4th and 5th may 2025 current affairs

PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Maharashtra, Kerala & Andhra Pradesh (May 1–2, 2025): Key Developmental Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Maharashtra, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh (AP) from May 1 to 2, 2025, where he inaugurated and launched multiple landmark developmental projects.

 Maharashtra (Mumbai) – Launch of WAVES 2025

• PM Modi inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind summit, WAVES 2025, at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai.
• Theme/Tagline: “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries”.
• Organized by: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Duration: Four-day summit.

 Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) – Vizhinjam International Seaport

• On May 2, 2025, PM dedicated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation.
• Project Cost: ₹8,867 crore.
• Expected to be fully operational by 2028–29.

Kerala Quick Facts:

• Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor – Rajendra Arlekar
• Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
• Major Stadiums – Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Jimmy George Indoor Stadium

Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) – Mega Infrastructure Push

• On May 2, 2025, PM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹58,000 crore.
• Included the foundation stone for 74 projects valued at ₹49,000 crore.

Enforcement Directorate Marks 69th Foundation Day with Key Highlights and Honours

`

On May 1, 2025, Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, led the 69th Foundation Day celebrations of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in New Delhi, underscoring the agency’s intensified efforts against financial crimes.

Key Highlights:

• The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including:
  • S.V. Raju, Additional Solicitor General
  • Rahul Navin, Director, ED
  • Subhash Aggarwal and Prashant Kumar, Special Directors, ED
  • Naval Kishore Ram, Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance (MoF)
• Annual Report for FY 2024–25 Released:
  Pankaj Chaudhary released the ED’s Annual Report, reflecting a substantial rise in enforcement actions to curb financial irregularities and crimes.
• Honours and Recognition:
  • 23 officers and zonal units were awarded for excellence in intelligence gathering, investigation, and field operations.
  • Abhishek Goyal, former Special Director, received the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service.

About the Enforcement Directorate (ED):

• Established: May 1, 1956
• Parent Ministry: Union Ministry of Finance
• Legal Frameworks Enforced:
  • PMLA, 2002 (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)
  • Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018
  • FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act)
• Director: Rahul Navin
• Headquarters: New Delhi

NITI Aayog Unveils Strategic Report to Boost MSME Competitiveness and Partners with GAME to Foster Local Entrepreneurship

On May 2, 2025, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), in partnership with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) based in Gurgaon, Haryana, released a pivotal report titled ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India’. The report outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at unlocking the full potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by focusing on systemic reforms in areas such as:

• Financing
• Skilling
• Innovation
• Market Access

Key Insights:

• From 2020 to 2024, the credit access for:
  • Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) rose from 14% to 20%
  • Medium Enterprises improved from 4% to 9%
• However, as of FY 2020-21 (FY21), only 19% of MSME credit demand was fulfilled through formal channels, leaving a massive unmet credit gap of Rs. 80 lakh crore.

NITI Aayog Partners with GAME to Strengthen Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

Also on May 2, 2025, NITI Aayog announced a strategic collaboration with the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to promote localized entrepreneurship ecosystems across India.

• The initiative will roll out pilot projects in:
  • Nagpur (Maharashtra)
  • Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Uttar Pradesh (UP)
• The focus will be on place-based interventions to support and empower local entrepreneurs.

President Droupadi Murmu Launches Key Initiatives to Promote Dignified Ageing for Senior Citizens

On May 2, 2025, President of India Droupadi Murmu graced the event titled “Ageing with Dignity – Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior Citizens” at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to spotlight welfare measures aimed at empowering elderly citizens.

