka Gramin Bank (KGB) to form Karnataka Grameena Bank, headquartered in Ballari, Karnataka, under the ‘One State, One RRB’ policy.
Ownership: Central Govt 50%, State Govt 15%, Canara Bank 35%.
Scale: 1,751 branches, ₹1,04,851 crore turnover, India’s second-largest RRB.
Leadership: Sreekant M. Bhandiwad appointed as Chairman.

Goldsikka unveiled its AI-powered Gold Melting ATM on May 3, 2025, in Hyderabad, revolutionizing gold transactions.
Gold Deposit & Melting: Users deposit gold; the machine melts and tests purity.
Value Assessment: Determines worth based on purity and market rates.
Instant Payment: Transfers funds within 30 minutes if accepted.
Security: Aadhar & ID verification, with police alerts for criminal records.

This digest is not complete. Read the complete digest on the General Awareness Course.