13th May 2025 current affairs

National news

RGI Releases CRS, SRS, and MCCD Reports for 2021; Life Expectancy in India Declines

The Registrar General of India (RGI), functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has published three major reports for the year 2021:

• Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021
• Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021
• Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) Report 2021

Purpose of the Reports

• The Civil Registration System (CRS) records all registered births and deaths in India.
• The Sample Registration System (SRS) provides survey-based estimates of births and deaths and includes unregistered events, making it a crucial complement to CRS data.
• The Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) captures a small portion of registered deaths that are medically certified.

Key Findings

Crude Death Rate (CDR):
According to the SRS 2021 report, the Crude Death Rate rose to 7.5 deaths per 1,000 people, making 2021 the deadliest year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Increase in Registered Deaths (CRS):
The CRS report showed an increase of around 2 million deaths in 2021 compared to previous years.

Covid-19 Deaths (MCCD):
The MCCD report recorded 4,13,580 Covid-19 deaths in 2021 and 1,60,618 deaths in 2020, indicating a significant rise during the second wave of the pandemic.

Decline in Life Expectancy (SRS):
According to the SRS data, the life expectancy at birth was estimated at 69.8 years for the period 2017 to 2021, a decrease from the previous estimate for 2016 to 2020.

• In urban areas, life expectancy declined by 0.3 years
• In rural areas, it declined by 0.1 years

Completion of 10 Years: PMSBY, PMJJBY, and APY

The three major social security schemes – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) – have completed 10 years since their launch on 9th May 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Objective of the Schemes

These schemes were introduced to provide affordable financial protection, especially for the underserved and vulnerable sections of society.
They aim to expand insurance and pension coverage to help citizens withstand life’s uncertainties and ensure long-term financial security.

Enrolment Figures (as of April 2025)

• PMJJBY: Over 23.6 crore enrolments
• PMSBY: Over 51 crore enrolments
• APY: Over 7.6 crore enrolments

About PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana)

Purpose:
Provides life insurance cover in case of death due to any reason.

Managed by:
The scheme is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). However, participating banks or post offices can tie up with any life insurance company for its implementation.

Eligibility and Duration:

• Open to individuals aged 18 to 50 years
• Must hold a bank or post office account with consent for auto-debit
• The insurance cover is for one year, from 1st June to 31st May

Ladakh Records World’s Highest Snow Leopard Density

In May 2025, the Union Territory of Ladakh has been identified as the region with the world’s highest density of snow leopards (Panthera uncia). This finding is based on a study conducted by the Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), Ladakh, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), New Delhi.

Study Publication: The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, by the Public Library of Science (PLOS).

Key Findings of the Study

• Total Snow Leopard Population in India: Estimated at 709 individuals
• Snow Leopards in Ladakh: 477 individuals, making up nearly 68 percent of India’s total population
• Habitat Area in Ladakh: Covers a vast region of 47,572 square kilometres
• Hemis National Park in Ladakh recorded the highest snow leopard density globally with 2.07 individuals per 100 square kilometres, surpassing earlier records from Tibet

Significance of Ladakh: Ladakh is now considered a critical conservation stronghold for the snow leopard in India and globally.

About Ladakh

• Lieutenant Governor: Brigadier (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retired)
• Capital: Leh
• Major Wildlife Sanctuary: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launches Portal to Boost Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling

In May 2025, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, heading the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), launched the Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website and Stakeholders’ Portal to strengthen India’s non-ferrous metal recycling ecosystem.

Launch Details

• The launch event was held in New Delhi
• Present at the event were Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey (MoM), senior officials from MoM, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC)

Developed Under

• The portal was developed under the National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework (NNMSRF)
• Objective: To promote resource efficiency, centralise data, empower stakeholders, and enhance transparency

Key Features of the Portal

• Target Metals: Focus on aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and other critical elements
• National Registry: For dismantlers, recyclers, traders, and collection centres
• Data Tracking Tools: Monitor raw material flows, product types, technology use, and workforce trends
• Performance Benchmarking: Evaluate efficiency of the recycling sector
• Gap Identification: Assess needs for infrastructure, skill development, and sectoral growth
• Support Systems: Provide standardization, certification, and awareness campaigns

International news

Sanjay Seth Represents India at 80th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow

Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, represented India at the 80th Victory Day celebration in Moscow, Russia, on 9 May 2025. Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to participate in the event, but due to the Pahalgam terror incident, he sent Sanjay Seth as his representative.

During his visit, Sanjay Seth met Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin. They discussed military cooperation and military-technical collaboration, agreeing to further deepen their ties under the existing institutional mechanisms.