Key Dignitaries Present:

• Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister, MoSJE
• Dr. Ramdas Bandu Athawale and B.L. Verma, Ministers of State, MoSJE

Major Initiatives Launched:

1. Senior Citizens Welfare Portal
   • A comprehensive digital platform for elderly citizens to access government schemes, healthcare benefits, welfare services, and updates on relevant programs.
2. Inauguration of Five Senior Citizens Homes
   • Virtually launched by the President in:
     • Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
     • Wokha (Nagaland)
     • Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
     • Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh)
     • Nainital (Uttarakhand)
   • These homes are part of the MoSJE initiative under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, ensuring a safe and dignified living environment for the elderly.
3. Distribution of Aids under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
   • Aimed at senior citizens from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
   • Assistive devices were distributed to enhance mobility and health support.
   • RVY is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a PSU under MoSJE.
4. MoU Between MoSJE and Brahmakumaris
   • Signed to promote inter-generational bonding, holistic well-being, and an inclusive society for the elderly.

About the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE):

• Union Minister: Dr. Virendra Kumar (Tigamgarh, Madhya Pradesh)
• Ministers of State:
  • Dr. Ramdas Bandu Athawale (Rajya Sabha – Maharashtra)
  • B.L. Verma (Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh)

Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav Inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav in Nashik; Launches ‘Yoga Sangam’ Portal for IDY 2025

In May 2025, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush organized a grand ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ at Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra, marking the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.

Key Highlights:

• The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav, Ministry of AYUSH and MoS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• During the event, he launched the ‘Yoga Sangam Portal’, a digital platform for online registration and coordination of synchronized IDY 2025 celebrations on 21st June.

Dignitaries Present:

• Murlidhar Bhagare, MP (Nashik)
• Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA (Nashik West)
• Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA (Nashik East)
• Lt. Gen. Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, VC, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
• Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Yoga Vidya Gurukul
• Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush

About Yoga Mahotsav:

• Attended by over 6,000 yoga enthusiasts.
• Included a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) by MDNIY instructors, led by Director Kashinath Samagandi.
• Yoga Sangam is among the 10 Signature Events of IDY 2025, promoting global health solidarity.

Previous Yoga Mahotsav Events:

• March 13, 2025 – Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (100-day countdown)
• April 7, 2025 – Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (75-day countdown)

About Yoga Sangam Portal:

• A CYP-based platform to encourage daily yoga practices like Pranayama and Dhyana.
• Accessible at: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam

About Ministry of AYUSH:

• MoS (IC): Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
• Constituency: Buldhana, Maharashtra

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in Kolkata – Boosts Ease of Doing Business

In May 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, heading the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in New Town, Kolkata, West Bengal.

Key Features & Highlights:

• Seven-storey integrated facility designed to consolidate MCA offices for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Includes India’s first Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre, set up in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
  • Aims to assist youth aged 21–24 in securing internship opportunities and guidance for the application process.

Offices Housed in Corporate Bhavan:

• Regional Directorate (East)
• Registrar of Companies
• Official Liquidator
• Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
• National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) – Kolkata Bench
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

 Significance:

• Acts as a single-window interface for:
  • Companies
  • Startups
  • Investors
  • Auditors
  • Insolvency professionals
• Aims to simplify corporate regulatory services and boost ease of doing business in the eastern region.

 Infrastructure Details:

• Built-up area: ~13,239 square metres
• Total project cost: Rs. 150.43 crores

Amit Shah Unveils Statue & Renames Road to Honour Bodofa Upendranath Brahma in Delhi

In May 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also heads the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), paid tribute to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, a revered Bodo leader, by unveiling his statue and renaming a prominent road in South Delhi on the occasion of his 35th death anniversary. The event was organized by the Government of Assam.

Event Highlights:

• A 9-foot life-size statue of Bodofa was unveiled near Kailash Colony Metro Station, beside the Bodoland Guest House.
• The Lala Lajpat Rai Road in South Delhi was renamed as Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg.
  • Road specifications: 835 metres long and 50 feet wide.
• Dignitaries present:
  • Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, CM of Assam
  • Rekha Gupta, CM of Delhi
  • Other senior officials and community leaders

About Bodofa Upendranath Brahma:

• A visionary social reformer and tribal leader from Assam.
• Advocated for tribal rights, especially for the Bodo community.
• Promoted peaceful struggle and unity among tribal groups.
• Championed the philosophy of “Live and Let Live”, now widely embraced in Bodoland and beyond.
• Known as “Bodofa”, meaning “Father of the Bodos”, symbolizing pride and self-respect of India’s tribal society.

