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National news
IEPFA & SEBI Launch ‘Niveshak Shivir’ to Help Investors Claim Unclaimed Shares & Dividends
In May 2025, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), partnered with SEBI to launch the nationwide initiative ‘Niveshak Shivir’ aimed at helping investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares. The initiative features investor helpdesks in Mumbai and Ahmedabad offering face-to-face support via Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) such as Link Intime India and KFin Technologies. Demat shareholders are advised to contact companies directly for shares due for transfer to IEPFA, while physical shareholders can verify and claim through the IEPFA portal or Form IEPF-5. A digital search tool aids shareholders in tracking shares, with an Integrated Digital Portal (IDP) set to launch by August 2025 for real-time claims processing. IEPFA, established in 2016, is headed by CEO Anita Shah Akella, and SEBI, statutory since 1992, is chaired by Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
DST Launches India’s First Cluster of CCU Testbeds to Reduce Cement Industry Emissions
In May 2025, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, launched India’s first cluster of five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds targeting emission reduction in the cement industry. The pilot facility is in Ballabgarh, Haryana, with others in UP, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa. Unveiled during the 27th National Technology Day on May 11, 2025, by Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh, the testbeds operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to foster translational R&D with academic and industry collaboration.
Union MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani Addresses Bharat 6G 2025 to Boost India’s 6G Leadership
On May 14, 2025, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, addressed the Bharat 6G 2025 International Conference in New Delhi. Highlighting India’s position among the top six countries globally in 6G patent filings, he announced a Rs 300 crore funding for 111 research projects. The nine-year Bharat 6G Vision (2022–2031), launched by PM Narendra Modi, aims for India to become a global 6G leader by 2030, focusing on R&D, field trials, and global standards via the Bharat 6G Alliance. The initiative is poised to transform healthcare, education, agriculture, and smart cities.
DFCCIL Launches India’s Longest Rail Flyover Girder at Kalamboli, Maharashtra
In May 2025, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), under the Ministry of Railways, installed India’s longest rail flyover girder—an open web steel girder measuring 110.5 metres and weighing 1,500 tonnes—on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor at Kalamboli, Maharashtra. The girder was launched with a 34-metre radial shift over active railway tracks without disrupting train operations, showcasing advanced engineering and precise coordination. DFCCIL, established in 2006 with headquarters in New Delhi, is tasked with developing dedicated freight corridors to enhance logistics and freight transport efficiency nationwide.
State news
Tamil Nadu’s L.R. Srihari Becomes India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster
On 15 May 2025, L.R. Srihari, a 19-year-old from Tamil Nadu, became India’s 86th Grandmaster by securing his third GM norm at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025 in Al-Ain, UAE, defeating GM Iniyan Paneerselvam. His first GM norm came at the Budapest GM Round-Robin (August 2023), the second at the Qatar Masters (October 2023), and he crossed the 2500 Elo rating at the 2024 Dubai Open. Notably, P. Shyaamnikhil, also from Tamil Nadu, became the 85th GM in May 2024. The FIDE Grandmaster title requires three norms and a 2500+ Elo rating.
🧠 First Indian GM: Viswanathan Anand (1988) | First Woman GM: Koneru Humpy (2002)
🏢 FIDE Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | President: Arkady Dvorkovich
Uttar Pradesh Launches Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan to Tackle Child Malnutrition
In May 2025, the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan, a nutrition campaign targeting 11.13 lakh children (aged 3–6) in 8 aspirational districts — Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Chandauli, and Sonebhadra. The program provides a 400-calorie, 15–20g protein morning snack (flavored milk, fruits, millet-chikki) daily under the Take-Home Ration (THR) model, implemented via Bal Vikas Sewa Evam Pushtahar Vibhag. With a budget of ₹254.83 crore (₹44/child/day), the initiative includes health monitoring to address anaemia, stunting, and underweight conditions.
📌 Builds on: Sambhav Abhiyan | Focus: Nutrition Security & Child Welfare
Rajasthan’s Traditional Sangri Bean Receives GI Tag
In May 2025, Rajasthan’s traditional Sangri bean was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indication Registry (GIR), Chennai, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT). Sangri, a slender bean from the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria — the state tree of Rajasthan), is key to the popular dish ‘Kher Sangri’ and is found mainly in Jaisalmer and Barmer. The GI tag application was filed in January 2025 by Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University (SKRAU), Bikaner.
