Author: Balaguru Mamundi

National news

Union Cabinet Approvals – May 7, 2025: Key Decisions on Skilling, Education, and Energy

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several significant initiatives on May 7, 2025, aimed at strengthening skilling infrastructure, higher education, and coal allocation policies. The key highlights are as follows:

 1. National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Skilling

• Approval granted for the National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation and the establishment of five (5) National Centres of Excellence (NCoE).
• Objective: To equip over 2 million youth with industry-relevant skills over the next five years.
• This scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore, as announced in the Union Budgets of 2024-25 and 2025-26.

2. Expansion of Five New IITs

• The Cabinet approved the academic and infrastructure expansion of the following Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
  • IIT Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
  • IIT Palakkad (Kerala)
  • IIT Bhilai (Chhattisgarh)
  • IIT Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • IIT Dharwad (Karnataka)
• This move aims to boost research capacity, student intake, and campus development in these newer IITs.

 3. Revised SHAKTI Policy for Coal Allocation

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), also chaired by the PM, approved the Revised SHAKTI Policy (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India).
• The revised policy enhances transparency and flexibility in coal allocation to the power sector.
• Focus: Meeting both long-term and short-term coal requirements efficiently.
• The original SHAKTI Policy was launched in 2017 to ensure transparent allocation of coal linkages through auction or tariff-based bidding.

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.

Timeline & Implementation:

• These e-passports were initially rolled out on a pilot basis on April 01, 2024, under the Passport Seva Programme-Version 2.0 (PSP-V2.0).
• The full-scale implementation in 2025 follows the pilot’s success, with the government introducing updated passport regulations to further improve security, privacy, and inclusivity.

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.

 Key Highlights of the Dialogue:

• The dialogue brought together major stakeholders from India and the United States (USA) to explore collaborative strategies for clean energy advancement and combating climate change.
• Organized by the India Program at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP), part of the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), in partnership with the Columbia Global Center in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

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

Academic Collaboration:

• Minister Goyal invited Columbia University (USA) to collaborate with Indian Institutes of Eminence and consider establishing a campus in India, strengthening academic and technological cooperation.

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.

Key Highlights:

• This initiative is designed to boost liquidity in the housing finance market and attract long-term investors.
• The PTCs are backed by housing loans originated by LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL).
• The issuance involved one lakh certificates, each with a face value of Rs 1 lakh, amounting to a total of Rs 1,000 crore. The issue was fully subscribed, demonstrating strong market interest.
• For the first time in India, the coupon rate of a PTC was discovered through the NSE’s Electronic Book Provider (EBP) platform.
• These PTCs carry a 7.26 percent annual coupon and have a maturity period of approximately 20 years.
• They have received AAA(SO) credit ratings from both CRISIL Limited and CARE Ratings, indicating the highest level of credit safety.
• Issued in dematerialized form, these certificates are transferable and tradable on the secondary market, ensuring investor liquidity.

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.

Banking news

Kotak Mahindra Bank Launches Solitaire Credit Card for High Net Worth Individuals

In May 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, launched the Kotak Solitaire Credit Card, a premium, invite-only metal card under its Solitaire Program, exclusively for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs).

Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: Offered to Solitaire Program customers with a Total Relationship Value (TRV) of
  • ₹ 75 lakh (savings accounts) or
  • ₹ 1 crore (current accounts)
• Rewards:
  • 10 air miles per ₹100 on flight/hotel bookings via the Kotak Unbox platform
  • 3 air miles per ₹100 on other eligible spends
  • Air miles valid for 3 years, redeemable for flights, hotels, or vouchers
• Travel Benefits:
  • Unlimited lounge access (domestic/international) for primary and add-on cardholders
  • 4 complimentary guest visits annually (2 domestic + 2 international)
  • Zero forex markup on international transactions
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹400 to ₹7,500
    • Maximum waiver: ₹10,000 per card anniversary year
• Annual Fee: ₹ 25,000 + taxes (waived for Solitaire Program members); no joining fee

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL):

• Founder: Uday Kotak
• MD & CEO: Ashok Vaswani
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Established: 1985
• Tagline: Let’s Make Money Simple

Economy news

CKA Birla Group: Rebranding for a Future-Ready Identity

In May 2025, the New Delhi-based CK Birla Group, a 170-year-old conglomerate, officially rebranded itself as ‘The CKA Birla Group’. This marks a strategic shift toward a technology-driven and services-led enterprise, moving beyond its traditional manufacturing base.

• Leadership:
  • Chairman – C.K. Birla
  • Co-Chairman – Amita Birla
• Purpose of Rebranding:
  • Reflects the Group’s transition to future-oriented sectors
  • Highlights commitment to diversity, leadership, and talent development
• Key Companies under the CKA Birla Group:
  • Birlasoft Limited
  • GMMCO Limited
  • National Engineering Industries Limited (NBC Bearings)
  • BirlaNu Limited (formerly HIL Limited)
  • Orient Electric Limited
  • CK Birla Healthcare Private Limited (CK Birla Hospitals, Birla Fertility & IVF)
  • Orient Paper & Industries Limited
  • AVTEC Limited
  • Neosym Industry Limited

NIRL Signs PPA with RVUNL for 810 MW Solar Power Project

Also in May 2025, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited, signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) for a 810 MW solar project.

• Location:
  • Pugal Solar Park, Bikaner district, Rajasthan
• Project Details:
  • Awarded via competitive tariff-based bidding
  • Developed under Mode 8 of the MNRE’s UMREPP Scheme
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Generate approx. 2 Billion Units (BU) of green electricity annually
  • Offset around 1.5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of CO₂ emissions each year
• Note: NLCIL was India’s first Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) to set up 1 GW of renewable energy capacity.

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)
  • Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation (2012–2014)
  • Union Minister of State for Power (2011–2012)
  • Member of Legislative Assembly, Kerala (1996–2009)

About the Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

• Established: 1921 (pre-independence), reconstituted in 1950 (post-independence)
• Significance: Ensures accountability in public fund usage by examining CAG audit reports
• Composition: 22 members – 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha
• Primary Role: Reviews compliance with parliamentary financial approvals

Appointment news

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.

Key Highlights:

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension during a meeting on 7 May 2025.
• The decision came after the committee responsible for appointing the next CBI Director failed to reach a consensus in its meeting on 6 May 2025 at the Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi.
• The meeting was attended by:
  • Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  • Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India

Appointment Process of CBI Director:

The appointment is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, and is decided by a three-member selection committee:

• Prime Minister – Chairperson
• Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (or leader of the largest party if there is no official LoP)
• Chief Justice of India

Tenure Guidelines:

• The CBI Director is appointed for a minimum term of two years.
• The tenure can be extended by one year at a time, based on the committee’s recommendation.
• The maximum tenure allowed is five years.

About the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• It is the premier investigating agency of the Government of India.
• It primarily investigates corruption cases involving central government employees.
• The CBI assists Lokpal and the Central Vigilance Commission in related investigations.
• It also acts as the nodal agency for Interpol in India.

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).

Key Highlights of the JV:

• First-of-its-kind hydrogen-powered drones in India with:
  • Extended flight endurance
  • Modular payload capability
  • Ready-to-fly configurations
• Application Areas:
  • Logistics in remote and border regions
  • Tactical surveillance
  • Defence supply chains
  • High-altitude missions
• Technology Contribution:
  • HevenDrones will provide technology, prototypes, and production manuals.
  • Paras Defence will handle manufacturing, regulatory approvals, sales, and operations in India.
• Governance:
  • The JV Board will include representatives from both companies.
  • CEO, CFO, and COO will be jointly appointed.

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.

Features of ASW SWC Vessels:

• Primary Role: Detect and eliminate enemy submarines in shallow coastal waters.
• Secondary Roles:
  • Laying sea mines
  • Supporting low-intensity maritime operations

Armament and Capabilities:

• Equipped with:
  • Lightweight torpedoes
  • Anti-submarine rockets and mines
  • 30mm naval surface gun
  • Two 16.7mm stabilised remote-controlled guns
• Stealth technology and advanced sonar systems enable submarine detection.
• Top speed: 25 knots
• Crew capacity: 57 personnel

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.

Application Process:

• The application process will be online, and a dedicated committee will evaluate the applications after preliminary verification by the department.
• The final list of eligible beneficiaries will be prepared by this committee.

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.

Announced Welfare Projects:

• As part of a targeted welfare approach, CM Fadnavis announced several infrastructure projects for the Dhangar community youth:
  • Construction of hostels for both boys and girls in Pune and Nasik.
  • Establishment of a separate Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Ahilya Nagar dedicated to girls, aimed at providing vocational training and skill development.
• The Maharashtra government also decided to rename the Ahmednagar district in honor of Ahilya Devi Holkar.
• Rs. 681 crore has been allocated for the preservation of Ahilyabai’s memorial in Choundi, and a new medical college will be named Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College.

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.

Key Match Highlights:

• Mixed Doubles: Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping (China) defeated Seo Seung-jae/Chae Yu-jung (South Korea).
• Women’s Singles: An Se-young (South Korea) defeated Wang Zhiyi (China) with scores of 21-17, 21-16.
• Men’s Singles: Shi Yuqi (China) overwhelmed Jeon Hyeok-jin (South Korea) with scores of 21-5, 21-5.
• Women’s Doubles: Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning (China) sealed the title with a 21-14, 21-18 win over Baek Ha-na/Lee So-hee (South Korea).
• Men’s Doubles: This match was not played, as China secured victory after four matches.

India’s Performance:

• India faced defeats against Denmark and Indonesia, but won against England with a 3-2 scoreline.
• Despite the victory, India did not advance to the quarter-finals, finishing 9th among the 16 participating teams.

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.

Core Principles:

The movement operates under seven core principles:

• Humanity
• Neutrality
• Impartiality
• Independence
• Voluntary service
• Unity
• Universality

Theme for 2025:

The theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 is “Keeping Humanity Alive.”

Historical Significance:

• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• The first International Red Cross Day was celebrated on May 8, 1948.

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“.

Background:

• The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) initiated May 8 as International Thalassaemia Day.
• Panos Englezos, the president and founder of TIF, established the inaugural World Thalassaemia Day on May 8, 1994, in memory of his son George Englezos, who passed away from thalassaemia.

About Thalassaemia:

• Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder affecting haemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport in red blood cells.
• Individuals may suffer from anemia, leading to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and paleness.
• Thalassaemia is inherited through mutated haemoglobin genes passed from parents to children.

Types of Thalassaemia:

1. Alpha Thalassaemia: Caused by mutations in the gene controlling the production of alpha globin.
2. Beta Thalassaemia: A more severe form, resulting from defects in the gene that produces beta-globin.

Associated Health Issues:

Thalassaemia can lead to complications such as damage to the heart, liver, lungs, and endocrine organs due to iron accumulation from anemia. Patients may also face mental and societal challenges.

About Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF):

• President: Panos Englezos
• Headquarters: Nicosia, Cyprus
• Established: 1986

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:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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

National News

Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates the 12th Global Space Exploration Conference in New Delhi

The 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) commenced in New Delhi on 7th May 2025, and will run for three days until 9th May 2025. The event, bringing together global leaders in space exploration, aims to address recent advancements, challenges, and the future of human space exploration. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the conference virtually on 7th May.

Conference Background:

• The first GLEX was held in Beijing, China in 2010.
• The previous edition took place in Oslo, Norway, in May 2023.

Organizers:

• The event is organized by the International Aeronautical Federation (IAF), with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) hosting it and the Indian Astronautical Society acting as a co-host.

Inauguration:

• The conference was officially inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on 7th May 2025.

Theme of GLEX 2025:

• The theme for this year’s conference is “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance.”

About the Global Space Exploration Conference:

• The Global Space Exploration Conference seeks to facilitate the exchange of space policies and programs among space-exploring nations.
• It aims to encourage collaboration among countries in addressing space exploration challenges and provides a platform for sharing lessons learned and future exploration plans.
• Notable participants include ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, Josef Aschbacher from the European Space Agency (ESA), and Kazuyoshi Kawasaki of the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA).