Significance:

• The tribute reflects a national acknowledgment of Bodofa’s contribution to inclusive development, identity preservation, and social justice for tribal communities.
• The renamed road and statue serve as a symbol of unity and pride for the tribal population across India.

Defence news

ALH Dhruv Helicopters of IA & IAF Cleared for Operations Post Safety Review

On 1st May 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv variants operated by the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been cleared for operations. This decision follows a thorough assessment and recommendations from a Defect Investigation (DI) Committee.

 Key Highlights:

•  Operational Clearance:
  Granted after safety evaluations and a time-bound phased resumption plan, jointly implemented with IA and IAF.
• Defect Investigation Committee:
  Recommended corrective actions to ensure safety and restore confidence in the fleet.

About ALH Dhruv:

• Developed by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Type: 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter
• Role: Used for military and civilian operations
• Fleet: Over 340 units manufactured and deployed
• Features: Suited for high-altitude, reconnaissance, transport, and utility roles

 Impact on Defence Operations:

• The grounding had disrupted key military activities:
  • Notably, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF missed Aero India 2025.
• Resumption of flights is critical for restoring operational readiness, especially in sensitive regions like Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, post Pahalgam terror attack.

Significance:

This clearance restores confidence in India’s indigenous rotorcraft capability and supports the armed forces’ readiness and mobility, especially in challenging terrains and conflict-prone zones.

International news

USA Approves USD 131 Million Military Sale to India for Indo-Pacific Maritime Security

In May 2025, the United States of America (USA) approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth USD 131 million (approximately Rs. 1,090 crore) to the Government of India (GoI). This deal is aimed at strengthening India’s maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

• The FMS agreement is part of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program, a collaborative initiative within the Quad partnership (USA, India, Australia, and Japan).
• The sale is intended to bolster India-USA strategic relations and enhance maritime surveillance to maintain regional peace and stability.

Key Components of the Military Sale:

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), under the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has notified the U.S. Congress about the proposed sale, which includes:

• SeaVision software (with requested software enhancements)
• Access to SeaVision documentation
• Remote software and analytic support
• Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training
• Other logistical and program support services

Note: The primary contractor for this sale is Hawkeye 360, a defense company based in Herndon, Virginia.

Strategic Objectives:

• The sale will improve India’s maritime domain awareness and analytical capabilities, enhancing its overall strategic position.
• It also supports the USA’s foreign policy by strengthening defense cooperation with India, which is designated as a Major Defense Partner.

About the United States of America:

• President: Donald John Trump
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Banking news

RBI Report: India’s Exports Reach Record High of USD 824.9 Billion in FY25

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, released the latest report on services trade for March 2025. According to the data, India’s total exports of goods and services reached an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), up from the previous estimate of USD 820.93 billion announced on April 15, 2025.

• This marks a 6.01% increase compared to India’s total exports of USD 778.1 billion recorded in FY24.
• The growth in the export sector for FY25 was mainly driven by a record surge in services exports, which reached USD 386.5 billion in FY24, despite challenges in global trade.

Key Findings:

1. Services exports surged to a record high of USD 387.5 billion in FY25, showing a growth of 13.6% from USD 341.1 billion in FY24.
2. The services sector recorded a 18.6% increase, reaching USD 35.6 billion in March 2025, up from USD 30 billion in March 2024.
3. Key sectors contributing to this growth included telecommunication, computer and information services, transport, travel, and financial services.
4. Merchandise exports, excluding petroleum products, reached a record high of USD 374.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a growth of 6% from USD 352.9 billion in FY24, marking the highest-ever annual non-petroleum merchandise exports.

