National news
Union Cabinet Approvals – May 7, 2025: Key Decisions on Skilling, Education, and Energy
On May 7, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three major initiatives:
- National ITI Upgradation and Skilling Scheme:
- Launch of a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to upgrade ITIs and set up 5 National Centres of Excellence.
- Goal: Skill 2 million youth in five years.
- Outlay: ₹60,000 crore (as per Union Budgets 2024–25 and 2025–26).
- Expansion of Five New IITs:
- Approved academic and infrastructure expansion at IIT Tirupati, Palakkad, Bhilai, Jammu, and Dharwad.
- Aim: Enhance research, student intake, and campus growth.
- Revised SHAKTI Policy (Coal Allocation):
- Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
- Improves transparency and flexibility in coal allocation to the power sector.
- Addresses both long-term and short-term coal needs.
- The original policy was launched in 2017.
India Launches Chip-Based e-Passports to Boost Traveller Security – May 2025
In a landmark step toward modernizing travel documents, the Government of India (GoI) has officially introduced chip-based e-passports across the nation in May 2025, aiming to enhance the security of travellers and facilitate smooth international travel.
Key Features of e-Passports:
- Equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and an embedded antenna as part of the passport inlay.
- Ensures enhanced data security by storing the passport holder’s information, including biometric data, in an encrypted format, making it difficult to forge.
About the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
- Union Minister: Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Rajya Sabha – Gujarat)
- Ministers of State (MoS):
- Pabitra Margherita (Rajya Sabha – Assam)
- Kirti Vardhan Singh (Lok Sabha – Gonda, Uttar Pradesh)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Highlights India’s Clean Energy Leadership at Columbia India Energy Dialogue – May 2025
In May 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) addressed the Columbia India Energy Dialogue in New Delhi, underscoring India’s global leadership in the clean energy transition and reaffirming its dedication to inclusive and equitable climate action.
India’s Climate and Energy Milestones:
- Minister Goyal emphasized climate change as a global issue, calling for universal commitment under the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
- India met its 2030 Renewable Energy (RE) target of 200 Gigawatts (GW) in 2022, 8 years ahead of schedule.
- The country has built a 500 GW interconnected national grid under a 2014 initiative, enabling 24/7 affordable energy and large-scale clean energy integration.
- Massive growth in solar power, which expanded 30-fold over the past decade.
- Rapid adoption of innovations like:
- LED lighting
- Green hydrogen
- Biofuels and ethanol blending
- Electric mobility
- Green ammonia
- Emergence of clean energy-powered data centres
India and UK Finalize Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention – May 2025
In May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer jointly announced the successful conclusion of a Comprehensive and Mutually Beneficial India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) along with a Double Contribution Convention aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- The India–UK FTA is aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aims to boost India’s role in global value chains.
- The FTA provides zero-duty market access for 99 percent of Indian exports to the UK, covering nearly 100 percent of total trade value.
- Current India–UK bilateral trade stands at USD 60 billion and is projected to double by 2030 as a result of the agreement.
- The Double Contribution Convention has been introduced to prevent double taxation for temporarily assigned workers between India and the UK, facilitating smoother business operations and labour mobility.
About the United Kingdom:
- Prime Minister – Sir Keir Starmer
- Capital – London
- Currency – Pound Sterling (GBP)
India Lists First Mortgage Backed Pass Through Certificates on National Stock Exchange
In May 2025, M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, officially listed India’s first Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates (PTCs) on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai. These PTCs were structured by RMBS Development Company Limited, also based in Mumbai.
PM Modi Presents India’s Vision for Space Exploration at GLEX 2025
In May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 12th Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX 2025) via video conference, outlining India’s future space roadmap and stressing the country’s commitment to collaborative and peaceful space exploration. He emphasized that India’s space journey is rooted in collective progress, not competition.
Key Highlights:
- GLEX 2025 was held from May 7–9, 2025, in New Delhi, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Astronautical Society of India (ASI).
- PM Modi underlined the significance of India’s Chandrayaan missions:
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Captured high-resolution lunar images.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.
- He recalled the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan launched in 2014, which made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit, and the first in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.
- Looking ahead, PM Modi announced India’s plan to launch its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, by 2035.
Appointment news
KC Venugopal Reappointed as Chairperson of Public Accounts Committee
In May 2025, K C Venugopal, a senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader, was reappointed as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of India. The appointment was made by the Lok Sabha Speaker, and his tenure will continue until April 2026, as per the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- This follows the 1967 convention of appointing the PAC Chairperson from the principal opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
About K C Venugopal:
- Current Roles:
- Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
- General Secretary (Organisation), All India Congress Committee (AICC)
- Previous Positions:
- Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (2020–2024)
Government extends CBI Director Praveen Sood’s tenure by one year
The Government of India has approved a one-year extension of Praveen Sood’s tenure as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His current two-year term, which was set to end on 25 May 2025, will now continue for another year.
Science and tech news
Paras Defence and HevenDrones Form Joint Venture to Manufacture Hydrogen-Powered Drones in India
In May 2025, Paras Defence & Space Technologies Limited, headquartered in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel-based HevenDrones Limited (a subsidiary of USA-based Heven) to establish a Joint Venture (JV) for the design, manufacturing, and supply of Hydrogen-powered drones—India’s first such initiative.
