Current Context: Hyderabad-based fintech company Goldsikka has unveiled the world’s first AI-powered Gold-Melting ATM, enhancing the way users interact with gold transactions.

Features and Functionalities:

• Services Offered:
  • Buy and sell gold
  • Melting and purity testing
  • Instant valuation based on real-time market prices
  • Direct bank transfer within 30 minutes
• Technological Integrations:
  • Augmented Reality (AR) for virtual jewellery try-on
  • AI-based security measures, including Aadhaar verification and ID proof checks
  • Automated crime detection and alert systems

Current Context: Recently, Sujata Chaturvedi, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, was appointed as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Profile:

• Educational Background: Postgraduate degree in History, M.Phil in Public Administration, and a Diploma in Russian language
• Career Highlights: Served in various key positions at both state and central levels, including as Sports Secretary
• Tenure: Her term as UPSC member will be governed by Article 316 of the Constitution of India.

Current Context: The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games commenced on May 4, 2025, in Bihar, marking the state’s inaugural hosting of this national multi-sport event.

Key Highlights:

• Duration: May 4 – 15, 2025
• Host Cities: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and events in New Delhi
• Participants: Over 10,000, including more than 6,000 athletes
• Sports: 27 disciplines, with esports introduced as a demonstration sport
• Notable Additions: Inclusion of sepaktakraw as a medal sport.

Current Context: The Indian Army has received a new batch of Russian-made Igla-S man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to bolster its capabilities against low-flying aerial threats.

About Igla-S:

• Type: Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
• Features:
  • Infrared homing for target acquisition
  • Effective against drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft
  • Range: Up to 6 km; Altitude: Up to 3.5 km
• Deployment: Supplied to forward formations to counter threats along the borders.

Current Context: India has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, using CRISPR-Cas technology to enhance yield and climate resilience.

About Genome-Edited Rice Varieties:

• DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): Developed by ICAR–IIRR (Indian Institute of Rice Research), Hyderabad, by targeting the CKX2 (Cytokinin Oxidase 2) gene to increase grain numbers per panicle.
• Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, as an improved version of the fine-grain rice MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu).
• Benefits: These varieties promise a 20-30% yield increase, superior drought tolerance, high nitrogen-utilization efficiency, reduced water consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.
• Approval: Genome editing of Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes has been approved under India’s biosafety regulations for general crops.

Current Context: On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.

About Operation Sindoor:

• Background:
  • Initiated as a direct response to the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which was planned and directed from camps across the border.
  • Aimed at dismantling bases used by groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and “The Resistance Front.”
• Targets:
  • Nine sites including Markaz Subhan Allah, Syedna Bilal (JeM), Sarjal (Tehra Kalan), and Markaz Abbas(Kotli).
  • These camps were involved in training terrorists for attacks in India, including 26/11 Mumbai.
• Symbolism of the Name:
  • “Sindoor” (vermilion) is applied by Hindu married women—spilled sindoor in the operation’s logo symbolizes the blood of 25 murdered spouses and the vow to avenge.

Current Context: The Election Commission of India announced ECINET as a unified digital portal in May 2025, consolidating over 40 electoral applications into one interface.

About ECINET:

• Platform Scope:
  • Integrates apps including Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, Voter Turnout, Suvidha 2.0, ESMS, and more.
  • Aims to eliminate multiple downloads/login requirements.
• User Benefits:
  • Single-window access for 100+ crore electors, 5 lakh Booth Level Officers, and 45 lakh polling staff.
  • Real-time notifications, grievance redressal, and streamlined workflows.

Current Context: Recently, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), enhancing underwater defence capabilities against stealth vessels.

About MIGM:

• Background:
  • Designed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
  • Collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Apollo Microsystems Limited.
• Technological Features:
  • Multi-sensor Detection: Acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signature sensors.
  • Deployment Modes: Cable-controlled mode for remote operation; autonomous mode for pattern-based targeting.
  • Materials & Electronics: FRP composites, high-density power packs, embedded software for target discrimination.

World Thalassaemia Day is marked on 8 May 2025

Aim : to raise awareness about thalassaemia and honor patients, families, and caregivers worldwide.

• Established in 1994 by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF).
• 2025 theme: “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients.”
• Disease Overview:
  • Genetic blood disorder characterized by reduced hemoglobin synthesis.
  • Requires regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy; widespread in South Asia and Mediterranean regions.

Observed on 8 May 2025

Aim : to commemorate Henry Dunant’s birthday—founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

• Founder & History:
  • Henry Dunant born in Geneva, 1828.
  • Established the ICRC in 1863 and received the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
  • First celebrated in 1948; renamed in 1984 to include Red Crescent societies.