🏷️ Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian GI product; as of May 2025, Uttar Pradesh leads with 77 GI products.
📌 GI governed by: GI Act, 1999 | Valid for 10 years, renewable
🏢 GIR HQ: Chennai (Established 2003)
🗺️ Rajasthan CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma | Governor: Haribhau Kishanrao Bagade | Capital: Jaipur
🌿 National Parks: Ranthambore, Keoladeo
Award news
President Murmu Presents 58th Jnanpith Award to Gulzar and Jagadguru Ramabhadracharya
On 16 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious 58th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Jagadguru Ramabhadracharya was recognized for his remarkable contributions to Sanskrit scholarship, while celebrated Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra) was honoured for his exceptional work in Urdu literature, although he could not attend the ceremony. Instituted in 1965 by Bharatiya Jnanpith, the award includes a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze idol of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), and a citation, recognizing literary excellence across Indian and English languages.
Rank and report news
Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes List
In May 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year and fifth time overall, earning a total of USD 275 million between May 2024 and May 2025. His on-field earnings were USD 225 million, primarily from Saudi club Al-Nassr, and off-field earnings amounted to USD 50 million from endorsements and business deals. Stephen Curry ranked second with USD 156 million, followed by Tyson Fury at USD 146 million. Notably, no Indian or female athletes featured in the Top 50. Forbes, founded in 1917, is headquartered in Jersey City, USA, and led by CEO Sherry Phillips.
UNESCO and G20 Collaborate to Promote Ethical AI Governance
In May 2025, UNESCO and the G20, under South Africa’s Presidency, launched a joint initiative to promote ethical AI governance in the public sector, aiming to build technical capacity and ethical awareness among civil servants. A global workshop held on 11 April 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa, focused on role-specific AI training, human rights-based AI implementation, and public-private partnerships, featuring examples like Singapore’s “AI Wednesdays.” Since 2021, UNESCO’s programme has supported over 50 countries, advocating for inclusive and people-centric AI governance, aligned with the AI and Digital Transformation Competency Framework.
OPEC Forecasts 3.39% Rise in India’s Oil Demand in 2025
In May 2025, OPEC projected a 3.39% increase in India’s oil demand in 2025, from 5.55 million bpd to 5.74 million bpd, citing the country’s growing energy needs. Demand is expected to rise further to 5.99 million bpd in 2026, surpassing China’s growth rate of 1.5% (2025) and 1.25% (2026). India remains the third-largest oil consumer after the USA (projected 20.5 million bpd in 2025) and China. Global oil demand is forecast to grow by 1.3 million bpd annually through 2026. OPEC, founded in 1960 in Baghdad, has 12 member nations, with headquarters in Vienna, and is currently led by Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais. India is not a member of OPEC.
TCS, HDFC, Airtel & Infosys in Kantar BrandZ 2025 Top 100 Global Brands
The Kantar BrandZ 2025 report ranked TCS (45th, USD 57B), HDFC Bank (56th, USD 44B), Airtel (66th, USD 37B), and Infosys (73rd, USD 33B) among the Top 100 most valuable global brands, marking strong global presence of Indian companies. Apple retained the top position with a brand value of USD 1.3 trillion, followed by Google (USD 944B), Microsoft (USD 884B), Amazon (USD 866B), and Nvidia (USD 509B). The combined brand value of the top 100 reached a record USD 10.7 trillion, reflecting a 29% YoY growth.
India and EU Launch ₹391 Crore Research Projects on Marine Plastic and Green Hydrogen
On 15 May 2025, India and the EU jointly launched two major research projects worth ₹391 crore under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The initiatives focus on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste-to-Green Hydrogen (W2GH), co-funded by Horizon Europe and Indian ministries (MoES & MNRE). The MPL project aims to reduce ocean pollutants, aligned with the UN Ocean Science Decade and India’s National Marine Litter Policy. The W2GH project seeks to develop affordable tech for converting biogenic waste into green hydrogen, in line with the EU Hydrogen Strategy and India’s NGHM. TTC, launched in 2023, is India’s first such council and EU’s second, reflecting strategic cooperation in clean tech and sustainability.