About the International Aeronautical Federation (IAF):

• Established in 1951, the IAF is the world’s leading space advocacy organization.
• It has 563 members across 81 countries, including prominent space agencies, companies, and research institutions.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.

India Hosts First-Ever WAVES 2025 in Mumbai; ₹1,328 Crore Business Deals Signed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The four-day summit, held from May 1–4, 2025, was a joint initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) and the Government of Maharashtra (GoM). The event was held under the tagline:
“Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries.”

Key Highlights:

• Special Postage Stamps Released:
  PM Modi unveiled commemorative postage stamps honoring five legends of Indian cinema:
  Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, and Salil Chowdhury.
• Global Media Dialogue (GMD):
  For the first time, the MoI&B organized the GMD in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with ministerial participation from over 50 countries.
  ➤ 77 countries adopted a 13-point ‘WAVES Declaration’, promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Launch of Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT):
  Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the establishment of the IICT, a National Centre of Excellence (CoE) supported by Jio Star, headquartered in Mumbai.
• Business Milestone:
  The summit recorded business deals worth ₹1,328 crore, marking a successful global industry engagement across audio-visual and entertainment sectors.

In-Principle Approval Granted for Greenfield Airports in Rajasthan and Odisha

In May 2025, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu granted in-principle approval for the development of greenfield airports in Kota (Rajasthan) and Puri (Odisha). These approvals are part of the Government of India’s initiative under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible for all.

Key Highlights:

• The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision to enhance regional air connectivity.
• Greenfield Airports refer to aviation facilities constructed from scratch on undeveloped land.

Kota, Rajasthan Airport:

• To be developed in 2 phases
• Total investment: ₹1,507 crore
• Kota, a major educational and industrial hub, will benefit from improved connectivity in the Hadoti region.

Puri, Odisha Airport:

• To be developed in 3 phases over 1,164 acres
• Total investment: ₹5,631 crore
• The airport will enhance religious tourism in Puri, home to Lord Jagannath, and support regional development.

 About Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA):

• Union Minister: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
  ➤ Constituency: Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
• Minister of State (MoS): Murlidhar Kisan Mohol
  ➤ Constituency: Pune, Maharashtra

NMCG Approves Key Projects for Ganga Rejuvenation in 62nd Executive Committee Meeting

In May 2025, the 62nd Executive Committee (EC) Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held in New Delhi, chaired by Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director-General of NMCG. The meeting emphasized sustainability in river rejuvenation and approved critical projects aligned with the mission’s goals of ecosystem restoration in the Ganga basin.

Key Approvals:

i. Approval was given for the project Conserving and Sustainably Managing Nathmalpur Bhagad (Wetland) in Bhojpur district, Bihar, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.51 crore. This marks the fifth wetland project undertaken under the National Ganga Plan (NGP).

ii. The EC also approved Rs 34.50 lakh for Capacity Building Initiatives under the Making Water-Sensitive Cities in the Ganga Basin project.

About Ministry of Jal Shakti:

• Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath Patil Constituency Navsari Gujarat
• Minister of State V Somanna Constituency Tumkur Karnataka
• Minister of State Raj Bhushan Choudhary Constituency Muzaffarpur Bihar

Government Strengthens Inland Waterways with Rhenus Group Partnership

In May 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rhenus Group, a global logistics company from Germany, to promote the use of inland waterways for cargo movement in India. IWAI is the nodal agency for National Waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

Key Objectives of the MoU

• Enable Rhenus Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. to launch scheduled barge operations across major National Waterways (NWs) in India.
• Integrate global best practices into the Indian Inland Water Transport (IWT) system.

Highlights
i. Rhenus will deploy 100 barges in phases, beginning with 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase.
ii. The operations aim to transport over one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.
iii. The MoU will also support the development of scheduled IWT services across India’s NWs.

About Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Constituency Dibrugarh Assam
• Minister of State Shantanu Thakur Constituency Bangaon West Bengal

MoRTH Launches Cashless Treatment Scheme 2025 for Road Accident Victims

In May 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, providing cashless medical treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per accident per person across India.

Key Details of the Scheme

• Effective Date: From May 5, 2025
• Eligibility: Applies to any road accident victim involving a motor vehicle on any road in India
• Financial Allocation: Rs 272 crore has been allotted for Financial Year 2025-26

Implementation and Features
i. National Health Authority (NHA) is the implementing agency, coordinating with police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies.
ii. State Road Safety Councils will act as nodal agencies for hospital onboarding, treatment coordination, and payment processing.
iii. The scheme aims to provide critical treatment during the golden hour, significantly increasing survival chances.
iv. Treatment coverage lasts up to 7 days from the date of the accident, at designated government and private hospitals.
v. Non-designated hospitals can offer only stabilisation treatment.
vi. The scheme is universal, covering all accident victims, regardless of income or category.

About Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

• Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari Constituency Nagpur Maharashtra
• Minister of State Ajay Tamta Constituency Almora Uttarakhand
• Minister of State Harsh Malhotra Constituency East Delhi Delhi

International news

Kiren Rijiju Leads Indian Delegation at United Nations Day of Vesak in Vietnam

Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, led the Indian delegation at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 6th to 8th May 2025. This marks the fourth time Vietnam has hosted the event, having previously done so in 2008, 2014, and 2019.

Opening Ceremony Highlights:

• The opening ceremony was addressed by Luong Cuong, President of Vietnam, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, Kiren Rijiju, and other notable Buddhist monks.

Background of United Nations Day of Vesak:

• UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December 1999 to observe Day of Vesak annually on the full moon day of May.
• The first UN Day of Vesak was celebrated in 2000 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Significance of Vesak in Buddhism:

• Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
• It is one of the most sacred events in Buddhism, celebrated during the Vaishakh month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to April/May on the Gregorian calendar.
• Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death all occurred during Buddha Purnima, observed on the full moon in Vaishakh.
• Buddha Purnima 2025 will be celebrated on 12th May 2025.

UN Day of Vesak Organization:

• The event is organized by the International Council for the Day of Vesak, a global association of Buddhist communities.
• The International Council has been responsible for 20 editions of UN Day of Vesak, including the 2025 celebration in Vietnam. It has been hosted 15 times in Thailand, 4 times in Vietnam, and once in Sri Lanka (2017).
• Since 2013, the Council holds a Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

Sacred Buddhist Relics Displayed:

• Kiren Rijiju brought the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India to be displayed in Vietnam.
• The relics, including a portion of the skull bone of Lord Buddha, were brought from the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
• These relics were excavated in Nagarjuna Konda, an important site for Mahayana Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh.
• The relics will be displayed at 4 monasteries in Vietnam during the UN Day of Vesak.

Rank and report news

Tamil Nadu Leads India’s Textile Exports in FY25 with USD 7.99 Billion

In April 2025, Tamil Nadu (TN) emerged as India’s top textile exporter in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), contributing USD 7.99 billion, which accounts for 26.81% of India’s total textile exports valued at USD 36.61 billion.

• In FY24, TN had exported USD 7.15 billion, contributing 20.78%, showing significant year-on-year growth.
• Gujarat ranked second with USD 5.64 billion, followed by Maharashtra with USD 3.83 billion.

Key Export Categories in FY25
i. Readymade Garments: USD 15.99 billion (largest share)
ii. Cotton Products: USD 12.06 billion (includes yarn, fabrics, made-ups, handlooms)
iii. Man-Made Textiles: USD 4.87 billion (includes yarn, fabrics, made-ups)
iv. Others: Handicrafts, carpets, jute

Reasons for Tamil Nadu’s Export Success
i. The Tiruppur knitwear cluster alone contributed USD 4.69 billion (approx. Rs 40,000 crore) in FY25

• Known for its integrated supply chain from yarn to finished garment
• Attracts global buyers due to efficiency and sustainability
  ii. Price competitiveness and eco-friendly practices in Tiruppur attract major international brands
  iii. The upcoming withdrawal of GSP by the EU for Bangladesh by 2027 is shifting buyers toward Indian exporters

About Tamil Nadu (TN)
Chief Minister – M. K. Stalin
Governor – R. N. Ravi
Capital – Chennai
Ramsar Sites – Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Therthangal Bird Sanctuary

India Rises to Rank 130 in UNDP Human Development Report 2025; Iceland Leads Globally

On 6 May 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the Human Development Report (HDR) 2025, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, with the theme “Harnessing Digital Transformation to Advance Human Development”.

• India ranked 130 in the 2023 Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.685, moving up three positions from 133 in 2022 (score: 0.676).
• Iceland secured the top rank globally with an HDI score of 0.972, followed by Norway (0.970) and Switzerland (0.970).

Key Findings of the Report
i. India’s life expectancy increased from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, setting a new record.
ii. Average years of schooling in India rose from 8.2 years in 1990 to 13 years in 2023.
iii. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in India grew by over 53%, from USD 2,167.22 in 1990 to USD 9,046.76 in 2023.

About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Administrator – Achim Steiner
Headquarters – New York, United States of America
Established – 1965

Banking News

SEBI Mandates Rs 1 Crore Minimum Investment and Demat for Securitised Debt Instruments

In May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, introduced new regulations for Securitised Debt Instruments (SDIs) by amending the rules on ‘issue and listing of securities debt instruments and security receipts’.

• A minimum investment threshold of Rs 1 crore has been made mandatory for issuance of SDIs by RBI-regulated originators and unregulated entities involved in securitization.
• Mandatory minimum 3-year operating experience is now required for all originators.
• The updated norms aim to ensure originators retain interest in underlying assets, enhancing market stability and investor confidence.

Key Regulatory Changes
i. For non-RBI regulated originators, the minimum investment for subsequent transfers will also be Rs 1 crore.
ii. Public offers for SDIs must remain open for at least 3 days and no more than 10 days, following SEBI’s advertising norms for non-convertible securities.
iii. SEBI has introduced an ‘Investor Charter’ for Know Your Customer (KYC) Registration Agencies (KRAs), outlining available services, investor rights, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

SBI Forecasts Retail Inflation Below 3% in Q1 FY26

In May 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, released a report forecasting that India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), will remain below 3% during Q1 FY26 (April to June 2025).

• This forecast comes after a significant drop in CPI inflation to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest in 67 months, primarily due to a major correction in food prices.

Key Highlights:
i. Core inflation rose from 3.28% in August 2024 to 3.77% in October 2024, then stabilized between 3.6% and 3.7% from November 2024 to January 2025. It then increased to 4.1% in February and March 2025, the highest in 15 months.

• Excluding gold, core inflation was at 3.2%, which is lower than both the core and overall CPI inflation figures.
  ii. **SBI projects nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY26 to range from 9% to 9.5%, slightly below the Union Budget 2025-26 estimate of 10%.
  iii. SBI suggests that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may consider aggressive rate cuts in FY26, with a total reduction of 125 basis points—75 basis points in the first half and an additional 50 basis points in the second half of the year.

Pulitzer Prize 2025: NYT Wins 4, Reuters Honored for US Fentanyl Investigation

In May 2025, the Pulitzer Prize Board announced the winners of the 109th Pulitzer Prize (2025), recognizing excellence in categories such as Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.

• The New York Times (NYT) won 4 awards in various categories, increasing its total to 139 Pulitzer Prizes, a record high since the awards began in 1917.
• The New Yorker magazine followed closely with 3 awards, covering areas like commentary, feature photography, and audio reporting, particularly for its coverage of overseas wars.

Key Highlights:
i. The Pulitzer Prize is awarded in 24 categories, broadly divided into 15 Journalism categories, 8 Letters, Drama, and Music categories, and 1 Special Citation.
ii. Renowned American Photographer Doug Mills (NYT) won the Breaking News Photography category for capturing the attempted assassination of then U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania.

Renowned Entrepreneur-Social Activist Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom Conferred with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025

In May 2025, Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, a renowned social worker and entrepreneur from Mumbai (Maharashtra), was honored with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025. The award was presented by Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, during a grand ceremony organized by the Maitri Peace Foundation in Guwahati, Assam.

• Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, the Managing Director of Care Takers Exterior and Interior Private Limited, received the award for his exceptional social activism and leadership in the building repairs and restoration industry.
• Alongside Dr. Gom, Dr. Munir Khan, an eminent structural engineer and founder of Avon Consulting Engineers, was also honored for his significant contributions to social initiatives, particularly promoting sustainable development and community welfare.

About Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom:
i. He is the Managing Director of Care Takers Exterior and Interior Private Limited, based in Mumbai.
ii. In February 2025, he received the Public Service Award from the Governor of Himachal Pradesh at the Creator and Business Excellence Awards 2025.
iii. He has been previously honored with various awards, including the Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award and recognition from the Governors of Maharashtra and Telangana.

About Dr. Munir Khan:
i. With a long career in structural engineering, Dr. Khan has led over 1,500 structural audits and the restoration of more than 300 buildings.
ii. His notable projects have been carried out across cities in Maharashtra, such as Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira Bhayandar.
iii. In September 2024, he was awarded the International Buddha Peace Award by Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana.

About the International Buddha Peace Award:
i. Established in 2009, this award is presented annually by the Maitri Peace Foundation, a non-government voluntary organization.
ii. It recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary efforts to promote peace both within and outside their communities.
iii. Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of the Global Trade & Technology Council of India (GTTCI), was a key recipient of the award in 2024.

Union Minister L Murugan Conferred the 10th National Community Radio Awards in Mumbai

On May 3, 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS), Dr. L Murugan from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), presented the 10th National Community Radio Awards to 12 outstanding Community Radio Stations (CRS) at the 8th National Community Radio Conference. The event took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• The event was organized by the MoI&B and Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), in conjunction with the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.
• The conference brought together representatives from over 400 CRS across the country, offering an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration.

Note: As of April 2025, there are 531 community radio stations operating across India.

10th National Community Radio Awards:

The 10th National Community Radio Station Awards featured 12 awards across 4 categories:

1. Thematic Awards
2. Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards
3. Promoting Local Culture Awards
4. Sustainability Model Awards

• These prestigious awards recognize the exceptional work of CRS from states including Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (TN), Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka.

About the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B):

• Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Rajya Sabha – Odisha)
• Minister of State (MoS): Dr. L. Murugan (Rajya Sabha – Madhya Pradesh)

Appointment news

Friedrich Merz Elected as Germany’s 10th Chancellor

On May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Conservative Party and a lawyer, was elected as the 10th Chancellor of Germany. He won with 325 votes out of 630 seats in the second round of voting.

• In the first round of secret ballot voting, he fell short by six votes, securing 310 votes while needing 316 votes to win.
• President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, officially approved Friedrich Merz as Chancellor at the Bundestag in Berlin, Germany.

Prakash Magdum Appointed as MD of NFDC

On May 5, 2025, Prakash Magdum, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), took charge as the Managing Director (MD) of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. NFDC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), Government of India (GoI).

• He succeeded Prithul Kumar, the previous MD of NFDC.
• Prior to this role, Prakash Magdum served as the Additional Director General (ADG) at the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Defence news

DRDO and IN Successfully Test Indigenously Developed MIGM

In May 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI), in collaboration with the Indian Navy (IN), successfully conducted a combat firing (with a reduced explosive payload) of the indigenously developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM).

• The MIGM system is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s defense capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines, providing advanced detection and engagement features.

Key details:

• The MIGM is an advanced underwater naval mine, developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
• The production partners for MIGM are Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited (AML) in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Sports news

Indian Duo Wins U-19 Boys Doubles Title at WTT Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025

In May 2025, Indian table tennis players Ankur Bhattacharjee and Abhinandh Pradhavadhi clinched the U-19 Boys’ Doubles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025, held at Fashion Island, Bangkok, Thailand. They defeated South Korea’s Lee Jungmok and Choi Jiwook 3-1 in the final.

• The duo secured a 3-1 victory over Australia’s Won Bae and India’s Priyanuj Bhattacharyya in the opening round, then made an incredible comeback from 0-2 to beat Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama and Iran’s Benyamin Faraji 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

Other Highlights:

• In the U-19 Girls’ Doubles, India’s Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick won the silver medal, losing to Thailand’s Wirakarn Tayapitak and Phatsaraphon Wonglakhon in the final.
• Divyanshi Bhowmick had an impressive run in the U-15 Girls’ Singles, securing the silver medal after a 1-3 defeat to China’s Liu Ziling in the final.
• In the U-15 Girls’ Doubles, the Indian pair of Riana Bhootia and Ananya Muralidharan won the silver medal.
• In the U-19 Boys’ Singles, Ankur Bhattacharjee reached the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over South Korea’s Lee Seungsoo but lost 0-3 to Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama.

FC Goa Clinches Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Title, Defeating Jamshedpur FC

In May 2025, FC Goa (FCG) triumphed over Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 3-0 in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This victory secured FC Goa’s second title in the tournament’s history, making them the first club to win the Super Cup twice, having previously clinched the title in 2019.

• The tournament, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is India’s premier domestic knockout football competition.
• The win also marked FC Goa’s first title under head coach Manolo Márquez, concluding his tenure with a perfect result.

Key Highlights:

• Borja Herrera, Spanish midfielder, scored a brace for FC Goa with goals in the 23rd and 51st minutes.
• Dejan Drazic, Serbian forward, added a third goal in the 71st minute, sealing the win.
• Borja Herrera was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his standout performance.
• With this win, FC Goa qualifies for the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, marking their return to continental football after 4 years.

Important Days

International No Diet Day 2025 – May 6

International No Diet Day (INDD) was observed on May 6, 2025, globally, to promote body acceptance, challenge diet culture, and raise awareness about the dangers of weight discrimination and fatphobia.

• This observance encourages individuals to embrace their bodies, irrespective of shape or size, fostering a healthier relationship with food and self-image.

Symbol:
INDD is symbolized by a light blue ribbon, representing body acceptance, eating disorder awareness, and the fight against diet culture.

Origin of INDD:

• INDD was founded in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a British feminist and director of Diet Breakers, to raise awareness about the dangers of dieting and promote self-acceptance.
• The first No Diet Day was observed on May 5, 1992, with a picnic in London’s Hyde Park, where women wore stickers reading “Ditch That Diet” to symbolize freedom from restrictive eating.
• In 1993, the date was shifted to May 6 to avoid overlapping with Cinco de Mayo celebrations and ensure a unique identity for the movement.
• Initially observed in the United Kingdom, the movement soon gained global momentum, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Goals of INDD:

• Promote body acceptance and diversity across all shapes, sizes, and identities.
• Raise awareness about the physical and psychological risks of restrictive dieting.
• Encourage a positive relationship with food and body image.
• Challenge fatphobia and weight-based discrimination.
• Debunk harmful diet myths while advocating for intuitive eating and self-care.

World Asthma Day 2025 – May 6

World Asthma Day (WAD) is observed globally on the first Tuesday of May, as part of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), to raise awareness and improve care for asthma.

• WAD 2025 was observed on May 6, 2025, with the theme “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL.”

Background:

• World Asthma Day was first observed in 1998 during the inaugural World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, with participation from over 35 countries.
• The day aligns with the spring/fall seasons when asthma symptoms often worsen due to environmental factors and is also recognized as World Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month.

About GINA:

• Managing Director & Chair: Arzu Yorgancioglu (Turkey)
• Headquarters: Wisconsin, USA
• Launched: 1993

Border Roads Organisation Raising Day 2025 – May 7

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrates its Raising Day annually on May 7, marking its establishment in 1960 to honor the service of its personnel and reaffirm its commitment to developing critical infrastructure in India’s border areas.

• May 7, 2025 marks the 66th observance of the Raising Day of BRO.

Background:

• BRO was established on May 7, 1960, with the primary goal of securing India’s borders and building vital infrastructure in remote and strategic regions.
• In 1985, the BRDB was re-constituted and placed under the chairmanship of the Defence Minister, aligning with national security priorities.
• Over 6 decades, BRO has constructed 62,214 km of roads, 1,005 bridges, 7 tunnels, and developed 21 airfields across India.
• In FY 2023-24, it completed 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3,611 crore.

World Athletics Day 2025 – May 7

World Athletics Day is celebrated on May 7 each year to raise awareness among children and young people about the importance of fitness and to encourage participation in sports, especially athletics.

• The theme for World Athletics Day 2025 is “Relay Around the World Challenge.”

Background:

• IAAF, the international governing body for track and field athletics, introduced World Athletics Day as part of its social responsibility program titled “Athletics for a Better World.”
• IAAF was established on July 17, 1912, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Kids Athletics Day:

• Observed on May 7, this day encourages children to engage in sports, especially athletics, from an early age. It is a key feature of the World Kids’ Athletics Programme, a free program designed to inspire youth globally.

About World Athletics:

• President: Sebastian Coe
• Headquarters: Monaco
• Established: 1912

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.

National news

India to Provide $200 Million Loan to Angola for Armed Forces Modernization

India has agreed to provide Angola with a $200 million loan to modernize its armed forces. This announcement was made during the visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to India on 3rd April 2025. The visit, which took place from 1-4 May 2025, marked the first official visit of President Lourenço to India in 38 years, following the visit of former President José Eduardo dos Santos in April 1987.

Meeting with PM Modi and Key Highlights:

During his visit, President Lourenço met Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. He later held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing bilateral and regional issues, including condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by terrorists.

Defence Cooperation:

• Prime Minister Modi announced the $200 million loan to Angola, which will be used to purchase defence equipment, transport vehicles, ammunition, and other military assets from Indian defence companies.
• Angola also expressed interest in India’s assistance in modernizing and servicing its Russian-made weapon systems, such as SU-30 fighter jets.

Agreements and MoUs Signed:

During the visit, three agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:

1. Cooperation in Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems.
2. MoU in the field of agriculture.
3. Cultural cooperation for the period 2025-2029, including a Youth Exchange Program to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Angola Joins International Solar Alliance (ISA):

Angola became the 123rd country to sign the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, marking a significant step in promoting solar energy cooperation.

Angola-India Relations:

India and Angola share a longstanding relationship, dating back to Angola’s freedom struggle against Portuguese colonial rule, where India supported the MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola). Diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1985, and they are now celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations.

• Bilateral trade between India and Angola was valued at $4.192 billion in the period 2022-2024.

About Angola:

• Location: Southwest Africa
• Independence: Gained from Portugal in 1975
• Resources: Rich in petroleum oil and diamonds
• Capital: Luanda
• Currency: Kwanza
• President: João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço

India Launches First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties: ‘DRR Dhan 100 Kamla’ & ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’

In May 2025, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled India’s first two genome-edited (GE) rice varieties — ‘DRR Dhan 100 Kamla’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’ — at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi.

These innovative rice varieties were developed using CRISPR-Cas-based genome-editing technology by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. This advanced method allows precise genetic modifications without incorporating foreign DNA.

Key Highlights:

• Technology Used: CRISPR-Cas genome-editing, enabling accurate and clean edits to the plant genome.
• No foreign DNA is inserted, making the process more natural and acceptable in terms of biosafety.
• Research Initiation: ICAR began genome-editing research in 2018 to improve major rice varieties like Samba Mahsuri (BPT5204) and Maruteru 1010 (MTU 1010) under the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF).

‘Minus 5 Plus 10’ Strategy:

Minister Chouhan also launched the ‘Minus 5 Plus 10’ formula, which aims to:

• Reduce rice cultivation area by 5 million hectares (mh).
• Increase rice production by 10 million tons (MT) in the same or lesser area.
• This approach will free up land for pulses and oilseeds, improving overall agricultural sustainability.

Scientist Recognition:

The Minister honored the scientists behind the successful development of these GE varieties, acknowledging their contribution to agricultural innovation.

About ICAR:

• Director General: Dr. Himanshu Pathak
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Established: 1929

India and UK Sign Cultural Cooperation Pact to Strengthen Creative Partnerships

Lisa Nandy, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, visited India from May 1 to 3, 2025 on an official mission to boost cultural collaboration between the United Kingdom (UK) and India across various creative industries.