This visit reaffirmed the strategic relationship between India and Russia.

Victory Day Celebration in Russia

Date of Celebration: 9 May
The Victory Day celebration in Russia is held annually in Moscow’s Red Square to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. On 9 May 1945, Nazi Germany signed the instrument of surrender, ending the war. The surrender agreement was signed on 8 May 1945, but due to the time zone difference, Russia observes the day on 9 May.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Boris Yeltsin made the event an annual tradition from 9 May 1995. The day is dedicated to the 25-27 million Soviet citizens who lost their lives during the war.

The event features a military parade showcasing Russia’s military power.

Participation of World Leaders

Each year, Russia invites world leaders to participate in the Victory Day celebration. This year, the Chinese President Xi Jinping was the chief guest.

Several other global leaders also attended, including:

• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
• Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
• Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico
• Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

World Bank Land Conference 2025 Held in Washington DC, USA

The World Bank Land Conference 2025 (WBLC 2025), a major international event in the land sector, was held from May 5 to 8, 2025, in Washington DC, United States of America.

The World Bank, based in Washington, has been hosting the Land Conference for over 20 years, gathering over 1,000 participants from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

Theme of WBLC 2025

“Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness”

This theme focused on strengthening land rights to support climate action.

India Recognized as Country Champion

• India was honored as a Country Champion at the conference.
• Recognition was given under the leadership of Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
• This highlighted India’s leadership in inclusive land governance and empowerment at the grassroots level.

India’s Contribution Showcased

A high-level Indian delegation, led by Vivek Bharadwaj, showcased key digital land governance initiatives:

• SWAMITVA Scheme – Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
• Gram Manchitra – An advanced GIS-based spatial planning platform used for rural planning.

These were presented at two major sessions during the conference.

About Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)

• Union Minister: Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) – Constituency: Munger, Bihar
• Minister of State (MoS): S.P. Singh Baghel – Constituency: Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Pakistan Launched Operation Bunyan al-Marsus Against India

On May 10, 2025, Pakistan launched a military campaign named Operation Bunyan al-Marsus targeting Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, Pathankot (Punjab), and Bhuj (Gujarat).

This was in retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7, 2025.

Meaning and Origin of the Operation’s Name

The operation’s name, Bunyan al-Marsus, is derived from the Quran, meaning “a wall constructed of molten lead”, symbolizing unity, strength, and resilience.

Key Aspects of the Operation

• The operation was commanded by Pakistan’s military leadership, led by General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff.
• A Fatah-II hypersonic ballistic missile was launched by Pakistan targeting Delhi but was successfully intercepted by Indian Air Defence Systems in Sirsa, Haryana.
• The strike followed India’s attacks on three Pakistani airbases:
  • Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi
  • Murid Air Base in Chakwal, around 120 km from Islamabad
  • Rafiqui Air Base in Shorkot, Punjab province

Ceasefire Agreement

• On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, ending the most intense escalation between the two nations in decades.
• The ceasefire was brokered through diplomatic efforts, with US President Donald Trump playing a crucial role.

Media Address and Operation Details

On May 11, 2025, Pakistan’s DG of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressed the media detailing the conduct and conclusion of Operation Bunyan al-Marsus.

About Fatah-II Missile System

• Fatah-II is a guided Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) developed by Pakistan.
• It has a strike range of 450 km, an upgrade from Fatah-I, which has a range of 140 km.
• In 2024, a test trial of Fatah-II demonstrated precision-strike capability with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters.

About Pakistan

• Prime Minister: Shehbaz Sharif
• Capital: Islamabad
• Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Banking news

RBI Eases FPI Norms to Boost Corporate Bond Inflows

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, introduced new relaxations for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) investing in Indian corporate bonds. The objective is to attract more foreign inflows by simplifying investment rules.

Key Changes Announced by RBI

• Short-Term Debt Investment Limits Removed:
  Earlier, FPIs could only invest up to 30 percent of their total corporate bond investments in securities with residual maturity of one year or less. This restriction has now been removed.
• Concentration Limits Eliminated:
  Previously, investment in corporate debt securities by an individual FPI or its related entities was restricted to:
  • 15 percent of the investment limit for long-term FPIs
  • 10 percent for other FPIs
    These limits have been abolished to give investors more flexibility.
• Immediate Implementation:
  These revised norms are effective immediately, as per the RBI circular.

New Digital Lending Reporting Norms

Under RBI’s Digital Lending Directions 2025:

• All Banks and other Regulated Entities (REs) must report details of their Digital Lending Applications (DLAs) via the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) portal.
• The CIMS portal will be operational from May 13, 2025.
• Regulated Entities must upload initial data by June 15, 2025.