Economy news
UN Lowers India’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%
In May 2025, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), in its report ‘The World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2025’, revised India’s GDP growth forecast for Calendar Year (CY) 2025 to 6.3%, down from 7.1% in CY24, citing global uncertainties. Despite this, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, supported by strong domestic consumption and public investment. The forecast for CY26 is slightly higher at 6.4%. Globally, economic growth is projected at 2.4% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026, both 40 basis points lower than January 2025 estimates. The report is published by the Global Economic Monitoring Branch under UN-DESA’s Economic Analysis and Policy Division.
UN-DESA Info: Established: 1948 | HQ: New York, USA | Under-Secretary-General: Li Junhua
Appointment news
Arunabha Ghosh Appointed South Asia Envoy for COP30 Climate Summit
In May 2025, Arunabha Ghosh, Founder and CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), was appointed as the South Asia Envoy for the upcoming 30th UN Conference of Parties (COP-30), scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. He is among 10 international envoys chosen to represent strategic regions and support global climate negotiations. Ghosh, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the UN Committee for Development Policy (UNCDP), will facilitate regional climate dialogue, ensure South Asian perspectives are well-represented, and strengthen communication between regional and global climate stakeholders. The envoys will serve on a voluntary and personal basis, acting as key conduits for regional feedback into the climate process.
About CEEW: CEO – Arunabha Ghosh | HQ – New Delhi | Established – 2010 | Leading climate & energy think tank
Defence news
Indian Army Successfully Conducts Teesta Prahar Exercise in West Bengal
In May 2025, the Indian Army (IA) conducted a large-scale integrated field training exercise Teesta Prahar at the Teesta Field Firing Range, West Bengal, focusing on operational preparedness, inter-unit coordination, and adaptability in challenging riverine terrain. The exercise included Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Para SF, Army Aviation, Engineers, and Signals, showcasing next-gen weapon systems and advanced battlefield technologies. It featured tactical drills, adaptive manoeuvres, and operations in adverse weather, emphasizing jointness and synergy.
IA Chief – Gen. Upendra Dwivedi | Motto – Seva Paramo Dharma | Established – 1895 | HQ – New Delhi
DRDO’s DMSRDE Develops Polymeric Membrane for Desalination
The Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO lab in Kanpur, UP, developed a nanoporous multi-layered polymeric membrane for high-pressure seawater desalination, specifically for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessels. The membrane, developed within 8 months, is chloride corrosion-resistant, enhances plant stability, and was successfully tested on an ICG Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), awaiting final 500-hour operational approval.
DMSRDE Location – Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | Function – Advanced defence material research
India Tests Indigenous Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System
India successfully tested the Bhargavastra, an indigenous, low-cost counter-drone system, at Gopalpur, Odisha, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd. (SIIL), Nagpur. The system uses a dual-layer defence—Hard Kill with micro-rockets (20m lethal radius) and Guided Micro-Missiles for precision targeting. It can detect small drones up to 2.5 km, radar range 6–10 km, and includes EO/IR sensors, C4I Command Centre, and modular architecture for jamming/spoofing. Designed for operations across diverse terrains including altitudes above 5,000 m.
SIIL MD & CEO – Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal | Founded – 1983 | HQ – Nagpur, Maharashtra
BEL Signs Contract with Indian Army to Manufacture IDDIS Counter-Drone System
In May 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna DPSU under the Ministry of Defence, signed a contract with the Indian Army to manufacture the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), jointly developed with DRDO under the Make in India initiative. IDDIS detects, tracks, and neutralizes hostile drones using electronic jamming and high-energy lasers, with a detection range of 5–8 km, and complements the Akashteer air defence system. Since April 7, 2025, BEL secured orders worth ₹572 crore, including SDRs, DCUs, AI-based naval solutions, and more.
BEL CMD – Manoj Jain | HQ – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Founded – 1954
DRDO Chairman – Samir V Kamat | HQ – New Delhi | Founded – 1958