During her visit, she signed a Cultural Cooperation Agreement with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism) at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Visit and Agreement

• Lisa Nandy held a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

About the UK-India Cultural Cooperation Agreement

• The UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation aims to enhance cultural exchanges, support creative industries, and build long-term partnerships between cultural institutions in both countries.
• The UK will collaborate with India on:
  • Heritage conservation
  • Museum management
  • Digitisation of collections
• Key implementing bodies:
  • British Council in India
  • Ministry of Culture (Government of India)
  • Major UK cultural institutions including:
    • Arts Council England
    • British Library
    • British Museum
    • Natural History Museum
    • Science Museum Group
    • V and A Museum
• The agreement may lead to:
  • New exhibitions and public programmes involving the Indian diaspora in the UK
  • Better accessibility to South Asian manuscripts
  • Joint efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts

About the United Kingdom

• Prime Minister: Keir Starmer
• Capital: London
• Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)

STRIDE-EUI Launched to Deepen EU-India Cooperation in Trade, Technology and Security

In May 2025, a new strategic initiative named STRIDE-EUI (Strategic Research, Innovation and Dialogue for EU-India Engagement) was officially launched by The Dialogue (based in New Delhi, India) and Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting Firm (based in Leuven, Belgium). This initiative aims to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership in the fields of trade, technology, and security.

Highlights of STRIDE-EUI Launch

• STRIDE-EUI offices will operate from New Delhi and Brussels, bridging political, business, and policy ecosystems of India and the European Union.
• The initiative was launched through a high-impact dialogue that brought together experts from industry, civil society, academia, and international communities.

Key Speakers at the Launch

• Amb. Gurjit Singh, former Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, ASEAN, and African Union
• Malathi Narayanan, Director-General, Indian Beauty and Hygiene Association (IBHA)
• Eric Pol, Chairman, MyData Global
• Sagar Singamsetty, Founder and MD, Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting
• Bhoomika Agarwal, Senior Research Associate, The Dialogue

Key Objectives and Activities

• STRIDE-EUI will act as a platform for thematic dialogues, policy whitepapers, and collaborative programs to drive resilient and forward-looking EU-India relations.
• The initiative aligns closely with the goals of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
• A robust calendar of roundtables, dialogues, and policy publications will be initiated to strengthen cooperation.

Strategic Focus Areas

• Digital governance
• Supply chain resilience
• Ethical technology innovation
• Strengthening links between government, business, and civil society

About The Dialogue

• Founding Director: Kazim Rizvi
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Established: 2017

About Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting Firm

• Founder and Managing Director: Sagar Singamsetty
• Headquarters: Leuven, Belgium

Rajasthan Joins India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor with Madhya Pradesh

In May 2025, Rajasthan is set to collaborate with Madhya Pradesh (MP) in establishing India’s first inter-state cheetah conservation corridor, covering an area of 17,000 sq km. This ambitious initiative is aimed at promoting genetic diversity, improving wildlife movement, and addressing habitat fragmentation for cheetahs.

Key Features of the Cheetah Conservation Corridor

• Total Area: 17,000 sq km
  • 10,500 sq km in Madhya Pradesh
  • 6,500 sq km in Rajasthan
• District Coverage:
  • 13 districts in Rajasthan
  • 12 districts in MP
• Rajasthan districts included:
  Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, and Chittorgarh

Corridor Connectivity

• Links Palpur Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in MP with Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan
• Enables free movement of cheetahs across a vast, connected and protected habitat

Conservation Significance

• Aims to support the long-term survival of cheetahs in India
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) identified the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape as a suitable habitat in their action plan
• Enhances India’s biodiversity by facilitating natural cheetah behavior and territory expansion

About Madhya Pradesh

• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• Capital: Bhopal
• Bird Sanctuary: Kharmor Bird Sanctuary

About Rajasthan

• Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Capital: Jaipur
• Note: The bird sanctuaries Thattekad and Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary mentioned are in Kerala, not Rajasthan. Rajasthan’s well-known bird sanctuaries include Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur).

Sanjay Jaiswal and Baijayant Panda Appointed as Heads of Key Parliamentary Committees for FY26

In May 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appointed senior BJP MPs to lead two crucial parliamentary committees for the fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26).

Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal – Chairperson of Committee on Estimates (CoE)

• Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP MP, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Estimates.
• The CoE comprises 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha.
• Term: From May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
• Mandate:
  • Reviews budget estimates.
  • Suggests measures for economy in public expenditure.
  • Proposes alternative policies to improve administrative efficiency.

Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda – Chairperson of Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU)

• Baijayant Panda, BJP MP from Kendrapara, Odisha, has been reappointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Undertakings.
• The CoPU includes 22 members:
  • 15 from the Lok Sabha
  • 7 from the Rajya Sabha
• Term: From May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
• Mandate:
  • Evaluates reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
  • Ensures PSUs follow sound business principles and prudent commercial practices.

These appointments reinforce parliamentary oversight on budgetary efficiency and public sector management.

International News

India and 7 Other Nations Placed on US Priority Watch List for IPR Concerns

In May 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2025 Special 301 Report, placing India and seven other countries on the Priority Watch List due to continued shortcomings in the protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Countries on the Priority Watch List:

• India
• Argentina
• Chile
• China
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Russia
• Venezuela

Key Highlights:

• The report identifies India as one of the most challenging major economies for IPR enforcement.
• Specific concerns were raised about:
  • Patent revocations
  • Use of discretionary criteria under the Indian Patents Act, 1970
  • Impact on multiple sectors

Watch List (Lower Tier):

• 18 countries, including Canada, Brazil, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, were placed on the Watch List, indicating significant IP-related challenges needing continued bilateral attention.

About USTR:

• Representative: Jamieson Lee Greer
• Headquarters: Washington DC, USA
• Established: 1963

The report underscores ongoing global concerns over IP protection and calls for enhanced cooperation and reform in listed countries.

Banking news

Razorpay Unveils India’s First AI-Integrated MCP Server for Seamless Payments

In April 2025, Razorpay Software Private Limited, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, launched India’s first Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for a payment gateway, enabling businesses to integrate AI-driven tools directly into their payment infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• The MCP server allows AI agents and tools like Claude, Zapier, and VS Code to communicate with Razorpay using simple instructions.
• It supports automation of tasks such as:
  • Creating payment links
  • Initiating refunds
  • Managing transactions
• Eliminates the need for traditional dashboards or APIs, offering a streamlined, command-based payment interface.

AI-Driven Integration:

• Businesses can now link AI tools—from chat-based assistants to automated systems—directly with Razorpay’s backend.
• Payments can be initiated through simple commands, reducing manual efforts and speeding up workflows.

About MCP:

• Developed by: Anthropic
• Purpose: Open standard for Large Language Models (LLMs) to interact with external tools, systems, and data sources.

This marks a significant advancement in AI-powered financial automation, positioning Razorpay at the forefront of intelligent payment solutions in India.

Zaakpay Gets RBI Nod to Operate as Payment Aggregator

In May 2025, Zaak ePayment Services Private Limited (Zaakpay), a wholly owned subsidiary of One MobiKwik Systems Limited (MobiKwik), received the final Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as an online Payment Aggregator (PA).

Key Highlights:

• Headquartered in: Gurugram, Haryana
• Authorised under: Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
• The CoA enables Zaakpay to facilitate merchant payments via online platforms.

Service Expansion:

• Zaakpay can now offer comprehensive digital payment solutions through:
  • Credit and Debit Cards
  • Net Banking
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
  • Wallets
  • Pay Later Options
  • Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs)

Current Operations:

• Serves enterprise clients in sectors such as:
  • Transit
  • E-commerce
  • Digital Lending
  • Healthcare
  • Utility Bill Payments

Background:

• Zaakpay had earlier received in-principle approval from RBI in 2023.

This approval strengthens Zaakpay’s position in India’s growing digital payments ecosystem, enhancing its capacity to offer secure and versatile transaction solutions.

IFSCA and NISM Partner to Strengthen Capacity Building in GIFT IFSC

In May 2025, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to enhance capacity building and training in the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC).

Key Participants:

• The MoU was signed in the presence of:
  • Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairperson of SEBI
  • K. Rajaraman, Chairperson of IFSCA

Note: NISM is a public trust established in 2006 by SEBI.

MoU Highlights:

• NISM will serve as the training partner for IFSCA and its registered intermediaries.
• Key responsibilities include:
  • Conducting certification examinations in line with IFSCA regulations.
  • Developing customized content, question banks, and e-learning modules tailored to the needs of IFSCA.
• Focus: Enhancing the professional expertise of financial institutions (FIs) within the IFSC.

Mutual Benefits:

• IFSCA will leverage NISM’s expertise in certification and training.
• NISM will gain from its exposure to an international financial services environment.

This collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s financial ecosystem by building a highly skilled workforce for the GIFT IFSC platform.

RBI Fines Five Major Banks Rs 2.52 Crore for Regulatory Non-Compliance

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a total penalty of Rs 2.52 crore on five major Indian banks for violations of multiple regulatory guidelines, identified during the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023). These violations included issues related to cybersecurity, KYC norms, customer service, internal account operations, and agricultural lending.

Banks Penalised and Key Violations:

1. ICICI Bank Limited (Mumbai)
   • Penalty: Rs 97.80 lakh (Highest among the five)
   • Violations:
     • Failure to report cybersecurity incident on time
     • No alert mechanism for certain account categories
     • Charging late fees without issuing credit card statements
     • Breach of credit card conduct norms
2. Bank of Baroda – BoB (Vadodara)
   • Penalty: Rs 61.40 lakh
   • Violations:
     • Permitting non-cash incentives for selling insurance
     • Not crediting interest in dormant savings accounts
3. Bank of Maharashtra – BoM (Pune)
   • Penalty: Rs 31.80 lakh
   • Violation:
     • Non-compliance with KYC norms
     • Opened multiple accounts using Aadhaar OTP-based e-KYC in non-face-to-face mode
4. IDBI Bank Limited (Mumbai)
   • Penalty: Rs 31.80 lakh
   • Violation:
     • Charged excessive interest rates under the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans
5. Axis Bank Limited (Mumbai)
   • Penalty: Rs 29.60 lakh
   • Violation:
     • Conducted unauthorised transactions through internal/office accounts

This enforcement underscores RBI’s strict stance on ensuring regulatory discipline and protecting customer interests across the Indian banking sector.

Award news

AIFF Awards 2024-25: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Named Best Players

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) honored the winners of its annual awards for the 2024-25 football season on 2nd May 2025. Subhasish Bose of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Soumya Guguloth of East Bengal were named the Men’s Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year respectively.

The award ceremony took place in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, on the eve of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final between FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC. The event was attended by prominent figures including AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

Key Achievements of Subhasish Bose & Soumya Guguloth:

• Subhasish Bose, the captain of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, became the seventh defender to win the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year award. Under his leadership, the team won both the Indian Super League (ISL) Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup, following in the footsteps of Mumbai City FC.
• Soumya Guguloth of East Bengal made history by becoming the first player from Telangana to win the Women’s Player of the Year award. Soumya scored nine goals and led her team to victory in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 season.

Full List of AIFF Award Winners for 2024-25:

1. Men’s Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
2. Women’s Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal)
3. Promising Men’s Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)
4. Promising Women’s Player of the Year: Toijam Thoibisana Chanu (East Bengal)
5. Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
6. Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (East Bengal)
7. Men’s Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
8. Women’s Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sribhumi FC)
9. Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
10. Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P
11. Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
12. Female Assistant Referee of the Year: Riiohlang Dhar
13. President’s Special Honour for Coaching Excellence: Ranjan Chowdhury
14. Best Member Association (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)

Defence news

PM Lays Foundation Stone for DRDO’s New Missile Testing Range in Andhra Pradesh

On 2nd April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Missile Test Range in Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,460 Crore. This was part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Andhra Pradesh, where he also inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati.

Need for the Nagayalanka Missile Testing Range

Currently, India has two missile testing ranges in Chandipur and Wheeler’s Islands near Odisha, but these sites lack the capability to test advanced missile systems being developed under Phase 2 of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program.

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the new testing site at Nagayalanka, which will enable DRDO to test Phase 2 BMD interceptors. These interceptors are designed to destroy incoming hostile missiles at a safe distance, providing enhanced defense capabilities. The range will be capable of testing both short-range and long-range missiles, with two missile ranges placed strategically along the missile trajectory.

