7th May 2025 Current Affairs

National News

MoE Approves New IIFT Off-Campus Centre at GIFT City, Gujarat

In May 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) granted approval to establish a new off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC), located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Key Highlights:

• The centre will be set up as per the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
• The approval was granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, marking a major move to enhance specialized education in international trade.
• This development follows IIFT’s successful compliance with the Letter of Intent (LoI) issued in January 2025.

Related Institutional Development:

• Monarch Networth Capital IFSC Pvt. Ltd. has received the Certificate of Registration (CoR) to operate as a Registered Fund Management Entity (FME) – Retail from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), also based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

About IIFT:

• Established: 1963
• Under: Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I)
• Focus: Capacity building in international trade
• Chancellor: Sunil Barthwal
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi

About Ministry of Education (MoE):

• Union Minister: Dharmendra Pradhan (Sambalpur, Odisha)
• Ministers of State:
  • Jayant Chaudhary (Rajya Sabha – Uttar Pradesh)
  • Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (Balurghat, West Bengal)

India’s Mining Sector Records Historic High in FY25; Iron Ore, Copper, Aluminium Lead Growth

In May 2025, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) released provisional data highlighting a record-breaking performance of India’s mining sector during Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). This achievement follows an already strong showing in FY24, reflecting continued economic momentum in sectors like energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.

Key Highlights:

• Iron Ore: Production rose to 289 million metric tons (MMT) in FY25, up 4.3% from 277 MMT in FY24 – setting a new all-time high.
• Manganese Ore: Output grew 11.8%, reaching 3.8 MMT, surpassing the previous record of 3.4 MMT in FY24.
• Bauxite: Production climbed 2.9% to 24.7 MMT, compared to 24 MMT in FY24.
• Lead Concentrate: Increased by 3.1%, totaling 393 thousand tonnes (THT) from 381 THT in FY24.

Surge in Non-Ferrous Metals:

Non-ferrous metals, which do not contain significant iron content, also posted impressive growth:

• Primary Aluminium: Production rose from 41.6 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY24 to 42 LT in FY25.
• Refined Copper: Output surged 12.6%, reaching 5.73 LT in FY25 from 5.09 LT in FY24.

Global Standing:

• 2nd Largest producer of Aluminium globally.
• Among Top 10 producers of Refined Copper.
• 4th Largest Iron Ore producer in the world.

Ministry of Mines (MoM) Leadership:

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

This robust growth underscores India’s strategic role in the global mineral supply chain and the resilience of its industrial and manufacturing sectors.

Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates 22nd edition of Bharat Telecom 2025

On May 6, 2025, Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, inaugurated the 22nd edition of the Bharat Telecom Expo in New Delhi. The expo, held on May 6-7, 2025, is an annual event that showcases India’s telecom solutions on the global stage.

Key Highlights:

• Organizers: The Bharat Telecom Expo is organized by the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). TEPC operates under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, while DoT is part of the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

About the Bharat Telecom Expo 2025:

• Purpose: The expo is designed as an international business platform and a reverse buyer-seller meet, offering a space for Indian telecom companies to engage with global leaders in the telecom industry.
• Participation: Over 130 foreign delegates from 35+ countries, including government bodies and private enterprises, are participating in this year’s edition. Around 80 Indian telecom and ICT companies are showcasing their innovations across the telecom sector.
• Goals:
  • Promote India’s telecom strength as a major manufacturing and service provider to the world.
  • Attract investment to transform India into a global telecom hub for manufacturing, services, and exports.
  • Facilitate interaction between Indian telecom companies and global business leaders to further strengthen the sector.

About Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC):

• Formation: TEPC was established in 2009 under the Foreign Trade Policy.
• Mission: Its primary role is to promote the export of telecom equipment and services, supporting Indian companies in their export journey and positioning India as a global leader in secure, reliable, and advanced telecom solutions.
• Chairman: Arnob Roy
• Headquarters: New Delhi

State news

Telangana Hosts Miss World 2025: A Global Stage for Culture and Tourism

The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant will be held in Telangana, India, from May 10 to 31, 2025. Contestants from over 120 countries will arrive in Hyderabad, marking the first time the event is hosted in Telangana. This high-profile event offers a unique opportunity for the Government of Telangana to promote the state’s tourism potential and cultural heritage globally.