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

• Governor: Sanjay Malhotra
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Established: 1935

Economy news

S&P Global Ratings Lowers India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%

On May 02, 2025, S&P Global Ratings (formerly Standard & Poor’s) released its report titled “Global Macro Update: Seismic Shift in US Trade Policy Will Slow World Growth”, revising India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY26 to 6.3%, a reduction of 20 basis points (bps) from the previous estimate of 6.5% in March 2025.

• The downgrade is attributed to uncertainties arising from the recent changes in U.S. tariff policies and their potential global economic impact.
• The GDP growth forecast for FY27 has also been lowered to 6.5%, reflecting a 30 bps reduction from the previous estimate of 6.8%.

Key Highlights:

1. Impact of US Tariff Policies: The rise in U.S. import tariffs, along with potential retaliation from other nations, has created significant uncertainties in global trade, expected to negatively affect market confidence and economic stability worldwide.
2. Exchange Rate Projections: S&P Global Ratings forecasts the Indian Rupee (INR) to reach 88 per U.S. Dollar (USD) by the end of 2025, compared to 86.64 in 2024, indicating potential currency fluctuations amid global trade tensions.
3. Global Economic Outlook: The agency also lowered its global growth projections by 30 bps for both 2025 and 2026, now forecasting global growth at 2.2% in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026, marking the weakest growth since the global financial crisis, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Projections by Other Agencies:

1. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced India’s FY26 growth forecast by 30 bps to 6.2%, citing global trade tensions.
2. The World Bank (WB) lowered India’s FY26 growth projection by 40 bps to 6.3%, aligning with concerns over global economic uncertainties.
3. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its FY26 growth estimate to 6.5%, a 20 bps reduction.

About S&P Global Ratings:

• President: Yann Le Pallec
• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Founded: 1860

Award news

AIFF Awards 2024-25: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Named Footballers of the Year

In May 2025, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the winners of its annual awards for 2024-25 during a ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• Subhasish Bose, a Defender from Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), West Bengal, was named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year for 2024-25. He became the first player from West Bengal to win this prestigious title since Nabi in 2012.
• Soumya Guguloth, a forward player from East Bengal FC, Odisha, was named the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2024-25. She became the first player from Telangana to win the AIFF Women’s Player of the Year award.

Other Awardees:

1. Brison Deuben Fernandes, midfielder of FC Goa, won the AIFF Promising Men’s Player of the Year for 2024-25, after a standout season with 7 goals and 2 assists in the Indian Super League (ISL).
2. Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, a centre-back for Sribhumi FC, became the first-ever centre-back to win the AIFF Promising Women’s Player of the Year Award for 2024-25, leading her team to a third-place finish in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) as a newly-promoted side.

About All India Football Federation (AIFF):

• President: Kalyan Chaubey
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Founded: 1937

Kozhikode Recognized by WHO as an Age-Friendly City

In May 2025, Kozhikode, a city in Kerala, was officially inducted into the World Health Organization (WHO)‘s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC).

• With this recognition, Kozhikode joins a global group of cities committed to developing policies, providing services, and creating infrastructure that supports the elderly, ensuring they remain healthy, active, and engaged in their later years.
• Kozhikode becomes the second Indian city to be part of the WHO GNAFCC, after Kochi (Kerala) in 2024, and the second city in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) after Wellawaya in Sri Lanka.

Key Points:

• This is Kozhikode’s second international honor, following its 2023 recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature, emphasizing its commitment to progressive urban planning.

Key Factors Behind Recognition:

• The Kozhikode Corporation has implemented several age-friendly initiatives, such as:
  • Daycare centres for seniors.
  • Safe spaces for elderly engagement.
  • Seminars tailored to senior citizens.

Impact and Benefits:

• As a member of the WHO GNAFCC, Kozhikode will now benefit from global best practices and guidance to enhance elderly-friendly infrastructure, fostering an inclusive urban environment.

About WHO GNAFCC:

• Established in 2010, the network aims to connect cities and communities globally with the common goal of creating great places for people to grow old.
• Its objectives include:
  • Inspiring change and demonstrating practical actions.
  • Connecting cities for the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
  • Supporting cities with innovative, evidence-based solutions.
• The network is coordinated by the Department of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) at WHO headquarters, with administrative support from the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) based in Toronto, Canada.