History of the Nagayalanka Missile Testing Range

The project at Nagayalanka has faced several challenges due to its location in the Krishna River delta, which is rich in mangrove forests. The construction of the missile site will result in the destruction of 155 hectares of mangroves. The area is also believed to have potential oil and gas reserves.

The project was initially approved by the Union Petroleum Ministry in 2012, with clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest. However, the project faced legal challenges regarding the environmental impact, which led to a Supreme Court review. Following the court’s approval, the Cabinet Committee on Security gave its final approval in 2024.

About Phase 2 of the Ballistic Missile Defence System

Phase 1 of the BMD system is operational, capable of intercepting missiles with ranges of less than 2000 km. It can target missiles like Pakistan’s Shaheen and Ghauri as well as China’s Dongfeng-21. This phase includes hypersonic missile interceptors that travel at speeds of Mach 4-5.

Phase 2 is being developed to intercept missiles with ranges over 5,000 km, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The hypersonic interceptors for Phase 2 will achieve speeds of Mach 6-7 and will be capable of intercepting missiles at very high altitudes. The system is designed to handle multiple, simultaneous missile attacks and will be comparable to the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system of the United States, with the capability to intercept ballistic missiles over 200 km away and track targets at ranges beyond 1,000 km.

Appointment news

Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese Secures a Second Consecutive Term

In May 2025, Anthony Norman Albanese, the leader of the Labor Party (LP), was re-elected as Australia’s Prime Minister (PM) in the federal elections. With this victory, Albanese made history by becoming the first Australian PM in two decades to secure a second consecutive 3-year term.

Election Results:

• Labor Party (LP): 70 seats
• Opposition Coalition (led by Peter Dutton): 24 seats
• The election was held in the 150-seat House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Australian Parliament.

About Australia:

• Prime Minister: Anthony Norman Albanese
• Capital: Canberra
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Salem Saleh Bin Braik Appointed as Yemen’s New Prime Minister

On May 4, 2025, Salem Saleh Bin Braik, the Finance Minister (FM) of Yemen, was appointed as the new Prime Minister (PM) by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of Yemen.

He succeeded Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, who resigned on May 3, 2025, after struggling with several challenges, including being unable to implement a government reshuffle.

About Yemen:

• Prime Minister: Salem Saleh Bin Braik
• Capital: Sanaa
• Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER)

Science and tech news

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform

In May 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform at the Sheopur Trial Site in Madhya Pradesh (MP). This trial aims to enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The unmanned Stratospheric Airship Platform, developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was launched with an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometers (km).

Key Highlights of the Trial:

• Flight Duration: Approximately 62 minutes.
• The data from the onboard sensors will assist in developing high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship missions.
• Pressure control and emergency deflation systems were tested for performance evaluation.

About the Stratospheric Airship Platform:

• The platform operates as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) between 17 km and 22 km above Earth.
• It is powered by solar energy and uses helium for lift, with onboard batteries enabling night-time operations.
• Capable of carrying imaging sensors, radar systems, or telecommunication payloads, the airship can provide persistent surveillance and support for various missions, such as border monitoring, disaster response, and intelligence gathering.
• The platform offers operational advantages over drones and satellites, providing faster deployment, lower costs, and enhanced flexibility.

About DRDO:

• Chairman: Dr. Samir Venkatapathy Kamat
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Established: 1958

About Ministry of Defence (MoD):

• Union Minister: Rajnath Singh (Constituency: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
• Minister of State (MoS): Sanjay Seth (Constituency: Ranchi, Jharkhand)

Sports news

China Clinches 14th Title at the 19th Sudirman Cup 2025

China emerged victorious at the 19th Sudirman Cup in 2025, claiming their 14th title in the history of the prestigious mixed-team badminton competition. This marked their fourth consecutive win, with a 3-1 victory over South Korea in the final, held in Xiamen from April 27 to May 4, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• The 2025 Sudirman Cup final was a repeat of the 2023 final, where China defeated South Korea by the same scoreline of 3-1.
• China secured the title with victories in the following matches:
  • Mixed Doubles: Feng Yanzhe/ Huang Dongping (China) defeated Seo Seung-jae/ Chae Yu-jung (South Korea).
  • Women’s Singles: An Se-young (South Korea) defeated Wang Zhiyi (China).
  • Men’s Singles: Shi Yuqi (China) defeated Jeon Hyeok-jin (South Korea).
  • Women’s Doubles: Liu Shengshu & Tan Ning (China) defeated Baek Ha-na & Lee So-hee (South Korea).
  • The Men’s Doubles match was not played, as China had already secured the title with a 3-1 lead.

India’s Performance:

• India, along with 15 other top-ranked countries, participated in the tournament but failed to qualify for the quarter-finals, finishing 9th out of the 16 teams.
• India was placed in Group D alongside Indonesia, Denmark, and England.
  • India lost to both Denmark and Indonesia with 4-1 scores.
  • India defeated England 3-2 but did not advance to the next stage.
  • India’s best performance in the Sudirman Cup came in 2011 and 2017, when they reached the quarter-finals.

About the Sudirman Cup:

• The Sudirman Cup was established by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 1989 to honor Dick Sudirman, the founder of the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
• It is a biennial mixed-team event held in odd-numbered years, while the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup are held in even-numbered years.
• China, Indonesia, and South Korea are the only three countries to have won the Sudirman Cup, with China winning it 14 times.

Sudirman Cup Winners:

• China: 14 titles
• South Korea: 4 titles (1991, 1993, 2003, 2017)
• Indonesia: 1 title (1989)

PM Modi Inaugurates 7th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 7th Khelo India Youth Games on 4 May 2025. This edition is being hosted by Bihar from 4 to 15 May 2025, with three sporting events taking place in New Delhi. It marks the first time Bihar is hosting the prestigious event.

Inaugural Ceremony:

The inaugural event took place at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. The ceremony was attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the Chief Guest, along with Union Minister for Youth Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, and Vijay Sinha. Prime Minister Modi officially declared the games open virtually.

Venues and Sporting Events:

A total of 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport will be featured in the 7th Khelo India Youth Games 2025. The events will be held across Bihar and New Delhi:

• New Delhi will host the events for gymnastics, shooting, and cycling.
• The remaining events will take place across Bihar, in cities like Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya, and Bhagalpur.
• Around 5,000 athletes from 36 States and Union Territories will be competing in this edition.

Logo and Mascot:

• Logo: “Khel ke rang Bihar ke sang”
• Mascot: Gajasimha, a mythical creature combining the features of an elephant (Gaja) and a lion (Simha), symbolizing strength.

Organizers:

The Khelo India Youth Games are organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and supported by the Sports Authority of India.

About Khelo India Youth Games:

The Khelo India program, launched in 2017, aims to revive the sports culture in India and strengthen sports at the grassroots level. It seeks to position India as a leading sporting nation. The Ministry of Youth Affairs, in partnership with IOA, organizes various Khelo India events, including:

• Khelo India Winter Games
• Khelo India University Games (KIUG)
• Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)

Originally named the Khelo India School Games, the event was first held in New Delhi in 2018. The event was renamed to Khelo India Youth Games from the second edition in Pune, Maharashtra, in 2019.

Obituary news

Yoga Guru and Padma Shri Awardee Swami Sivananda Passes Away at 128

On May 4, 2025, Swami Sivananda Saraswati, a renowned Yoga guru and Padma Shri Awardee, passed away at the age of 128 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

About Swami Sivananda:

• Born: August 8, 1897, in the Sylhet district of Bengal Presidency (now part of Bangladesh).
• Early Life: Raised by Guru Omkaranand Goswami at his Ashram in Nabadwip, West Bengal, after the death of his parents at the age of six.
• Education: Received practical and spiritual teachings, including Yoga, without formal schooling.
• Yoga Practice: Spent about 30 years teaching yoga on the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi, UP.
• Humanitarian Work: Dedicated the last 50 years of his life serving 400–600 leprosy-affected beggars, providing support at their huts.
• World Yoga Day: In 2019, he was the senior-most participant from India in the World Yoga Day demonstration.
• Maha Kumbh Mela: In January 2025, it was revealed that he had been attending the Maha Kumbh Mela for over 100 years.

Awards and Recognition:

• Yoga Ratna Award (2019) in Bengaluru, Basundhara Ratan Award from Respect Age International for his societal contributions.
• Padma Shri Award (2022) in the field of Yoga for his remarkable humanitarian work. He was the oldest recipient of the Padma Shri.

Important days

International Leopard Day: Raising Awareness for Leopard Conservation

International Leopard Day is observed every year on May 3 globally to promote the protection of leopards (Panthera pardus), one of the most adaptable big cats, and to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and leopards.

Key Facts About Leopards:

• Leopards are listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
• This status is based on criteria A2cd, highlighting a significant population decline due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and exploitation.

Leopard Population in India:

• According to the “Status of Leopards in India, 2022” report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the leopard population in India is estimated at 13,874 individuals.
• Madhya Pradesh (MP) has the largest leopard population, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.

About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

• Established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the NTCA works to strengthen and oversee tiger conservation efforts across India.
• Chairperson: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi

World Laughter Day 2025: Celebrating Joy and Health

World Laughter Day (WLD) is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of May to emphasize the significance of laughter in promoting health, peace, and emotional well-being. The day aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds to spread joy and positivity.

• WLD 2025 will be observed on May 4, 2025.
• The theme for WLD 2025 is “Laugh for Health, Peace and Happiness”.

Background:

• World Laughter Day was founded in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement, which promotes laughter as a form of exercise.
• The inaugural World Laughter Day celebration took place on January 11, 1998, in Mumbai, with over 12,000 participants from various countries. Since then, it has grown into a global event, celebrated in over 100 countries.
• The first World Laughter Day event outside India, called “HAPPY-DEMIC”, occurred on January 9, 2000, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over 10,000 people gathered at Town Hall Square, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest-ever laughter session.

International Firefighters’ Day 2025: Honoring Bravery and Sacrifice

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed globally on May 4 each year to honor the brave firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities and the environment. The day also serves as a tribute to those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty and offers gratitude to both current and former firefighters.

• Red-Blue ribbons, pinned together at the top, symbolize the core elements of a firefighter’s work, red for fire and blue for water.

Background:

• IFFD was established in memory of five firefighters who tragically lost their lives in a wildfire in Lindon, Australia in 1998.
• On January 4, 1999, JJ Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter from Australia, proposed the idea of observing IFFD on May 4.
• The first IFFD was celebrated on May 4, 1999.

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.

Maharashtra Approved India’s First Shipbuilding, Repair & Recycling Policy 2025

In April 2025, the Maharashtra State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the ‘Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025’, making Maharashtra the first Indian state to implement a dedicated policy in the maritime manufacturing sector.

This strategic move is aligned with the Union Government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, both of which aim to elevate India into the top five global shipbuilding nations by 2047.

Key Highlights of the Policy:

i. Goal: Transform Maharashtra into a Maritime Hub

• Investment target: ₹6,600 crore by 2030
• Employment generation: 40,000 jobs

ii. Financial Incentives:

• Capital subsidy: 15% of the total project cost
• Skill development support: Up to ₹1 crore per project
• R&D funding: Up to ₹25 crore

iii. Land Allocation:

• Concessional land leases: Allotment on long-term leases of 30 years, renewable

About the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW):

• Union Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
  (Constituency – Dibrugarh, Assam)
• Minister of State (MoS): Shantanu Thakur
  (Constituency – Bangaon, West Bengal)

MoHFW Launches New Digital Platform for Faster CGHS Services

In April 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced an upgraded version of its flagship programme — the Health Management Information System (HMIS) — to deliver faster services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The new digital platform, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), became operational on April 28, 2025.

In addition to HMIS, the ministry also re-launched the CGHS mobile app for both Android and iOS (iPhone Operating System), featuring an enhanced user interface and improved digital services.

