Daily Current Affairs- 31st May 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 31st May 2025

Goa Declared Fully Literate Under ULLAS Programme

In the News: On May 30, 2025, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that Goa has achieved full literacy under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. This declaration was made during the state's 39th Statehood Day celebrations in Panaji.

Key Developments:

• Achievement of Full Literacy: Goa attained a literacy rate of 72%, surpassing the national benchmark of 95% set by the Ministry of Education for declaring a region fully literate. This accomplishment positions Goa as the second state in India, after Mizoram, to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS programme.
• Implementation of ULLAS Programme: The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing literacy to adults aged 15 and above who missed formal education. The programme encompasses five key components: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
• Community Engagement and Volunteerism: The literacy campaign in Goa was driven by a whole-of-government approach, involving various departments such as the Directorate of Panchayats, Municipal Administration, Social Welfare, Planning & Statistics, and Women & Child Development.
  • A total of 6,299 non-literate individuals were identified across the state. Of these, 2,136 participated in the literacy programme and successfully completed the learning phase.
  • Notably, 82 panchayats achieved 100% literacy, while 33 panchayats and one municipality surpassed the 95% literacy mark.
• Use of Technology and Multilingual Resources: To facilitate learning, the state introduced ULLAS primers in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, and English. The ULLAS mobile app was utilized to register learners and volunteer teachers, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of the programme. 

Centre Approves Appointment of Three New Supreme Court Judges

In the News: On May 30, 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved the appointment of three new judges to the Supreme Court: Justices N.V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi, and A.S. Chandurkar. This swift action followed the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation on May 26, 2025. The appointments restore the Supreme Court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Appointed Judges

• Justice N.V. Anjaria
  • Born on March 23, 1965, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • Graduated with an LL.B. from Sir L.A. Shah Law College in 1988 and obtained an LL.M. in 1989 from the University of Ahmedabad School of Law.
  • Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court on November 21, 2011, and became a permanent judge on September 6, 2013.
  • Appointed as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on February 25, 2024.
• Justice Vijay Bishnoi
  • Born on March 26, 1964, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
  • Enrolled as an advocate on July 8, 1989, and practiced in civil, criminal, constitutional, and service matters.
  • Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on January 8, 2013, and became a permanent judge on January 7, 2015.
  • Assumed office as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on February 5, 2024.
• Justice A.S. Chandurkar
  • Born on April 7, 1965, in Pune, Maharashtra.
  • Completed his LL.B. from ILS Law College, Pune.
  • Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and became a permanent judge on March 2, 2016.
  • Known for significant judgments, including upholding a college's hijab ban and striking down amended IT Rules as unconstitutional.

Appointment Process

• The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, recommended the appointments on May 26, 2025.
• The Union government approved the appointments on May 29, 2025.
• Chief Justice B.R. Gavai administered the oath of office on May 30, 2025. 

Hawaii Implements First Climate Impact Fee in the U.S.

In the News: On May 27, 2025, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed into law Senate Bill 1396, establishing the nation's first climate impact fee, known as the "Green Fee." This legislation aims to fund environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives by increasing taxes on tourists.

• Introduction of the Green Fee: The Green Fee adds a 0.75% increase to Hawaii's existing Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), raising it from 10.25% to 11% starting January 1, 2026. For the first time, cruise ship passengers will also be subject to this tax, with an 11% levy on their bills beginning July 2026, prorated based on the duration of their stay in Hawaiian ports.
• Revenue Generation and Allocation: The fee is projected to generate approximately $100 million annually. Funds will be directed toward environmental initiatives such as:
  • Beach restoration and sand replenishment projects.
  • Wildfire prevention measures, including the removal of invasive fire-prone grasses.
  • Infrastructure improvements to enhance resilience against hurricanes and other natural disasters.
  • Establishment of a "green jobs youth corps" to engage young people in environmental conservation efforts.
• Legislative and Industry Support: The bill received unanimous support in the Hawaii State Senate and overwhelming approval in the House. The tourism industry, including hotel operators, backed the measure, recognizing the importance of preserving Hawaii's natural beauty for the sustainability of tourism.
• Implementation and Oversight: While the revenue will be funneled into the state's general fund, it is earmarked for climate resilience and environmental protection projects. A Climate Advisory Team (CAT) has been established to guide the allocation of funds and ensure transparency and effectiveness in addressing climate-related challenges. 

India Engages U.S. in Plans to ‘Grey List’ Pakistan at FATF Session

In the News: India is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to have Pakistan reinstated on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, citing concerns over Pakistan's alleged non-compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. During a recent visit to Washington, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged with U.S. officials to coordinate strategies ahead of the upcoming FATF plenary session. India plans to present a comprehensive dossier highlighting Pakistan's purported lapses in curbing terror financing and misuse of international financial aaid.