Current Reach:

• The WHO GNAFCC currently includes 1,705 cities and communities across 60 countries, benefiting over 330 million people globally.

About WHO:

• Director General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Established: 7th April, 1948

Appointment news

Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Appointed as DG and CEO of IICA

In May 2025, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, an officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) from the 1992 batch, took charge as the Director General (DG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a prominent think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

ECI Appoints Rakesh Verma as DG of IIIDEM and Ashish Goyal as DG of Media

In May 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed two senior officers to critical leadership positions to enhance its administrative and media functions:

1. Rakesh Verma, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Punjab cadre, was appointed Director General (DG) of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. Before this, he served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and held key roles in the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).
2. Ashish Goyal, a 1996-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), assumed charge as Director General (DG), Media at the Election Commission of India.

Sanjay Khanna Takes Additional Charge as CMD of BPCL

On 1st May 2025, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), announced that Sanjay Khanna, who was serving as Director (Refineries), has taken over the additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BPCL. He succeeded G. Krishnakumar, whose term ended on 30th April 2025.

• Sanjay Khanna brings over 30 years of experience in refinery operations, technical services, and project implementation.
• As Executive Director (ED) of Kochi Refinery, he played a key role in commissioning BPCL’s first niche petrochemical project, the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

Agreement news

India & Denmark Renew Energy Cooperation Pact to Accelerate Clean Energy and Net-Zero Goals

In May 2025, India and Denmark renewed their strategic energy cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral efforts in advancing clean energy transitions and achieving net-zero emissions.

Key Highlights:

• The MoU was signed between Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India, and H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• This renewed MoU builds upon the original agreement signed on June 5, 2020, which was initially valid till June 5, 2025.

Scope of the Renewed Agreement:

• Broadened collaboration in:
  • Power system modernization
  • Integration of variable renewable energy
  • Cross-border electricity trading
  • Development of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
• Focus on capacity building through:
  • Expert exchanges
  • Joint training programs
  • Study tours
• Supports India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

About Denmark:

• Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen
• Capital: Copenhagen
• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

Obituary news

Professor Sunny Thomas, Former National Shooting Coach and Dronacharya Awardee, Passes Away

In April 2025, Professor Sunny Thomas, the former National Rifle Shooting Coach of India and Dronacharya Awardee, passed away at the age of 83 in Uzhavoor, Kottayam district, Kerala. He was born in 1941 in Kottayam, Kerala.

• In 2001, he became the first shooting coach to receive the Dronacharya Award, one of India’s highest honors for excellence in sports coaching.

About Professor Sunny Thomas:

• Sunny Thomas began his association with shooting in 1965 when he joined the Kottayam Rifle Club. He was a five-time Kerala state champion and won the National Championship in 1976.
• After retiring from academia in 1993, where he had served as an English professor, he shifted to coaching.
• He served as India’s national shooting coach for 19 years, from 1993 to 2012.
• Under his guidance, Indian shooters won 4 Olympic medals, including India’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal by Abhinav Bindra in Beijing 2008 (10m Air Rifle).
• During his tenure, Indian shooters also earned medals at 6 World Championships, 50+ World Cups, 6 Asian Games, and 5 Commonwealth Games.

Important days

World Press Freedom Day 2025 Observed on May 3

World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, highlights the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

• May 3, 2025, marks the 32nd anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.
• The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2025 is “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.

Background:

• In 1993, the UN General Assembly officially declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
• The first World Press Freedom Day was observed on May 3, 1994.

2025 Highlights:

• The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for 2025 was awarded to La Prensa, a Managua (Nicaragua)-based newspaper, known for its resilience amidst repression.
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2025, ranking press freedom in 180 countries.
  • Norway ranked first, while India improved its position to 151st, up from 159th in 2024.