Key Updates:

i. New Website Portal:

• The old CGHS websites (www.cghs.gov.in and www.cghs.nic.in) have been deactivated.
• All services are now available exclusively through the new portal:
  👉 cghs.mohfw.gov.in

ii. Revamped HMIS Features:

• Offers faster, more transparent, and user-friendly access to CGHS services.
• Replaces the outdated CGHS software (in use since 2005) that lacked modern IT standards, cybersecurity, and user-focused features.

iii. New Enhancements in the Upgraded System:

• PAN-based identification for CGHS beneficiaries
• Real-time service tracking
• Automated payment verification
• Fully online application workflows

India’s Coastline Length Revised to 11,098.81 km Following Updated Methodology

In April 2025, the Survey of India (SoI) officially updated the length of India’s coastline to 11,098.81 kilometers (km), a significant increase of 3,537.21 km (nearly 50%) from the previously recorded figure of 7,516.60 km, which had been in use since the 1970s.

This revision follows a multi-year scientific review conducted by the National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO), based in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), in coordination with SoI. The updated measurements reveal that Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states, while Goa has the shortest. Among the union territories (UTs), the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline, and Puducherry the shortest.

Background:

• For decades, various government departments used inconsistent coastline figures due to outdated measurement methods.
• In the 11th meeting (2010) of the Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC), efforts began to address this discrepancy.
• In its 16th meeting (July 16, 2019), CPDAC accepted the NHO’s revised coastline length of 11,084.50 km, based on advanced hydrographic data.
• On August 10, 2023, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), New Delhi, finalized updated Terms of Reference (ToR) for standardizing maritime parameters.
• The final revised figure of 11,098.81 km was officially approved during a meeting in January 2024 at NSCS, with representatives from coastal states, UTs, and other stakeholders.

Reasons for the Deviation:

1. Differences in scale and calculation methods: The data from the 1970s was likely calculated at a scale of 1:4,500,000 or smaller, whereas the new data uses a scale of 1:250,000.
2. Technological advancements: The use of modern Geographic Information System (GIS) software has provided much more accurate measurements compared to the conventional/manual methods used earlier.
3. Inclusion of offshore islands/islets: The new calculation includes the coastline lengths of 1,298 islands/islets (comprising 1,059 islands and 239 islets), which were possibly omitted in earlier measurements due to scale limitations.

About the Survey of India (SoI):

• The Survey of India (SoI) is India’s national organization for surveying and mapping, operating under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
• Surveyor General of India: Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
• Headquarters: Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
• Founded: 1767

MHA Constitutes High-Level Committee for National Disaster Management

On 30th April 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), established a High-Level Committee under the leadership of Union Minister Amit Shah to oversee national disaster preparedness and response mechanisms as per the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Constitution of the Committee:

The committee was formed under sub-section (2) of Section 8B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act No. 53 of 2005). The committee members include:

• Amit Shah – Union Minister, MHA (Chairperson)
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan – Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
• Nirmala Sitharaman – Union Minister, Ministry of Finance (MoF)
• Suman Bery – Vice Chairman (VC), NITI Aayog

About the Committee:

The primary goal of the committee is to strengthen India’s resilience against natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents by ensuring a coordinated national disaster management strategy.

The committee plays a crucial role in:

• Guiding national disaster management policies
• Coordinating efforts across various ministries and agencies
• Overseeing long-term risk reduction strategies
• Monitoring the preparedness levels of States and Union Territories (UTs)

By taking a multi-sectoral approach with members from finance, agriculture, and planning sectors, the committee ensures:

• Quick resource mobilization
• Integrated policies
• Smooth execution of disaster risk management plans

About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):

• Union Minister: Amit Shah (Constituency: Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
• Minister of State (MoS): Nityanand Rai (Constituency: Ujiarpur, Bihar); Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency: Karimnagar, Telangana)

International news

UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks, North Korea & Saudi Arabia Join for the First Time

In April 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGp), part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its Global Geoparks Network (GGN). This announcement was made during the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Notable First-Time Entries:

• North Korea made history with the inclusion of Mt Paektu as its first-ever UNESCO Global Geopark.
• Saudi Arabia debuted with two sites: North Riyadh and Salma.

However, India did not have any featured site in this latest list.

Key Facts about the Geopark Network:

• With the new additions, the Global Geoparks Network now includes 229 sites across 50 countries, covering an area of nearly 855,000 square kilometers.
• UNESCO Geoparks are important for the conservation of heritage, supporting educational projects and promoting sustainable tourism.
• To ensure the quality of UNESCO Global Geoparks, each site undergoes a revalidation process every four years. A green card indicates four years of renewal, while a yellow card signifies a two-year renewal period.

In the most recent round of 39 revalidations, 33 green cards and 6 yellow cards were awarded to various sites.

This expansion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks reflects a growing global commitment to preserving geological heritage and fostering sustainable development.

 

Rank and report news

Forbes India W-Power 2025: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker & Payal Kapadia Among Top 20 Self-Made Women

In April 2025, Forbes India, based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), in collaboration with L’Oréal Paris (France), unveiled its annual W-Power 2025 list. This list honors 20 exceptional self-made women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and resilience across various sectors such as business, finance, sports, entertainment, and public service.

Among the honorees were Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia, recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and their commitment to creating meaningful legacies.

About W-Power Initiative:

1. Launched in 2017, the W-Power initiative aims to spotlight women who have carved their own paths to success, serving as inspirations for future generations.
2. Forbes India shortlisted candidates from primary and secondary sources, focusing on entrepreneurs and professionals who did not inherit wealth or positions.
3. Key criteria for selection included financial success, influence, leadership, innovation, and societal impact.

About Forbes India:

• Editor: Suveen Sinha
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Established: 2009

The W-Power 2025 list serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable women who continue to break barriers and lead with resilience across diverse fields.

SRFTI Film ‘A Doll Made Up of Clay’ to Feature at Cannes 2025

The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), has announced that its film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” will make its entry to the 78th Festival De Cannes.

The film has been selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which highlights works by film school students from around the world.

Key Details about the Film:

1. Director and Writer: The film is written and directed by Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the Indian Council of Cultural Research (ICCR) at SRFTI.
2. Producer: Sahil Manoj Ingle.
3. Plot: The film follows a 23-year-old Nigerian footballer, Ahmed, who originally came to the city to play seven-a-side football but unexpectedly ends up as an actor.
4. Film Format: This 23-minute experimental film was created as part of an academic project for the Department of Producing for Film and Television at SRFTI. It blends Yoruba and Bengali languages.

About SRFTI:

• Established: 1995
• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)
• Focus: SRFTI is a premier autonomous institution dedicated to film and television education in India and is named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.

This film’s selection for Cannes 2025 highlights SRFTI’s growing international recognition in the world of cinema.

Banking news

SBI Signs MoU with LPAI to Enhance Banking Services for Border Trade

In April 2025, State Bank of India (SBI), based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This collaboration aims to enhance banking services at 26 land ports situated along India’s borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

The MoU was signed by S N Panigrahi, Deputy General Manager (DGM), SBI, and Vidyadhar Jha, Director (Operations), LPAI.

Key Features of the MoU:

1. Banking Services Expansion:
   • SBI will offer Foreign Exchange (Forex) transactions, Letter of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantee (BG) services, bulk cargo insurance, and digital banking solutions (e.g., YONO 2.0, e-Trade) at land ports within six months.
   • The goal is to increase annual border trade volumes from Rs 80,000 crore (2025) to Rs 2 trillion by 2030.
2. Employee Benefits:
   • 1,900 LPAI employees will receive corporate salary packages, personal accident insurance, loans, and discounted locker rentals.
   • Services will also be extended to over 5,000 employees of border agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Customs Department.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • LPAI currently operates 15 land ports across 8 border states and plans to develop 11 more in states like Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal (WB).
4. Forex Management:
   • The initiative aims to facilitate Rs 71,000 crore in forex trade annually through improved cross-border transactions.

About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI):

• Chairperson: Aditya Mishra
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Established: 2012

Sa-Dhan Signs MoU with Bank of India to Enhance Financial Access for Small, Micro & Women-Led Enterprises

In April 2025, Sa-Dhan, a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) based in New Delhi (Delhi), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of India (BoI), based in Mumbai (Maharashtra), to enhance financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of India.

The MoU was signed by Jiji Mammen, Executive Director (ED) and CEO of Sa-Dhan, and P. R. Rajagopal, ED of BoI. The initiative aims to promote financial inclusion and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Areas of the MoU:

1. Enterprise Financing:
   • Provide loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and non-SHG entrepreneurs.
   • Promote co-lending partnerships with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).
2. Climate and Green Financing:
   • Support the adoption of climate-resilient technologies and green projects.
3. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):
   • Fund initiatives to improve rural sanitation and clean water access.
4. Financial Literacy:
   • Conduct workshops to educate rural entrepreneurs about government schemes and digital banking tools.

These efforts are aimed at enhancing financial access and supporting the sustainable growth of small, micro, and women-led businesses in India.

 

State news

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches E-Kalyan Portal

In April 2025, Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the E-Kalyan Portal, developed by the Department for Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). This digital initiative is designed to streamline the application process for various social security pension schemes in the state.

Key Features of the E-Kalyan Portal:

• The portal aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in delivering social welfare schemes by linking with databases such as Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and the Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card.
• It reduces manual paperwork and ensures seamless verification.
• Eligible applicants can apply online directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan.
• Updates regarding application errors, verification, and approvals are provided digitally, allowing applicants to track their applications from home.

 

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates World’s First Energy Transmission Garden in Hyderabad

In April 2025, Jishnu Dev Varma, the Governor of Telangana, inaugurated Babuji Vanam, the world’s first energy transmission garden, located at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana.

This pioneering initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and launched as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, the founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system.

Key Features of Babuji Vanam:

1. Medicinal Tree Species: The garden boasts 40 species of medicinal trees, such as Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond, chosen for their spiritual and healing properties.
2. Design and Sustainability: The garden is designed to radiate Pranahuti (yogic transmission) and features:
   • Acupressure pathways
   • Percolation pits
   • Sloped landscapes for rainwater harvesting and promoting ecological sustainability.

About Telangana:

• Chief Minister (CM): A Revanth Reddy
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Capital: Hyderabad
• Bird Sanctuary: Manjira Bird Sanctuary

This unique garden combines spiritual wellness, environmental sustainability, and medicinal properties, marking a significant step in integrating nature and energy transmission practices.

Science and tech news

India Conducts First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia

In April 2025, India reached a significant milestone in medical science by conducting its first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia. The trial was conducted through a collaboration between Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)‘s Institute for Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu (TN).

The announcement was made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) during his inspection of the BRIC-inStem facilities.

Key Details of the Trial:

• Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder where blood doesn’t clot properly, leading to abnormal bleeding.
• In this gene therapy trial, patients with severe haemophilia A received autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) that were genetically modified using lentiviral vectors to express the Factor VIII gene.
• These modified cells were then transplanted back into the patients, allowing their bodies to naturally produce the necessary clotting factor.

Growth of India’s Biotechnology Sector:

India’s biotechnology sector has seen remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold to reach USD 165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to hit USD 300 billion by 2030.

This groundbreaking trial represents a major step forward in genetic therapies and could potentially revolutionize the treatment of haemophilia in India and beyond.

Appointment news

Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed Chairman of New NSAB

In April 2025, the Government of India (GoI) reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed Alok Joshi, the former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as its new Chairman. This move is aimed at enhancing national security advisory mechanisms in response to recent security challenges.

The decision followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was made in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

About Alok Joshi:

• Alok Joshi is a 1976-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre.
• He served as the Chief of R&AW, India’s external intelligence agency, from December 30, 2012, to December 31, 2014.

NSAB Structure:

• The revamped seven-member NSAB includes distinguished retired officials from India’s military, police, and diplomatic services.

About the National Security Council (NSC) India:

• Established: 1998 by the Government of India (GoI) under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Role: The NSC is a key advisory body to the National Security Advisor (NSA), and the Prime Minister of India chairs it.
• NSA: Ajit Kumar Doval
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi

The reconstitution of the NSAB and the appointment of Alok Joshi underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and enhancing strategic advisory mechanisms.

Books and author

NAI Launches Book “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician”

In April 2025, the National Archives of India (NAI), in collaboration with Vani Prakashan Group, launched the book titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The book, authored by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma, explores the life and legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s most renowned mathematicians.

