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May 2025
Weekly CA PDF 3
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 INDEX
National & States Affairs ...................................................................................................... 5
International Affairs ……..................................................................................................... 17
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs ….......................................................... 22
Defence Affairs ………………………………………...................................................................... 30
Sports & Games ………………………………………..................................................................... 32
Science & Technology …….................................................................................................. 39
Appointments & Resignations …........................................................................................ 43
Awards, Rewards, Recognitions & Prizes …….................................................................... 45
Schemes & Initiatives ……................................................................................................... 48
Meetings, Conferences and Summits ………….................................................................... 50
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ……………………………….............................................................. 51
Amount & Agreements ………………………………................................................................... 59
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships …............................................................................ 59

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 National & States Affairs
1. Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have jointly launched “Niveshak Shivir”. Niveshak Shivir will be organised in the cities
having large number of investors whose dividends are lying unclaimed with Companies for a period of 6 to 7 years. As part
of this initiative, selected companies with highest number of investors in unclaimed dividend account will be invited to set
up dedicated kiosks at these events to assist investors directly. “Niveshak Shivir” has been conceived to simplify procedures
for claiming unclaimed dividends and shares, improve financial literacy among investors, and ensure direct and transparent
access to investor services. The pilot phase of the initiative will be launched in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in May 2025. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• IEPFA (MoCA) + SEBI = jointly launched “Niveshak Shivir”
• Niveshak Shivir – to be organised in cities having large number of investors whose dividends are lying unclaimed with
Companies for 6 to 7 yrs
• Pilot phase of initiative – to be launched in Mumbai & Ahmedabad in May 2025
• HQs of IEPFA – New Delhi | CEO – Anita Shah Akella | Founded in – September 2016
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

2. Delhi Police has launched a community outreach initiative titled “Nayi Disha - A Path Back to Learning” to bring out-of-
school children back into the education system. Under the initiative, police personnel are visiting the homes of school
dropouts, engaging directly with children and their families to identify the reasons behind leaving school and encourage
them to resume their education. Police officers are also coordinating with local schools, NGOs and social workers to provide
a range of support services. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Delhi Police – launched a community outreach initiative titled “Nayi Disha - A Path Back to Learning”
- To bring out-of-school children back into education system
• Delhi: CM – Rekha Gupta | Lt. Governor – Vinai Kumar Saxena | Chief Secretary – Dharmendra

3. The Union government has approved an additional 2.8 million tonnes of Food Corporation of India
(FCI) rice for ethanol production, raising the total allocation to 5.2 million tonnes. The allocation
applies to the ethanol supply year (ESY) 2024-25, which runs from December 2024 to October 2025.
Of the total amount of rice sanctioned under the Union government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)
programme, launched in 2003, distilleries had already lifted approximately one million tonnes. The
issue price of FCI rice for distilleries remained unchanged at Rs 22.50 per kilogramme. Rice, sugarcane, and maize are
considered first-generation (1G) biofuel sources, where ethanol is produced directly from food crops. By contrast, second-
generation (2G) technologies use non-food biomass - such as agricultural residues, industrial waste, and lignocellulosic
material - and are generally seen as more sustainable. With a conversion rate of 470 litres per tonne, the total allocation
could yield approximately 2.45 billion litres of ethanol. The government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending
in petrol by ESY 2025-26. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Centre approved an additional 2.8 million tonnes of FCI rice for ethanol production
- Now, total allocation raised to – 5.2 million tonnes

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• It applies to ethanol supply year (ESY) 2024-25 (from Dec 2024 to Oct 2025)
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme – launched in 2003
• Issue price of FCI rice for distilleries – Rs 22.50 per kg (unchanged)
• Rice, sugarcane & maize – first-generation (1G) biofuel sources | Ethanol – produced directly from food crops
• Non-food biomass (agricultural residues, industrial waste & lignocellulosic material) – 2nd-generation (2G) technologies
• Total allocation could yield ~2.45 billion litres of ethanol, with a conversion rate of 470 litres per tonne
• Government set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by ESY 2025-26

4. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a potential ‘Cyclone Shakti’ over the Bay of
Bengal. It may impact Odisha and West Bengal in India, plus Khulna and Chattogram in Bangladesh. The
IMD has also predicted significant rainfall in several parts of the country due to multiple upper-air
circulations. The name ‘Shakti’ follows a regional naming system established in 2004 for cyclones in the
Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, managed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The name ‘Shakti’ was suggested by Sri Lanka as part of
this system. The 8 countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea - Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand - suggest names for cyclones, which are listed sequentially. In 2020, a new list of 169 names
was introduced, with 13 names from each of the 13 participating countries. The previous cyclone’s name, ‘Feinjal’, was given
by Saudi Arabia, while the next will be ‘Mon-Tha’, suggested by Thailand. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IMD – forecasts a potential ‘Cyclone Shakti’ over Bay of Bengal
- It may impact Odisha & West Bengal in India, plus Khulna & Chattogram in Bangladesh
• IMD – also predicted significant rainfall in several parts of country due to multiple upper-air circulations
• ‘Shakti’ – follows a regional naming system established in 2004 for cyclones in Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea
- Managed by = WMO + Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
- ‘Shakti’ – suggested by Sri Lanka as part of this system
• 8 countries bordering Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea – suggest names for cyclones
- Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Thailand
• In 2020, a new list of 169 names was introduced, with 13 names from each of 13 participating countries
• Cyclone’s names given by: Previous ‘Feinjal’ – Saudi Arabia | Next ‘Mon-Tha’ – Thailand
• HQs of IMD – New Delhi | Director General – Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra | Founded in – 1875

5. Rajasthan’s delightful ‘Sangri,’ the slender bean has received a Geographical Indication (GI tag).
Grown from the Khejri tree, the state tree of Rajasthan, often called ‘Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert’,
Sangri beans are a staple in traditional Rajasthani cuisine. This drought-resistant tree flourishes where
other trees offer shade, fodder and sustenance in the harsh Thar Desert. Sangri is rich in protein and
iron and the pods of the tree are harvested and sun-dried to perfection and are later used in the
preparation of traditional dishes like Ker Sangri and panchkutta. The Khejri tree does more than produce Sangri. The leaves
are fodder, and its roots keep the desert soil fertile. The Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) in Chennai, under the DPIIT
(Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), issues GI tags in India. A registered GI is valid for 10 years. {Read
more}

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Smart Points:
• ‘Sangri’ from Rajasthan (aka ‘Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert’) – received a GI tag
• Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, under DPIIT – issues GI tags in India | Validity of a registered GI – 10 yrs
• Rajasthan: Capital – Jaipur | CM – Bhajan Lal Sharma | Governor – Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde

6. In an effort to tackle its deepening water crisis, the Haryana Water Resources (Conservation,
Regulation and Management) Authority (HWRA) has launched the “Haryana Water Resource Atlas
2025”, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, geospatial platform aimed at monitoring, managing, and
conserving the state’s fast-depleting water reserves. Developed in collaboration with the Haryana Space
Applications Centre (HARSAC), the platform is publicly accessible at ‘https://hwra.org.in/Atlas2025/’. It
will provide real-time, layered insights into groundwater levels, surface water bodies, canal systems, aquifers, recharge
zones, and water-intensive cropping patterns. The initiative comes as internal assessments show that over 76% of Haryana’s
administrative blocks are classified as either ‘critical’ or ‘over-exploited’ in terms of groundwater use. The atlas integrates
data from satellite observations, GPS surveys, meteorological inputs, agricultural records, and administrative sources,
drawing on contributions from HARSAC, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the Irrigation and Water Resources
Department, the Agriculture Department, and the India Meteorological Department. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HWRA – launched “Haryana Water Resource Atlas 2025”, an AI-powered, geospatial platform
- To monitor, manage & conserve state’s fast-depleting water reserves
- HWRA – Haryana Water Resources (Conservation, Regulation and Management) Authority
• Developed by = Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) + HWRA
• It is publicly accessible at – ‘https://hwra.org.in/Atlas2025/’
• Haryana: Capital – Chandigarh | CM – Nayab Singh Saini | Governor – Bandaru Dattatraya

7. Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated
two state-of-the-art semiconductor design centres of Renesas Electronics India Private in Noida and
Bengaluru, marking India’s 1st step into advanced 3nm chip development. The new design centre in
UP is a crucial step towards developing a pan-India ecosystem that harnesses the rich talent available
across the country. The Minister also announced the launching of a new semiconductor learning kit
aimed at giving engineering students hands-on experience with hardware. More than 270 academic institutions that already
use advanced EDA (Electronics Design Automation) tools under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) will now receive
these kits. India’s overall strategy for the semiconductor sector includes the design, fabrication, ATMP (assembly, testing,
marking and packaging), equipment, chemicals, and gas supply chains. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ashwini Vaishnaw (Minister for Electronics & IT) – inaugurated 2 state-of-the-art semiconductor design centres of
Renesas Electronics India Pvt in Noida & Bengaluru
• Minister of Electronics & Information Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw | Constituency – Odisha
MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology: Jitin Prasada

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8. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has approved 187 startups for
income tax exemption under the revamped ‘Section 80-IAC’ of the ‘Income Tax Act, 1961’. The tax benefit
allows eligible startups a 100% income tax deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years within a 10-
year window from the date of incorporation. The scheme is designed to support emerging businesses in their formative
years, encouraging innovation, job creation, and wealth generation. With this, over 3,700 startups have now been granted
exemptions since the scheme’s inception. In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government extended the eligibility window for
startups to claim benefits under Section 80-IAC. Startups incorporated before April 1, 2030, are now eligible to apply, giving
more time and opportunity to new ventures to benefit from this financial relief. Startups that were not approved in the
latest round have been encouraged to reassess and refine their applications. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• DPIIT approved 187 startups for income tax exemption under revamped ‘Section 80-IAC’ of ‘Income Tax Act, 1961’
- It allows eligible startups a 100% income tax deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years within a 10-year
window from date of incorporation
• Over 3,700 startups – granted exemptions since scheme’s inception
• In Union Budget 2025-26, government extended eligibility window for startups to claim benefits under Section 80-IAC
• Startups incorporated before Apr 1, 2030 – now eligible to apply
• HQs of DPIIT – New Delhi | Secretary – Amardeep Singh Bhatia | Founded in – 1995 (Functions under Ministry of C&I)