Key Highlights:

• Event Dates: May 10 to 31, 2025
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Participants: 120 delegates from around the world
• Broadcast Reach: Live telecast in over 150 countries

Objectives:

• Promote Telangana as a multidimensional tourism hub.
• Increase foreign tourist arrivals, which stood at 1.55 lakh in 2024.
• Showcase Telangana’s cultural heritage, including UNESCO landmarks and historical sites.
• Attract global investments in the tourism, culture, and hospitality sectors.

Tourism and Cultural Exposure:

Contestants will visit several iconic sites, including:

• Ramappa Temple (Warangal), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Heritage monuments from the Nizam era in Hyderabad.
• Other eco-tourism and spiritual sites across Telangana.

Security Measures:

• Comprehensive security protocols have been confirmed by Telangana’s Director General of Police, Jitender, for all participants and guests.

Economic and Cultural Impact:

• The event will enhance Telangana’s global profile, promoting both tourism and cultural diplomacy.
• It will drive economic development by attracting international tourism and media attention.

Andhra Pradesh to Host India’s First Transmedia Entertainment City – Creatorland

In May 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CreativeLand Asia (CLA) Ltd., based in Mumbai, to establish ‘Creatorland’, India’s first Transmedia Entertainment City in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

Announcement: Made during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Key Highlights of Creatorland:

•  Investment Potential: Rs 8,000–10,000 crore over the next 5–6 years.
• Infrastructure:
  • Immersive theme parks
  • Advanced gaming zones
  • Esports arenas
  • Global cinema co-production zones
  • AI-powered Virtual Studio Complex featuring real-time rendering and volumetric capture tech.
• Skill Development:
  • Creatorland Academy to train 10,000+ youth annually in VFX, gaming, AI, and immersive storytelling.
•  Employment Impact: Projected to create over 1.5 lakh jobs in entertainment, tech, and tourism sectors.

Chhattisgarh to Host India’s First AI-Based Data Centre Park in Nava Raipur

In May 2025, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai of Chhattisgarh laid the foundation stone for India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Data Centre Park, located in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur.

The project will be developed and managed by RackBank Datacenters Private Limited, a company based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

• Size: The Data Centre Park will cover 13.5 acres (around 5.5 hectares), with 2.7 hectares designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) focused on AI-based services.
• Power Capacity: The initial phase will start with 5 MegaWatts (MW) and aims to expand up to 150 MW in future stages.
• Investment: The overall development is expected to attract an investment of around Rs 2000 crore.
• Technology and Services:
  The facility will feature GPU-based high-performance computing, live data streaming, AI processing, and data analytics services.
• Target Sectors: The Data Centre Park will support advanced services in Artificial Intelligence, HealthTech, Defence, FinTech, and data analytics.

This strategic initiative is set to position Chhattisgarh as a national hub for AI infrastructure and innovation.

Meghalaya Hosts Strawberry Festival 2025 to Boost Agro-Tourism and Rural Livelihoods

The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL), and the Departments of Tourism and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, organized the Strawberry Festival 2025 from May 2-3, 2025. The festival aimed to promote agro-tourism, support rural livelihoods, and highlight the growth of strawberry cultivation in the state.

Key Highlights:

• Locations: The festival took place across three key locations in Meghalaya: Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district, Syntung in East Khasi Hills, and Darechikgre in West Garo Hills.
• Inauguration: The festival was inaugurated by Vibhor Agarwal, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of West Garo Hills.
• Strawberry Production: In 2024, Meghalaya produced 1,220 metric tonnes (MT) of strawberries, a slight increase from 1,196 MT in 2023.
• Activities: Visitors enjoyed various activities such as strawberry picking, workshops on winemaking, local cuisine, strawberry-based baking sessions, strawberry wine tasting, and culinary experiences.

This festival aimed to not only celebrate the state’s strawberry cultivation but also to contribute to the economic growth of rural areas through agro-tourism.

International News

PM Modi Invites Australian PM Albanese to 7th Quad Summit

On May 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invite him to the 7th Quad Summit, which India will host later this year. During the call, PM Modi congratulated PM Albanese on his Labor party’s landslide victory in the recent Australian Parliamentary elections.

Key Highlights:

• Landslide Victory: The Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, won a decisive victory in the 2025 Australian General Election, securing a majority in the 171-member House of Representatives. This victory marked Albanese’s second consecutive win, a feat not achieved by an Australian Prime Minister in the last 20 years.
• About the Quad: The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a strategic forum consisting of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Initially proposed by former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe after the 2004 Tsunami, the Quad has become a major diplomatic and security alliance, especially in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Upcoming Summit: The 7th Quad Summit will be hosted by India, though the meeting schedule is yet to be confirmed. The most recent 6th Quad Summit was held in Delaware, USA, on September 21, 2024.