• Key Highlights of the Book:
  • Ramanujan’s Journey: From his early life in Erode, Tamil Nadu (TN) to his revolutionary work in mathematics.
  • Mathematical Contributions: Focus on his work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, despite limited formal education.
  • Historical Documents: Includes original letters and documents, especially correspondence with G.H. Hardy, the British mathematician who recognized Ramanujan’s brilliance and promoted his work globally.

Memoir “The Undying Light” by Gopalkrishna Gandhi Released

In April 2025, renowned author and former Governor of West Bengal (WB), Gopalkrishna Gandhi, released his memoir titled “The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India”. The book, published by Aleph Book Company, spans 624 pages and is available in hardcover format in English.

• Key Features of the Memoir:
  • Personal Recollection: Begins with a personal account of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, which the author witnessed at the age of three.
  • Political Insight: The narrative expands into a deep exploration of India’s political history post-1947, blending personal stories with significant events.
  • Unique Perspective: Offers an insider view on India’s political and social evolution, making it an essential read for students and competitive exam aspirants.

About Gopalkrishna Gandhi:

• Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari (India’s last Governor-General).
• Served as the Governor of West Bengal (WB) from 14 December 2004 to 14 December 2009.

These books provide significant insights into the contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan and India’s post-independence political journey, making them valuable additions to Indian literary and historical works.

Important days

World Tuna Day Observed on 2nd May

The United Nations (UN) observes World Tuna Day globally on 2nd May every year to highlight the ecological and economic importance of tuna, promote sustainable fishing practices, and address the threats posed by overfishing to marine biodiversity.

Background:

• On 7th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially designating 2nd May as World Tuna Day.
• The proposal was spearheaded by Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries play a crucial role in livelihoods and GDP.
• The first World Tuna Day was celebrated on 2nd May 2017.

About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

• Director General (DG): QU Dongyu (China)
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy
• Founded: 1945

This day serves as an important reminder of the need for sustainable tuna fishing to protect marine ecosystems and secure the future of tuna fisheries worldwide.

National News

PM Modi led CCEA approves FRP of Rs 355 per quintal for sugarcane

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the revised Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane during its meeting in New Delhi on 30 April 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by key Cabinet Ministers.

Sugarcane Season in India: The sugarcane season runs from October to September.

New FRP for Sugar Season 2025-26

• For a basic recovery rate of 10.25%, sugar mills will pay Rs 355 per quintal, a 4.41% increase over the 2024-25 season.
• For every 0.1% increase in recovery above the base rate, a premium of Rs 3.46 per quintal will be paid.
• For every 0.1% decrease, a penalty of Rs 3.46 per quintal will be levied.
• If recovery falls below 9.5%, farmers will receive a flat rate of Rs 329.05 per quintal.

Role of CACP

• The Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, recommends the FRP.
• The government is not bound to accept CACP’s recommendations.

CACP considers the following before recommending FRP:

• Cost of production of sugarcane
• Returns from alternative crops
• Sugar demand-supply and price trends (domestic and global)
• Ensuring affordable sugar for consumers
• Sugar recovery rate
• Revenue from by-products
• Profit margins for farmers based on risk

Global Sugarcane and Sugar Production (FAO 2022)

• Top producers: Brazil, India, China, Thailand, Pakistan
• India’s global share in sugarcane: 22.9%
• Brazil’s share: 37.7%
• India recorded the highest yield: 84.9 tonnes per hectare

Sugar Industry

• India is the second-largest sugar producer after Brazil
• Brazil leads in raw sugar exports, followed by India, Thailand, Australia
• India is the largest exporter of refined sugar

Sugarcane and Sugar Production in India (2023-24)

• Sugarcane production:
  • Uttar Pradesh: 44.8%
  • Maharashtra: 25.5%
  • Karnataka: 11.7%
• Sugar production:
  • Maharashtra: 35% (largest)
  • Uttar Pradesh: 30.7%
  • Karnataka: 17.3%

Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025

India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy-intensive industries. These draft rules are crucial for implementing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023, and support India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.

Why is it in the News?

The MoEFCC notified the Draft GEI Target Rules on April 16, 2025, to regulate emissions and operationalize the CCTS. This is a key move toward India’s climate goal of cutting its GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).

 What is Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI)?

• GEI measures GHG emissions per unit of output (e.g., per tonne of cement).
• Expressed in tCO₂e (tonnes of CO₂ equivalent), covering all major GHGs.
• Includes CO₂, CH₄ (methane), N₂O (nitrous oxide), CFCs, HCFCs, etc.

Key Features of Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025

• Notified on: April 16, 2025
• Feedback period: 60 days from notification
• Integrated with: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023
• Baseline Year: FY 2023–24
• Target Years: FY 2025–26 and 2026–27

Industries Covered (Total: 282 units)

• Cement: 186 units
• Aluminium: 13 units
• Pulp & Paper: 53 units
• Chlor-Alkali: 30 units

Major companies included: Vedanta, Hindalco, Ultratech, JSW Cement, Dalmia Cement, etc.

Compliance & Enforcement

• Industries must submit GEI reduction action plans.
• Penalties will be imposed for non-compliance.
• Oversight by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Centre Issues Guidelines for Bio-Resource Centres under NMNF

To promote natural farming and reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical inputs, the central government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) in November 2024. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of 10,000 Bio-resource Centres (BRCs) at the cluster level. These centres will provide ready-to-use bio-inputs, training, and technical support to farmers. However, experts have raised concerns over the financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per centre, citing it as inadequate, particularly for infrastructure development.

Objective and Purpose

• Support local production and availability of natural bio-inputs.
• Assist farmers who are unable to produce bio-inputs themselves.
• Disseminate knowledge and share best practices for natural farming.

Financial Support

• ₹1 lakh assistance per centre, provided in two tranches of ₹50,000.
• The financial support does not cover infrastructure costs, such as shed construction or land rent.
• Entrepreneurs will need to arrange physical infrastructure independently.

Eligibility Criteria

• The entrepreneur group/entity must be practicing natural farming or have experienced members in this field.
• If such members are not available, state natural farming cells will help identify willing farmers.

Local Adaptability

• Inputs will be tailored according to local soil, land use patterns, and crop systems.
• Access to raw materials, such as livestock waste and biomass, is essential for these centres.

Affordability

• BRCs must ensure that inputs remain affordable for small and marginal farmers.
• District-level monitoring will be in place to ensure price regulation and quality control.

Scheme Convergence

The NMNF encourages alignment with other government schemes, including:

• 10,000 FPO Formation
• National Mission on Edible Oilseeds
• Other agri-linked welfare programmes

Supreme Court Proposes Minimum Vote Requirement for Unopposed Wins

In a move to uphold democratic integrity, the Supreme Court of India has questioned the practice of declaring candidates elected unopposed without a single vote being cast. The Court suggested that even in such cases, a minimum vote share—for example, 10% or 15% of total votes—should be required to ensure voter consent and legitimacy.

Why is it in the News?

During a hearing on the constitutionality of Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, the Supreme Court observed that a candidate should not be declared elected unopposed without public validation. This case highlights concerns over voter disenfranchisement, particularly the loss of the NOTA (None of the Above) option.

Background of the Case

• Petition Filed: August 2024
• Petitioner: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
• Core Challenge: Section 53(2) of RPA, 1951, which allows uncontested wins without polling
• Key Argument: Denying elections in such cases violates freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a)
• Legal Reference: PUCL vs. Union of India (2013) – where SC upheld NOTA as a constitutional right

Data on Uncontested Elections

• Total Lok Sabha Seats (1951–2024) Elected Uncontested: 26
• Voters Deprived: Over 82 lakh
• Year-wise Breakdown:
  • 1951 – 5
  • 1957 – 7
  • 1962 – 3
  • 1967 – 5
  • 1971 – 1
  • 1977 – 2
  • 1980 – 1
  • 1989 – 1
  • 2024 – 1 (Surat, Mukeshkumar Dalal, BJP)

 Election Commission of India (ECI) Response

• Only 9 uncontested wins in 20 Lok Sabha elections
• Since 1989, just one MP has been elected unopposed
• Argued that with increased voter awareness, such cases are rare
• Stated that NOTA is applicable only when polling occurs
• Noted that introducing changes would require amendments to RPA 1951 and Election Rules 1961

Supreme Court’s Key Observations

• Democracy demands active voter participation, even with a single candidate
• Suggested setting a minimum vote threshold (10%–15%) for unopposed wins
• Criticized “default victories” without voter engagement
• Urged the Parliament to consider legislative amendments

Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam’s Issued Certified Green Municipal Bond

Ghaziabad Issues India’s First Green Municipal Bond for Water Recycling

In a landmark step for sustainable urban development, Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has become the first Urban Local Body in India to issue a Certified Green Municipal Bond. This innovative move aims to fund a high-tech Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant, showcasing the future of eco-conscious urban financing and infrastructure.

Why in the News

Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam made history by raising 150 crore rupees through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond.
The funds will be used to build an advanced Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban.
The initiative is supported by both the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Project – Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant

• Capacity: 40 million litres per day
• Technologies used:
  • Microfiltration
  • Ultrafiltration
  • Nanofiltration
  • Reverse Osmosis
• Pipeline: 95 kilometers to deliver treated water
• Industrial impact:
  • Supplies to more than 1400 industrial units
  • Contracts with over 800 firms for 9.5 million litres per day of treated water

Financial Innovation – PPP HAM Model

• Project developed under Public Private Partnership – Hybrid Annuity Model
• 40 percent of the funding provided by Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation
• The project reflects strong financial discipline and growing investor confidence

Awards and Recognition: The initiative received the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024–25

Economy news

CSR Spending Witnessed 16% Rise in FY 23-2024

In a major step forward for corporate governance and social impact, CSR spending by listed Indian companies rose by 16 percent in FY 2023-24, reaching ₹17,967 crore. This increase follows years of stagnation and is linked to the significant rise in corporate profits. The development also renews calls for reviewing the CSR eligibility thresholds, considering the doubling of profits since the CSR law was enacted in 2014.

Why in the News

CSR spending increased to ₹17,967 crore in 2023-24, up from ₹15,524 crore in 2022-23. This rise was led by improved profits across sectors.
Top contributors included:

• HDFC Bank: ₹945.31 crore
• Reliance Industries: ₹900 crore
• TCS: ₹827 crore
• ONGC: ₹634.57 crore

Out of 1,394 eligible companies, 1,367 (98 percent) complied.
27 companies did not spend their mandated amount.
The required total was ₹18,309 crore, with a shortfall of ₹2,329 crore transferred to the Unspent CSR Account.

Overview of CSR Law

The CSR law came into effect in April 2014 and applies to companies meeting any of the following:

• Net worth of ₹500 crore or more
• Turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more
• Net profit of ₹5 crore or more

These companies must spend 2 percent of their average net profits (over the past 3 years) on CSR activities such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, etc.

Profit Trends and Policy Suggestions

• The average net profit of the 1,394 companies stood at ₹9.62 lakh crore.
• Pranav Haldea, MD of PRIME Database, has suggested that the CSR thresholds be revised upward to exclude smaller companies.
• He also emphasized aligning CSR rules with India’s improved ease of doing business and rising corporate profitability.

Sector-Wise Allocation of CSR Funds

• Education: ₹1,104 crore (highest share)
• Healthcare: ₹720 crore
• Environmental Sustainability: Spending increased by 54 percent
• National Heritage: Up by 5 percent
• Slum Development: Down by 72 percent
• Rural Development: Down by 59 percent
• Armed Forces Veterans: Down by 52 percent

Banking news

RBI Mandates Use of PRAVAAH Portal for Regulatory Applications from May 2025

In a move to promote digital governance and transparency, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it mandatory for all regulated entities to use the PRAVAAH portal for submitting applications for licenses, authorizations, and approvals starting May 1, 2025. This step enhances efficiency and eliminates the need for manual submission processes.

Why in the News

The RBI has issued a directive requiring all banks, financial institutions, and regulated entities to compulsorily use the PRAVAAH portal for application submissions from May 1, 2025.
This covers applications for licenses, regulatory authorizations, and various approvals.