9. The Government of India has designated September 23 as the date for celebrating Ayurveda Day each
year through a Gazette notification. Until now, Ayurveda Day coincided with Dhanteras, a festival observed
in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October or November). However, as the date of Dhanteras fluctuates
each year, the observance of Ayurveda Day lacked a fixed annual date. Ayurveda Day has been
commemorated annually to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a
pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness. The chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox,
a day when day and night are nearly equal. This astronomical event symbolizes balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the
Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasizes equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Centre designated September 23 as date for celebrating Ayurveda Day each year through a Gazette notification
- Until now, Ayurveda Day coincided with Dhanteras (a festival observed in Hindu month of Kartik)
• 23rd September – coincides with autumnal equinox, a day when day & night are nearly equal

10. Government e-Marketplace (GeM), India’s national public procurement portal, celebrated its 8th
Incorporation Day on 17th May with a reaffirmation of its transformative impact on inclusive
economic growth and digital governance. During the event, GeM launched “GeMAI”, India’s 1 st
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot in the public sector. Supporting both voice and text
interactions in 10 Indian languages, GeMAI enhances user support and embodies GeM’s mission of
inclusive, intelligent service delivery. GeM was launched on 9th August 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. GeM
was incorporated on 17th May 2017 under the Companies Act, 2013. Independent reviews, including the World Bank and
Economic Survey, report nearly 10% cost savings in government procurement, with nearly 97% of transactions fee-free and
reductions of 33%-96% (capped at Rs 3 lakh) for orders exceeding Rs 10 crore, significantly down from the earlier Rs 72.5
lakh. For sellers with annual turnover below Rs 1 crore, the caution money deposit has been cut by 60%, with full exemptions
granted to select groups. GeM has now been adopted across all 36 States and UTs, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way. Eight
states - including Maharashtra, Manipur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh - have
mandated GeM usage. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• GeM – celebrated 8th Incorporation Day on May 17 & launched “GeMAI”, India’s 1st AI-powered chatbot in public sector
- It supports both voice & text interactions in 10 Indian languages
• GeM – launched on Aug 9, 2016 by MoC&I and incorporated on May 17, 2017 under Companies Act, 2013
• GeM – now been adopted across all 36 States & UTs | Uttar Pradesh – leading way
• Eight states have mandated GeM usage (including MH, Manipur, Gujarat, HP, Assam, Uttarakhand & Chhattisgarh)
• HQs of GeM – New Delhi | CEO – Ajay Bhadoo | Established in – 2016

11. To accelerate the growth of some 140 existing women-led MSMEs across Telangana, a
“Women Acceleration Program (WAP)”, supported by the Ministry of MSME and the World Bank,
was launched by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Telangana government aims to
empower 1 crore women to become millionaires. A flagship initiative under the national ‘Raising
and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)’ scheme, the Women Acceleration Programme
aims to strengthen the capabilities of women entrepreneurs to scale sustainably and enhance their competitiveness. This
would be achieved through targeted capacity building, tailored mentorship, financial enablement, expanded market access
and other methods. Besides, WE Hub’s “Grassroot Youth Innovation Program (GYIP)” - designed to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship among rural youth in the State - was also launched by the Chief Minister. The program focuses on
equipping young individuals with job readiness skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience, enabling them to become
changemakers in their communities. The program will outreach over 6000 students, 4000 students to be sensitized, 1500 to
be onboarded onto ‘iLEAP (Integrated Learning Enrichment and Achievement Program)’, and 500 to be onboarded to
‘Campuspreneur’ program. The iLEAP programs support students in the age of 17-23 years to explore new technology trends
and experience advancement in their careers by mastering critical thinking, innovation, and leveraging advanced tools.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• A. Revanth Reddy (Telangana CM) – launched “Women Acceleration Program”, supported by MoMSME & World Bank
- Under – national ‘Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)’ scheme
- To accelerate growth of some 140 existing women-led MSMEs across Telangana
• Telangana government aims to empower 1 crore women to become millionaires
• A. Revanth Reddy – also launched WE Hub’s “Grassroot Youth Innovation Program (GYIP)”
• Telangana: Capital – Hyderabad | CM – A. Revanth Reddy | Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma

12. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has introduced an AI anchor named “Ankita” to share
cabinet decisions, marking a first-of-its-kind digital initiative to promote digital transformation and
citizen engagement. The initiative was seen as a step toward modernising government communication
and making policy announcements more interactive and accessible, especially for the digital generation
to harness technology for good governance. In 2024, Assam introduced ‘Iris’, the first AI teacher at Royal Global School in
Guwahati. Dressed in a traditional Mekhela-Chador, Iris listens attentively and provides informative details to curious young
minds. Meanwhile, Doordarshan Kisan also launched two AI anchors named ‘AI Krish’ and ‘AI Bhoomi’. These news anchors
are computers that are exactly like humans, or rather, they work like humans. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM) – introduced an AI anchor, “Ankita”, to share cabinet decisions
• Assam – introduced ‘Iris’, 1st AI teacher at Royal Global School in Guwahati, in 2024

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• Doordarshan Kisan – also launched two AI anchors, ‘AI Krish’ & ‘AI Bhoomi’
• Assam: Capital – Dispur | CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma | Governor – Lakshman Prasad Acharya

13. To improve citizen-centric police services, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched 2
portals - “i-PRAGATI” (Investigation Progress Report through Automatically Generated Accurate and Timely
Information) and “Tera Tujhko Arpan” (concerning cybercrime refunds) - and an app to request unfreezing
of frozen bank accounts. Currently, forms need to be filled out at every stage of an investigation, such as
during FIR registration, conducting a panchnama, arresting the accused, and filing the chargesheet. Through the i-PRAGATI
portal, a part of the eGujCop system, a complainant will receive SMSes whenever any of these 4 key stages are completed.
‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ platform will speed up refunds for citizens who have lost money to cybercrime, mainly through Lok
Adalats. The CM also launched another application designed for online submission to unfreeze bank accounts that have
been frozen. When a complaint related to online financial crime is reported to the ‘Cyber Crime Helpline - 1930’, the bank
account of the accused person is frozen through the NCRP portal to prevent the diversion of fraudulently obtained money.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat CM) – launched 2 portals & an app to request unfreezing of frozen bank accounts
- “i-PRAGATI” – Investigation Progress Report through Automatically Generated Accurate & Timely Information
- “Tera Tujhko Arpan” – concerning cybercrime refunds
• Through i-PRAGATI portal (part of eGujCop system), a complainant will receive SMSes whenever any of these 4 key
stages are completed
• ‘Tera Tujhko Arpan’ platform – to speed up refunds for citizens who have lost money to cybercrime, mainly through Lok
Adalats
• Gujarat: Capital – Gandhinagar | CM – Bhupendra Patel | Governor – Acharya Dev Vrat

14. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the revamped “Multi Agency Centre
(MAC)”, a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) that was
conceptualised in 2001 post the Kargil war. The new MAC network connects all police districts
in the country through a secured network and has been built at a cost of Rs 500 crore. As
many as 28 organisations, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), armed forces and
State police, are part of the platform and various security agencies share real-time intelligence inputs on MAC. The new
MAC will provide a seamless and integrated platform for synergising the efforts of all the agencies in addressing the complex
and interconnected national security challenges like terrorism, extremism, organised crime and cyber-attacks. The Union
Minister also laid the future road map by emphasising the need to integrate other significant databases housed with
different Central agencies in different silos, on this platform for leveraging the advanced data analytics made available with
the new MAC. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Amit Shah – inaugurated the revamped “Multi Agency Centre (MAC)”, a common counter-terrorism grid under IB
• The new MAC network connects all police districts in the country & has been built at a cost of Rs 500 Cr
• As many as 28 organisations are part of the platform
• HQs of IB – New Delhi | Director – Tapan Kumar Deka

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15. Maharashtra government has cleared a policy to promote the use of ‘artificial sand’, also
known as ‘manufactured sand’ (m-sand), in the state as a sustainable alternative to river sand in
construction work undertaken by government and semi-government agencies. Further, to
encourage its production, the state will lease land for artificial sand crushers. Artificial sand is
produced by crushing hard rocks, often granite, into small, sand-sized particles. To begin with,
the state government has decided to allow the installation of 50 crusher machines in each district and 1,500 in total. The
government is also ready to allot its land for the projects on a first-come, first-served basis. The companies involved in the
crushing projects will get a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) status, which will allow them to get all the
subsidies, concessions and exemptions granted by the industries department. The state government has also decided to
keep the royalty price of artificial sand much lower than that of natural sand. It has been dropped to Rs 200 per brass,
compared with Rs 600 per brass for natural sand. Only M-Sand that meets the Bureau of Indian Standards, BIS (IS 383:2016)
norms will be permitted for use in construction projects. In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned sand mining in
coastal regions in many states, including Maharashtra, saying that it was damaging natural ecosystems. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Maharashtra – cleared a policy to promote the use of ‘artificial sand’, also known as ‘manufactured sand’ (m-sand)
• Artificial sand is produced by crushing hard rocks, often granite, into small, sand-sized particles
• MH Govt has decided to allow the installation of 50 crusher machines in each district & 1,500 in total
• Companies involved in the crushing projects will get a MSME status
• MH Govt has also decided to keep the royalty price of artificial sand much lower than that of natural sand
- dropped to Rs 200 per brass (from Rs 600 per brass for natural sand)
• In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned sand mining in coastal regions in many states, including Maharashtra
• Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Devendra Fadnavis | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan

16. Mizoram has been officially declared a fully literate state. With this achievement, Mizoram becomes the first state in
India to attain full functional literacy. Mizoram, which attained statehood in 1987, has consistently ranked among the top
states in terms of literacy. According to the 2011 Census, it had a literacy rate of 91.33%, the third-highest in the country at
the time. Building on this solid foundation, the state implemented the “ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram” (New
India Literacy Programme) to identify and educate the remaining non-literate individuals. ‘ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta
Karyakram’ is a centrally sponsored initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at promoting
adult education. The programme focuses on 5 components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic
Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. Launched in 2022 and running till 2027, it targets adults aged 15 and
above who missed formal schooling. Earlier, in June 2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit in India to achieve
full literacy. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Mizoram – becomes the first state in India to attain full functional literacy
• According to the 2011 Census, it had a literacy rate of 91.33% (3rd-highest in the country at the time)
• Mizoram implemented the “ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram”
- It is a centrally sponsored initiative aligned with the ‘NEP 2020’
- Launched in 2022 and running till 2027, it targets adults aged 15 & above who missed formal schooling
• Ladakh – became the first administrative unit in India to achieve full literacy (in June 2024)
• Mizoram: Capital – Aizawl | CM – Lalduhoma | Governor – General V. K. Singh

