IMPORTANT DAYS
World Red Cross Day 2025 observed on May 8.
• World Red Cross Day is observed annually on May 8 to honour humanitarian efforts worldwide.
• In 2025, the day marks the 197th birth anniversary of Jean Henry Dunant, the Red Cross founder.
• The theme for this year is “Keeping Humanity Alive,” paying tribute to those easing human suffering.
• The day highlights the dedication of volunteers and professionals who protect human dignity, sometimes at great personal risk.
• It celebrates the principles of the Red Crescent Movement and the International Red Cross’s humanitarian mission.
• Henry Dunant, born on May 8, founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and won the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
• The inaugural World Red Cross Day was observed on May 8, 1948.
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), established in 1919, has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
NATIONAL NEWS
Enforcement Directorate Raids in GST Money Laundering Probe
• The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at nine locations across Kolkata, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur.
• These raids are part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving GST-related fraud.
• Authorities suspect the creation of fake invoices amounting to approximately ₹14,325 crore.
• These fraudulent invoices allegedly facilitated wrongful claims of Input Tax Credit (ITC).
• The total value of ineligible ITC claims is estimated to be over ₹800 crore.
• The investigation is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Searches aim to collect evidence and seize assets acquired through illegal activities.
• Input Tax Credit allows businesses to offset taxes paid on purchases against their sales tax liability, reducing overall tax payments.
India Rises as Third-Largest Vehicle Manufacturer; Bioenergy and Agriculture Gain Focus
• India has become the world’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
• Automobile demand is rising, leading to increased fossil fuel consumption alongside production growth.
• Strengthening the economy requires reducing fossil fuel imports and boosting vehicle exports.
• Agriculture is currently economically unviable; sustainable solutions are needed to increase farmers’ profitability.
• Financial self-reliance hinges on making agriculture more rewarding for farmers.
• Biofuels offer a way to raise farmers’ income, cut pollution, and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
• There is an urgent need to reduce India’s Rs 22 lakh crore fossil fuel import bill and pollution from crop burning and vehicle emissions.
• Converting agricultural waste, crop residue, bamboo, and biomass into green fuel and value-added products is now essential.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Robert Francis Prevost Elected as First American Pope Leo XIV
• Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, becoming the first pope from the United States.
• He chose the papal name Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who led the Church for 12 years.
• Pope Francis was widely recognized for his progressive and compassionate leadership but faced opposition from conservative groups.
• Pope Leo XIV now confronts major challenges, including healing a divided Church and addressing ongoing global conflicts.
• A critical priority for the new pope is managing the long-lasting impact of the sexual abuse scandals within the Church.
• The conclave began on May 7, 2025, with 133 cardinals participating in the election process held at the Sistine Chapel.
• The election result was announced through white smoke signals on the evening of May 8, confirming Prevost’s selection.
• While the exact number of ballots is unknown, past papal elections have ranged from four to five rounds of voting.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi’s Official Visit to India and India-Iran Relations
• Iran’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abbas Araghchi, has arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit.
• During the visit, he will co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting.
• This is his first trip to India since assuming office as Foreign Minister in August last year.
• The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty.
• The Joint Commission will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and discussing shared interests.
• The meeting aims to explore new avenues for strengthening India-Iran ties.
• India and Iran established formal diplomatic relations with a friendship treaty signed on March 15, 1950.
• India remains one of Iran’s top trading partners and jointly collaborates on projects like the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar under a 2015 MoU.
STATE NEWS
Tripura’s Rangacherra: First Green Village Powered by Solar Energy and Clean Water
• Rangacherra village in Tripura’s Mohanpur subdivision has been declared the state’s first green village through a government-led initiative.
• The project included installing a solar power plant and solar-based water purification systems to enhance rural living conditions.
• The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) managed the pilot project under the Rangacherra gram panchayat.
• TREDA invested ₹1.25 crore to provide solar home lighting and other sustainable energy solutions to local residents.
• The solar plant is connected to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation grid, allowing excess power to be fed back to the state network.
• A solar-powered water purification system now supplies clean drinking water, resolving previous contamination issues caused by high iron content.
• Many villagers, originally from Jharkhand and Bihar, benefit from the improved water quality and renewable energy access.
• Installation of 70 solar streetlights and home lighting has improved safety at night and enabled children to study after dark.
10th International Trade Fair Kicks Off in Kathmandu
• The 10th International Trade Fair started on May 8 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
• Nepal’s Commerce Minister Damodar Bhandari officially inaugurated the event.
• The five-day fair features 120 pavilions with exhibitors from Nepal, China, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
• China showcases products like electric vehicles, electronics, agricultural tools, garments, home decor, and Tibetan incense.
• Nepal displays traditional handicrafts including wooden sculptures, ritual items, jewelry, tea, coffee, and Himalayan herbs.
• The fair aims to boost global business-to-business connections and promote ‘Made in Nepal’ products.
• FNCCI president Umesh Dalmia highlighted plans to develop the fair similar to Delhi’s Pragati Maidan International Trade Fair.
• Overall, the event provides a valuable platform for expanding international trade relations.
