10th,11th & 12th May 2025 Current Affairs- BANKING

National news

PMFBY Claim Settlement Update: 97% Claims Resolved; Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu Achieve 100%

In April 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) presented data in the Lok Sabha highlighting the performance of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). The data reveals that 97% of total reported claims—amounting to Rs 1,34,353 crore out of Rs 1,38,401 crore—have been successfully settled across the country.

Key Highlights:

• States with 100% Claim Settlement:
  • Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu achieved 100% claim settlement under the schemes.
• States with the Highest Claims Filed (FY 2018-19 to FY 2023-24):

• Maharashtra – Rs 33,259 crore (Approx. 24% of total claims)
• Rajasthan – Rs 25,284 crore
• Madhya Pradesh (MP) – Rs 22,749 crore
• States with the Highest Claims Paid (as of March 31, 2025):
  0. Maharashtra – Rs 32,628 crore
  1. Madhya Pradesh – Rs 22,274 crore
  2. Rajasthan – Rs 24,806 crore
• States/UTs with the Lowest Claims Paid in Last 6 Years:

• Goa – Rs 0.1 crore
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Rs 0.1 crore
• Sikkim – Rs 0.6 crore
• Manipur – Rs 6.2 crore

This data reflects the strong implementation of crop insurance schemes in major agricultural states while also highlighting regions where participation and payouts remain minimal.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Empowering India’s Unorganised Sector with Retirement Security

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a flagship social security scheme launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on May 9, 2015, and became operational on June 1, 2015. The scheme is aimed at providing retirement benefits to workers in the unorganised sector, ensuring financial protection for the poor and underprivileged sections of society.

Key Highlights of Atal Pension Yojana:

• Administered By:
  • Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
  • Operates under the National Pension System (NPS) architecture
• Scheme Features:
  • Voluntary savings scheme offering defined pension benefits
  • Pension amount is linked to the subscriber’s age at joining and monthly contributions
  • Eligibility (Initial): All Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 years
  • Revised Eligibility: From October 1, 2022, income tax payers are excluded from the scheme
• Enrolment & Corpus Growth:
  • Enrolment rose from 1.54 crore (March 2019) to 7.65 crore (April 2025)
  • Total corpus mobilized: ₹ 45,974.67 crore

About PFRDA:

• Purpose: Regulates and promotes the pension sector in India
• Statutory Status: Granted through the PFRDA Act, 2013, notified on February 1, 2014
• Under: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance
• Chairman: Sivasubramanian Ramann
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Established: 2013

The Atal Pension Yojana continues to serve as a crucial pillar for retirement planning in India’s vast unorganised workforce, significantly increasing financial inclusion and long-term social security.

Expansion of Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS): Boosting Capital Access for Innovation-Led Enterprises

In May 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) notified a significant expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS). This move is aimed at enhancing capital mobilization for startups, especially those involved in innovation, R&D, and cutting-edge technologies. The expansion replaces the earlier notification dated October 6, 2022, and is effective from May 8, 2025.

Key Highlights of the CGSS Expansion:

• Increased Guarantee Limit:
  • Guarantee cover per borrower doubled from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore
• Enhanced Coverage:
  • For loans up to ₹10 crore: 85% of default amount is guaranteed
  • For loans above ₹10 crore: 75% of default amount is guaranteed
• Reduced Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF):
  • For startups in 27 Champion Sectors: reduced from 2% to 1% per annum
  • Champion Sectors are identified under the Make in India initiative
  • This will encourage innovation in domestic manufacturing and support self-reliance
• Impact:
  • Reduced risk for financial institutions lending to startups
  • Encourages greater R&D, experimentation, and technological innovation
  • Ensures better financial flow and longer runway for early-stage enterprises

About the CGSS:

• Launched: October 6, 2022
• Purpose: Provide credit guarantees for loans to DPIIT-recognized startups
• Lending Institutions: Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), NBFCs, Venture Debt Funds (VDFs) under SEBI-registered AIFs
• Managed by: National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) under Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I):

• Union Minister: Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North, Maharashtra)
• Minister of State: Jitin Prasada (Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh)

Coal Ministry Signs Agreement to Promote Coal Gasification Projects under Financial Incentive Scheme

On May 8, 2025, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with selected applicants under Category II of the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme (FIS). The initiative aims to promote cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives by advancing coal gasification technology.