Bhutan Launches World’s First National Crypto Tourism Payment System

In May 2025, Bhutan made history by launching the world’s first national cryptocurrency tourism payment system. This initiative is a collaboration between Binance Pay (a subsidiary of Binance Holdings Limited) and DK Bank of Bhutan, the country’s first fully digital bank.

The system allows international tourists to use cryptocurrencies for making payments during their stay in Bhutan, aiming to promote cashless travel, financial inclusion, and technological innovation.

Key Features of the System

• Cashless Travel Experience:
  Tourists with Binance accounts can use over 100 cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Binance Coin (BNB), and United States Dollar Coin (USDC) to pay for:
  • Airline tickets
  • Visa fees
  • Hotel bookings
  • Monument entries
  • Tour guides and local purchases
• QR Code-Based Payments:
  Real-time transactions are made possible via static and dynamic QR codes, eliminating the need for traditional card terminals.
• Automatic Currency Conversion:
  Payments in crypto are instantly converted to Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) by DK Bank, ensuring stable payouts for vendors.
• Financial Inclusion:
  Over 100 Bhutanese businesses, including those in remote areas, have adopted this system, giving them access to the global USD 3 trillion cryptocurrency market.

Benefits for Travelers and Merchants

• Lower Transaction Costs:
  Tourists benefit from reduced foreign exchange fees and lower transaction costs.
• Global Market Access:
  Bhutanese merchants can now connect with global digital finance platforms, enhancing their economic reach.

About Binance Pay

Binance Pay is a crypto payment platform developed by Binance Holdings Ltd, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. It allows users to send, receive, and pay with multiple cryptocurrencies securely.

About Bhutan

• Prime Minister – Dasho Tshering Tobgay
• Capital – Thimphu
• Currency – Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

SMBC Acquires 20% Stake in YES Bank for Rs 13,483 Crore

In May 2025, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s 2nd largest banking group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG), entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 20% stake in YES Bank Limited, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, through a secondary stake purchase valued at approximately Rs 13,483 crore.

This acquisition marks the largest cross-border investment in the Indian banking sector and is expected to propel YES Bank’s next phase of growth, profitability, and value creation. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Key Details of the Transaction

• SBI’s Stake Divestment:
  • As part of this transaction, State Bank of India (SBI) will divest its 13.19% stake in YES Bank at Rs 21.50 per equity share, amounting to Rs 8,889 crore.
  • SBI’s shareholding in YES Bank will reduce from 23.97% to just over 10% after the deal.
• Private Banks Divestment:
  • 7 private banks including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, IDFC First Bank, Federal Bank, and Bandhan Bank will divest a combined 6.81% stake in YES Bank, valued at Rs 4,594 crore.

Key Points to Note

• In March 2020, SBI and the other 7 private banks invested in YES Bank under a Reconstruction Scheme approved by RBI.
• As of March 31, 2025, the private banks held stakes in YES Bank as follows:
  • HDFC Bank (2.75%)
  • ICICI Bank (2.39%)
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank (1.21%)
  • Axis Bank (1.01%)
  • IDFC First Bank (0.92%)
  • Federal Bank (0.76%)
  • Bandhan Bank (0.70%)
• Both Federal Bank and Bandhan Bank announced the sale of 0.5% of their stakes in YES Bank, bringing Bandhan Bank’s stake down to 0.21% from 0.7%.
• YES Bank was advised by Citigroup Global Markets Private Limited (Citi) as its financial advisor and AZB & Partners as its legal advisor.

About YES Bank

• Managing Director & CEO: Prashant Kumar
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Tagline: “Experience our expertise”
• Established: 2004

Economy news

Porter Becomes India’s 3rd Unicorn of 2025

In May 2025, Porter, a Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based on-demand logistics platform, raised USD 200 million (approx. Rs. 1700 crore) in a Series F funding round, making it India’s 3rd unicorn of 2025 after Netradyne and Juspay.

Porter focuses on enhancing urban logistics, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and empowering gig workers across the country.

Key Funding Highlights

• Investors:
  Funding was led by:
  • Kedaara Capital Investment Managers Ltd (Mumbai-based private equity firm)
  • Wellington Management Company (Boston, USA-based global asset manager)
• Funding Type:
  Combination of primary capital infusion and secondary share sales by existing shareholders.
• Purpose of Funding:
  • Expansion to new cities
  • Strengthening technology infrastructure
  • Supporting over 1 million gig workers
• Valuation:
  With this funding, Porter’s valuation reached between USD 1.1 billion to USD 1.2 billion, earning the unicorn status (startup valued over USD 1 billion).