About Australia:

• Geography: Australia is the world’s smallest continent and sixth-largest country by area, located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• Government: It operates under a parliamentary system, with the British monarch as the head of state, and comprises six states and two territories. The capital is Canberra, and the currency is the Australian Dollar.
• Historical Background: Initially a British colony, Australia became a Commonwealth in 1901.

INS Sharda Joins First India Maldives HADR Exercise in Maafilaafushi

In May 2025, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda reached Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives to participate in the inaugural Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, held from May 4 to May 10, 2025.

This joint exercise underlines growing defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives, and supports India’s regional maritime vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Key Objectives of the Exercise:

• Improve interoperability between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)
• Focus areas include:
  • Disaster Response Coordination
  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations
  • Medical Assistance
  • Logistical Support
  • Joint Drills and Training
  • Community Engagement in simulated natural disaster scenarios

About MAHASAGAR Initiative:

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025 during his visit to Mauritius, MAHASAGAR expands on the 2015 SAGAR doctrine.

• It aims for enhanced security and growth cooperation across the Global South in multiple sectors.

India Maldives Defence Cooperation Highlights:

• India is the primary training partner of the MNDF, having trained over 1500 personnel in the past decade.
• Since 2019, India has conducted over 630 missions, including medical evacuations (MEDEVACs), SAR operations, and air surveillance.
• Infrastructure support includes the Composite Training Centre, Coastal Radar System, and Ekatha Harbor (established in 2023).

About Maldives:

• President: Mohamed Muizzu
• Capital: Male
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Nicaragua to Exit UNESCO After Press Freedom Prize Awarded to Exiled Newspaper La Prensa

In May 2025, the government of Nicaragua announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquartered in Paris, France. This move comes in response to UNESCO awarding the 2025 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to La Prensa, a Nicaraguan newspaper in exile, on World Press Freedom Day (May 3).

Reason for Withdrawal:

• The award to La Prensa, known for its critical journalism and currently operating from exile, sparked Nicaragua’s decision.
• The move represents a setback for UNESCO, which has also faced criticism from USA under President Donald Trump.

Key Facts:

• Nicaragua joined UNESCO in 1952 and was one of its 194 member states.
• According to UNESCO’s constitution, Nicaragua’s membership will officially end on December 31, 2026, marking a 74-year association.

About La Prensa:

• Officially titled La Prensa – El Diario de los Nicaragüenses, it was founded in 1926 in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.
• Since 2021, its operations have continued online from exile following the imprisonment of its leadership and confiscation of assets.
• The team is now based in Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, Germany, and the USA.

About the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize:

• Established in 1997, the award honors courage in defending press freedom, especially in hostile conditions.
• Named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist assassinated in 1986 for his anti-drug cartel reporting.

About Nicaragua:

• President: José Daniel Ortega Saavedra
• Capital: Managua
• Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)

Banking news

Goldsikka Launches India’s First AI Powered Gold Melting ATM in Hyderabad

In May 2025, Goldsikka Limited, headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, unveiled India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered gold melting ATM, a pioneering innovation in the financial and jewellery sector.

Key Features of the AI-Powered Gold Melting ATM:

• Multifunctional Services: Enables users to buy, sell, exchange, lease, digitize, and monetize gold and gold jewellery.
• Integrated Augmented Reality (AR): Allows users to virtually try on jewellery before making a purchase.
• Automated Transactions: Customers can purchase gold using credit or debit cards, and sell gold without human interference.
• Gold Selling Process:
  • The user deposits gold into the machine.
  • It is melted and tested for purity.
  • The value of pure gold is displayed.
  • Upon acceptance, the amount is directly transferred to the user’s bank account.
  • The process takes approximately 30 minutes, during which the machine verifies Aadhar card, ID proof, and captures a photograph.
• Security Measures: If any criminal activity is detected, the gold is withheld, and the machine notifies the police automatically.

Additional Information:

• In 2022, Goldsikka launched India’s first real-time Gold ATM, setting the foundation for this advanced upgrade.

Economy news

Moody’s Lowers India’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%

In May 2025, Moody’s Ratings, based in New York, USA, released its Global Macro Outlook 2025-26 update, revising India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.3% from the earlier estimate of 6.5%.

