INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. World’s first tourism crypto payment system:
why in news?
Bhutan unveils world’s first tourism crypto payment system
About the initiative and its importance:
- This move makes Bhutan the first sovereign country to officially integrate crypto payments into its national tourism policy, offering global travellers a seamless, cashless experience while enhancing financial inclusion within the kingdom.
- Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to allow international visitors to pay using over 100 cryptocurrencies.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. 50th Statehood Day:
Why in news?
Sikkim marks 50th Statehood Day with grand celebrations
About the Statehood Day Celebration:
- On 16 May 1975, Sikkim formally joined the Indian Union as its 22nd state, embarking on a democratic journey rooted in unity and aspiration.
- The Government of India issued a ₹50 commemorative coin on occasion of 50 Glorious Years of Statehood – Sikkim.
- The Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification on May 13, 2025, confirming this coin.
- In honour of the golden jubilee, the government will introduce initiatives in mental health, tourism, wildlife conservation, and folk literature.
- Awards and grants will be distributed to sportspeople and sports associations.
- Later in the day, Manan Kendra will host a felicitation ceremony for distinguished citizens, followed by a documentary screening on Sikkim’s five-decade journey and a Broadway-style cultural performance.
- The celebrations also witnessed the launch of the Festivals of Sikkim magazine, the “Visit Sikkim” mobile app, AR games, and a time capsule carrying official messages from the Governor and Chief Minister.
3. India Inclusive Summit:
Why in news?
India Inclusive Summit held in New Delhi
Aim of this summit:
- The India Inclusive Summit was held on 15 May 2025 on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
- Global Accessibility Day is observed on the third Thursday of May every year.
- The summit was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The summit highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive technology and public services for all, including persons suffering from disability/impairment.
GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS
4. ‘Mahila Samvad’ campaign:
Why in news?
Bihar Govt launches ‘Mahila Samvad’ campaign
Aim of this Mahila samvad campaign:
- In a landmark initiative to empower women across Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the ‘Mahila Samvad’ campaign.
- During the campaign, government officials will reach out to 2 crore women and do publicity campaigns and receive feedback about the women empowerment schemes of the Nitish Kumar-led government.
- The feedback collected from programmes will be used to resolve problems.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
5. ‘UP AGREES’ & ‘AI Pragya’ Initiatives:
Why in news?
Uttar Pradesh partners with World Bank to launch ‘UP AGREES’ & ‘AI Pragya’ Initiatives
About the objective of this initiative:
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched these initiatives in the presence of World Bank President Ajay Banga in Lucknow.
- UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Accelerated Growth through Resilient, Equitable and Sustainable Agriculture) will focus on agricultural innovation in 28 districts across Bundelkhand and Purvanchal Under Al Pragya (Artificial Intelligence Programme for Resourcefulness, Awareness, Growth, and Youth Advancement), 10 lakh youth will be trained in Al and digital technologies with the focus in Government services, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
SPORTS NEWS
6. Khelo India Youth Games 2025 concludes:
- Maharashtra maintained its dominance in the Khelo India Youth Games by finishing at the top of the medals tally by winning 158 medals
– 58 gold,
– 47 silver, and
– 53 bronze.
- Haryana (117 medals) was at the second place while Rajasthan (60) was third.
- Maharashtra has traditionally dominated the Khelo India Youth Games since its first edition in 2018.
- It has topped the medal tally five times: 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
- 7th Khelo India Youth Games were held for the first time in Bihar from 4 to 15 May 2025.
- Mascot of the games: ‘Gajasimha’