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17. India has been awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. This recognition is a testament to India’s sustained efforts
in disease elimination, preventive healthcare, and commitment to ensuring health for all. India also became the 3rd country
in the Southeast Asia region to reach this public health milestone. Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It
is caused by the bacterium ‘Chlamydia Trachomatis’. Trachoma is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes,
eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness. WHO has termed
Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program
in 1963. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by WHO
- at 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland
• With this, India became the 3rd country in the Southeast Asia region to reach this public health milestone
• Trachoma – a bacterial infection affecting eyes | Caused by – bacterium ‘Chlamydia Trachomatis’
• WHO termed Trachoma as – neglected tropical disease
• National Trachoma Control Program – launched in 1963 in India
• HQs of WHO – Geneva, Switzerland | DG – Tedros Adhanom | Member Countries – 194 | Founded in – 1948

18. India has formally assumed the chairmanship of the ‘Asian Productivity Organization (APO)’ for the
2025-26 term during a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. In its Chairmanship role, India is committed to
supporting the APO’s strategic goals, including the development and implementation of the ‘APO Vision
2030’ and the expansion of the ‘Green Productivity 2.0’ framework. In the meeting, the Indian
delegation was headed by the APO Director for India and Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Amardeep Singh Bhatia. Each year, over 100 Indian professionals
participate in APO-led capacity-building initiatives through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT. Tokyo-based
APO is an intergovernmental body established in 1961 to promote productivity across the Asia-Pacific region through mutual
cooperation and capacity building. It has 21 members at present. The Governing Body is the APO’s highest decision-making
authority and meets annually. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – assumed chairmanship of ‘Asian Productivity Organization’ for 2025-26 term, in a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia
• Indian delegation was headed by – Amardeep Singh Bhatia (APO Director for India & Secretary of DPIIT)
• HQs of APO – Tokyo, Japan | SG – Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata | Member countries – 21 | Established in – 1961

19. The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 125 years of the
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). The stamp is now available at Philatelic Bureaus across India and
can also be purchased online at ‘www.epostoffice.gov.in’. The stamp features the iconic historic building
of the KSO, which has 2 domes. The dome on the right hosts the 6-inch telescope which was installed at
the Madras Observatory as early as 1850, remodelled in 1898, and installed at Kodaikanal in 1900 by the
then Director, Michie Smith. The dome on the left hosts the 8-inch telescope that was installed at the Madras Observatory
in 1866, and brought to Kodaikanal in 1930. This telescope is now used for public outreach for visitors. The stamp also
features an H-alpha image of the Sun taken at the KSO on 6 May 2024, as well as the IIA logo. In addition, a colourful inset
in the stamp is the famous ‘Butterfly Diagram’, which is a plot of the solar latitude of sunspots versus year. This plot was
generated using data taken from the Observatory between 1904 and 2020. Located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, the
KSO, established on 1 April 1899, has been a pioneering centre for solar research in India for over a century. Operated by
the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it holds the distinction of being the country’s longest-running astronomical
observatory and maintains one of the world’s most extensive and continuous daily records of the Sun. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Department of Posts – released a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
• It is now available at Philatelic Bureaus across India & can also be purchased online at ‘www.epostoffice.gov.in’
• It features iconic historic building of KSO, which has 2 domes
- Dome on right hosts 6-inch telescope installed at Madras Observatory as early as 1850, remodelled in 1898 &
installed at Kodaikanal in 1900 by then Director, Michie Smith
- Dome on left hosts 8-inch telescope installed at Madras Observatory in 1866 & brought to Kodaikanal in 1930
• It also features an H-alpha image of Sun taken at KSO on May 6, 2024, as well as IIA logo
• It also features a colourful inset in stamp is famous ‘Butterfly Diagram’, a plot of solar latitude of sunspots versus year
- It was generated using data taken from Observatory between 1904 & 2020
• KSO is operated by – Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
- Located in – Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu | Established on – Apr 1, 1899

20. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi has
launched 3 digital initiatives - (i) ‘Depot Darpan Portal’, (ii) ‘Anna Mitra’, and (iii) ‘Anna
Sahayata’ - aimed at transforming India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). Depot Darpan is a
digital self-assessment and monitoring portal. The platform assigns a ‘Composite Rating’ based
on both infrastructural parameters. A grading framework has been introduced that assesses
depots on a 60:40 ratio of operational performance and infrastructure standards. Metrics include storage and transit loss,
space utilization, manpower efficiency, and profitability. Depots achieving excellence will be awarded five-star ratings. Smart
warehouse technologies are currently being piloted and are expected to be rolled out nationwide by the end of the year.
Anna Mitra, a mobile app, is designed to meet the specific operational needs of key stakeholders in the PDS. In its current
rollout, Anna Mitra covers 4 states - Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab - and is available in two languages, Hindi and
English. Anna Sahayata, a citizen-first grievance redressal platform designed to serve over 81 crore beneficiaries of the
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is built on the pillars of accessibility, accountability, and efficiency. In
its current rollout, Anna Sahayata covers 5 states in the pilot phase - Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar
Pradesh - and is available in 5 languages, Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bangla and English. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pralhad Joshi (Minister of CAF&PD) – launched 3 digital initiatives to transform India’s Public Distribution System (PDS)
- ‘Depot Darpan Portal’, ‘Anna Mitra’ & ‘Anna Sahayata’
• Depot Darpan – a digital self-assessment & monitoring portal
• Anna Mitra, a mobile app – designed to meet specific operational needs of key stakeholders in PDS
- In its current rollout, it covers 4 states – Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura & Punjab
- It is available in – 2 languages (Hindi & English)
• Anna Sahayata – designed to serve over 81 crore beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
- In its current rollout, it covers 5 states in pilot phase – Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura & Uttar Pradesh
- It is available in – 5 languages (Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bangla & English)
• Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Pralhad Joshi | Constituency – Dharwad
MoS in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: B. L. Verma & Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya

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21. The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has launched a Vistadome coach
service connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district with Dudhwa Tiger
Reserve in Pilibhit, making it the 1st state in India to offer a jungle safari through a Vistadome
train. The objective is to promote the state’s forest regions under the brand ‘One Destination
Three Forests’ at both national and international levels. The tourist train features specially
designed coaches with large glass windows and transparent roofs. Currently operating on Saturdays and Sundays, there are
plans to extend the service to daily operations. As part of this initiative, Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur
Wildlife Sanctuary have been integrated to offer tourists a convenient and engaging experience. The Vistadome coach allows
tourists to travel 107 km within the forest. The journey lasts approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes with tickets costing Rs
275 per person for this route. The Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train departs from Bichia station in Bahraich at 11:45
am and passes through several stations before reaching Mailani station in Lakhimpur Kheri at 4:10 pm. The return service,
Mailani to Bichia Tourist Passenger Train, leaves Mailani at 6:05 am and arrives at Bichia by 10:30 am. The train stops at nine
stations including Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and
Mailani. The board is developing a package to facilitate tourist travel from the state capital, Lucknow, to Katarniaghat. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• UP Eco Tourism Development Board – became 1st state in India to offer a jungle safari through a Vistadome train by
launching a Vistadome coach service
- It connects Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit
• Aim: To promote state’s forest regions under ‘One Destination Three Forests’ at both national & international levels
• Currently operating on – Saturdays & Sundays | It will allow tourists to travel 107 km within forest
• Dudhwa NP, Katarniaghat & Kishanpur WS – integrated to offer tourists a convenient & engaging experience
• Journey time – ~4 hours & 25 minutes | Ticket cost – Rs 275 per person
• UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel

22. Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah launched a new “Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
portal” to simplify the registration process for overseas citizens. The new portal will provide
enhanced functionality, advanced security, and a user-friendly experience for more than 5 million
OCI cardholders and new users. The new OCI portal is available at ‘https://ociservices.gov.in’. The
OCI scheme was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005. The scheme provides for the
registration of Persons of Indian Origin as Overseas Citizens of India, provided they were citizens of India on or after January
26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date. However, individuals who are or had been citizens of Pakistan or
Bangladesh, or whose parent or grandparent or great grandparent are or had been citizens of those two countries are not
eligible. The existing OCI Services portal was developed in 2013 and is currently operational in over 180 Indian missions as
well as 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), processing approximately 2,000 applications per day. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• Amit Shah (Minister of Home Affairs) – launched a new “Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal”
- To simplify registration process for overseas citizens | It is available at – ‘https://ociservices.gov.in’
• OCI scheme – introduced through an amendment to Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005
- It provides for registration of Persons of Indian Origin as OCI, provided they were citizens of India on or after Jan 26,
1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date

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• Individuals who are or had been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or whose parent or grandparent or great grandparent
are or had been citizens of those two countries are not eligible
• Existing OCI Services portal – developed in 2013 is currently operational in >180 Indian missions & 12 FRROs
• Minister of Home Affairs: Amit Shah | Constituency – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Home Affairs: Nityanand Rai & Bandi Sanjay Kumar

23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the revamped “National Manuscripts Mission (NNM)”,
titled, “Gyan Bharatam Mission”, which was announced in the Union Budget 2025-2026, on June 9,
2025. The mission which is expected to cover more than one crore manuscripts, would be
responsible for the survey, documentation and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage lying with
academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collectors. To accommodate this new initiative,
the Union Budget hiked the budgetary allocation for the existing NMM from Rs 3.5 crore to Rs 60 crore. Presently, NMM is
a part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. It was set up in 2003 but had not taken off as expected. According to
sources, the NMM has till date, prepared a metadata of 52 lakh manuscripts and roughly over three lakh titles have been
digitised. However, only one-third of them have been uploaded. Out of the nearly 1.30 lakh manuscripts uploaded, only
70,000 were available for viewing. Around 80% of manuscripts in India are with private parties. The NMM has also informed
that over the last 21 years, they have undertaken preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• PM Modi will launch revamped National Manuscripts Mission (NNM), “Gyan Bharatam Mission”
- It was announced in Union Budget 2025-2026, on Jun 9, 2025
• Budgetary allocation for existing NMM – hiked to Rs 60 Cr (from Rs 3.5 Cr)
• Presently, NMM is a part of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, set up in 2003