Reasons for the Revision:

• Global Economic Uncertainties: Factors such as the unpredictability of US policies, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, led to this adjustment.
• 2026 Forecast: Moody’s has kept its 2026 GDP growth forecast at 6.5%, following an expected 6.7% growth in 2024.

Key Highlights:

• Global Economic Growth: Moody’s revised the global GDP growth forecast down to 1.9% for 2025 and 2.3% for 2026, attributing this to trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and geopolitical risks.
• Trade and Investment Impact: Ongoing trade frictions, particularly between the USA and China, are expected to impact global trade and investment, especially among G-20 economies.
• Risk Factors: Issues like the Ukraine conflict, Middle East instability, South China Sea tensions, and financial market instability contribute to the uncertain global economic outlook.
• Monetary Policy: Moody’s predicts that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will likely implement further reductions in benchmark policy rates in 2025 to support domestic economic growth.

About Moody’s Ratings:

• President: Michael West
• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Founded: 1909

Appointment news

Praksah Magdum take Charge as Managing Director of NDFC

Prakash Magdum Appointed Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NDFC)

Prakash Magdum has taken office as the Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC). Before his appointment, he served as the Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

A 1999 batch officer of the Indian Information Service, Magdum has a distinguished service record. He has previously held key positions, including Director of the National Film Archive of India in Pune, Maharashtra, and Registrar of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), also in Pune.

About National Film Development Corporation (NDFC):

• Establishment: The NDFC was founded in 1975 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Mission: With the tagline ‘Cinemas of India’, NDFC’s core mission is to promote Indian cinema, especially parallel or art cinema.

Key Functions and Objectives:

• Integrated Film Development: NDFC is a fully integrated company capable of scripting, filming, and producing films.
• Promotion of Excellence: It works towards promoting excellence in Indian cinema, encouraging films in multiple Indian languages to highlight the country’s cultural diversity.
• Co-productions: The corporation facilitates co-productions of independent films (parallel films) through public-private partnerships.
• International Recognition: NDFC has worked with renowned figures of Indian cinema, including Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and international filmmakers like Richard Attenborough and Mira Nair.
• Film Bazaar: NDFC also plays a significant role in organizing Film Bazaar India alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, promoting Indian cinema both domestically and internationally.
• Production Facilities: NDFC offers production and animation services to both domestic and international clients.

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové Elected First President of Togo Under New Parliamentary System

In May 2025, Jean-Lucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové was elected as Togo’s first President under the country’s newly implemented parliamentary system. His election was unanimous with 150 members present in the bicameral Parliament (comprising the National Assembly and Senate), which has a total of 174 seats.

Key Points:

• Constitutional Reform: This election follows a major constitutional reform in May 2024, which transitioned Togo from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary system of governance.
• Successor: Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové succeeded Faure Gnassingbé, who assumed the role of President of Togo’s Council of Ministers, the most powerful position under the new system.

About Togo:

• President: Jean-Lucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové
• Capital: Lomé
• Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)

India Terminates K.V. Subramanian as IMF Executive Director, Appoints Parameswaran Iyer as Interim ED

In April 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terminated K.V. Subramanian as India’s Executive Director (ED) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His tenure, which began in November 2022, was cut short by six months without any official reason provided. Subramanian had represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan at the IMF.

Key Points:

• Interim Appointment: Parameswaran Iyer, the current ED for India at the World Bank, has been appointed as the interim ED to represent India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan at the IMF.
• Upcoming IMF Meeting: This change comes just days before a crucial IMF Board meeting on May 9, 2025, to review:
  • A USD 1.3 billion climate resilience loan for Pakistan.
  • The first assessment of Pakistan’s ongoing USD 7 billion bailout package.

About K.V. Subramanian:

• Served as the 17th Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018-2021.
• Played a role in expert committees at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Served on the boards of Bandhan Bank, National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), and RBI Academy.

About the IMF:

• Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva
• Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA
• Established: 1944
• Member Nations: 191

FSIB Recommends Sanjay Joshi for CMD Position at Oriental Insurance Company Limited

In May 2025, the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), recommended Sanjay Joshi, a 1989-batch officer, for the position of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) at Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), based in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• R.R. Singh’s Retirement: This recommendation follows the retirement of R.R. Singh in February 2025. In his place, Amit Misra, Executive Director (ED) at OICL, was appointed as acting CMD for a three-month term starting March 1, 2025.
• Approval Process: Joshi’s appointment is subject to approval from the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If approved, he will serve until August 31, 2027, when he turns 60.