Important Highlights

• The agreement supports the development of coal gasification plants, a cleaner alternative to traditional coal combustion.
• Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas), reducing environmental impact.

Selected Category II Participants

The following companies have been chosen under Category II of the scheme:

• Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSP) – New Delhi, Delhi
• New Era Cleantech Solution Private Limited – Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Greta Energy and Metal Private Limited – Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Presence of Key Officials

• Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal
• Asheesh Kumar, Officer on Special Duty (Technical)
• BK Thakur, Director (Technical), Ministry of Coal

Overview of the Financial Incentive Scheme for Coal Gasification

• Launched in 2024 with a total budget of Rs 8500 crore
• Objective: Achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030
• Encourages participation from both public and private sector entities

Categories under the Scheme

Category I – Government Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

• Budget: Rs 4050 crore
• Support: Up to 3 projects
• Grant: Rs 1350 crore or 15 percent of capital expenditure, whichever is lower
• Disbursal: In two equal installments

Category II – Government PSUs and Private Sector Companies

• Budget: Rs 3850 crore
• Selection: Through transparent tariff-based bidding, in consultation with NITI Aayog
• Grant: Rs 1000 crore or 15 percent of capital expenditure, whichever is lower

Category III – Demonstration Projects Using Indigenous Technology

• Budget: Rs 600 crore
• Grant: Rs 100 crore or 15 percent of capital expenditure, whichever is lower
• Eligibility: Minimum capex of Rs 100 crore and syngas production of at least 1500 Nm³ per hour
• Selection: Through transparent bidding

About the Ministry of Coal

• Union Minister: G Kishan Reddy (Constituency – Secunderabad, Telangana)
• Minister of State: Satish Chandra Dubey (Rajya Sabha – Bihar)

Adani Green Energy Becomes World’s First Renewable Energy IPP to Achieve Water Positivity

On May 8, 2025, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, achieved a significant global milestone by becoming the world’s first Renewable Energy (RE) Independent Power Producer (IPP) to become water positive. AGEL, a joint venture between the Adani Group and Total Energies (France), attained this status with a massive 14 GW operational portfolio, reaching the goal one year ahead of its FY26 target.

Key Highlights of AGEL’s Water Positive Achievement

• First among top 10 global RE IPPs to be certified as water positive.
• Certified by Intertek, a UK-based global assurance firm, after evaluating water usage and conservation data across:
  • 103 operational sites
  • 85 water conservation sites
• Over 1.23 lakh people have benefited through 85 rejuvenated water ponds, especially in water-scarce regions.
• More than 54 percent of AGEL’s operational capacity uses robotic, waterless cleaning technology for solar panels.
  • This alone helps save approximately 546 million litres of water annually.
• Additional sustainability initiatives include:
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Deepening of traditional water bodies
  • Pilot projects like condensing clean drinking water from humid air
• AGEL’s entire operational portfolio achieved water positivity by FY25, a year ahead of schedule.

Understanding Water Positivity

Water positivity means that an organization returns more freshwater to the environment than it consumes during its operations.
It involves:

• Reducing and optimizing water usage
• Preserving and replenishing natural water sources

Additional Certifications

AGEL’s operational portfolio is also:

• Single-use plastic free
• Zero waste-to-landfill compliant

About Adani Green Energy Limited

• CEO: Ashish Khanna
• Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Founded: 2016

India and Chile Sign Terms of Reference to Launch Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

On May 8, 2025, India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Key Highlights

• The ToR was signed by:
  • H.E. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India
  • Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), and India’s Chief Negotiator for CEPA
• First round of CEPA negotiations will begin on May 26, 2025.