24. IIT Delhi hosted the 4th edition of its flagship initiative, “Manasvi: STEM Mentorship Program
for High School Girls”. The program brought together 100 schoolgirls from Classes 9 to 12 - mostly
from government and public schools in the Delhi-NCR region - to kindle interest in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to bridge the gender gap in these fields.
Organized by IIT Delhi’s Office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives, the program combined
technical workshops, inspirational lectures, and hands-on learning with informal bonding sessions. A highlight of the
program was the hands-on session at IIT Delhi’s ‘MakerSpace Lab’, led by Prof. Jay Dhariwal from the Department of Design.
The program culminated with a keynote by Dr Ritu Karidhal, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) scientist and
renowned as the ‘Rocket Woman of India.’ The summer session was supported by Ratna Sagar, with 25 students sponsored
by Bharti Airtel Foundation as part of their CSR initiative in partnership with IIT Delhi. The program will continue with its
second and third phases in October and December 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Delhi hosted 4th edition of its flagship initiative, “Manasvi: STEM Mentorship Program for High School Girls”
- Organized by – IIT Delhi’s Office of Academic Outreach & New Initiatives
• A hands-on session at IIT Delhi’s ‘MakerSpace Lab’ was led by Prof. Jay Dhariwal from Department of Design
• It will continue with its second & third phases in October & December 2025
• Director of IIT Delhi – Prof. Rangan Banerjee

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25. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs’s (MHA) Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has
introduced the new “e-Zero FIR” initiative to nab any criminal with unprecedented speed as a pilot
project for Delhi. The new system will automatically convert cyber financial crimes filed at the National
Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 to FIRs, initially above
the threshold limit of Rs 10 lakh. The NCRP and the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 have enabled easy reporting and
prompt actioning on complaints related to cyber financial crimes. The newly introduced process involves integration of I4C’s
NCRP system, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system and National Crime Record Bureau’s (NCRB) Crime and Criminal Tracking Network
& Systems (CCTNS). Now complaints related to financial losses above the threshold limit of ₹10 lakh made to NCRP and 1930
will automatically lead to the registration of a Zero FIR with the e-Crime Police Station of Delhi. This will be immediately
routed to the territorial Cybercrime Police Stations. Complainants can visit the cybercrime Police Station within 3 days and
get the Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR. Delhi Police and I4C, MHA have worked together to put in place a process for
the registration of cases in accordance with the new provisions of Section 173 (1) and 1(ii) of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha
Sanhita (BNSS). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MHA’s Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) introduced new “e-Zero FIR” initiative
- To nab any criminal with unprecedented speed as a pilot project for Delhi
• It will automatically convert cyber financial crimes filed at NCRP & National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 to FIRs
- Initially above threshold limit – Rs 10 lakh
• NCRP & National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 – enabled easy reporting & prompt actioning on complaints related to cyber
financial crimes
• Now complaints related to financial losses above threshold limit of ₹10 lakh made to NCRP & 1930 – to automatically
lead to registration of a Zero FIR with e-Crime Police Station of Delhi
• Complainants can visit cybercrime Police Station within 3 days & get Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR
• HQs of I4C – New Delhi | CEO – Rajesh Kumar | Founded in – 2018
• Minister of Home Affairs: Amit Shah | Constituency – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
MoS in Ministry of Home Affairs: Nityanand Rai & Bandi Sanjay Kumar

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 International Affairs
26. India and the European Union (EU) have officially launched 2 research and innovation initiatives
under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) with a joint investment of approximately Rs
391 crore (EUR 41 million). The newly announced initiatives will be co-funded by Horizon Europe, the
EU’s research and innovation framework program, and the Government of India. The first
coordinated call targets marine pollution, particularly plastic litter, which continues to threaten
biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and impact human health despite global mitigation efforts. This initiative is co-funded by
the EU (EUR 12 million/Rs 115 crore) and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (Rs 90 crore/EUR 9.3 million). The research will
support international commitments such as the ‘UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)’
while contributing to the objectives of the EU’s ‘Zero Pollution Action Plan (2021-2030)’ and India’s ‘National Marine Litter
Policy’. The second coordinated call addresses sustainable energy solutions through waste-to-green hydrogen technologies.
This research initiative is supported by the EU (EUR 10 million/Rs 96 crore) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (Rs 90 crore/EUR 9.3 million). The program aligns with the EU’s ‘Hydrogen Strategy’ and India’s ‘National Green
Hydrogen Mission’. The TTC, established in 2022 by Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von
der Leyen, serves as a strategic framework to strengthen bilateral partnerships on trade and technology. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India + EU = officially launched 2 research & innovation initiatives with a joint investment of ~Rs 391 Cr
- Under – India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC) | Co-funded by = Horizon Europe + GoI
• 1st coordinated call – targets marine pollution
- Co-funded by = EU (EUR 12 million/Rs 115 Cr) + MoES (Rs 90 crore/EUR 9.3 million).
• 2nd coordinated call – addresses sustainable energy solutions
- Co-funded by = EU (EUR 10 million/Rs 96 Cr) + MNRE (Rs 90 Cr/EUR 9.3 million)
• TTC – established in 2022 by PM Modi & Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President)
• HQs of EU – Brussels, Belgium | Member Countries – 27
President of European Parliament – Roberta Metsola
President of European Council – António Costa
President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen

27. India gifted 15 electric vehicles (EVs) to Nepal to facilitate the organisation of “Sagarmatha
Sambad” (mountain dialogue). The Nepal Government is hosting the first edition of the ‘Sagarmatha
Sambad’ in Kathmandu from May 16-18 on the theme “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future
of Humanity”. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava presented 15 EVs to Nepal’s Foreign
Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The vehicles will be used to facilitate the movement of guests and officials
attending the event, which aims to highlight the impact of climate change on mountain regions. Nepal plans to unveil the
‘Sagarmatha Sambaad Declaration’ after the conclusion of the event. After the closing session, some delegates will visit the
‘Vajra Academy’, an eco-friendly school, which is also known as Nepal’s model green school, in Lalitpur’s Godawari. Mount
Everest, the highest peak in the world, is known as Sagarmatha in Nepalese. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – gifted 15 EVs to Nepal to facilitate organisation of “Sagarmatha Sambad” (mountain dialogue)
• 1st edition of ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ – Kathmandu, Nepal (from May 16-18, 2025)
- Theme – “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity”

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• Nepal – to unveil ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad Declaration’ after conclusion of event
- Mount Everest (highest peak in world) – known as ‘Sagarmatha’ in Nepalese
• Indian Ambassador to Nepal – Naveen Srivastava
• Nepal – Kathmandu – Nepalese Rupee | President – Ram Chandra Poudel | PM – K. P. Sharma Oli

28. The Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), found in Cameroon and Nigeria, and the Tapanuli
Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, are among the 25 most
endangered primates across Asia, Africa, Madagascar and South America, according to a new report,
titled “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2023-2025”. The 2023-2025 list
of the world’s 25 most endangered primates has 6 species from Africa, 4 from Madagascar, 9 from Asia, and 6 from the
Neotropics (South America). Two primates found in Northeast India and Bangladesh - Phayre’s Langur and the Western
Hoolock Gibbon - were among the species considered for the final list, although they did not make it. The Phayre’s Langur
(Trachypithecus phayrei), according to the report, is one of the least-studied Asian colobines or leaf-eating monkeys. Its
distribution was recently restricted to eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India, and western Myanmar. The species has been
listed as ‘Endangered’ for two decades on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
The other primate from India and Bangladesh, the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), is one of 20 species of
gibbons and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is found in Eastern Bangladesh,
northeastern India, and in the west of the Ayeyarwaddy and Chindwin rivers in Myanmar. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per the report “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2023-2025”:
• Cross River Gorilla & Tapanuli Orangutan – among 25 most endangered primates across Asia, Africa, Madagascar &
South America
- Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) – found in Cameroon & Nigeria
- Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) – found on Indonesian island of Sumatra
• This list has 6 species from Africa, 4 from Madagascar, 9 from Asia & 6 from Neotropics (South America)
• Two primates found in Northeast India & Bangladesh were among species considered for final list, but not present
- Phayre’s Langur & Western Hoolock Gibbon
• Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei) – one of the least-studied Asian colobines or leaf-eating monkeys
- Listed as ‘Endangered’ for two decades on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Found in – Eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India & western Myanmar
• Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) – one of 20 species of gibbons
- Listed as ‘Endangered’ on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Found in – Eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India & in west of Ayeyarwaddy & Chindwin rivers in Myanmar

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29. Latin-American Country Colombia has formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
and became the latest country to join the BRI. China has surpassed the US as the biggest trading
partner of Brazil, Peru, Chile and other Latin American nations, and two-thirds of countries there have
signed up to the BRI infrastructure drive. In 2024, the President of China Xi Jinping inaugurated Latin
America’s first Beijing-funded port in Chancay, Peru. China also pledged billions for development at the China-CELAC
(Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum. Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the
initial name ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’. It aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks to
improve regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth. Silk Road Economic Belt (overland routes
connecting China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East) and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (sea routes connecting
China’s eastern coast to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe) are the main components of the BRI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Colombia (Latin-American country) – formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
• China – biggest trading partner of Brazil, Peru, Chile & other Latin American nations
- 2/3rd of Latin American countries – signed up to BRI infrastructure drive
• Xi Jinping (President of China) – inaugurated Latin America’s 1st Beijing-funded port in Chancay, Peru, in 2024
• China – pledged billions for development at China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum
• BRI – launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under initial name ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’
- Aim: To connect Asia with Africa & Europe via land & maritime networks
• Main components of BRI – Silk Road Economic Belt & 21st Century Maritime Silk Road
• Colombia – Bogota – Colombian Peso | President – Gustavo Petro