About Sanjay Joshi:

• Current Role: He is the General Manager (GM) at United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• Experience: With over 30 years in the general insurance sector, Joshi has held various positions, including Branch and Divisional Head at multiple regional offices.
• Key Roles: At UIICL, he served as Deputy General Manager (GM) and Chief Grievance Officer (CGO), contributing significantly to product development and regulatory compliance.

Defence news

Indian Armed Forces Launch Operation Sindoor to Target Terrorist Camps in Pakistan and PoJK

In a significant military move, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday, executing a series of precision strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). This action comes after the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, sparking widespread outrage and demands for decisive retaliation.

Precision Strikes on Nine Terror Sites:

As per a formal statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Indian military targeted nine key locations involved in terrorist activities against India. These included:

• A former Lashkar-e-Taiba base near Muzaffarabad in PoK.
• A Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked seminary in Bahawalpur, Punjab Province.
• A significant infiltration hub in Kotli, PoK.

The Indian government highlighted that no Pakistani military installations were targeted, emphasizing that the operation was focused, measured, and non-escalatory.

Objective of Operation Sindoor: Neutralizing Terror Infrastructure

The operation is a part of a broader strategy to restore deterrence that has been undermined since the 2019 Balakot air strikes. Sources stated that Pakistan-based terror groups had recalibrated their actions, believing that India’s response threshold had weakened. The Pahalgam attack, attributed to The Resistance Force (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, served as a catalyst for this operation.

High-Level Military Coordination:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top military officials such as Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Defence Secretary R K Singh, led consultations to review retaliatory actions. These discussions focused on combat readiness, intelligence assessments, and the reinforcement of **forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in anticipation of potential Pakistani retaliation.

Other Notable Operations by the Indian Army:

1. Operation Parakram (2001-2002): Launched after the Indian Parliament attack, this was a massive military mobilization aimed at confronting Pakistan over cross-border terrorism.
2. Operation Vijay (1999): This operation was launched to recapture Kargil during the Kargil War with Pakistan. The Indian Army successfully evicted Pakistani infiltrators from the region.
3. Operation Rakshak (2001): Launched in Jammu and Kashmir, this operation aimed at combating militancy and terrorist activities in the region, which had escalated after the 1999 Kargil conflict.
4. Operation All-Out (2017-Present): Focused on counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly targeting terrorist leadership in the region.

Indian Army Inducts New Batch of Advanced Russian-origin ‘Igla-S’ Air Defence Missiles

In May 2025, the Indian Army (IA) received a new batch of ‘Igla-S’ missiles, advanced shoulder-fired, man-portable air defence systems designed to neutralize low-flying aerial threats such as helicopters, UAVs, and low-speed aircraft, particularly in forward areas and mountainous terrain.

Key Highlights:

• The Igla-S missiles were procured under an Rs 260 crore emergency procurement contract signed by the Government of India (GoI).
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in coordination with the IA, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for:
  • 48 Launchers
  • 48 Night Vision Sights
  • 85 Missiles
  • 1 Missile Test Station
    under the Very Short Range Air Defence System – Next Generation (VSHORADS-NG) program.

Indigenous Assembly:

• These systems were assembled in India by Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Technical Advancements:

• Igla-S is a modernized version of the older Igla missiles, which have been part of India’s defence inventory since the 1990s.
• The new system features:
  • Improved countermeasure resistance
  • Enhanced seeker accuracy
  • Maximum engagement range: 6 km
  • Maximum target altitude: 3.5 km

This acquisition strengthens India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in tactical battlefield conditions, reinforcing its preparedness in sensitive and high-altitude operational zones.

INCOIS Launches Submarine Cable Project in Andaman & Nicobar to Boost Ocean Monitoring

In May 2025, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), launched a cutting-edge ‘Submarine Cable Project’ aimed at strengthening the long-term monitoring of the Indian Ocean.

Project Highlights:

• The initiative is backed by international scientific collaboration and aims to improve the understanding of:
  • Oceanographic patterns
  • Seismic activities
  • Tsunami risks in the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) region
• A 150-kilometre-long submarine cable will be deployed off the coast of Wandoor, located in the A&N Islands.
• The infrastructure will feature two science nodes, fitted with:
  • Oceanographic sensors
  • Geophysical sensors
    These will be installed at depths of 2,000 to 2,500 metres, enhancing real-time data collection from the seabed.