What is Series F Funding?

• A Series F round is typically the sixth major venture capital funding stage.
• Involves mature startups that have already completed earlier rounds (Series A to E).
• Used to secure additional capital for further growth or strategic objectives.

About Porter

• Founded: In 2014 by IIT graduates – Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga (CEO), and Vikas Choudhary (Executive Vice Chairman).
• Services:
  • Intra-city logistics solutions
  • On-demand trucks, packers and movers, and enterprise logistics
• Operations:
  • Present in 22 cities across India
  • Active in 2 international markets
  • Serves over 30 lakh customers
  • Engages around 3 lakh gig workers monthly

State news

Uttar Pradesh Adds 12 New Products Under ODOP Scheme
The Uttar Pradesh government has expanded its One District, One Product (ODOP) Scheme by adding 12 new products, bringing the total number of products under the scheme to 74. The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 24 January 2018, aiming to enhance the popularity and sales of indigenous products and crafts from the state’s districts.

Newly Included Products Under ODOP:

The 12 newly added products are:

• Baghpat: Agricultural implements and accessories
• Saharanpur: Hosiery products
• Firozabad: Food processing
• Ghaziabad: Metal products and textile/apparel items
• Amroha: Metal and wooden handicrafts
• Agra: Petha industry and all types of footwear
• Hamirpur: Metal products
• Bareilly: Wooden products
• Etah: Chicory products
• Pratapgarh: Food processing
• Bijnor: Rushes and related products
• Ballia: Sattu product

About the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme:

• Launch Date: The scheme was launched on 24 January 2018 by the Uttar Pradesh government.
• Objective:
  • Promote and enhance the sales of unique, indigenous products from each of Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts.
  • Each district identifies its unique product, which is then given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to certify its origin.
• Support:
  • The state provides financial support to manufacturers.
  • A common marketing facility is created to promote these products both nationally and internationally.
• Impact: The scheme aims to create employment opportunities, increase exports, and contribute towards Uttar Pradesh’s goal of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2029.

Delhi Assembly: First in the Country to Be Fully Powered by Solar Power

The Delhi Legislative Assembly has become the first legislative assembly in India to be fully powered by solar energy. On 12 May 2025, the Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker, Vijendra Gupta, and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, jointly laid the foundation stone for a 500-kilowatt solar power plant at the assembly premises. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was the chief guest at the ceremony.

This achievement adds to Delhi’s growing solar power initiatives, following the installation of the country’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at the Okhla Vihar Metro Station.

Solar Power Project of the Delhi Assembly

• Current Setup: A 200-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant currently partially meets the energy needs of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
• Upgrade Plans: The existing plant will be dismantled and replaced by a new 500-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant covering 3,250 square feet.
• Project Timeline: The new solar power plant is expected to be completed in 45 days and fully commissioned before the next Delhi Legislative Assembly monsoon session.
• Cost and Output: The Rs 2 crore project is expected to generate 8,20,000 units annually, sufficient to meet the assembly’s energy requirements of 7,00,000 units.
• Surplus Power: Any surplus electricity will be fed into the national electricity grid, generating revenue for the assembly.
• Warranty and Benefits: The solar plant will come with a 30-year warranty and is expected to bring the Delhi Assembly’s electricity bill to zero, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the assembly.

Status of Solar Power in India

• As of 31 January 2025, India’s total installed solar power capacity stands at 100.3 GW, making it the fourth country globally, after China, the United States, and Germany, to reach this milestone.
• India’s Solar Target: India aims to achieve a 500 GW installed power capacity from clean energy sources (including solar, wind, small hydropower, and nuclear energy) by 2030.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Unveils ‘UP-AGREES’ and ‘AI Pragya’ with World Bank Support

In May 2025, Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath, along with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank (WB), jointly launched two key initiatives: UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) and AI Pragya (Artificial Intelligence Programme for Resourcefulness, Awareness, Growth, and Youth Advancement). These initiatives aim to drive agricultural innovation and digital transformation in the state of UP during a launch event in Lucknow.

Key Initiatives

1. UP AGREES Initiative:
   The UP AGREES project is designed to revolutionize agriculture in the 21 districts of the Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions of UP. The aim is to enhance productivity and promote technology-based farming. The project has a budget of Rs. 4000 crore, with Rs. 2737 crore provided as a loan from the World Bank for a period of six years, while the UP government will contribute Rs. 1166 crore.
2. AI Pragya Initiative:
   The AI Pragya program aims to build a strong Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent base in UP by training 10 lakh youths across the state. This initiative will equip young individuals with the digital skills necessary for success in emerging technological fields.