30. The world’s 1st commercial-scale e-methanol plant began operations in Denmark, with
shipping giant Maersk set to buy part of the production as a low-emission fuel for its fleet of
container ships. The shipping sector is under pressure to find new sources of fuel after a
majority of countries gave their backing to measures to help meet the International Maritime
Organization’s targets towards eliminating carbon emissions by 2050. Located in Kasso in
southern Denmark, the new plant, which has cost an estimated 150 million euros ($167 million), will produce 42,000 metric
tons, or 53 million litres, of e-methanol per year. Denmark’s European Energy and Japan’s Mitsui are the joint owners of the
plant. For the smaller Laura Maersk, the world’s first dual-fuel container ship, with a capacity of more than 2,100 twenty-
foot equivalent units, requires only 3,600 tons of fuel per year. Traditional methanol is typically produced from natural gas
and coal. The Kasso plant will make e-methanol using renewable energy and CO2 captured from biogas plants and waste
incineration. The company has plans to expand the Kasso facility as well as a pipeline of similar plants in Europe, Australia,
Brazil and the US. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• World’s 1st commercial-scale e-methanol plant – began operations in Kasso, southern Denmark
- Estimated cost – 150 million euros | Production – 42,000 metric tons (or 53 million litres) of e-methanol per year
- Joint owners of plant = European Energy (Denmark) & Mitsui (Japan)
• It will make e-methanol using renewable energy & CO2 captured from biogas plants & waste incineration
• International Maritime Organization targets to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050

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31. In a major stride towards internationalising Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has
announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, UAE. The move marks a significant milestone in IIFT’s
62-year history and underscores India’s growing presence in the global education landscape. The new campus has received
the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Education, along with No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of External
Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) – to establish its first overseas campus in Dubai, UAE
• It received necessary approvals from MoE, along with NOC from MEA, MHA & UGC
• IIFT – New Delhi | Vice Chancellor – Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi | Under – Ministry of Commerce & Industry

32. Israel has launched a major new military campaign in the Gaza Strip, termed “Operation
Gideon’s Chariots”, marking a notable escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The operation
will include a broad attack that includes the displacement of most of the population of the Gaza
Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting more than 150 sites across the enclave,
focusing on what it identified as terrorist infrastructure. The renewed offensive comes after a
two-month ceasefire ended in March 2025, with Israel resuming military actions in response to ongoing hostilities. The
humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply, with the United Nations reporting that over 53,000 Palestinians
have been killed since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas
launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. The Gaza
Strip is a narrow piece of land between Israel and Egypt, next to the Mediterranean Sea. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Israel – launched a major new military campaign in Gaza Strip, named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots”
• Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported targeting more than 150 sites across enclave
• Humanitarian situation in Gaza as per UN, >53,000 Palestinians have been killed since conflict’s escalation in Oct 2023
• Conflict began on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel
• Gaza Strip – a narrow piece of land between Israel & Egypt, next to Mediterranean Sea
• Israel – Jerusalem – Israeli Shekel | President – Isaac Herzog | PM – Benjamin Netanyahu

33. Synyi AI, a Tencent-backed startup from Shanghai, has opened the world’s first AI-powered
medical clinic in Saudi Arabia. Launched in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Almoosa Health Group, the
AI doctor clinic is located in the eastern Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. The clinic features ‘Dr Hua,’
an AI system that autonomously diagnoses and prescribes treatments for patients, with human
doctors reviewing the plans for accuracy. The technology demonstrated an error rate of less than 0.3%
during its testing phase before the current trial. The pilot programme is generating AI diagnostic data that will be submitted
to Saudi regulators for approval ahead of a potential commercial rollout. The AI clinic currently specialises in diagnosing and
managing respiratory illnesses. It covers around 30 conditions, including common diseases such as asthma and pharyngitis.
However, Synyi AI aims to expand to 50 diseases. Besides this, OpenAI has also launched the ‘HealthBench’ benchmark
which tests how accurately AI can handle health. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Synyi AI (Shanghai) – opened world’s first AI-powered medical clinic in Saudi Arabia
- Launched in partnership with – Saudi Arabia’s Almoosa Health Group
- Located in – eastern Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia | Error rate – less than 0.3% (during its testing phase)

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• It features ‘Dr Hua,’ an AI system that autonomously diagnoses & prescribes treatments for patients
• It covers around 30 conditions, including common diseases such as asthma & pharyngitis
• OpenAI – also launched ‘HealthBench’ benchmark which tests how accurately AI can handle health
• Saudi Arabia – Riyadh – Saudi Riyal | PM – Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud | King – Salman bin Abdulaziz

34. The UAE Accountability Authority has been elected to the Executive Board of the International Association of Anti-
Corruption Authorities (IAACA) during the body’s first council meeting of 2025. This achievement marks a milestone in the
Authority’s ongoing strategy to build a robust regulatory framework in line with the highest international standards in
transparency, anti-corruption and institutional excellence. IAACA comprises more than 180 countries and is an independent,
non-political organisation dedicated to supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
It focuses on empowering anti-corruption bodies and facilitating cooperation among them. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities’ (IAACA) first council meeting of 2025
• UAE Accountability Authority – elected to Executive Board of IAACA
• HQs of IAACA – Hong Kong, China | President – Danny Y M Woo | Established in – 2006

35. Following more than 3 years of arduous negotiations, member states of the World Health
Organization (WHO) have adopted the “WHO Pandemic Agreement”, a legally binding treaty
designed to tackle future pandemics better. The pandemic treaty, which has been adopted
without the US, is the only the 2nd legally binding accord in the WHO’s 75-year history, the 1st
being the ‘WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)’. The WHO FCTC was
adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. One of the key
elements of the Agreement is the establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS) through an
Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force. According to the
Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely
access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO rapid access targeting 20% of their real-time
production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic
emergency. The treaty further says participating manufacturers will have to allocate 10% of their production of vaccines,
therapeutics and diagnostics to the WHO. Another 10% will then be supplied at affordable prices. The Agreement aligns with
the International Health Regulations, amendments to which were adopted by governments at last year’s World Health
Assembly to bolster international rules to better detect, prevent and respond to outbreaks. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Member states of WHO adopted “WHO Pandemic Agreement”, legally binding treaty to tackle future pandemics better
• Pandemic treaty – 2nd legally binding accord in WHO’s history & was adopted without US
- 1st – ‘WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)’
• WHO FCTC – adopted by World Health Assembly on May 21, 2003 & entered into force on Feb 27, 2005
• HQs of WHO – Geneva, Switzerland | DG – Tedros Adhanom | Member Countries – 194 | Founded in – 1948

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 Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs
36. Indian Bank has introduced two new fixed deposit (FD) schemes, “IND SECURE” and “IND GREEN”. These schemes aim
to offer competitive interest rates to depositors with an investment ceiling of less than Rs 3 crore. The IND SECURE scheme,
with a maturity period of 444 days, provides an interest rate of 7.15% per annum for the general public, 7.65% for senior
citizens, and 7.90% for super senior citizens. The IND GREEN scheme offers a slightly longer tenure of 555 days with parallel
interest rates. In tandem with these new introductions, Indian Bank has opted to discontinue two of its previous FD offerings:
IND SUPER 400 Days and IND SUPREME 300 Days. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Bank – introduced two new FD schemes, “IND SECURE” & “IND GREEN”
• Aim: To offer competitive interest rates to depositors with an investment ceiling of less than Rs 3 Cr
• Maturity period: IND SECURE scheme – 444 days | IND GREEN scheme – 555 days
• Interest rates p.a. (for both schemes): 7.15% – general public | 7.65% – senior citizens | 7.90% – super seniors
• Indian Bank – opted to discontinue 2 of its previous FD offerings (IND SUPER 400 Days & IND SUPREME 300 Days)
• HQs of Indian Bank – Chennai, Tamil Nadu | MD & CEO – Binod Kumar | Tagline – “Your Own Bank”

37. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered into a strategic alliance with Mongolia’s Khan Bank to
help modernize its core digital banking platform and transform its banking operations. Leveraging the
flagship ‘TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform (GBP)’, Khan Bank is set to embark on a digital
transformation program to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer
experience. The TCS BaNCS product suite will be deployed across Khan Bank’s operations including a consolidated treasury
management platform supporting the wide range of asset classes offered by the bank, alongside real-time monitoring, risk
exposure analysis, and advanced reporting capabilities. Khan Bank is a leading Mongolian national commercial bank with
548 branches spanning the country. It provides comprehensive banking and financial services to over 82% of Mongolia’s
total population (2.9 million customers). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• TCS + Khan Bank (Mongolia) = alliance to help modernize digital banking platform & transform banking operations
• HQs of TCS – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – K. Krithivasan | Founded in – 1968
• Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar – Mongolian Togrog | President – Ukhnaa Khurelsukh | PM – Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene

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38. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the 1st Monthly
Bulletin of the revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April 2025. As per the
bulletin, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) among
persons of age 15 years and above was 55.6% during April 2025. LFPR in rural areas was 58.0%
and LFPR in urban areas was 50.7% during April 2025 for persons of the same age group. LFPR
in CWS for males of age 15 years and above in rural and urban areas were respectively 79.0% and 75.3% during April 2025.
LFPR among females of age 15 years and above for rural areas was 38.2% during April 2025. The Worker Population Ratio
(WPR) in CWS in rural areas among persons of age 15 years and above was 55.4%. WPR in urban areas among persons of
the same age group was 47.4% with the overall WPR at the country level observed as 52.8% during April 2025. WPR for
females of age 15 years and above for rural and urban areas were respectively 36.8% and 23.5% in April 2025 and the overall
female WPR of the same age group at the country level was observed as 32.5%. The Unemployment Rate (UR) in CWS in
among persons of age 15 years and above was 5.1% in April 2025. The male UR was a touch higher at 5.2% compared to the
female UR of 5.0% at the country level. These estimates mark the beginning of a new phase in labour force statistics,
following a revamp of the PLFS methodology from January 2025. The revamped PLFS also aims to extend quarterly estimates
to rural India, which were previously limited to urban areas. LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force
(i.e., working or seeking or available for work) in the population. WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in
the population. UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force. The activity
status determined on the basis of a reference period of the last 7 days preceding the date of the survey is known as the CWS
of the person. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 1st Monthly Bulletin of revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for Apr 2025 – released by MoSPI
• Labour Force Participation Rate in Current Weekly Status among persons of age 15 yrs & above in Apr’25 – 55.6%
- For persons of same age group: In rural areas – 58.0% | In urban areas – 50.7%
- LFPR for persons of age 15 years & above for males: In rural areas – 79.0% | In urban areas – 75.3%
- LFPR for persons of age 15 years & above for females: In rural areas – 38.2%
• Worker Population Ratio in CWS among persons of age 15 years & above in areas: Rural – 55.4% | Urban – 47.4%
- Overall WPR at country level during Apr 2025 – 52.8%
- WPR for females of age 15 years & above during Apr 2025 for: Rural areas – 36.8% | Urban areas – 23.5%
- Overall female WPR of same age group at country level – 32.5%
• Unemployment Rate in CWS among persons of age 15 years & above in Apr 2025 – 5.1%
- At country level: Male UR – 5.2% | Female UR – 5.0%
• Some major definitions:
- LFPR – percentage of persons in labour force (i.e., working or seeking or available for work) in population
- WPR – percentage of employed persons in population
- UR – percentage of persons unemployed among persons in labour force
• MoS I/C of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh | Constituency – Gurgaon, Haryana