 About INCOIS:

• Director: Dr. Balakrishnan Nair T.M
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Established: 1999

Science and tech news

IndiaAI & Intel India Join Forces to Strengthen AI Capabilities and Skilling Nationwide

In May 2025, Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd., based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IndiaAI (the National Artificial Intelligence initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology – MeitY) to enhance AI capabilities and skill development across India.

 Objective:

The partnership aims to empower youth, professionals, startups, and public sector leaders with essential AI competencies to drive social impact and good governance.

Key Programmes Under the Collaboration:

1. YuvaAI
   • Introduces AI to school students via the ‘Intel AI for Youth’ program.
   • Offers employability-focused AI training to college students through ‘Intel AI for Future Workforce’.
2. StartupAI
   • Supports early-stage startups with technical mentorship, business guidance, and market access through the ‘Intel Startup’ Program.
3. IndiaAI Dialogues & Intel Digital Readiness for Leaders
   • Organizes workshops and immersive sessions to enhance AI policy literacy among public sector leaders.
4. Bhashini Integration
   • Bhashini, the government’s multilingual language translation platform, will be integrated into AI-powered classroom PCs to boost learning outcomes.

Sports news

Oscar Piastri Wins 2025 Miami Grand Prix for 3rd Consecutive Victory

On May 4, 2025, Oscar Piastri, an Australian Formula One (F1) driver representing McLaren (UK-based), secured his fourth win of the 2025 F1 season at the Miami Grand Prix (GP), held at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA.

Key Highlights:

• 3rd Consecutive Win: This victory marked Piastri’s third consecutive win, following his triumphs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. His win extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
• Historic Achievement: This marked Piastri’s sixth career win and the first time a McLaren driver has achieved three consecutive wins since Mika Häkkinen in 1997-1998.

Race Results:

• Piastri’s Performance: Starting from fourth position, Piastri overtook pole-sitter Max Verstappen on lap 15, maintaining the lead to finish first, 4.630 seconds ahead of teammate Lando Norris.
• Lando Norris: Despite a setback dropping him to sixth position, Norris made a strong comeback, finishing second and ensuring a McLaren 1-2 finish.
• George Russell: Russell, driving for Mercedes, secured third place, overtaking Verstappen during a pit stop exchange on lap 27.
• Max Verstappen: The Red Bull Racing driver, who started from pole, finished fourth after being overtaken by both McLaren drivers and Russell.

Top 3 Finishers at the 2025 F1 Miami Grand Prix:

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren, Australia)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren, United Kingdom)
3. George Russell (Mercedes, United Kingdom)

About Miami Grand Prix:

• Debut Race: The Miami Grand Prix debuted during the 2022 F1 season, held at the Miami International Autodrome, a circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA.
• Circuit Specifications: The 5.412 km (3.363 miles) track features 19 corners and three Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones, offering high-speed straights and challenging turns.

The 2025 F1 season continues with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled from May 16 to 18, 2025 at Imola, Italy.

Obituary news

Padma Shri Awardee K.V. Rabiya Passes Away

In May 2025, K.V. Rabiya, a pioneering literacy advocate from Kerala and Padma Shri Awardee, passed away in Tirurangadi, Kerala. She was widely known for her relentless dedication to adult literacy and women’s empowerment, overcoming significant health challenges throughout her life.

Key Contributions:

• Born: February 25, 1966, Malappuram, Kerala.
• Health Challenges: At the age of 17, while in her first year of college, polio left her legs crippled, but she continued her social work.
• Adult Literacy Campaign: In June 1990, Rabiya launched an adult literacy campaign in Tirurangadi, Malappuram, Kerala, becoming a key figure in Kerala’s literacy movement.
• Chalanam Organization: In 1994, she founded Chalanam, a social organization that transformed the lives of many people, particularly in her native Vellilakad village.
• Aksharaputri: Known as Kerala’s Aksharaputri (daughter of letters) for her instrumental role in Kerala’s total literacy movement.
• E-Literacy: Played a significant role in making Malappuram India’s first e-literate district through the Akshaya project.

Awards and Recognition:

• National Youth Award (1993) from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MoHRD), her first national recognition.
• Kannagi Sthree Shakti Award (1999), UNDP Award (2000), Joseph Mundaserry Award (2010).
• Padma Shri (2022), India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for her exceptional contribution to social work and education.