About Uttar Pradesh (UP)

• Chief Minister (CM): Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Park (NP): Dudhwa National Park

Karnataka and IN-SPACe Sign MoUs to Boost Space Industry

In May 2025, the Government of Karnataka and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen Karnataka’s position in India’s commercial space sector. These agreements focus on setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for space technologies and a public-private space manufacturing park.

The MoUs were signed by Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary to the Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology) of Karnataka, and Lochan Sehra, Joint Secretary of IN-SPACe. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary of Karnataka, and Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe.

Key Initiatives

• Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technologies:
  • Located in Bengaluru (Karnataka), this center will focus on driving research and innovation in the space technology domain.
• Space Manufacturing Park:
  • A public-private partnership model will be used to develop a manufacturing park aimed at next-generation satellite and launch vehicle production.

Alignment with Indian Space Policy

• These initiatives are in line with the Indian Space Policy, 2023, which aims to promote innovation and support the growth of the NewSpace ecosystem in India.

Karnataka’s Strong Space Infrastructure

• Karnataka already has a robust space-related infrastructure, including key institutions like:
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
  • Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
  • National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

Books and author news

Book Launch of “India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order”

In May 2025, Shyam Prakash Sharma, Chief Economist at New Economic Order Economists and the Chief Economist of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, released his book titled “India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order”. The launch event was held at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.

The book aims to envision India’s growth and its path to becoming a global economic leader by the 100th year of its independence in 2047.

Key Points of the Book

• Key Enablers of Economic Transformation:
  The book identifies important enablers of India’s journey towards global economic leadership, including initiatives like:
  • Make in India
  • Pradhan Mantri (PM) Gati Shakti
  • Record-breaking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which has surpassed USD 1 trillion.
• India’s Economic Strengths:
  The book highlights India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, such as:
  • Rising tax revenues
  • High foreign exchange reserves
  • Stable debt-to-GDP ratio, showcasing a maturing and stable economy.
• Chapters Overview:
  The book is structured into seven chapters, focusing on India’s economic growth through various lenses:
  • Reforms
  • Digital innovation
  • Sustainability
  • Global integration
• India’s Role in Global Forums:
  The book discusses India’s evolving influence in international forums, including:
  • Group of 20 nations (G-20)
  • BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
  • Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

Sports news

India Wins Tri-Nation ODI Series in Sri Lanka

The Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, emerged victorious in the three-nation ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, defeating the host nation in the final by 97 runs. The series, which took place from 27 April to 11 May 2025, saw Sri Lanka, India, and South Africa competing.

Tournament Details:

• Venue: All matches were held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• League Stage Performance:
  • India won one match and lost one match against the host Sri Lanka.
  • India won both its matches against the South African team.
• Points Table: India topped the points table in the league stage and secured a spot in the final. Sri Lanka finished second and also advanced to the final.

Important days

National Technology Day 2025 – May 11

National Technology Day is celebrated annually on May 11. The celebrations for May 11, 2025, will be organized by the Technology Development Board (TDB). It will feature participation from scientists, technocrats, industry leaders, academic institutions, policymakers, and startup founders.

The 2025 edition marks the 27th celebration of National Technology Day, commemorating the historic 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), has unveiled the official theme for the year as “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration”.

Background

• Historic Significance:
  National Technology Day marks the historic achievements of May 11, 1998, when India conducted Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II) nuclear tests and saw the maiden flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft.
• Declaration by Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
  In recognition of these milestones, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999.
• First National Technology Day:
  The Council for Technology organized the first-ever National Technology Day on May 11, 1999.

International Day of Vesak or Buddha Purnima 2025 – May 12

The United Nations (UN) International Day of Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is celebrated every year on the Full Moon day in May to honor Lord Buddha’s teachings and promote global cultural harmony.

In 2025, the International Day of Vesak was observed on May 12, marking the **2,587th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.

Key Points

1. UN Recognition:
   On December 15, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed Resolution A/RES/54/115, officially recognizing the International Day of Vesak, which is observed annually on the Full Moon day in May. The first International Day of Vesak was celebrated in 2000.
2. Vietnam Hosting:
   The 2025 celebration of International Day of Vesak was hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The theme for 2025 was “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity; Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development”.
3. India’s Participation:
   For the first time, India showcased the sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh (UP) in Vietnam during the celebrations.