Page | 23 Join us
39. HDFC Bank has introduced a new suite of current account products called “Biz+” to cater to small
businesses across various stages of growth. The offering includes four variants – ‘Biz Lite+’, ‘Biz Pro+’,
‘Biz Ultra+’, and ‘Biz Elite+’ - designed for the setup, growth, expansion, and diversification phases of a
business. Each variant provides tiered benefits. Biz Lite+ offers a free cash deposit limit of six times the
account balance, tax savings through complimentary debit cards, insurance, and shop-device rental
waivers. Biz Pro+ raises the deposit limit to ten times and adds access to zero-collateral overdraft loans and PoS rental
waivers. Biz Ultra+ increases the cash deposit multiple to 12, includes benefits on a BizPower credit card worth up to Rs 1.3
lakh annually, and provides deals via the Preferred Program. Biz Elite+ offers a 15X deposit limit, Imperia Program benefits,
pan-India collections through cash management, and waiver of foreign bank charges on overseas remittances. The launch
is part of the bank’s ‘One Bank’ approach. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HDFC Bank – introduced a new suite of current account products called “Biz+” to cater to small businesses
- It includes four variants – ‘Biz Lite+’, ‘Biz Pro+’, ‘Biz Ultra+’ & ‘Biz Elite+’
• ‘Biz Lite+’ – offers a free cash deposit limit of 6 times the account balance
• ‘Biz Pro+’ – raises deposit limit to 10 times & adds access to zero-collateral overdraft loans & PoS rental waivers
• ‘Biz Ultra+’ – increases cash deposit multiple to 12, & benefits on a BizPower credit card worth up to Rs 1.3 lakh annually
• ‘Biz Elite+’ – offers a 15X deposit limit & waiver of foreign bank charges on overseas remittances, including others
• HQs of HDFC Bank – Mumbai, MH | MD & CEO – Sashidhar Jagdishan | Tagline – “We understand your World”

40. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted Emirates NBD Bank PJSC in-principle approval to establish a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in India by converting its existing branches in India. Under RBI regulations,
the WOS will be treated on par with the existing branches of foreign banks for branch expansion in India.
Emirates NBD Bank PJSC will become the third foreign bank to have a presence in India via the WOS route,
following SBM Bank (India) Limited (a subsidiary of SBM Group) and DBS Bank India Limited (a Subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd).
The RBI approved the bank under the “Scheme for Setting up of WOS by foreign banks in India”. Emirates NBD Bank PJSC is
currently conducting banking business in India in branch mode through its branches in Chennai, Gurugram, and Mumbai. As
per the RBI’s roadmap for the presence of foreign banks in India and to allow Indian banks sufficient time to prepare for
global competition, the entry of foreign banks through WOS will initially be permitted only in the private sector. In banks
identified by the RBI for restructuring, foreign banks may be allowed to acquire a controlling stake in a phased manner.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI – granted Emirates NBD Bank PJSC in-principle approval to establish a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in India
• Emirates NBD Bank PJSC – to become 3rd foreign bank to have a presence in India via WOS route
- 1st – SBM Bank (India) Ltd (a subsidiary of SBM Group) | 2nd – DBS Bank India Ltd (a Subsidiary of DBS Bank Ltd)
• RBI approved this bank under – “Scheme for Setting up of WOS by foreign banks in India”
• Emirates NBD Bank PJSC – currently conducting banking business in India in branch mode through its branches in
Chennai, Gurugram & Mumbai
• HQs of Emirates NBD Bank – Dubai, UAE | Group CEO – Shayne Nelson

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41. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has tightened rules around private debt
placements by making the Electronic Book Platform (EBP) compulsory for all issues of Rs 20 crore or
more. Previously, the electronic book mechanism was only mandatory for issues of Rs 50 crore or
more. But under the new framework, it will now apply to private placements of debt securities, non-
convertible redeemable preference shares (NCRPS), and municipal bonds, including single, shelf, and follow-on issues within
a financial year. SEBI also widened the scope of the electronic book provider (EBP) platform to include real estate investment
trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs), which were previously not covered under any specific regulatory
framework. Issuers must submit the placement memorandum and term sheet at least two working days prior to the opening
of the issue, or three working days in advance if they are using the EBP platform for the first time. SEBI has also introduced
provisions for anchor investors, depending on the credit rating of the instrument. Issuers can now reserve up to 30% of the
issue for AAA to AA- rated instruments, 40% for A+/A-, and 50% for lower-rated ones. The EBP platform is also required to
publicly update bidding details and issue-related information on its website either by the end of the bidding day or by 1 PM
the next day, depending on when the bidding closes. Further, new timelines have been laid out for obtaining in-principle
approval from stock exchanges, by T-2 or T-3 for EBP-based issues and before the opening date for non-EBP issues. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI – tightened rules around private debt placements by making Electronic Book Platform (EBP) compulsory for all
issues of Rs 20 Cr or more
- Previously, it was only mandatory for issues of – Rs 50 Cr or more
• It will now apply to private placements of debt securities, NCRPS, municipal bonds, REITs, & InvITs
• Issuers must submit placement memorandum & term sheet at least 2 working days prior to opening of issue, or 3
working days in advance (if they are using EBP platform for first time)
• Issuers can now reserve up to 30% of issue for AAA to AA- rated instruments, 40% for A+/A- & 50% for lower-rated ones
• EBP platform – to publicly update bidding details & issue-related information on its website either by end of bidding day
or by 1 PM next day
• In-principle approval can be obtained from stock exchanges by T-2 or T-3 for EBP-based issues & before opening date
for non-EBP issues
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

42. SBI Card has partnered with Apollo HealthCo, which operates Apollo Pharmacy, to introduce a health and wellness-
focused co-branded credit card, named “Apollo SBI Card SELECT”. The card offers up to 25% value back on purchases across
categories from the Apollo 24*7 app and select Apollo Pharmacy retail stores. Cardholders would also receive a ₹1,500 e-
gift voucher as welcome benefits, redeemable on the Apollo 24*7 app and at Apollo pharmacy stores. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SBI Card + Apollo HealthCo = partnered to introduce health & wellness-focused co-branded credit card, “Apollo SBI Card
SELECT”
• HQs of SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd – Gurugram, Haryana | MD & CEO – Salila Pande
• HQs of Apollo HealthCo – Chennai, Tamil Nadu | CEO – Madhivanan Balakrishnan

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43. EnKash, India’s leading spend management and payments platform, has launched the “EnKash
Payment Gateway”, a first-of-its-kind payment solution engineered for India’s 63 million+ small to
medium-sized & startup merchants. With this launch, EnKash becomes India’s 1st fintech to offer a truly
unified payment and spend stack, bringing together accounts payable automation, expense
management, corporate cards, loyalty programs, and now, a seamlessly embedded payment gateway. The EnKash Payment
Gateway is engineered to deliver a frictionless experience for merchants across categories - from D2C (direct-to-consumer)
brands, SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms, and B2B (business-to-business) commerce to healthcare, hospitality,
education, and logistics. It comes with the dominance of powerful SDKs & APIs with low-code/no-code integration, unlimited
developer sandbox and seamless onboarding, in-built Orchestration Suite for smart routing, automated reconciliation, real-
time monitoring, and actionable analytics. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• EnKash – launched the “EnKash Payment Gateway”
- a first-of-its-kind payment solution engineered for India’s 63 million+ small to medium-sized & startup merchants
• With this launch, EnKash becomes India’s 1st fintech to offer a truly unified payment and spend stack
• HQs of EnKash – Mumbai | Co-founder & CEO – Yadvendra Tyagi

44. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified a Government of India-supported Line of Credit (LoC)
extended by the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) to the Government of Mongolia. The LoC,
amounting to $700 million, is designated for financing the construction of a crude oil refinery plant in
Mongolia. The export of eligible goods and services from India, as defined under the agreement, would be
allowed, subject to their eligibility under the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India and whose
purchase may be agreed to be financed by the Exim Bank under this agreement. The Agreement under the LoC is effective
from May 06, 2025. Under the LoC, the last date for disbursement will be 48 months after the scheduled completion date
of the contract. Exporters must declare shipments under the LoC in accordance with existing RBI procedures and are not
entitled to agency commission payments from the LoC funds. However, commissions can be paid using the exporter’s own
funds or foreign currency accounts, provided compliance with the relevant regulations. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI notified GoI-supported Line of Credit extended by Exim Bank to Mongolia, w.e.f. May 6, 2025 | Amount – $700 mn
• Last date for disbursement – 48 months after scheduled completion date of contract
• Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar – Mongolian Togrog | President – Ukhnaa Khurelsukh | PM – Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
• HQs of EXIM Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD – Harsha Bangari | Founded in – 1982

45. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has introduced the “Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)” that
enables enhanced intelligence sharing with banks, UPI service providers and financial institutions.
This is a risk-based metric that classifies a mobile number to have been associated with ‘Medium,
‘High’, or ‘Very High’ risk of financial fraud. This classification is an outcome of inputs obtained from
various stakeholders including reporting on the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s (I4Cs) ‘National Cybercrime
Reporting Portal (NCRP)’, the DoT’s ‘Chakshu’ platform, and intelligence shared by banks and financial institutions. It then
shares this assessment of the number immediately with all stakeholders through the ‘Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)’.
Further, the ‘Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU)’ of DoT regularly shares the list of mobile numbers that were disconnected
(Mobile Number Revocation List - MNRL) with stakeholders along with the reasons for disconnections. These numbers are
also usually used for financial fraud. An initial adopter of FRI, PhonePe, has used it to decline transactions linked to Very
High FRI mobile numbers and display an on-screen alert as part of the PhonePe Protect feature. For Medium FRI numbers,
PhonePe is working for displaying a proactive user warning before allowing the transaction. PhonePe, Paytm and Google
Pay, who collectively account for over 90 per cent of UPI transactions, have begun integrating DIP alerts into their systems.
{Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Department of Telecom introduced “Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)”
- To enable enhanced intelligence sharing with banks, UPI service providers & financial institutions
• It is a risk-based metric that classifies a mobile number with ‘Medium, ‘High’, or ‘Very High’ risk of financial fraud

46. The Tamil Nadu government has signed Memoranda of Association with 7 banks - Indian Bank,
Indian Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank
of India - to offer various insurance benefits and concessions free of charge to State government
employees who maintain their salary accounts with these banks. Key provisions include a personal
accident insurance cover of Rs 1 crore in the event of accidental death or permanent disability, and
Rs 5 lakh in assistance for the marriage expenses of daughters of government employees who die in accidents. Additionally,
banks will provide up to Rs 10 lakh in higher education assistance for up to two daughters of government employees who
pass away due to an accident, along with a term life insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh for natural death during service. The
agreement also includes interest concessions for government employees on personal loans, housing loans, and education
loans from these banks. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tamil Nadu + 7 banks = signed Memoranda of Association to offer various insurance benefits & concessions free of
charge to state government employees who maintain their salary accounts with these banks
- Banks – Indian Bank, IOB, SBI, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, BoB & UBoI
• Key provisions include:
- A personal accident insurance cover – Rs 1 Cr in event of accidental death or permanent disability
- Rs 5 lakh – in assistance for marriage expenses of daughters of govt employees who die in accidents
- Up to Rs 10 lakh – higher education assistance for up to 2 daughters of govt employees passed away due to accident
o Along with a term life insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh for natural death during service
• Tamil Nadu: Capital – Chennai | CM – Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin | Governor – Ravindra Narayan Ravi

47. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised draft guidelines for investments by regulated entities
(REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), aiming to enhance oversight and prevent potential misuse.
Key proposals include capping a single RE’s contribution to an AIF scheme at 10% and limiting collective
RE investments to 15% in a single scheme. Investments up to 5% of a scheme’s corpus will not face
additional restrictions. However, if an RE’s investment exceeds 5% and the AIF has downstream debt exposure to a borrower
linked to the RE (excluding equity shares and certain convertible instruments), the RE must make a 100% provision for its
proportionate exposure. These guidelines are designed to mitigate risks and ensure prudent investment practices. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• RBI revised draft guidelines for investments by regulated entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
- To enhance oversight & prevent potential misuse
• Key proposals include capping a single RE’s contribution to an AIF scheme at 10% & limiting collective RE investments
to 15% in a single scheme
• Investments up to 5% of a scheme’s corpus – to not face additional restrictions

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 - If investment exceeds 5% & AIF has downstream debt exposure to a borrower linked to RE, then it must make a
100% provision for its proportionate exposure
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – Swaminathan Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | M. Rajeshwar Rao | Poonam Gupta

48. As per the latest report of AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India), India’s mutual fund
industry ended the financial year (FY) 2025 with assets under management (AUM) at a record high
of Rs 65.74 lakh crore. This marks a strong rise of 23.11% from the Rs 53.40 lakh crore AUM in
FY2024. The top 5 cities (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune) account for over 52% of
India’s total mutual fund assets. Mumbai held 27% of the total assets, while Delhi held 12.63%.
Bengaluru held 5.39% while Pune and Kolkata each held 3.49% of the total AUM. Further, as per the report, younger
investors were shifting towards more aggressive investment strategies while older investors prioritised risk management
through diversification. Hybrid schemes, which provide a balanced blend of growth and stability, were seen being
increasingly opted by investors in the higher age brackets. Women represented 25.91% of the total number of investors in
the mutual fund industry during FY2025, marking an increase from 24.2% in FY2024. Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
saw a significant 2.75 times jump in flows to Rs 14,582 crore in FY25. Gold ETF aims to track the domestic physical gold price.
Investors significantly boosted inflows into SIPs, with annual contributions jumping 45.24% on-year to Rs 2.89 lakh crore in
FY2025. The new SIP accounts registered during the year rose to 6.80 crore vs 4.28 crore in fiscal 2024. The number of
contributing SIP accounts also rose sharply, at 8.11 crore as of March 2025, representing a 27.17% increase compared with
April 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per latest report of AMFI, India’s mutual fund industry ended FY25 with AUM at a record high of Rs 65.74 lakh Cr
- It rose by 23.11% from Rs 53.40 lakh Cr AUM in FY24
• Top 5 cities (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune) – account for over 52% of India’s total mutual fund assets
• Part of total assets hold by: Mumbai – 27% | Delhi – 12.63% | Bengaluru – 5.39% | Pune & Kolkata – 3.49% (each)
• Women represented 25.91% of total number of investors in mutual fund industry during FY25 (rose from 24.2% in FY24)
• Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) – jump in flows to Rs 14,582 Cr in FY25
• Investors boosted inflows into SIPs, with annual contributions jumping 45.24% on-year to Rs 2.89 lakh Cr in FY25
• New SIP accounts registered during the year – rose to 6.80 crore (from 4.28 crore in FY24)
• Number of contributing SIP accounts – rose to 8.11 crore as of March 2025 (increased by 27.17% from Apr 2024)
• HQs of AMFI – Mumbai | Chairman – Navneet Munot | CEO – Venkat Nageswar Chalasani | Incorporated in – 1995

49. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on Deutsche Bank AG, India, and Yes Bank for non-compliance
with certain regulatory norms. A penalty of Rs 50 lakh has been imposed on Deutsche Bank AG, India, for non-compliance
with certain directions on ‘Creation of a Central Repository of Large Common Exposures-Across Banks’. While, a penalty of
Rs 29.60 lakh has been imposed on Yes Bank for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Financial
Statements Presentation and Disclosures’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI imposed penalties of:
- Rs 50 lakh – on Deutsche Bank AG, India, for non-compliance with certain directions on ‘Creation of a Central
Repository of Large Common Exposures-Across Banks’

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 - Rs 29.60 lakh – on Yes Bank for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Financial Statements
Presentation and Disclosures’
• HQs of Deutsche Bank AG, India – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Kaushik Shaparia
• HQs of Yes Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar | Tagline – “Experience our Expertise”

50. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) for customized e-Learning
and Certification Program on MSME. The objective of MoU is to enhance the knowledge of employees about MSMEs and
responds to the credit needs of MSMEs adequately and in a timely fashion. As a part of MoU, IIBF developed a customised
courseware for IOB employees in the form of an e-Book and conduct certification exam through remote proctored mode.
Certificate signed jointly by IOB and IIBF officials will be provided to staff members on successful passing of examination.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Overseas Bank + IIBF = an MoU for customized e-Learning & Certification Program on MSME
• Aim: To enhance knowledge of employees about MSMEs & responds to credit needs of MSMEs adequately
• HQs of IOB – Chennai, TN | MD & CEO – Ajay Kumar Srivastava | Tagline – “Good people to grow with”
• HQs of IIBF – Mumbai, India | CEO – Biswa Ketan Das | Founded in – 1928

51. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Acko General
Insurance for violations of certain regulations. The action pertains to payments the insurer made, to a company during 2019-
20 and 2020-21, in violation of Section 40(1) of the Insurance Act, 1938. It is also for violation of regulations related to
outsourcing of activities as well as payment of commission or remuneration or reward to insurance agents and
intermediaries. The insurer should submit an action taken report to the Authority on direction given within 90 days from
the date of the order. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IRDAI imposed a penalty of ₹1 Cr on Acko General Insurance for violations of certain regulations
• Insurer should submit an action taken report to Authority on direction given within 90 days from date of order
• HQs of Acko General Insurance – Bengaluru, Karnataka | Founder & CEO – Varun Dua

52. The SEBI has extended the timeline for implementing the framework regarding tightening of rules on issuance of
Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODIs) by FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) to November 17, 2025. The framework provides
for additional disclosures to be made by ODI subscribers and FPIs with segregated portfolios. The circular proposed to
prohibit FPIs from issuing ODIs with derivatives as the underlying or using derivatives to hedge their ODIs in India. This was
aimed at addressing regulatory arbitrage for ODIs and FPIs with segregated portfolios. Further, FPIs cannot hedge ODIs with
derivatives on Indian stock exchanges. FPIs issuing ODIs must have a separate, dedicated registration. This registration will
have the suffix ‘ODI’ under the same PAN. Sebi mandated that ODI subscribers disclose detailed ownership information, up
to the level of natural persons, if they meet either of the following criteria: their equity ODI positions account for 50% or
more of securities linked to a single Indian corporate group, or their total equity positions in Indian markets exceed Rs 25,000
crore. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI extended timeline for implementing framework regarding tightening of rules on issuance of Offshore Derivative
Instruments (ODIs) by FPIs to Nov 17, 2025
• ODI subscribers have to disclose detailed ownership information, if they meet either of following criteria:

Page | 29 Join us
 - Their equity ODI positions account for 50% or more of securities linked to a single Indian corporate group
- Or their total equity positions in Indian markets exceed – Rs 25,000 Cr
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Tuhin Kanta Pandey | Established in – 1992