- The JV supports the Government of India’s Make in India initiative by promoting indigenous development of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Defence news
First Arnala-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship Delivered to Indian Navy
On 8 May 2025, the first Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) was officially handed over to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held at the L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights:
- The Arnala-class ASW SWC was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, under a public-private partnership, with 80% indigenous content.
- It is part of a larger Indian initiative to boost anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat programme.
Project Overview:
- A total of 16 ASW SWC vessels are being built:
- 8 by GRSE (Arnala-class)
- 8 by Cochin Shipyard Limited (Mahe-class)
- These vessels are set to replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes of Soviet origin, inducted in 1989.
Mahe and Arnala-Class Vessels:
- Mahe-class (by Cochin Shipyard): Mahe, Malvan, Mangrol, Malpe, and Mulki have already been delivered.
- Arnala-class (by GRSE): Arnala is the first to be delivered; upcoming ships include Androth, Anjadip, Amini, Agary, and Akshay, currently under construction.
- The class name “Arnala” is inspired by Arnala Fort off the Maharashtra coast.
State news
Haryana Government Introduces ‘Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana’ for Senior Artists and Art Scholars
In May 2025, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and the state cabinet announced the launch of a new welfare scheme titled “Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana” to support senior artists and art scholars in the state.
Scheme Highlights:
- Under this scheme, eligible artists and art scholars will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 10,000 as financial support from the government.
- The initiative aims to improve the financial and socio-economic conditions of senior artists who have made significant contributions to various art forms.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The scheme is open to any Haryana resident who has worked or contributed to the field of art for at least 20 years in areas such as singing, acting, drama, painting, or other visual arts.
- Applicants must be 60 years or older, with their age verified through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), a family identification card in Haryana.
- Income Criteria:
- If the applicant’s annual income is up to Rs. 1.80 lakh, they will receive Rs. 10,000 per month.
- If the income is between Rs. 1.80 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh, they will receive Rs. 7,000 per month.
About Haryana:
- Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
- Governor: Bandaru Dattatraya
- Capital: Chandigarh
- Ramsar Sites: Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Maharashtra Government Launches ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’ for Women Empowerment with Rs. 10.50 Crore Allocation
On May 7, 2025, the Maharashtra state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the launch of the ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’, a state-wide campaign aimed at enhancing women empowerment at the grassroots level. The initiative comes with a budget of Rs. 10.50 crores.
Key Highlights:
- The campaign was launched at a special cabinet meeting in Choundi, Maharashtra, the birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary 18th-century queen of the Holkar dynasty. The meeting commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar and was the first cabinet meeting held outside Mumbai.
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis released a commemorative postage stamp and a special logo in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary.
Sports news
Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket
On May 7, 2025, Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, at the age of 38, announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances, despite leading the Indian Test team since February 2022. He will continue to represent India in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Key Career Highlights:
Test Cricket Achievements:
- Debut: 2013, scoring 177 runs against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the second-highest debut score by an Indian.
- Played 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score was 212 runs against South Africa in 2019.
- Captaincy: Led India in 24 Test matches, winning 12.
ODI Achievements and Records:
- Holds the world record for the highest individual score in an ODI with 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014, along with three double centuries.
- Led India to victory in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, announcing his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- Ranked 3rd in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings as of May 2025.
Awards and Honors:
- 2015: Awarded the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor.
- 2020: Conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor in India.
Additional Information:
- Since 2018, Rohit Sharma has served as the brand ambassador of WWF India’s Rhino Conservation.
About ICC:
- Chairman: Jay Shah (India)
- CEO: Geoff Allardice
- Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
- Founded: 1909
China Clinches 14th Title at BWF Sudirman Cup 2025
In May 2025, the People’s Republic of China secured its 14th BWF Sudirman Cup title and achieved a record fourth consecutive victory, defeating South Korea 3-1 in the final of the 19th edition of the BWF Sudirman Cup mixed-team championship.
Championship Details:
- Dates: The event was held from April 27 to May 4, 2025, at the Fenghuang Gymnasium in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China.
- Third place: Japan secured the third position.
About the Sudirman Cup:
- Established: 1989, named in honor of Dick Sudirman, the founder and former president of the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
- Held biennially, it is one of the premier mixed-team events in badminton, alongside the Thomas Cup (men’s team) and the Uber Cup (women’s team).
- Title winners: China (14 titles), South Korea (4 titles), and Indonesia (1 title).
About the Badminton World Federation (BWF):
- President: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen
- Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Established: 1934
Important days
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 – May 8
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed annually on May 8 to honor the humanitarian efforts and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Theme for 2025:
The theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 is “Keeping Humanity Alive.”
About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
- President: Kate Forbes
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 1919
World Thalassaemia Day 2025 – May 8
International Thalassaemia Day (ITD), also known as World Thalassaemia Day, is observed annually on May 8 to raise awareness about Thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder that reduces the body’s haemoglobin levels. The day celebrates the global thalassaemia community, advocates for equitable healthcare access, and acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with the condition.
Theme and Slogan:
- Theme of ITD 2025: “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients” – The theme emphasizes the importance of a people-centered and inclusive approach to care, putting the patient at the core of all efforts.
- Slogans for ITD 2025: “WeAre1” and “PatientsFirst“.
About Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF):
- President: Panos Englezos
- Headquarters: Nicosia, Cyprus
- Established: 1986