Key Factual Details

• Diplomatic Engagements: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender and other senior officials to deepen economic and financial ties, including collaboration in international financial institutions and coordination in upcoming FATF processes.
• FATF Grey List Context: The FATF grey list comprises countries under increased monitoring due to strategic deficiencies in countering money laundering and terrorist financing. Pakistan was placed on this list in 2018 and removed in 2022 after implementing an action plan.
• India's Dossier: India is preparing a detailed dossier to present at the FATF plenary, outlining evidence of Pakistan's alleged failure to act against terror financing and misuse of international funds. The dossier will highlight concerns such as Pakistan's increased defence spending despite economic challenges and its purported support to extremist groups.
• Political Consensus: An all-party delegation from India, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, has advocated for Pakistan's reentry into the FATF grey list, emphasizing Pakistan's continued failure to take action against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
• International Financial Implications: India plans to raise objections to upcoming World Bank funding initiatives for Pakistan, expressing concerns over potential fund diversions towards arms procurement and terror financing. 

Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri Crowned Miss World 2025

In the News: Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand has been crowned Miss World 2025, making history as the first Thai woman to win the prestigious international beauty pageant. The 72nd edition of the Miss World competition was held on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. Chuangsri triumphed over 107 contestants from around the globe, with Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia finishing as the first runner-up. The event was co-hosted by former Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar.

Key Factual Details

• Historic Victory: Opal Suchata Chuangsri's win marks Thailand's first-ever Miss World title.
• Pageant Highlights:
  • The competition featured 108 contestants.
  • The top four placements were:
    1. Winner: Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
    2. First Runner-Up: Hasset Dereje Admassu (Ethiopia)
    3. Second Runner-Up: Maja Klajda (Poland)
    4. Third Runner-Up: Aurélie Joachim (Martinique)
  • India's representative, Nandini Gupta, reached the top 20.
• Background of Opal Suchata Chuangsri:
  • Born on March 20, 2003, in Phuket, Thailand.
  • Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations at Thammasat University.
  • Multilingual, fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese.
  • Previously crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024 and placed as the third runner-up at Miss Universe 2024.
• Advocacy and Personal Journey: At age 16, Opal discovered a benign lump in her breast, which inspired her to advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection in Thailand. 

First Round of India-Chile CEPA Negotiations Concludes in New Delhi

In the News: India and Chile have successfully concluded the first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi. This development follows Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font's state visit to India in April 2025, during which both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral economic ties.

Key Factual Details

• Negotiation Timeline and Leadership:
  • The first round of CEPA negotiations took place from May 26 to May 30, 2025, in New Delhi.
  • The talks were inaugurated by India's Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal, and Chile's Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo.
  • India's delegation was led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
  • Chile's 17-member delegation was headed by Pablo Urria, Director for Asia & Oceanic at Chile’s Secretariat of International Economic Relations.
• Scope of Discussions: Negotiations covered 17 thematic areas, including: Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, Movement of Natural Persons, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Dispute Settlement, Investment Promotion and Cooperation, Intellectual Property Rights, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Development and Critical Minerals
• Objectives of the CEPA:
  • The CEPA aims to expand upon the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and Chile, which was implemented in 2006 and expanded in 2017.
  • Key goals include reducing trade barriers, enhancing cooperation in digital services, investment, and critical minerals, and promoting the integration of global value chains.
• Trade Statistics:
  • In the fiscal year 2024-25, India's exports to Chile amounted to approximately USD 1.15 billion, while imports from Chile were around USD 2.60 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of about USD 1.45 billion for India.
  • Major Indian exports to Chile include automobiles and pharmaceuticals, whereas imports from Chile primarily consist of minerals, copper, and chemicals. 

Serena Williams Honoured with 'Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2025'

In the News: On May 28, 2025, legendary tennis player Serena Williams was conferred with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports by the Princess of Asturias Foundation in Spain. The award recognizes individuals whose careers in sports have had a transformative impact on society and inspired excellence globally.

Key Developments:

• Recognition of Global Impact: The jury acknowledged Serena Williams' outstanding achievements in tennis, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 4 Olympic gold medals, and a record 319 weeks as world No. 1, as well as her role as a global icon promoting gender equality, racial justice, and empowerment through sport.
• Award Ceremony Details: The award will be presented in October 2025 at a royal ceremony in Oviedo, Spain, presided over by the Spanish royal family. Serena will receive a €50,000 prize, a Joan Miró-designed sculpture, and an official diploma and insignia from the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
• Jury’s Statement: The jury commended Serena for “breaking barriers in sports and society,” highlighting her advocacy for equal opportunities and her philanthropic work through the Serena Williams Foundation and other ventures supporting education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.