About PRAVAAH Portal

• Full Form: Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation, and Authorization
• Launch Date: May 28, 2024
• Purpose: Single-window online system for submitting applications to the RBI
• Type: Secure, web-based digital platform

New RBI Directive (Issued April 29, 2025)

• Effective Date: May 1, 2025
• All regulated entities must exclusively submit applications through PRAVAAH
• Applies to all forms currently hosted on the portal

Entities Covered

• Scheduled Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Regional Rural Banks)
• Urban Co-operative Banks
• State and Central Co-operative Banks
• All-India Financial Institutions
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) including Housing Finance Companies
• Primary Dealers
• Payment System Operators
• Credit Information Companies

Portal Features

• Includes User Manual, FAQs, and Video Tutorials
• Offers application tracking for real-time status updates
• Over 4,000 applications processed since launch
• Aims to reduce manual submissions, increase transparency, and speed up processing times

Appointment news

EX RAW chief Alok Joshi to head National Security Advisory Board

On 30 April 2025, the Central Government reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed Alok Joshi, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief, as its new head.
This move followed the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepalese national.

Newly Constituted NSAB – Key Members

The revamped NSAB includes a mix of former armed forces officers and civil service veterans:

• Alok Joshi – Former RAW Chief, Head of NSAB
  • 1976 batch IPS officer from Haryana cadre
  • Former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau
  • Appointed RAW Secretary in 2012

Other Prominent Members:

• Air Marshal PM Sinha – Former Western Air Commander
• Lt General AK Singh – Former Southern Army Commander
• Rear Admiral Monty Khanna – Former Indian Navy Officer
• Rajiv Ranjan Verma – Former IPS officer
• Manmohan Singh – Former IPS officer
• B Venkatesh Varma – Former Indian Foreign Service Officer

About the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

• The NSAB is an executive body established through a Government of India order.
• It consists of eminent national security experts outside the government.
• Members are appointed by the Government of India.

Composition:

• Includes individuals from diverse fields:
  • Civilian and military backgrounds
  • Academia
  • Foreign affairs
  • Science and technology
  • Defence and internal security
  • Economic affairs

Functions of the NSAB

• Provide analysis on key national interest issues
• Offer inputs to the National Security Council (NSC)
• Recommend measures, policy options, and solutions on matters referred by the NSC

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). His oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for May 14, 2025. His appointment is historic as he becomes the second person from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community to occupy the highest judicial position in India, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

Appointment and Tenure

• Appointed on: April 30, 2025
• Oath Date: May 14, 2025
• Tenure Ends: November 23, 2025 (upon reaching the retirement age of 65 years)

Community Representation

• Second CJI from Scheduled Caste (SC) community
• First SC CJI: Justice K.G. Balakrishnan

Notable Judgments and Legal Contributions

• Member of 5-judge bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370
• Participated in the ruling that struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme
• Supported the 2016 Demonetisation decision in a 4:1 majority
• Member of 7-judge bench that allowed sub-classification within SCs for reservation
• Delivered key ruling mandating no demolition without show-cause notice and 15-day response period
• Heads the bench dealing with environmental matters, including forests and wildlife protection

Agreement news

India Post and SBI Mutual Fund Launch Doorstep KYC Services

To make mutual fund investments more accessible across India, especially in rural and remote areas, the Department of Posts (DoP) has partnered with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM) to offer door-to-door KYC verification services. This collaboration aims to improve financial inclusion through India Post’s extensive reach and supports the Jan Nivesh and Digital India programs.

MoU Signing and Stakeholders

• Signed by Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal (General Manager, Business Development, DoP)
• Signed by Sh. Munish Sabharwal (Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Ltd.)
• Signing took place at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi

Role of India Post

• Utilizes 1.64 lakh-plus post offices across the country
• Offers doorstep collection of KYC documents
• Trained postal staff ensure data accuracy, privacy, and regulatory compliance
• Especially serves rural and underserved communities

Benefits to Investors

• Ideal for senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, and those in remote locations
• Allows KYC completion at home
• Eliminates the need to visit bank or mutual fund branches
• Promotes ease of access and convenient onboarding

Ranks and report news

World Social Report 2025 Released by United Nations

The World Social Report 2025, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in collaboration with UNU-WIDER, is the UN’s flagship publication that explores key trends in global social development. The report stresses the urgent need to address rising income inequality, economic insecurity, and declining trust in institutions, while offering strategies to steer progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Core Issues Highlighted

• 60 percent of the world’s population faces economic insecurity
• Over 690 million people continue to live in extreme poverty
• Income inequality is rising in two-thirds of countries
• The richest 1 percent owns more wealth than 95 percent of the global population

Employment and Livelihood Crisis

• Informal and insecure jobs dominate in Africa and South Asia
• Employment precarity leads to unstable incomes and weak social protection

Declining Trust in Institutions

• Over 50 percent of the global population reports low or no trust in their governments
• Factors include misinformation, digital echo chambers, and governance failures

Impact of Climate and Conflict

• In 2024, 1 in 5 people were affected by climate disasters
• 1 in 7 people lived in conflict zones, reversing past development gains

Achievements Noted

• Over 1 billion people lifted out of extreme poverty since 1995 (SDG 1)
• Gains in life expectancy, literacy, and healthcare access (SDGs 3, 4)
• Progress in social inclusion across ethnicity, location, and income groups (SDG 10)

Scheme news

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme Launched By MNRE Minister

India is actively working to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. As part of this strategy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) held a national workshop aimed at empowering Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating them into the green hydrogen supply chain. A key highlight was the launch of the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) to ensure transparency, traceability, and market trust.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI)

• Launched by: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
• Purpose: Framework to certify green hydrogen production
• Goals: Ensure transparency, traceability, and credibility
• Supports: India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

National Workshop on MSME Role in Green Hydrogen

• Date and Location: 29 April 2025, New Delhi
• Organized by: MNRE
• Participants: Over 300 delegates including
  • MSMEs
  • Policymakers
  • Technology providers
  • Industry associations
  • International partners

Key Technical Sessions

• Technology collaboration for MSMEs
• Business opportunities in the hydrogen supply chain
• Decentralized hydrogen production from biomass
• Catalyzing investments

Risk Mitigation Tools Introduced

• Blended finance models
• Green credit lines for MSMEs

MSME Opportunities in Green Hydrogen Sector

• Involvement in component manufacturing, O&M services, and rural hydrogen generation
• Interest in developing Green Hydrogen Clusters to share infrastructure and scale operations
• Need for:
  • Standardized protocols
  • Shared R&D platforms
  • Stable long-term policies

Science and tech news

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make Space History Aboard Axiom Mission 4

India is set to achieve a major space milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer from the Indian Air Force and a Gaganyaan astronaut-designate, will become the first Indian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station (ISS). He will also be the first Indian to enter space in over 40 years, serving as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—a commercial spaceflight mission led by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX.

Launch and Crew Details

• Launch Date: Scheduled for May 29, 2025 (no earlier than 1:03 p.m. EDT)
• Launch Site: NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
• Spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon
• Mission Duration: Up to 14 days aboard the ISS

Crew Members:

• Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
• Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander, former NASA astronaut
• Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) – ESA astronaut
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Payload specialist

Scientific Research and Experiments

• Nearly 60 experiments from 31 countries
• Includes 7 Indian microgravity experiments selected by ISRO, such as:
  • Microalgae and cyanobacteria growth
  • Muscle regeneration studies
  • Sprouting of Indian food crops like moong and fenugreek
  • Tardigrade resilience in space
  • Human-computer interaction studies
• Conducted by national R&D labs and premier Indian academic institutions
• Focuses on India-centric space food sustainability

Importance for India

• First Indian to reach the ISS
• First Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma (1984)
• Supports India’s Gaganyaan mission goals
• Strengthens India’s global space collaboration and human spaceflight capabilities

Important days

Dadasaheb Phalke Birth Anniversary: Father of Indian Cinema

On April 30, 2025, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, famously known as Dadasaheb Phalke, hailed as the Father of Indian Cinema. Phalke’s groundbreaking journey began at a time when filmmaking was virtually unknown in India. His visionary work led to the creation of India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), establishing the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest and most influential film industries.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Dadasaheb Phalke developed a deep interest in the arts and photography from an early age. He trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay (now Mumbai) and explored various fields, including painting, printing, and theater.

Phalke’s turning point came in 1910 when he watched the silent film The Life of Christ. The powerful visuals inspired him profoundly, sparking his vision to bring Indian mythological stories to the screen through cinema. This vision set in motion what would become a historic milestone in Indian filmmaking.

A Risky Mission to Learn Filmmaking

At the time, cinema was dominated by the West, and the concept of filmmaking was virtually unknown to Indian audiences. Phalke, realizing the need for technical knowledge, traveled to London in 1912. This bold move was made despite his limited resources and lack of support.

In London, he met with film industry experts, studied film equipment, and purchased essential gear, including a camera and film reels. With both the tools and the knowledge, he returned to India, determined to embark on his pioneering filmmaking journey.

The Making of Raja Harishchandra: A Journey Against All Odds

The creation of Raja Harishchandra was filled with challenges. Phalke faced numerous social, financial, and logistical obstacles, but his passion and perseverance kept him on course. His efforts were instrumental in introducing Indian cinema to the world stage, making a lasting impact on the country’s film industry.

International Jazz Day: A Global Celebration of Music and Unity

Every year on April 30, the world unites to celebrate International Jazz Day, an initiative led by UNESCO that highlights jazz as more than just a musical genre. Jazz is recognized as a global language of peace, diversity, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Launched with the support of Herbie Hancock, a jazz legend, this day brings together musicians and communities worldwide through workshops, concerts, and discussions.

Background and Origin

• Started by: UNESCO in 2011
• Key supporter: Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and jazz icon
• Purpose: To promote jazz music as a tool for education, communication, and social change

Historical Context

• Origins: Early 20th century in the United States
• Roots: A fusion of African and European musical traditions
• Known for its improvisation, rhythm, emotion, and expression

Global Celebrations

• Date: Celebrated annually on April 30
• Events: Global concerts, workshops, and dialogues held in multiple countries
• Global Concert 2024: Held in Tangier, Morocco
• Live-streamed events ensure global participation

International Labour Day: A Global Recognition of Workers’ Rights

Every year on May 1, the world observes International Labour Day (also known as International Workers’ Day) to honour the contributions of workers across all sectors. This day not only celebrates workers but also emphasizes the importance of workers’ rights, fair labour practices, and the need for safe and equitable workplaces. In 2025, the observance is especially significant due to efforts to improve labour protections globally amidst modern challenges such as automation and informal employment.

Historical Background

• Origins: Rooted in the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.
• Key Event: On May 1, 1886, workers initiated a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday. The movement culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a bomb blast led to the deaths of seven police officers and four civilians.
• 1889: The Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day to commemorate this historic struggle.

Labour Day in India

• First Celebration: Celebrated for the first time in 1923 in Chennai (then Madras) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, led by Comrade Singaravelu Chettiar.
• Symbol: The red flag symbolizing labour rights was first used in this event.
• Co-occurrence: The day also marks Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, celebrating the formation of these states in 1960.

Interesting Facts About Labour Day

• Although Labour Day originated in the US, it is not observed on May 1 there. The US and Canada celebrate it on the first Monday of September.
• Over 80 countries officially observe Labour Day on May 1.
• Canada’s first Labour Day celebration occurred in 1872, before the US observance.
• The colour red is widely associated with labour movements and is prominently used in rallies and events.

Labour Laws in India – Structure and Reforms

India’s labour law framework has undergone major consolidation, with the Four Labour Codes:

1. Code on Wages, 2019: Regulates minimum wages, payment of wages, bonus, and equal remuneration.
2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Deals with trade unions, strikes, and worker-employer dispute resolution.
3. Social Security Code, 2020: Covers PF, ESI, maternity benefits, gratuity, and gig worker welfare.
4. Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Ensures workplace safety, health standards, and working hours.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions for Labour Rights in India

• Article 23 & 24: Prohibit forced labour and child labour.
• Article 39: Advocates for equal pay for equal work.
• Article 41 & 43: Ensure right to work, secure employment, and a living wage.

India has ratified key ILO conventions:

• Convention 138 (Minimum Age)
• Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour)