May Flashcards
(131 cards)
1
Q
the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) issued comprehensive guidelines for establishing _______ under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).
- The initiative is aimed at promoting chemical-free natural farming by enabling cluster-level enterprises to support the local production and distribution of natural farming inputs
A
Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)
Financial Support & Implementation:
i. A financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh will be provided for each BRC, disbursed in two equal tranches of Rs 50,000.
ii. The cost of bio-inputs produced and sold at the BRCs must be affordable, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
iii. BRCs may converge with other schemes such as:
* Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
* National Mission on Edible Oilseeds
2
Q
About Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs):
i. BRCs are envisioned as cluster-level enterprises to ensure the availability, affordability, and accessibility of natural farming inputs such as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and organic formulations.
ii. These centres will also function as knowledge hubs for farmers transitioning to natural/organic farming, especially those unable to produce inputs individually.
iii. These centres will provide training, demonstrations, and guidance on the preparation, dosage, and application of bio-inputs suitable for local soil, crop patterns, and land-use systems.
iv. The initiative, announced by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) in the Union Budget 2024-25, plans to set up _______ BRCs.
A
10,000
3
Q
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based CareEdge Ratings (formerly CARE Ratings Ltd) released its second edition of it’s state rankings, _______ has emerged as the best in overall composite rankings with a score of 56.5, followed by Gujarat (52.4) and Karnataka (51.9).
- Western and southern states dominated the top five rankings. Western states ranked high on fiscal and economic parameters, while southern states stood out across governance, environment and social outcomes.
- Goa topped the ranking in the North-East, Hilly & Small states (Group B) category with a score of 62.1.
A
Maharashtra
About CareEdge state rankings :
i. This is a quantitative assessment of states’ potential in terms of sustainable and equitable growth and is also a reflection of the investment attractiveness of these states. The first edition of the report was released in 2023.
ii. It evaluates Indian states across 7 pillars: Economic, Fiscal, Infrastructure, Financial Development, Social, Governance and Environment – together capturing 50 indicators.
iii. The 2025 methodology incorporates a longer normalisation period for better comparability across periods going forward.
4
Q
under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), _______ has raised Rs.150 crore through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond (GMB).
- The funds are allocated for constructing a 40 Million Liters per Day (MLD) Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) in _______.
- The bonds were issued with an annual coupon rate of 8.1% and are listed on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) Bond platform.
Note: A Green Municipal Bond (GMB) is a fixed-income financial instrument issued by municipal entities such as city or local governments to raise capital specifically for financing projects that deliver environmental benefits.
A
Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam (GNN) (Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP) ;
Indirapuram, Ghaziabad ;
5
Q
_______ became the first state in India to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Real-Time Forest Alert System to monitor forest encroachments and tree felling.
i. The system utilizes satellite imagery, machine learning, and field feedback to detect changes within forest areas as small as 10×10 meters (m).
ii. It integrates satellite data from Google Earth Engine, AI algorithms, and ground feedback into a unified platform.
iii. It can identify activities such as crop sowing, construction, and land-use changes.
iv. Upon detection, immediate alerts are sent to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who then directs beat guards for on-site verification.
v. The system was conceptualized and coded by Akshay Rathore, DFO of Guna, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee (Uttarakhand) and supported by Aseem Shrivastava, the Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Indian Forest Service (IFS) and S. Annigeri, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF- IT) in MP
A
Madhya Pradesh (MP)
- The pilot project is launched in 5 districts of MP, namely Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Burhanpur, and Khandwa, and will expand statewide from 7th June 2025.
6
Q
the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based _______, a prominent ride-hailing service provider, to enhance employment opportunities in the logistics sector through the National Career Service (NCS) portal in New Delhi, Delhi
A
Rapido Private Limited
7
Q
The Liberal Party, led by Canada Prime Minister (PM), _______ won Canada’s federal election against Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party.
- He was the 24th Prime Minister of Canada.
- The Liberal Party is elected to power for the fourth consecutive time.
A
Mark Carney
- Mark Carney, sworn in as the first unelected PM of Canada in March 2025 after the resignation of former PM Justin Trudeau.
8
Q
_______, leader of the United National Congress (UNC), was elected as the 9th Prime Minister (PM) of Trinidad and Tobago for five years, marking her second term in office from April 30, 2025
A
Kamla Susheila Persad-Bissessar (commonly referred to as KPB)
9
Q
the Indian Armed Forces underwent significant leadership changes across the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and the Indian Army’s Northern Command. These changes will be effective from ______
1.Indian Air Force (IAF): New Vice Chief: Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari assumed the role of 49th Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) on 1st May 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar, who retired on 30th April 2025 after a 40-year career.
- Integrated Defence Staff (IDS): New Chief: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), on 1st May 2025, replacing Lieutenant General Johnson P Matthew, who retired on April 30, 2025.
- Indian Army – Northern Command: New Commander: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma was appointed as the General Officer Commandingin-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He succeeded Lieutenant General MV Suchendra Kumar, who retired on April 30, 2025.
A
1st May, 2025.
10
Q
Rajasthan Royals’ (RR’s) _______ has became the youngest player to score century (100 runs) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, reaching the mark in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT) during IPL 2025 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- He surpassed the previous record held by RR’s Riyan Parag (17 years, 175 days), and RR’s Sanju Samson ranks third on the list (18 years, 169 days).
A
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 year old)
11
Q
the Kuwait City (Kuwait) based Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Japan-based Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC), officially confirmed the inclusion of Cricket and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the _______, during the 41st AINAGOC Board meeting at Nagoya City Hall, Japan.
- The event is scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A
2026 Asian Games
12
Q
April 30
A
- Ayushman Bharat Diwas is annually observed across India on 30th April as part of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to raise awareness about the objectives of Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI). The objective of this day is to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining good health and to inform citizens about the benefits available under the government’s free healthcare initiatives.
- The United Nations (UN)’s International Jazz Day is observed annually on 30 April to highlight the role of jazz in uniting people worldwide. This International Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, its future and its impact.
13
Q
April 24 to 30
A
World Immunization Week (WIW) was observed annually across the globe in the last week of April, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the critical role of vaccines in preventing diseases and saving lives. World Immunization Week 2025 was observed from April 24 to 30, 2025. The theme for WIW 2025 is “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” It emphasizes the collective responsibility to ensure equitable access to vaccines for individuals of all ages, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
14
Q
the Maharashtra State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, approved the ‘Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025’, making Maharashtra the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy in the maritime manufacturing sector. This initiative aligns with the Union Government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at positioning India among the top five countries in global shipbuilding by 2047.
Objectives of the Policy:
The policy focuses on transforming Maharashtra into a maritime hub through:
i. Investment of Rs ______ by 2030, with a target of generating 40,000 jobs by then.
ii. Investment of Rs 18,000 crore by 2047, with a target of 3.3 lakh jobs in the maritime sector.
iii. Contributing to one-third of India’s shipbuilding targets by 2030.
A
6,600 crore
15
Q
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched a new version of its flagship programme, _______, to access faster services under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).The platform developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) went live from
April 28, 2025.
A
Health Management Information System (HMIS)
- Besides HMIS, the ministry has re-launched CGHS mobile application (app) for Android and iOS (formerly iPhone Operating System) with upgraded interface and digital services.
About the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS):
i. CGHS was introduced in 1954 by the MoHFW to provide comprehensive medical care to the Central Government employees and pensioners. It caters to the needs of eligible beneficiaries covering the four pillars of democratic set up in India namely Legislature, Judiciary, Executive and Press.
ii. It covers a range of medical services for its beneficiaries, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, specialist.
iii. CGHS provides healthcare through the following systems of medicine: Allopathic, Homeopathic, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Yoga.
iv. CGHS is unique of its kind due to the large volume of beneficiary base, covering approximately 42 lakh beneficiaries in 80 cities across India, aiming to include more cities to improve the accessibility of the services.
16
Q
as per the Survey of India (SoI) data, India’s coastline length was officially updated to ______, increasing by 3,537.21 km or nearly 50% from the earlier figure of 7,516.60 km recorded since the 1970s.
- This revision follows a multi-year scientific review led by the Dehradun (Uttarakhand) based National Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) in coordination with SoI. According to the updated measurements, Gujarat has the longest coastline among states, while Goa has the shortest. Among union territories (UTs), Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands has the longest, and Puducherry the shortest.
A
11,098.81 kilometers (km)
17
Q
the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), constituted a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of _______, to oversee national disaster preparedness and response mechanisms under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The committee was formed under sub-section (2) of Section 8B of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Act No. 53 of 2005).
A
Union Minister Amit Shah, MHA
18
Q
Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, inaugurated ______, the world’s first energy transmission garden at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and was launched as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, the founder of the Sahaj Marg meditation system
A
Babuji Vanam
Key Features of Babuji Vanam:
i. The garden encompasses 40 species of medicinal trees, including Neem, Red Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Tropical Almond, selected for their spiritual and healing properties.
ii. Designed to radiate Pranahuti (yogic transmission), the garden features acupressure pathways, percolation pits, and sloped landscapes to facilitate rainwater harvesting and promote ecological sustainability.
iii. A central water body symbolizes the origin of creation, while a biodiversity patch attracts native fauna and birds.
iv. A cow pen is integrated to foster children’s connection with nature, reflecting Babuji’s affinity for cows.
19
Q
India has achieved a significant milestone in medical science by conducting its first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia, which was conducted through a collaboration between Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based _______ and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, Vellore (Tamil Nadu, TN).
A
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s (BRIC’s) Institute for Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem)
20
Q
UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGp), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its _______.
- North Korea recorded its historic first with the inclusion of its site, Mt Paektu, Saudi Arabia has made its debut with North Riyadh and Salma.
- India does not have featured site in the list.
A
Global Geoparks Network (GGN)
- The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, announced the list during its 10th anniversary.
- With the new entries, the Geopark network consists of 229 sites across 50 countries. The Network now comprises 229 sites across 50 countries, collectively spanning nearly 855,000 square kilometers
- UNESCO Geoparks are the model for the conservation of Heritage. They also support educational projects, promote sustainable tourism.
21
Q
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Forbes India, in collaboration with France based L’Oréal Paris, unveiled its annual W-Power 2025 list, honoring 20 exceptional self-made women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and resilience across various sectors, including business, finance, sports, entertainment, and public service.
- The honorees included Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker, and Payal Kapadia, among others, recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to building meaningful legacies.
This initiative, launched in ______, aims to spotlight women who have carved their paths to success, serving as inspirations for future generations.
A
2017
22
Q
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) has announced the entry of its film _______ to 78th Festival De Cannes.
- The film has been selected for the prestigious La Cinef section, which showcases works by film school students across the world.
A
“A Doll Made Up of Clay”
i. The movie has been written and directed by KokobGebrehweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the Indian Council of Cultural Research (ICCR) at SRFTI and produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle.
ii. The movie features a 23-year-old Nigerian Footballer, Ahmed, who originally came to play seven-a-side games in the city and somehow, he ended up as an actor.
iii. The 23-minute experimental film, was made as a part of an academic project for the Department of Producing for Film and Television, SRFTI. The movie has a mix of Yoruba and Bengali languages.
Note: SRFTI, established in 1995, is an autonomous premier institution dedicated to film and television education in India. Named after the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray, it is located in Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)
23
Q
______-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the ‘Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) initiative’ to enhance global monitoring of ecosystem restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and degraded farmlands.
- This four year (2025-28) initiative was launched with 7 million Great British Pounds (GBP) or approximately USD 9.38 million support from the United Kingdom (UK).
- Initial pilot projects will begin in Brazil and Peru in collaboration with FAO’s Indigenous Peoples Unit to integrate traditional knowledge and biocentric practices.
A
Rome, Italy
i. Builds upon FAO’s AIM4Forests by utilizing advanced tools such as the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) to enhance restoration monitoring and reporting efforts.
ii. This initiative directly supports Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
iii. Addresses data gaps highlighted by a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) survey, where 80% of countries lack the technical skills to track restoration.
24
Q
the Government of India (GoI) reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing _______, former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as its new Chairman. This strategic move aims to bolster national security advisory mechanisms in light of recent security challenges.
A
Alok Joshi
25
New Delhi (Delhi) based ________, in collaboration with New Delhi-based Vani Prakashan Group, launched the book **“Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician”** at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi (Delhi).
* Authored by Arun Singhal and Devendra Kumar Sharma, the book delves into the life and contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s most celebrated mathematicians
National Archives of India (NAI)
i. The publication offers a comprehensive account of Ramanujan’s journey from his early life in Erode, Tamil Nadu (TN), to his groundbreaking work in mathematics.
ii. It highlights his significant contributions to number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, achieved despite limited formal training.
26
renowned author and former Governor of West Bengal (WB), _______ released his memoir titled “The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India.” The book was published by New Delhi (Delhi)-based Aleph Book Company, spans 624 pages and is available in English in
hardcover format.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi
i. The memoir starts with a deeply personal recollection of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, witnessed by the author when he was just three years old. From this intimate moment, the narrative broadens into an insightful study of India’s political history post-1947, blending personal anecdotes with key historical events.
ii. It provides a unique insider view on India’s political and social evolution, making it a valuable resource for students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.
iii. Gopalkrishna Devadas Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajagopalachari, India’s last Governor-General. He served as the Governor of West Bengal (WB) from 14 December 2004 to 14 December 2009.
27
May 1
**International Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day**, is observed annually on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers worldwide and to promote workers’ rights. The day serves as a reminder of the historical struggles and achievements of the labor movement. It highlights the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions, advocate for fair wages, and ensure the rights of workers are upheld globally. In India, this day is also referred to as May Day, Antar Rashtriya Shramik Divas, or Kamgar Din.
28
On the occasion of Labour Day 2025, **the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India (GoI), entered into a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with , New York, the United States of America (USA) based ________** to improve access to finance, relevant technologies, and ensure a safe and sustainable work environment for waste pickers across India.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Under this agreement, the UNDP has committed to providing crucial financial assistance for the establishment of State Project Management Units (PMUs) across various states under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme.
- These PMUs are designed to streamline coordination between central authorities and state governments, ensuring more effective and timely implementation of the scheme’s objectives.
29
May 2
**The United Nations (UN’s) World Tuna Day** is observed globally on 2nd May every year to emphasize tuna’s ecological and economic importance, advocate for sustainable fishing practices, and address the threats posed by overfishing to marine biodiversity.
30
Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the _______, developed by the Department for Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities, and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). This digital initiative aims to simplify the application process for various social security pension schemes in the state.
E-Kalyan Portal
* The launch of the E-Kalyan Portal reflects the HP government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in delivering social welfare schemes
i. The portal is linked with Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card databases, ensuring seamless verification and reducing manual paperwork.
ii. Eligible applicants can apply online directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting https://himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan.
iii. Applicants receive updates regarding application errors, verification, and approvals digitally, enabling them to track their applications from home.
31
Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Pankaj Chaudhary led the ______ Foundation Day celebrations of the **Directorate of Enforcement (ED)** in New Delhi, Delhi, highlighting the agency’s growing efforts in tackling financial crimes
69th
32
________, in collaboration with the Gurgaon (Haryana)- based Institute for Competitiveness (IFC), released a comprehensive report titled ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India’. The report provides a strategic roadmap to unlock the potential of India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through systemic reforms in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access
- It highlights that MSMEs contribute ______ to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and account for 45.79% of total exports, valued at Rs. 12.39 lakh crore in 2024-25.
the Government of India’s (GoI) policy think tank, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog ;
30.1%
33
the President of India, Draupadi Murmu attended an event, “Ageing with Dignity - Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior Citizens” at Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry ________. Several key initiatives dedicated to the well-being of senior citizens were launched during the event.
- The event witnessed the launch of _______, **a comprehensive digital platform aimed at empowering elderly citizens, through seamless access to government schemes, healthcare benefits, welfare services, and updates on relevant events**.
of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) ;
Senior Citizens Welfare Portal
- She also distributed Aids and Assistive devices under the **Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)**. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the health and mobility needs of the elderly population. RVY is a Central Sector Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for senior-citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. The scheme is implemented through the sole implementing agency, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a Public Sector Undertaking under the MoSJE
34
the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy) organized ‘Yoga Mahotsav’, an event marking the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 at Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra.
* During the event, Union minister Prataprao Jadhav launched the _______, **a digital platform for online registration towards facilitating the synchronized nationwide celebration of IDY 2025 on 21st June**.
Yoga Sangam Portal
About Yoga Sangam Portal:
i. Yoga Sangam Portal, a Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). It is designed to help individuals integrate day-today yoga practices such as Pranayama and Dhyana into their lives.
ii. Yoga Sangam Portal can be accessed through the link https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam
Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy):
Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) – Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao (Constituency –
Buldhana, Maharashtra)
35
India and _______ have renewed their long-term energy cooperation agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to strengthen energy sector cooperation, which reflects the continued commitment of both countries to accelerate clean energy transitions.
Denmark
36
the Union Minister Nirmala Sitaraman Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) inaugurated the _______ **in New Town, Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)**. This seven-storey facility aims to consolidate various offices of the MCA under one roof, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting ease of doing business.
* The facility **also includes the country’s first Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre**, established in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the seventh storey of the building.
* This centre aims to connect eligible youth (aged 21-24) with internship opportunities, offering guidance and assistance in the application process.
'Corporate Bhavan’
This new facility will house different offices of the MCA, including Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of companies, Official Liquidator, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) (Kolkata Bench) and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) under one roof.
- The Corporate Bhavan will become a true single-window interface for companies, insolvency professionals, auditors, startups and investors seeking timely corporate regulatory services.
- The seven-storey building has a built-up area of about 13,239 square metres (sq m) and the total project cost is Rs.150.43 crores.
37
Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), unveiled the statue and Renaming of Road and Rotary as **a tribute to _______ in New Delhi (Delhi) on his 35th death anniversary. The ceremony was organized by the Government of Assam.**
Bodofa Upendranath Brahma
About Bodofa Upendranath Brahma:
i. Brahma, from Assam, was a visionary leader and social reformer who worked tirelessly for the rights, identity and upliftment of the entire tribal community, especially his Bodo community.
ii. He dedicated his life to building an inclusive society, where people could live with dignity and secure their rightful place.
iii. He united the entire tribal society and taught them to fight in a peaceful manner.
iv. His formula of ‘Live and Let Live’ has been accepted by the entire Bodoland and tribal society.
38
the United States of America (USA) approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth USD 131 million (approximately Rs. 1,090 crore) to the Government of India (GoI) to enhance India’s maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
* The FMS agreement falls under the broader framework of the __________ programme, a joint initiative under the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the USA) partnership.
* It aims to strengthen India–USA strategic ties and enhance maritime surveillance to ensure regional peace and stability.
Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)
39
the **All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the winners of AIFF annual awards 2024-25** during the award ceremony held at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
* Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) Defender from West Bengal (WB), ________ was named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the year for 2024-25. He became the 1st player from WB to win this title since Nabi (2012).
* While, East Bengal Football Club (FC) forward player from Odisha, ________ was named the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2024-25. With this, she became the 1st player from Telangana to win AIFF Women’s Player of the Year title.
Subhasish Bose ;
Soumya Guguloth
40
_______ has officially become the member of **World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC)**.
Kozhikode city in Kerala
* With such recognition, Kozhikode joins a group of cities that frame policies, provide services, and develop infrastructure aimed at supporting elderly people like: helping them remain healthy, active and creative in old age
Now, Kozhikode has become the 2nd Indian city, after Kochi (Kerala) (2024) and 2nd city in WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) after Wellawaya in Sri Lanka, to join the WHO GNAFCC.
Note: This marks Kozhikode’s second international honor after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) 2023 recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature, reinforcing its commitment to progressive urban planning
41
________, an officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) from the 1992 batch, assumed charge as the Director General (DG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh
42
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), announced that _______, currently serving as Director (Refineries), has assumed additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BPCL.
Sanjay Khanna
43
May 3
**The United Nation (UN’s) World Press Freedom Day or World Press Day** is annually observed across the globe on May 3 emphasizing the significance of press freedom and the safety of journalists globally. 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”
44
Paris (France) based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the **World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2025, evaluating press freedom across 180 countries**. The average score of all assessed countries drops to 54.7, categorizing the global situation as “difficult” for the first time.
* **Norway topped the index** with a score of 92.31 for the 9th consecutive year followed by **Estonia (2nd) and the Netherlands (3rd)**.
* India improved its position to ______, up from 159th in 2024. Despite this progress, India remains in the “very serious” category, indicating ongoing challenges to media freedom.
151st
45
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) announced the development of **India’s first two genome-Edited (GE) rice varieties namely, _________** at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC) in New Delhi (Delhi).
‘DRR Dhan 100 Kamla’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1′
These new varieties of rice were developed by New Delhi (Delhi)-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which makes accurate changes in the genetic material of organism without adding foreign Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
* These newly developed varieties are expected to bring revolutionary changes in terms of higher production, climate adaptability, and water conservation and will be made available to farmers for cultivation within 4 to 5 years.
46
**New Delhi (Delhi )-based _______ and Leuven (Belgium)-based Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting Firm officially launched Strategic Research, Innovation & Dialogue for European Union (EU)-India Engagement (STRIDE-EUI)** through a high impact discussion. This initiative aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and EU.
* STRIDE-EUI based in New Delhi (Delhi) and Brussels (Belgium), will build a bridge between the political capitals, connecting policy and practice, government and business, ambition and action.
The Dialogue
47
_______ is set to become a key participant in India’s first inter-state cheetah conservation corridor, collaborating with Madhya Pradesh (MP) to establish a 17,000 square kilometer(sq km) wildlife corridor. It will allow cheetahs to roam freely in a protected and connected habitat.
* The aim of the project is to improve genetic diversity, ensure better movement for wildlife, and mitigate the challenges of habitat fragmentation.
Rajasthan
48
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appointed _______, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the **Chairperson of the Committee on Estimates (CoE) for the fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26)**.
* The committee comprises 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha.
* The committee’s term is effective from May 1, 2025, and will conclude on April 30, 2026.
Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
* This committee examines the estimates included in the budget and suggests economies in public expenditure. It also recommends alternative policies to bring about efficiency and economy in administration.
49
________, BJP MP representing Kendrapara, Odisha, has been reappointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) for FY26.
* The committee consists of 22 members, with 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
* The committee’s term commenced on May 1, 2025, and will end on April 30, 2026.
Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda
* This committee evaluates the reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and assesses whether they are being managed in accordance with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices.
50
Washington DC (the United States of America, USA)-based Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its ‘2025 Special 301 Report’. The report has once again placed India on its ‘_______ List’ for not providing adequate protection to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
* The report cited India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP
Priority Watch
* Besides India, 7 other countries have been placed in this year’s ‘Priority Watch List’: Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela.
51
the incumbent Prime Minister (PM) of Australia ________, leader of the Labor Party (LP), has been re-elected as Australia’s PM in the federal elections. With this, he became the 1st Australian PM to win a 2nd consecutive 3-year term in two decades
Anthony Norman Albanese
52
the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) of Yemen appointed , Finance Minister (FM) _______ as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Yemen.
* He replaced Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, who stepped down on May 3, 2025, after facing many difficulties including being unable to reshuffle the government.
Salem Saleh Bin Braik
53
renowned Yoga guru and Padma Shri Awardee ________, passed away at the age of 128 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Swami Sivananda Saraswati
54
May 3
**International Leopard Day** is celebrated every year on May 3 worldwide to raise awareness about protecting leopards (Panthera pardus), one of the most adaptable big cats, and to encourage peaceful coexistence between humans and leopards.
55
May 4
1. **World Laughter Day (WLD)** is annually observed across the globe on the first Sunday of May to highlight the importance of laughter in promoting health, peace, and emotional well-being by uniting people from all walks of life to spread joy and positivity. The theme of WLD 2025 is “Laugh for Health, Peace and Happiness”.
2. **International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD)** is annually observed across the globe on May 4, to honour the courageous fighters, who risked their lives to protect communities and the environment. St. Florian’s day is also celebrated on May 4.
56
May 5
1. **World Portuguese Language Day**, celebrated annually on May 5, is a global initiative to promote the Portuguese language, its cultural diversity, and the shared heritage of Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries.
2. **The International Day of the Midwife (IDM)** is an annual global observance held on 5 May to honor the vital contributions of midwives in ensuring maternal and newborn health. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of midwifery in ensuring safe childbirth. The IDM celebration was led by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). The theme of IDM 2025 is : “Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis”.'
2. **World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD)** is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated annually on May 5 to raise awareness about the importance of understanding and practicing proper hand hygiene at the right moments to help prevent a wide range of infectious diseases. The theme for WHHD 2025 is “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene”.
3. **African World Heritage Day (AWHD)** is annually observed across the globe on 5 May to promote awareness about Africa’s unique cultural and natural heritage and to advocate for its protection, preservation, and transmission to future generations.
4. **World Cartoonist Day** is observed globally on May 5 to honor the contributions of cartoonists in shaping societal perspectives through art, humor, and social commentary. This day celebrates the legacy of iconic cartoonists and their role in entertainment and commentary for over a century.
57
the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has launched __________ to improve long-term monitoring of the Indian Ocean.
* This project is backed by international scientific collaboration and is designed to enhance the understanding of oceanographic patterns, seismic movements, and tsunami risks in the region
‘Submarine Cable Project’
58
the Ministry of Education (MoE) has approved the establishment of an off-campus centre of New Delhi (Delhi)-based_______, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-CityInternational Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
* The newly approved centre will be established in accordance with the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
59
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based ______ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India AI, National Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to advance AI capabilities and skill development across the country
Intel Technology India Private Limited
The MoU aims to empower young individuals, professionals, startups, and public sector leaders with AI competencies, to develop and apply AI skills for social impact and good governance
60
the Government of Andhra Pradesh(AP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra) based _______ to **conceptualize and operationalize ‘Creatorland’, India’s first Transmedia Entertainment City, in Amaravati, AP.**
CreativeLand Asia (CLA) Limited
* The announcement was made during the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025 (WAVES 2025) held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
61
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai laid the foundation stone for **India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Data Centre Park in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh**.
* The project is set to be developed and operated by Indore (Madhya Pradesh) based _______.
RackBank Datacenters Private Limited
62
_______ arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in Maldives to participate in the inaugural Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise scheduled from May 4-10, 2025.
* This joint exercise highlights the strengthening defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives and aligns with India’s regional maritime vision “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda
The HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
* It will focus on:Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations, Medical Assistance, Logistical Support, Joint Drills, Training Sessions and Community Engagement during simulated natural disaster scenarios
63
the _______ government withdrew from Paris (France)-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Agency (UN) agency, that promotes education, science and culture and also works for the preservation of exceptional cultural and natural heritage worldwide.
Nicaraguan
This withdrawal is a reaction to the United Nations (UN) agency announcement of Nicaragua’s exiled La Prensa newspaper as winner of the 2025 UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (May 3).
* Also, this departure of Nicaragua is a major blow for the organisation that is in the crosschairs of the United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump.
64
the Parliament of Togo (Togolese Republic), a West African country, elected _______ as the first President under Togo’s new parliamentary system for a four-year term. He was elected unanimously by 150 members present in the bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and Senate), which comprises 174 seats.
JeanLucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové
65
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, terminated Krishnamurthy Venkata (K.V.) Subramanian as Executive Director (ED) for India at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 30 April 2025. His three-year tenure, which began in November 2022, was ended six months early, without any official reason given. He represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan at IMF.
**__________, the current ED for India at the World Bank (WB) has been appointed as the interim ED to represent India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka at the IMF.**
Parameswaran Iyer
66
_______, an Australian Formula One (F1) driver representing the United Kingdom (UK)-based McLaren clinched his fourth win of the 2025 F1 season at the Miami Grand Prix (GP), held at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, the United States of America (USA).
Oscar Piastri
* This victory marked Oscar Piastri’s third consecutive win, following triumphs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
* This victory marked Piastri’s sixth career win and the first time a McLaren driver has achieved three consecutive wins since Mika Häkkinen in 1997-1998
67
Kerala’s pioneering literacy advocate and Padma Shri Awardee _______ passed away at Tirurangadi in Kerala. She was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to adult literacy and women’s empowerment, despite facing significant health challenges throughout her life.
Kariveppil Rabiya
68
The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Shilong (Meghalaya) based Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL); the Departments of Tourism and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Meghalaya hosted the 2- day ________ Festival 2025 from May 2-3, 2025.
* The festival was celebrated across three key locations in Meghalaya: Sohliya in Ri-Bhoi district, Syntung in East Khasi Hills, and Darechikgre in West Garo Hills.
Strawberry
69
Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The four-day event, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), held from May 1-4, 2025.
* WAVES 2025 was held under the tagline ___________. The summit showcased areas like films, Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, gaming, animation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics – Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), highlighting India’s growing strength in entertainment and emerging tech.
“Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries”
* The summit witnessed participation from over 10,000 delegates representing more than 90 countries. It aimed to unlock a USD 50 billion market by 2029.
70
The **Noida, Uttar Pradesh based Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for National Waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW)**, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the global logistics major ________ to boost the inland waterways sector of India.
* This partnership also aims to integrate global best practices into the Indian Inland Water Transport (IWT) ecosystem
Rhenus Group (Germany)
* This MoU facilitates Rhenus Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. to launch scheduled barge operations across key National Waterways (NWs) in India.
71
the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified ‘Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025’, nationwide, under which they will be entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs. ______ per accident per person.
* The Scheme has come into force with effect from May 5, 2025 for “Any person being a victim of a road accident arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, occurring on any road”.
1.5 lakh
To support the nationwide rollout of the scheme, the government has allocated Rs. 272 crore for the Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26).
72
_______ emerged as India’s leading 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 FY25, Gujarat ranked as the second largest textile exporter with USD 5.64 billion, followed by Maharashtra in third place with USD 3.83 billion
Tamil Nadu (TN)
* This reflects a notable growth from FY24, where TN’s exports stood at USD 7.15 billion with a 20.78% share.
73
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report titled “Human Development Report (HDR) 2025– A matter of choice: people and possibilities in the age of Artificial Intelligence” with the theme “Harnessing Digital Transformation to Advance Human Development”.
* India is ranked at ______ in 2023 Human Development Index (HDI), with score of 0.685, moving three places higher from 133 in 2022 with a score of 0.676.
* Iceland has secured the top position globally witha HDI score of 0.972. It is followed by Norway (0.970) and Switzerland – 0.970.
130
* India is maintaining its status in the medium human development category, maintaining its position in the medium human development category. This upward trend brings India closer to the high human development threshold, set at an HDI of 0.700.
74
The Pulitzer Prize Board announced the winners of 109th Pulitzer Prize (2025), honoring outstanding works produced in the 2024 calendar year across categories including Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.
* This year, _______ won 4 awards in different categories of Pulitzer Prize. With this, NYT increased its total Pulitzer prizes to 139, a record high since the awards started in year 1917.
* It is followed by the New Yorker magazine which secured 3 awards in categories like: commentary, feature photography and audio reporting, mainly in recognition of their coverage of overseas wars
The New York Times (NYT)
75
Renowned social worker and entrepreneur from Mumbai (Maharashtra), ________ was conferred with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025 by Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam during a grand ceremony organised by Maitri Peace Foundation in Guwahati, Assam.
Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom
Other than Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, eminent structural engineer Dr. Munir Khan, founder of Avon Consulting Engineers was also bestowed with the award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social initiatives promoting sustainable development and community welfare.
76
_________, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and lawyer, was elected as the 10th Chancellor of Germany. He secured the majority with 325 votes out of 630 seats in the second round of voting.
Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz
77
________, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), assumed charge as the Managing Director (MD) of the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), Government of India (GoI).
Prakash Magdum
78
Indian Table Tennis Players _____ and ______ clinched the U-19 Boys’ Doubles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025 held at Fashion Island, Bangkok, Thailand, defeating South Korea’s Lee Jungmok and Choi Jiwook 3-1 in the final.
- In the U-19 girls’ doubles, India’s Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick won silver medal after a loss to Thailand’s Wirakarn Tayapitak and Phatsaraphon Wonglakhon in the final.
Ankur Bhattacharjee and Abhinandh Pradhavadhi
* They secured a 3-1 win over Australia’s Won Bae and India’s Priyanuj Bhattacharyya in the opening round, then fought back from 0-2 to defeat Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama and Iran’s Benyamin Faraji 3-2 in the quarter-finals.
79
_______ defeated Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 3-0 in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (Odisha), securing their second title in the tournament’s history.
The Football Club (FC) team FC Goa (FCG)
* This victory makes FC Goa the first club to win the Super Cup twice, having previously clinched the title in 2019.
* The tournament is organized by the New Delhi(Delhi) based All India Football Federation (AIFF) and serves as India’s premier domestic knockout football competition.
* The win also marked FC Goa’s first title under head coach Manolo Márquez, bringing his tenure at the club to a perfect close.
80
May 6
1. **International No Diet Day (INDD)** was observed on 6th May globally to promote body acceptance, challenge diet culture, and raise awareness about the dangers of weight discrimination and fatphobia. This annual observance encourages individuals to embrace their bodies, irrespective of shape or size, and to foster a healthier relationship with food and self-image.
2. **World Asthma Day (WAD)** is annually observed across the globe on the first Tuesday of May, is a global initiative led by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to raise asthma awareness and improve care. The theme for WAD 2025 is “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL.”
81
May 7
1. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) annually celebrates its **Raising Day** on 7 May to commemorate the establishment of the BRO in 1960. This day serves to honour the dedicated service of BRO personnel and to reaffirm the organisation’s commitment towards the development and maintenance of strategic road and bridge infrastructure in India’s border areas. 7th May 2025 marks the 66th Raising Day of BRO.
2. **World Athletics Day** is annually celebrated across the globe on May 7, to raise awareness among children and young people, about the importance of fitness and encourage them to play sports, especially athletics. The day emphasizes, significance of sports and its beneficial effects on mental and physical health. The annual observance is led by the World Athletics Organization, formerly the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) (2001-2019), and the International Amateur Athletic Federation (1912 – 2001).
82
the Government of India (GoI) has introduced **chip-based e-passports across the country, with the aim of ensuring security of travellers and enhancing international travel.**
* These passports are equipped with ________ and antenna embedded as an inlay.
* The key benefit of the e-passport is its enhanced ability to maintain the integrity of passport holder’s data
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
i. These e-passports were initially rolled out on pilot basis on April 01, 2024, as part of the Passport Seva Programme-Version 2.0 (PSP-V2.0).
ii. These chips store the passport holder’s data, including biometric information in encrypted form, which makes it harder to forge the passport.
83
About Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 (PSP-V2.0):
i. In January 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based _________ for 2nd phase of PSP-V2.0.
ii. The PSP-V2.0 is a continuation and enhancement of previous version of PSP i.e. PSP-V1.0, an e-governance instrument launched in 2008, which introduced unprecedented transformation in delivery of passport related services to Indian citizens.
iii. The PSP-V2.0 includes new and upgraded e-passports, and is in alignment with the Prime Minister (PM)’s vision of enhancing the ‘Ease of Living’ for citizens.
* Such initiatives will bring in a new paradigm of “EASE”: E- Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system A: Artificial Intelligence (AI)- powered service delivery S: Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports E: Enhanced data security
Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS)
84
Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi and PM of the United Kingdom (UK) Keir Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a **Comprehensive and Mutually Beneficial India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) along with a ________ to boost bilateral trade, investment, and economic growth.**
* The India–UK FTA aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047 and is expected to significantly enhance India’s participation in global value chains
Double Contribution Convention
85
M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF) listed **India’s first Mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates (PTC)** structured by Mumbai, Maharashtra based ________ on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai.
* This initiative aims to enhance liquidity in the housing finance market and attract long-term investors.
RMBS Development Company Limited
86
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressed the **12th Global Conference on Space Exploration (GLEX 2025)** via video conference. He emphasized India’s commitment to collaborative space exploration, stating that India’s space journey focuses on collective advancement rather than competition.
* The GLEX 2025 held from May 7-9, 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi. **It is organized by Paris (France) based ________ in collaboration with Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bengaluru based Astronautical Society of India (ASI).**
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
i. He highlighted that the Chandrayaan missions played a key role in lunar exploration. Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 (2019) captured high-resolution images, and Chandrayaan-3 (2023) made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.
ii. In 2014, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) (Mangalyaan) made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so on its first attempt.
iii. India plans to establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, by 2035.
87
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) based _______, a leading Indian defence engineering company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel-based HevenDrones Limited, a subsidiary of United States of America (USA)-based Heven, to establish a Joint Venture (JV) for designing, manufacturing and supplying Hydrogen(H)-powered drones, marking the first of its kind in India.
Paras Defence & Space Technologies Limited
88
New Delhi (Delhi) based Bharti Airtel’s subsidiary Airtel Africa, has partnered with the United States of America (USA) based _______, led by Elon Musk, to deploy Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services across Africa.
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)
89
Senior Indian National Congress (INC) Party leader, ________ was re-appointed as **chairperson of the New Delhi (Delhi) based Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament of India**, by the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. His tenure will continue until April 2026, as per the announcement by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
K C Venugopal
90
the People’s Republic of China secured its ______ BWF (Badminton World Federation) Sudirman Cup title and achieved a record fourth consecutive victory by defeating South Korea 3-1 in the final of the 19th edition of the BWF Sudirman Cup (2025) mixed-team championship.
* The championship organized by the BWF, was held from 27 April to 4 May 2025 at the Fenghuang Gymnasium in Xiamen, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China.
* Japan secured the third place in the championship.
14th
91
May 8
1. **World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day** is annually observed across the globe on May 8 to honor the principles and humanitarian efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The movement operates under seven core principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”.
2. **International Thalassaemia Day (ITD), also known as World Thalassaemia Day**, is annually observed across the globe on May 8 to raise awareness about Thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder, which causes the body to have less haemoglobin. The theme of ITD 2025 is “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients”. The slogans of the (ITD 2025) are “WeAre1” and “PatientsFirst”.
92
Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini led state cabinet, has decided to implement a new scheme titled ________, for the welfare of the senior artists and scholars of the state.
* Under the new scheme, the eligible artistes will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs.10,000 as financial support from the government.
* The scheme aims to improve the financial and socio-economic conditions of senior artistes and art scholars, who made significant contributions to the field of art.
“Pandit Lakhmi Chand Kalakar Samajik Samman Yojana”
93
the Maharashtra state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has approved the launch of the _______, a state-wide women-centric campaign to boost women empowerment at the grassroots level with a budget of Rs.10.50 crores.
‘Adishakti Abhiyan’
The campaign aims to streamline the implementation and awareness of existing government schemes for women and children
94
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM), M K Stalin announced official recognition of ______as **Traders’ Day** at the 42nd annual meeting of the Traders’ Association, organized by Tamilnadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu, in suburban Madhuranthakam, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu (TN).
May 5
95
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) data presented to the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Parliament) in April 2025, 97% i.e. Rs 1,34,353 crore of all reported claims (Rs 1,38,401crore) under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) have been settled across India.
* Top 3 Indian States achieved 100% claim settlement under the schemes: ______, ________ and ________.
Goa, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu (TN)
96
Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-based ________, a joint venture (JV) between Adani Group and Courbevoie (France)-based Total Energies, **became the world’s first Renewable Energy (RE) Independent Power Producer (IPP) with its massive 14 Gigawatt (GW) operational portfolio to turn water positive.**
* It is the first and only among the top 10 operational RE portfolio companies to reach water positivity.
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL)
* AGEL achieved water positivity a year ahead of its target year Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26).
97
India and ______ have signed Term of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant advancement in the bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
* The first round of negotiations for the CEPA is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2025.
Chile
98
Belagavi (Karnataka)-based _______ officially launched **India’s first AI-powered all-in-one agriculture app, SBOF Agrosmart** aimed at transforming farming practices through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and precision farming tools in the presence of the Minister of Public Works of Karnataka, Satish Jarkiholi in Belagavi, Karnataka.
* The application, launched with an aim to transform the farming landscape by offering comprehensive support to farmers.
SBOF Agrosmart Private Limited
99
________ , the world’s largest nuclear fusion project located in southern France, has achieved a major milestone in the development of its main magnet system, with India playing a key role in building critical infrastructure to confine super-hot plasma particles that combine and fuse to release energy.
the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
* The ITER project, backed by the United States of America (USA), China, Japan, Russia, and the European Union (EU) involves more than 30 countries to assemble the world’s most powerful magnet, Central Solenoid.
* The central solenoid had been completed and tested by the USA and will be assembled in Southern France. The start-up phase of the project will begin in 2033.
100
The **58th Annual Meeting (AM) of the Board of Governors of Manila (The Philippines)-based Asian Development Bank** (ADB) was held from May 4 to 7, 2025 at Allianz MiCo-Milano Convention Centre in _______. This was for the 1st time that Italy hosted AM of ADB and thus, became the 1st European country to host this AM in almost a decade.
* Theme of 58th AM of ADB: **‘Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow’.**
Milan, Italy
101
**The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) partners** :_____, _____, ______ and _______, conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) from April 28 to May 2, 2025 to simulate the launch of the **Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN).**
India, Australia, Japan, and the United States of America (USA)
About Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN):
i. The IPLN is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing shared logistics capabilities among Quad nations to support civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region.
ii. It enables faster, coordinated, and efficient deployment of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) by creating a robust, interoperable logistics network.
Key Highlights:
i. Civilian-First Focus: Designed to respond effectively to natural disasters including cyclones, tsunamis, and public health emergencies.
ii. Shared Logistics Framework: Promotes joint resource planning, digital logistics mapping, and real-time tracking systems.
iii. Interoperability: Builds mutual trust and logistical coordination among Quad members to enable flexible and scalable crisis response.
iv. Technology-Driven: Encourages the use of digital tools to enhance supply chain responsiveness.
v. Regional Reach: Covers Indo-Pacific islands, coastal nations, and remote areas that are vulnerable to disasters
102
the United States of America (USA)-based _______ has been elected as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was elected by the cardinals across the globe on the second day of the Papal conclave held in Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.
* He adopted the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first pope from the USA.
* He succeeds Pope Francis, who died on 21st April 2025.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost
103
Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)-based Indian Defence Public Sector Unit (PSU) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has delivered indigenously developed _________, the 1st of the eight Anti-Submarine Warfare – Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) to the Indian Navy (IN) at M/s L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu (TN)
‘Arnala’
This new ASW SWC is named after an island with the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
* The newly inducted warship, INS Arnala, boasts nearly 88% indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in the IN’s pursuit of self-reliance in shipbuilding and aligning with the Government of India (GoI)’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative
104
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based ________
launched **‘Bulbul v2’, an advanced AI based Text-To-Speech (TTS) model that supports 11 Indian
languages, enhancing digital voice applications with natural-sounding speech and authentic Indian accents.**
* The model supports the following 11 Indian languages: Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and English.
Sarvam Artificial Intelligence (Sarvam AI) Private Limited
i. Bulbul v2 is Sarvam AI’s flagship TTS model designed to synthesize natural, human-like speech from textual input in multiple Indian languages. It is an upgraded version of Bulbul v1, which was released in August 2024.
ii. It is cost-efficient and offers India-first pricing for Application Programming Interface (API) access, making AI speech services more accessible across India.
iii. The model offers fine-grained control over pitch, pace, and loudness, while also supporting multiple sample rates ranging from 8 kilohertz(kHz) to 24kHz. Additionally, it includes smart normalization for numbers, dates, and mixed-language text, ensuring more accurate and natural speech synthesis.
105
________, National Health Editor at The Indian Express, has released his book **“The Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant”**, a comprehensive investigation into one of India’s significant medical device controversies. The book was published by New Delhi based Juggernaut Books.
* The book delves into the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip implant scandal involving the United States of America (USA) based pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson (J&J).
Kaunain Sheriff M
i. In 2003, J&J’s subsidiary, DePuy Orthopaedics, introduced the ASR hip implants, marketed for their durability.
* By 2010, the implants were globally recalled for high failure and metal toxicity, but about 4,700 Indian patients had already received them, unaware of risks.
ii. Sheriff’s book builds upon investigative reports published by The Indian Express in 2018-2019, uncovering how corporate negligence and regulatory oversights compromised patient safety.
iii. The narrative emphasizes the long battle of Indian patients for justice and compensation, in contrast to the USD 2.5 billion settlement Johnson & Johnson provided in the USA.
106
May 8 - 9
**The United Nations (UN)’s Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War** is annually observed across the globe on 8th and 9th of May to honour all victims of the Second World War (WWII) (1939–1945) including around 40 million civilians and 20 million soldiers.
* The day aims to promote global peace & security and encourage reconciliation & dialogue among countries that were once at war.
* 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (WWII).
107
**The Registrar General of India (RGI)**, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), released three reports for 2021: **the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, the Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021, and the Report on the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) 2021.**
* ______ is the record of all registered deaths and births in India.
* _______ is a survey-based estimate of births and deaths and tries to cover unregistered births and deaths as well, making it a vital complement to the CRS data.
* The _______ captures a small fraction of the CRS deaths where deaths are medically certified.
CRS ;
SRS ;
MCCD ;
* Death Rate: It offers the closest estimate of morality and is measured as the number of deaths per thousand population in a given region and time period.
* Birth Rate: The factor is a crude determinant of fertility of a population and crucial measure to understand population growth. Birth rate gives the number of live births per thousand population of a given region and year.
* Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): It is a key indicator of maternal health, defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a specific time period
* Infant Mortality Ratio (IMR): It is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year.
* Total Fertility Rate (TFR): represents the number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children in accordance with age-specific fertility rates of the specified year.
108
Death Rate and Birth Rate:
i. In 2021, **the death rate in rural areas increased from 6.4 to 7.9, while in cities it increased from 5.1 to 6.6 between 2020 and 2021 respectively.**
ii. The birth rate also saw a decline at the all India level, dropping from 36.9 in 1971 to _______ in 2021.
* The corresponding decline in rural areas (from 23.1 to 20.9) is higher than in urban areas (from 17.4 to 15.9) respectively.
iii. Meanwhile, the registered births have also reduced marginally by about 0.1% from 24.22 million to 24.2 million.
19.3
109
Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Ratio (IMR):
i. According to the SRS report, the all-India MMR for 2019-21 is ______ deaths per 1,00,000 live births, recording a decline of 37 points, from 130 deaths per 1 lakh live births during 2014–2016.
* MMR for Assam dropped from 195 to 167 deaths per lakh live births, as per latest SRS report, marking a record 28-point fall, the highest among all states for 2019-2021.
ii. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of the country has declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to ______ per 1000 live births in 2021.
* At 167, Assam has the second-highest MMR among Indian states, only next to Madhya Pradesh (MP), where the IMR was 175 from 2019 to 2021.
iii. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to ______ per 1000 live births in 2021. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021.
iv. The Sex Ratio at Birth improves from 899 in 2014 to _______ in 2021. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is consistent at 2.0 in 2021, which is a significant improvement from 2.3 in 2014.
93 ;
27 ;
19 ;
913 ;
110
Life expectancy in India drops:
i. Expectation of life at birth for India has dropped for the first time in 50 years, registering a decrease of ______ years in a year.
ii. According to the SRS, Life expectancy at birth has been estimated at 69.8 years between 2017 and 2021, compared to 2016-2020. Urban areas experienced a sharper decline of 0.3 years, while rural regions saw a 0.1-year drop.
* Life expectancy at birth was registered highest in Delhi at 73 years for males and Kerala for females at 77.9 years.
* The lowest was noted in Chhattisgarh with 62.8 years for males and 66.4 years for females.
* The maximum per annum average increase in life expectancy for males during the period 1970-75 to 2017-21 has been observed in Odisha and the minimum in Haryana.
* For females, the maximum annual increase has been recorded in Himachal Pradesh and Odisha and the minimum in Kerala.
0.2
111
the Government of India (GoI) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the three schemes :
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). All three schemes were envisioned to provide affordable financial protection to all, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sections of society.
* **The ‘Jan Suraksha’ schemes, comprising PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY**, were launched by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi on _______ in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
* These flagship schemes aim to broaden the insurance and pension landscape by protecting citizens against life’s uncertainties and providing long-term financial resilience.
* Over 23.63 crore, 51 crore and 7.6 crore enrolments have been done under PMJJBY, PMSBY & APY respectively till April 2025.
9th May 2015
112
the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh hosts the highest recorded density of ________ in the world, according to a study by Department of Wildlife Protection (DWP), Ladakh in collaboration with Dehradun (Uttarakhand)-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and New Delhi-based National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
* The study was carried out as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assesment in India (SPAI) program and was published by the United States of America (USA) based Public Library of Science (PLOS) in the journal PLOS ONE.
* The study estimated that Ladakh is home to477 snow leopards, accounting for nearly 68% of India’s total snow leopard population of 709
113
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), launched the _______ and **Stakeholders’ Portal to strengthen India’s nonferrous metal recycling ecosystem.**
* **Developed under the National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework (NNMSRF)**, the portal aims to promote resource efficiency, centralise data and insights, empower stakeholders and enhance transparency.
Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website
* The launch event took place in New Delhi (Delhi) in the presence of Minister of State (MoS) Satish Chandra Dubey, MoM and senior officials from the MoM and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC).
114
________, India’s leading telecom research institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi (Delhi) the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, to collaborate on advancing indigenous communication technologies.
the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
* The MoU aims to establish a long-term collaborative framework focused on the research, development, standardization, and delivery of next-generation communication technologies.
i. C-DOT brings expertise in network protocols, Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum communications.
ii. CSIR-NPL contributes proficiency in scientific measurement, standardization, and traceability to the International System of Units (SI).
iii. The partnership aims to enhance the security of digital communication systems through the development and implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques.
iv. The development of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based control electronics will be prioritized to improve the hardware capabilities required for efficient quantum systems.
115
**The World Bank Land Conference 2025 (WBLC 2025), the premier international forum for the ______ sector, was held from May 5 to 8, 2025 in Washington DC, the United States of America (USA).**
* Theme of WBLC 2025: “Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness”.
land
* Washington (the USA)-based World Bank (WB) has been organising the Land Conference for over 20 years, with the aim of bringing together over 1,000 participants from wide range of sectors such as government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
During the conference, India was honored as a Country Champion under the leadership of Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). This recognition underscores India’s global leadership in inclusive land governance and grassroots empowerment.
116
Pakistan launched _______ against India aimed at targeting military installations in India: Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir, J&K); Kashmir (J&K) and Pathankot (Punjab), Bhuj (Gujarat), among others.
* The operation was initiated in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 7, 2025.
‘Operation Bunyan al-Marsu’
* The name of the operation is inspired from the Quran (the holy book of Muslims). The phrase ‘Bunyan al-Marsu’ in Arabic means ‘a wall constructed of molten lead’ which symbolizes unity, strength, and an unbreakable front.
117
the International governing body for football, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced ______ as the host country of the Women’s football world cup in 2027. The decision was made at the 74th FIFA congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
* The event will take place from June 24 to July 25, 2027
Brazil
* Brazil is the first country to host FIFA Women’s World Cup (WCC) in South America
118
the Renowned Indian Cricketer, ______, announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format of the game with immediate effect.
* He will continue representing India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL).
Virat Kohli
119
the Department of ________, Government of India, issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk, marking a significant step towards its commercial operations in India. This development comes nearly three years after Starlink first applied for an operator licence.
Telecommunications (DoT)
* Starlink operates a constellation of over 7,000 low Earth orbit satellites, providing satellite communication services in more than 100 countries. Its entry into the Indian market is poised to enhance connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions, aligning with the government’s vision of digital inclusivity.
120
the Chief Economist at New Economic Order Economists and Chief Economist of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, _______released his book, **“India@2047: Leading the Global Economic Order”** in a launch event at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. The book was published by New Delhi based AF Press, an imprint of Academic Foundation.
* The book was launched with an aim to envision India’s growth to become Global Economic Leadership by its 100th year of independence.
Shyam Prakash Sharma
121
May 10
1. **World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025** is a global campaign supported by the United Nations (UN), observed biannually on the second Saturday of May and October, to raise awareness about challenges faced by migratory birds and encourage action to conserve their habitats. WMBD 2025 falls on 10th May 2025 and 11th October 2025. The theme of WMBD 2025 is **“Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities”**, focusing on the need for healthy coexistence between humans and migratory birds.
2. **The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Argania** is annually observed across the globe on May 10 to create awareness and promote the major role of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa), a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, which grows in arid and semi-arid areas. The day highlights Morocco’s dedication to elevate the Argan tree as a symbol of heritage and a source of resilient and sustainable development. 10th May 2025 marks the observance of 5th International Day of Argania. The theme of International Day of Argania 2025 is **“The Argan Tree Conservation”.** The 2025 theme aims to highlight the role of the Argania tree in strengthening sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts.
122
May 11
**National Technology Day**, celebrated every year on May 11. The celebrations will be organised by Technology Development Board (TDB) on 11th May 2025, featuring participation from scientists, technocrats, industry leaders, academic institutions, policymakers, and startup founders. The event aims to accelerate India’s innovation ecosystem through deep-tech, precision engineering, and transformative research and development (R&D). 11 May 2025 marks the 27th edition of National Technology Day, commemorating 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) unveiled the official theme for National Technology Day 2025 as “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration”.
123
May 12
**The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Vesak**, also known as Buddha Purnima, is observed annually worldwide on the Full Moon day in May to promote Lord Buddha’s teachings and foster global cultural harmony. The day commemorating the birth (623 B.C.), enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. In 2025, the day marked the 2,587th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
124
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM), Yogi Adityanath with Ajay Banga, President of World Bank (WB), jointly launched two initiatives ______ and ______ to promote agricultural innovation and digital transformation at a launch event in Lucknow, UP.
* The UP-government initiatives with the WB’s assistance aims to move closer to its vision of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy
‘UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening)’ and ‘AI Pragya (Artificial Intelligence Programme for Resourcefulness, Awareness, Growth, and Youth Advancement)’
125
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala based HLL Lifecare Limited (formerly Hindustan Latex Limited), a Government of India (GoI) enterprise under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has signed a strategic agreement with the State Trade Organisation Plc (STO), a Government of ________ enterprise responsible for the import and distribution of essential goods, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), GoI’s flagship initiative aimed at providing affordable, highquality medicines to the public.
Maldives
* Under this agreement, India has pledged its support to Maldives by ensuring the supply of essential medicines through HLL Lifecare Limited.
* The agreement links HLL’s vast Janaushadi network, which facilitates more than 2,000 quality assured generics and 300 surgical items, which will help Maldives to tap one of the world’s most efficient pharmaceutical supply chains
126
Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-based Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, introduced **India’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell truck for mining logistics** in ________, to promote cleaner transportation and replace diesel vehicles in its logistics operations.
Raipur, Chhattisgarh
127
________, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Ministry of Coal (MoC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based **IREL (India) Limited, formerly known as Indian Rare Earths Limited**, to jointly explore and develop opportunities in the critical minerals and Rare Earth Elements (REE) sector
Neyveli (Tamil Nadu, TN) -based Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL)
128
New York (the United States of America, USA)-based JP Morgan released its latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report for April 2025. As per the report, ______ has topped among the developed and emerging economies in terms of both manufacturing and services activity.
* The Global Manufacturing PMI, a composite index sponsored by J.P. Morgan and compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, has decreased from 50.3 (in March, 2025) to 49.8 (April, 2025).
India
* The report revealed India’s manufacturing PMI stood at 58.2 while its services PMI stood at 58.7. These figures are highest compared to both developed and emerging markets.
129
The Government of ______ hosted the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) with the support of Washington DC (the United States of America, USA)-based World Bank (WB) through CARE Component-1 and London (the United Kingdom, UK)-based Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), held from May 07 to 09, 2025 in _______.
* Theme of 4th Ministerial Conference of RIMES: **‘Actionable Early Warnings and Climate Services for All’.**
Sri Lanka ;
Colombo, Sri Lanka ;
* India participated at the 4th Ministerial Conference of RIMES as a co-chair along with Sri Lanka. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
* The conference aimed at achieving the objectives of the Early for All Initiatives by fixing gaps across the entire weather and climate information value chain.
Note: India currently holds the chair of the RIMES Council, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing regional efforts toward climate resilience and disaster preparedness
130
_______, a renowned Indian child rights lawyer and activist, was conferred the ‘Medal of Honour’ by the World Jurist Association (WJA), becoming the first Indian lawyer to receive this recognition. He was awarded this honor during the World Law Congress(WLC) 2025 held from May 4 to 6, 2025 in the Dominican Republic, a country in North America (NA).
Bhuwan Ribhu
* The Medal of Honour, an esteemed award presented by the WJA, recognised Bhuwan Ribhu’s twodecade-long legal efforts in protecting children from child marriage, trafficking, sexual abuse, and forced labour, for his outstanding contributions to justice and human rights
131
The Water Heritage Museum operated by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kozhikode, Kerala has been included in the list of Global Network of Water
Museums (WAMU-NET), a flagship initiative under United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO)’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).