Background and Timeline

• 2005: India and Chile signed a Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation.
• 2006: A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was signed.
• 2016: An expanded PTA was signed and came into force on May 16, 2017.
• 2019: Both countries agreed to further expand the PTA.
• 2025: ToR for CEPA signed to launch a broader and deeper economic engagement.

Objectives of the India-Chile CEPA

• Build on the existing PTA and expand trade coverage.
• Include new sectors such as:
  • Digital services
  • Investment promotion and cooperation
  • Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Critical minerals
• Boost bilateral trade, create employment opportunities, enhance exports, and attract investments.

About Chile

• President: Gabriel Boric Font
• Capital: Santiago
• Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Australia and UK Universities to Establish Campuses in Navi Mumbai’s Educity

In May 2025, Maharashtra’s City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) signed agreements with two prestigious global universities—University of York (United Kingdom) and University of Western Australia (Australia)—to establish their campuses in Educity, Navi Mumbai, a world-class education hub.

Key Highlights

• Location: Educity, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Investment: Rs. 1500 crore for each campus
• Partner Universities:
  • University of York (UK)
  • University of Western Australia (Australia)

About the Campuses

• The University of York campus is expected to begin operations in 2026, subject to approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• It will offer Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs in:
  • Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Creative Industries

About Educity

• Educity is a mega educational hub being developed by CIDCO in Navi Mumbai.
• The project aims to host 10 to 12 globally top-ranked universities, creating a global standard education ecosystem in India.

Karnataka Startup Launches India’s First AI-Based All-in-One Agriculture App

In April 2025, SBOF Agrosmart Private Limited, a Belagavi, Karnataka-based startup, launched India’s first AI-powered all-in-one agriculture app, aimed at revolutionizing farming through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and precision agriculture tools. The launch event took place in Belagavi in the presence of Karnataka’s Minister of Public Works, Satish Jarkiholi.

Key Highlights

• Developer: SBOF Agrosmart Pvt. Ltd., Belagavi, Karnataka
• Objective: To empower farmers with smart, real-time, data-driven solutions using AI and IoT
• Launch Location: Belagavi, Karnataka
• Technology: Integrates AI, IoT, and precision farming methods

Features of the App

• 24/7 Multilingual Chatbot Assistance: Ensures continuous support in multiple languages
• Real-Time Crop Advisory: Provides region-specific, data-backed recommendations for crop health and productivity
• Government Scheme Updates: Keeps farmers updated on the latest schemes and subsidies for informed financial planning
• Addresses Key Challenges: Helps mitigate issues like unpredictable climate, market volatility, pest outbreaks, poor input quality, and lack of access to schemes and technology

India Contributes to Major Milestone in ITER Fusion Project

In April 2025, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world’s largest nuclear fusion project located in southern France, achieved a key milestone in developing its main magnet system. India played a pivotal role in building essential infrastructure for confining super-hot plasma particles, which are crucial for fusion energy production.

Key Highlights

• Collaborators: ITER is a global project involving the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and the European Union (EU), with more than 30 countries participating.
• India’s Contribution: India was instrumental in designing and manufacturing critical components, including the cryostat and cryolines for cooling the magnets.
• Central Solenoid: The final component of the magnet system, the Central Solenoid, has been completed and tested by the USA and will be assembled in France. This magnet will drive the plasma for fusion reactions.
• Future Milestone: The start-up phase of the ITER project is scheduled for 2033.

India’s Role

• Cryostat: India designed and built the 30-meter tall and wide cryostat, which houses the entire ITER Tokamak.
• Cryolines: India constructed the cryolines that carry liquid helium to cool the magnets to minus 269°C, necessary for superconductivity.
• Other Contributions: India also provided the reactor’s in-wall shielding, cooling systems, and key parts of the heating systems that will increase plasma temperature to over 150 million°C (10 times hotter than the Sun’s core).

About Tokamak Reactor

• Function: The Tokamak reactor is an experimental device designed to achieve controlled nuclear fusion, mimicking the process that powers the Sun.
• Design: It uses powerful magnetic fields to confine superheated plasma in a doughnut-shaped chamber and enables atomic nuclei to fuse, releasing energy.
• Development: Initially developed by Soviet researchers in the 1960s, the Tokamak design is now considered the leading approach for magnetic confinement fusion worldwide.

State news

Delhi Police Launches ‘Nayi Disha’ Initiative to Reinstate School Dropouts

In a significant step towards community empowerment, Delhi Police has launched the ‘Nayi Disha – A Path Back to Learning’ programme aimed at reintegrating school dropouts into the education system. This initiative focuses on engaging with families, understanding the causes of dropout, and providing holistic support through collaboration with NGOs, schools, and social workers.

Key Highlights:

• Target Group: The programme specifically targets children who dropped out of school due to financial, domestic, or academic challenges.
• Direct Engagement: Police officers will conduct door-to-door outreach to identify and support affected children, ensuring a direct approach to tackle the problem.
• Holistic Support: The initiative offers emotional counselling, academic assistance, and admission facilitation to help children re-enter the education system.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Partnerships with NGOs, schools, and social workers aim to provide necessary resources, such as funding and tuition support, for a successful reintegration.

Implementation Strategy:

• Personal Visits: Police officers will visit the families of dropouts to understand the underlying reasons for school abandonment.
• Supportive Measures: Emotional counselling and psychological support will be offered to motivate children and parents.
• NGO Collaboration: Non-governmental organizations will assist with funding, tuition, and mentorship.
• School Re-enrollment: Schools are encouraged to facilitate a smooth re-enrollment process for the children returning to education.

Background Context:

Many children in Delhi drop out of school due to issues like poverty, domestic instability, and lack of academic support. By shifting their role from law enforcement to social empowerment, the Delhi Police aims to address these challenges and promote educational continuity for disadvantaged children.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Transforming Police Role: This initiative highlights the shift from a protective to an empowering role for the police, making them social mentors in urban governance.
• Long-term Social Goals: It aligns with broader social development goals related to education and child welfare.
• Model for Other Cities: The programme could serve as a model for other metropolitan cities grappling with similar dropout issues.
• Building Trust: It also aims to strengthen community trust in police institutions through active involvement in community development.

International news

58th Annual Meeting of ADB Board of Governors Held in Milan

The 58th Annual Meeting (AM) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors took place from May 4 to 7, 2025, at the Allianz MiCo-Milano Convention Centre in Milan, Italy.

Theme and Inauguration

• The theme of the meeting was “Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow”.
• Masato Kanda, President of ADB, inaugurated the event.

Key Highlights

• Indian Delegation: The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), along with officials from the Department of Economic Affairs (DoEA).
• ADB’s Commitment to India: ADB committed USD 5 billion in loans, grants, and other forms of assistance to India in 2024.
• Record Financial Performance: The Board of Governors approved ADB’s 2024 financial statements and reported a record-breaking USD 1.539 billion allocation from its net income, marking the highest net income allocation in the bank’s nearly 60-year history.

About ADB

• President: Masato Kanda (Japan)
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Member Nations: 69
• Established: 1966

Quad Partners Conduct Tabletop Exercise to Launch Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)

From April 28 to May 2, 2025, the Quad partners – India, Australia, Japan, and the United States of America (USA) – conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The exercise simulated the launch of the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN), focusing on enhancing maritime coordination among the nations.

Key Objectives of the Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

• The exercise was designed to simulate real-world maritime scenarios, aiming to improve coordination, interoperability, and information-sharing among the Quad nations and maritime agencies.

About the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)

• Purpose: The IPLN is a strategic initiative to boost logistics capabilities among the Quad nations for disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Focus: It ensures faster, coordinated, and efficient deployment of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), creating a robust logistics network.

Key Features of IPLN

• Civilian-First Focus: Prioritizes effective responses to natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, and public health emergencies.
• Shared Logistics Framework: Encourages joint resource planning, digital logistics mapping, and real-time tracking for efficient crisis management.
• Interoperability: Strengthens logistical coordination and builds mutual trust among the Quad nations, enabling scalable crisis responses.
• Technology-Driven: Promotes the use of digital tools for improving the supply chain’s responsiveness.
• Regional Reach: Targets the Indo-Pacific region, including islands, coastal nations, and remote areas prone to disasters.

Complementary Initiatives

• Quad Pandemic Preparedness Workshop 2025: Held in New Delhi, India in March 2025, under India’s Quad presidency.
• Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA): Focuses on maritime security and the monitoring of illegal fishing using satellite technology.

About the Quad

• Purpose: The Quad is an informal strategic group focused on strengthening cooperation and ensuring maritime security, economic growth, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China’s growing influence.
• History: Launched in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, with support from Australia, India, and the USA, the initiative was revived in 2017.

Appointment news

Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a U.S.-based clergy member, was elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church during the Papal conclave held in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

Key Points:

• Pope Name: He adopted the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pope from the United States.
• Succession: He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

Selection Process:

• Following the death of Pope Francis, 133 cardinals from around the world gathered at the Papal conclave in Vatican City to elect the new pope.
• Cardinal Prevost was chosen after the fourth ballot, held on the second day of the conclave.

Defence news

BrahMos Missile Manufacturing Facility Inaugurated in Lucknow by Rajnath Singh

India has taken a major step towards defence self-reliance with the inauguration of the BrahMos missile production facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on May 11, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the facility, developed by BrahMos Aerospace with an investment of ₹300 crore. The unit is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and aims to boost indigenous missile manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Highlights

• Inauguration Date: May 11, 2025
• Inaugurated by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (virtually)
• Location: Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, Lucknow node
• Cost of Project: ₹300 crore
• Built on: 80 hectares of land allotted free by the UP government
• Completion Time: 3.5 years
• Capacity:
  • 80–100 BrahMos missiles annually
  • 100–150 next-generation BrahMos missiles annually
• Other Attendees: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

About BrahMos Missile

• Type: Supersonic cruise missile
• Developer: BrahMos Aerospace (a joint venture of DRDO, India and NPO Mashinostroyenia, Russia)
• Speed: Up to Mach 2.8
• Range: 290–400 km
• Launch Platforms: Land, sea, and air
• Guidance: Fire-and-forget system

Next-Generation BrahMos Features

• Reduced Weight: 1,290 kg (down from 2,900 kg)
• Enhanced Range: Over 300 km
• Air Launch: Can be carried in sets of 3 by Sukhoi fighter jets
• Production Timeline: Ready for delivery within a year

Objectives and Benefits

• Strategic Capability: Strengthens India’s indigenous defence production amid rising regional tensions
• Technological Advancement: Introduces advanced missile manufacturing technologies in Uttar Pradesh
• Job Creation: Expected to generate around 500 direct and thousands of indirect employment opportunities
• Economic Growth: Boosts local economy and positions Lucknow as a key defence manufacturing hub
• Technology Transfer: Facilitates growth of the aerospace sector with new tools and processes

Background and Broader Impact

• BrahMos Aerospace was formed as an Indo-Russian joint venture between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia.
• The Lucknow facility was developed on land allocated in December 2021 and is part of a larger initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor to attract defence investments.
• The state has also allocated land to other defence companies, with an anticipated creation of over 3,000 jobs.

Award news

Sonu Sood to Receive Humanitarian Award at Miss World 2025 for COVID-19 Relief Work

Renowned Bollywood actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood will be honoured with the Humanitarian Award by the Miss World Organisation during the 72nd Miss World Festival. The award recognises his selfless contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his continued efforts in social welfare. The event will be held on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Arena in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Key Highlights

• Award: Humanitarian Award
• Recipient: Sonu Sood
• Event: 72nd Miss World Festival
• Venue: HITEX Arena, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Date: May 31, 2025
• Organised by: Miss World Organisation
• Special Role: Sonu Sood will also serve as a grand finale judge at the Miss World pageant

Reason for the Honour

• COVID-19 Relief Efforts:
  • Arranged transport for stranded migrant workers and students
  • Provided oxygen cylinders and medical aid during the second wave
  • Distributed food, medicines, and essentials across India
• Sood Charity Foundation (SCF) Initiatives:
  • Focus areas: Education, healthcare, disaster relief, and skill development
  • Continuation of relief activities beyond the pandemic

Statements from Leaders

• Sonu Sood: “This award reinforces our purpose—to bring hope, support, and dignity to those in need.”
• Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Organisation: “His compassion and tireless dedication reflect the true spirit of ‘Beauty with a Purpose.’”

Background

Sonu Sood rose to national and global recognition during India’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. His hands-on approach to supporting the vulnerable during the crisis earned him wide appreciation, which later evolved into structured charitable programs through his foundation.

Significance

This international honour reaffirms Sonu Sood’s impact as a humanitarian and positions him as a global role model for compassion and community service.

Sports news

Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket Marking the End of a Glorious Era

Cricketing icon Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, closing a remarkable chapter in Indian and world cricket. Known for his fiery passion, disciplined leadership, and consistent run-scoring, Kohli’s contribution to the longest format of the game will be remembered for generations.

Career Overview

• Test Debut: 2011
• Total Matches: 123
• Total Runs: 9230
• Batting Average: 46.85
• Centuries: 30
• Half-Centuries: 31
• Highest Score: 254 not out vs South Africa (Pune, 2019)
• Double Centuries: 7
• India’s Fourth-Highest Test Run Scorer after Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar

Impactful Test Captaincy

• Captaincy Tenure: 2014–2022
• Matches as Captain: 68
• Wins: 40
• Losses: 17
• Win Percentage: 58.82 percent (highest among Indian Test captains)
• Milestone Victory: First-ever Indian Test series win in Australia (2018–19)
• Other Achievements: India reached No. 1 in ICC Test rankings during his leadership

Final Series and Recent Form

• Last Match: 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sydney
• Series Result: Australia won 3-1
• Runs Scored in Series: 190 in 9 innings with 1 century
• Age at Retirement: 36
• Reason for Retirement: Decline in recent form and a natural transition phase

End of an Era

• Kohli’s retirement closely follows Rohit Sharma’s exit from the Test format, marking a significant shift in Indian Test cricket leadership.
• Rising star Shubman Gill is being considered for the role of Test captain.
• India now faces the challenge of rebuilding the team’s core ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England.

Legacy of Kohli’s Test Career

• One of the few Indian batsmen to score centuries in all major Test-playing nations — Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
• His seven double centuries are the most by an Indian captain.
• Elevated the fitness standards of the Indian team and emphasized pace bowling depth and aggression.

Virat Kohli’s departure from Test cricket brings down the curtain on one of the most impactful careers in Indian cricket history, both as a batter and a leader. His legacy will inspire future generations of cricketers aiming to excel in red-ball cricket.

Science and tech news

Sarvam AI Launches ‘Bulbul v2’ Text-to-Speech Model Supporting 11 Indian Languages

In May 2025, Sarvam Artificial Intelligence (Sarvam AI), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, launched ‘Bulbul v2’, an advanced AI-powered Text-to-Speech (TTS) model designed to offer natural-sounding speech in 11 Indian languages. This model enhances digital voice applications with authentic regional accents.

Key Features of Bulbul v2:

• Supported Languages: The model supports Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and English.
• Flagship Model: Bulbul v2 is the upgraded version of Bulbul v1, which was released in August 2024.
• Cost-Effective: It offers India-first pricing for API access, making AI speech services more affordable across the country.
• Customization: Provides fine control over pitch, pace, and loudness, with multiple sample rates ranging from 8 kHz to 24 kHz.
• Smart Normalization: Includes advanced features like smart normalization for numbers, dates, and mixed-language text, ensuring more accurate and natural speech output.

Books and author

Kaunain Sheriff M’s Book “The Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant” Released

In May 2025, Kaunain Sheriff M, the National Health Editor at The Indian Express, released his book titled “The Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant”. The book offers an in-depth investigation into a major medical device controversy involving Johnson & Johnson (J&J), one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. The book was published by Juggernaut Books, based in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Book:

• Focus on the ASR Hip Implant Scandal: The book explores the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip implant scandal, which started in 2003 when J&J’s subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics introduced the implants, claiming their durability.
• Global Recall and Indian Impact: By 2010, the implants were globally recalled due to high failure rates and metal toxicity. However, approximately 4,700 Indian patients had already received them, unaware of the associated risks.
• Investigative Foundation: Sheriff’s book builds upon investigative reports published by The Indian Express in 2018-2019, shedding light on corporate negligence and regulatory oversights that compromised patient safety.
• Indian Patients’ Struggle for Justice: The narrative emphasizes the long battle faced by Indian patients who fought for justice and compensation, contrasting this with the USD 2.5 billion settlement that Johnson & Johnson provided to patients in the USA.

Important days

Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for WWII Victims: 8-9 May 2025

The United Nations (UN) annually observes Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War on 8th and 9th May to honor the victims of WWII, which claimed the lives of around 40 million civilians and 20 million soldiers.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.

Key Points:

• UN Resolution: On 22 November 2004, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/59/26, officially designating 8-9 May as a day of remembrance for WWII victims.
• Global Tribute: The resolution encourages UN Member States, NGOs, and individuals worldwide to observe these days each year in tribute to the victims of WWII.
• First Observance: The first observance was held in 2005, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the UN.

About the United Nations (UN):

• Secretary-General: António Guterres
• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Established: 1945

International Nurses Day 2025 Overview

International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated globally on May 12 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The day honors the crucial contributions of nurses to public health and healthcare systems worldwide.

Theme for 2025 The 2025 theme is: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies”
This emphasizes the urgent need to invest in the well-being, rights, and professional development of nurses to strengthen both healthcare systems and economic stability.

Why It Matters in 2025
The theme reflects challenges like post-pandemic fatigue, nurse shortages, and the increasing strain on global health systems. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) urges governments and institutions to enhance support for nurses to ensure a resilient healthcare infrastructure.

Key Objectives of International Nurses Day 2025

• Promote physical, mental, and occupational well-being of nurses
• Advocate for increased funding, fair wages, and safe workplaces
• Emphasize the link between nurse welfare and economic strength
• Celebrate the dedication and compassion of nurses across the world

Historical Background

• Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) revolutionized nursing during the Crimean War
• In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland proposed a global nurses’ day
• ICN officially established IND in 1965
• May 12 was designated as the fixed date in 1974
• The lamp symbolizes Nightingale’s legacy and features in lamp-lighting ceremonies

Themes from Previous Years

• 2024 – Our Nurses. Our Future: The Economic Power of Care
• 2023 – Our Nurses. Our Future
• 2022 – Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health

Significance of IND 2025

• Highlights the global nursing crisis due to underinvestment
• Promotes healthcare reforms focusing on education, staffing, and leadership
• Encourages collaboration among nurses, governments, and healthcare bodies
• Urges governments to prioritize nurse support for healthier societies and economie

Major Challenges Faced by Nurses Globally

• Burnout and mental stress from high workloads
• Inadequate compensation and prolonged working hours
• Staff shortages and limited training opportunities
• Health risks during pandemics and emergencies

9th May 2025 Current Affairs