Defence Affairs
53. Indian Army conducted the “Teesta Prahar” integrated field exercise at the Teesta Field
Firing Range in North Bengal, demonstrating operational readiness and joint operational
capabilities. Set in a riverine terrain near the strategically important ‘Chicken’s Neck’ area, the
exercise validated the combat effectiveness and coordination of various arms and services
under realistic battlefield conditions. ‘Chicken’s Neck’ or the ‘Siliguri corridor’ is a narrow 22-
km land corridor connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India. This exercise also showcased seamless
coordination among various combat and support arms, including Infantry, artillery, armoured corps, mechanised infantry,
para special forces, army aviation, engineersand signals. A key highlight of this exercise was deployment and validation of
newly inducted next-generation weapon systems, military platforms and advanced battlefield technologies. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Army conducted “Teesta Prahar” integrated field exercise at Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal
• ‘Chicken’s Neck’ or ‘Siliguri corridor’ – a narrow 22-km land corridor connecting northeastern states with rest of India
• HQs of Indian Army – New Delhi | Chief – General Upendra Dwivedi | Vice Chief – Lt. Gen. NS Raja Subramani

54. Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the
Indian Army Air Defence have signed a contract for the “Integrated Drone Detection and
Interdiction System (IDDIS)”. The system is developed jointly by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL. The IDDIS is designed to detect, track, and
neutralise hostile drones, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving aerial
threats. BEL has secured additional orders worth Rs 572 crore. Major orders received include IDDIS, Software Defined Radio
(SDR) and Data Communication Unit (DCU) for attack guns, AI-based solutions for ships, simulators, communication
equipment, jammers, spares, services etc. Apart from this, BEL manufactured and indigenously designed air defence system
– Akashteer. The Akashteer system, developed under a Rs 1,982 crore contract signed in March 2023, integrates surveillance
assets, radar systems, and command units into a unified network, providing seamless situational awareness to the Indian
Army’s Air Defence units. Akashteer enables monitoring of low-level airspace over the Indian Army’s battle areas and
effectively controls Ground-Based Air Defence Weapon Systems. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BEL + Indian Army Air Defence = signed a contract for “Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS)”
- Developed by = DRDO + BEL | BEL – secured additional orders worth Rs 572 Cr
• BEL – manufactured & indigenously designed air defence system, Akashteer | Cost – Rs 1,982 Cr
• HQs of BEL – Bengaluru, Karnataka | CMD – Manoj Jain
• HQs of Indian Army – New Delhi | Chief – General Upendra Dwivedi | Vice Chief – Lt. Gen. NS Raja Subramani

Page | 30 Join us
55. India’s indigenously developed “Akashteer” air defence control and reporting system played a
pivotal role in neutralising waves of Pakistani aerial attacks including drones and missiles during
Operation Sindoor. Manufactured by state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Akashteer was
inducted into the Indian Army in 2024. The Akashteer system, developed under a Rs 1,982 crore
contract signed in March 2023, integrates surveillance assets, radar systems, and command units
into a unified network, providing seamless situational awareness to the Indian Army’s Air Defence units. Akashteer enables
monitoring of low-level airspace over the Indian Army’s battle areas and effectively controls Ground-Based Air Defence
Weapon Systems. Akashteer gathers data from multiple sources, processes it and allows for automated, real-time
engagement decisions. The air defence system is part of the broader ‘C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications,
Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)’ framework, working in coordination with other systems. It is
vehicle-based which makes it mobile and easier to handle in hostile environments. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Akashteer” air defence control & reporting system – played a pivotal role during Operation Sindoor
- Manufactured by – BEL | Inducted into Indian Army in 2024 | Contract for this – signed in Mar 2023 (Rs 1,982 Cr)
• It is part of – ‘C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance)’
framework

56. Indian Army engineers under the Spear Corps has conducted “Exercise Raahat” in collaboration
with the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) at Rangapahar Military Station in Nagaland for disaster
relief excellence. ‘Exercise Raahat’ was conceived with a singular vision of elevating the readiness and
efficiency of disaster relief operations, especially with the looming spectre of the monsoon season.
The exercise showcased a master class in synergy, drawing on the rich tapestry of experience and expertise of the Indian
Army and NDRF. The sappers showcased a dazzling array of cutting-edge equipment and demonstrated the full spectrum of
relief operations, including rescue missions and critical medical assistance. Whereas, the skilled troops of NDRF exhibited
their prowess with niche disaster relief equipment, underscoring their readiness to tackle any emergency. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Indian Army engineers (under Spear Corps) + NDRF = conducted “Exercise Raahat” at Rangapahar Military Station in
Nagaland for disaster relief excellence
• HQs of NDRF – New Delhi | Director General – Piyush Anand
• HQs of Indian Army – New Delhi | Chief – General Upendra Dwivedi | Vice Chief – Lt. Gen. NS Raja Subramani

57. The Indian Navy has formally inducted and named an ancient stitched sail ship as the “INSV
Kaundinya” at a ceremonial event held at the Naval Base in Karwar. INSV Kaundinya has been built
based on a 5th-century ship depicted in paintings seen in the Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated
through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Union Ministry of Culture, the Indian
Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in
September 2023, the vessel’s construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a
team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. The ship was launched in February 2025 at
Goa. The ship will now embark on her next historic phase, involving preparations for a transoceanic voyage along the ancient
trade route from Gujarat to Oman, scheduled for later this year. The Indian Navy played a central role in the project,
overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. Indian Navy collaborated with the Department of
Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, for model testing to validate the vessel’s hydrodynamic
behaviour at sea. The newly inducted vessel incorporates several culturally significant features such as her sails display
motifs of the ‘Gandabherunda’ and the Sun, her bow bears a sculpted ‘Simha Yali’, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone
anchor adorns her deck, each element evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. The ship is named after
Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. {Read more}

Page | 31 Join us
Smart Points:
• At a ceremonial event held at Naval Base in Karwar:
• Indian Navy – formally inducted & named an ancient stitched sail ship as “INSV Kaundinya”
• MoC + Indian Navy + Hodi Innovations (with funding from MoC) = a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023
- This project was initiated through this agreement
• Its construction was undertaken by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran
- It was launched in Feb 2025 at Goa
• Indian Navy + Dept of Ocean Engineering (IIT Madras) = collaborated for model testing to validate vessel’s hydrodynamic
behaviour at sea
• HQs of Indian Navy – Delhi | Chief – Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi | Vice Chief – Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan

Sports & Games

58. Kynan Chenai, a Rio 2016 Olympian and four-time Asian Championships medallist, and 18-year-
old Sabeera Haris won the bronze in the trap mixed team event after defeating Turkiye’s Rumeysa
Pelin Kaya and Tolga Tuncer at the “ISSF World Cup 2025” for shotgun shooters in Nicosia, Cyprus.
This was India’s 1st shotgun medal at this year’s ISSF World Cups and the only podium finish at the
Nicosia meet. China won the gold medal in the trap mixed team trap event after defeating Poland. The Nicosia event,
exclusively for shotgun disciplines, featured 350 shooters from 54 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Individual winners
secured spots at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha later this year if not already qualified. The next ISSF World Cup for shotgun
shooters will be held in Lonato, Italy, in July 2025. India’s pistol and rifle shooters, meanwhile, will be in action at the ISSF
World Cup Munich in Germany in June 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ISSF World Cup 2025 (for shotgun shooters) – held in Nicosia, Cyprus
• Kynan Chenai & Sabeera Haris – bronze in trap mixed team event (India’s 1st shotgun medal at ISSF World Cups 2025)
- Defeated – Rumeysa Pelin Kaya & Tolga Tuncer (Turkiye) | Gold – China | Silver – Poland
• Next ISSF World Cup for shotgun shooters – to be held in Lonato, Italy, in July 2025

59. Maharashtra topped the medal tally at the 7th “Khelo India Youth Games 2025
(KIYG 2025)” with 158 medals, including 58 gold, 47 silver and 53 bronze. Haryana,
with 117 medals, secured the 2nd position, winning 39 gold, 27 silver and 51 bronze.
Rajasthan took 3rd place with 60 medals, 24 gold, 12 silver and 24 bronze. Haryana
dominated the fencing event in the 7th edition, winning 7 gold, two silver, and three
bronze medals. Host Bihar won 36 medals including 7 gold, 11 silver, and 18 bronze.
In the 400-metre race, Kadir Khan of Uttar Pradesh, and in the 100-metre sprint, Aditya
Pisale of Maharashtra, set new records to become the fastest runners of the Khelo India Games. Overall, Maharashtra has
topped the KIYG medal tally 5 times: 2019,2020,2023, 2024 and 2025. Haryana topped the medal tally two times in 2018
and 2022. The closing ceremony was held at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, Bihar, on 15 May 2025. Prime Minister,
Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurated the 7th KIYG on 4th May 2025. Gajsimha was the mascot of the games, and three events
-gymnastics, shooting, and cycling were held in New Delhi, while Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya and Bhagalpur hosted the
other events. {Read more}

Page | 32 Join us
Smart Points:
• 7th “Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (KIYG 2025)” – virtually inaugurated on May 4, 2025 by PM Modi
- Mascot – Gajsimha | Closing ceremony – held at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, Bihar, on May 15, 2025
- Gymnastics, Shooting & Cycling – held in New Delhi | Other events – Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya & Bhagalpur
• Top state in medal tally – Maharashtra with 158 medals (58 gold, 47 silver & 53 bronze)
- 2nd – Haryana (117 - 39 gold, 27 silver & 51 bronze) | 3rd – Rajasthan (60 - 24 gold, 12 silver & 24 bronze)
• Fencing event in 7th edition – topped by Haryana (7 gold, 2 silver & 3 bronze)
• Bihar (host) – won 36 medals (7 gold, 11 silver & 18 bronze)
• New records to become fastest runners of Khelo India Games:
- In 400m race – Kadir Khan (UP) | In 100m sprint – Aditya Pisale (Maharashtra)
• Overall, Maharashtra – topped KIYG medal tally 5 times (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 & 2025) | Haryana – 2 (2018 & 2022)

60. Tamil Nadu’s L.R. Srihari became India’s latest and 86th Grandmaster by securing his third Grandmaster
norm at the ‘Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025’ in Al-Ain, UAE. The Chennai-based player,
who had crossed the 2500 Elo rating (live) in May 2025 at the Dubai Open, got his first GM norm at the
Sixdays Budapest GM Round-Robin in August 2023 and the second at the 2023 Qatar Masters. To earn
the Grandmaster title, a male chess player needs to earn at least 2500 FIDE Elo rating points in established
classical or standard chess and three Grandmaster norms in international competition. Vishwanathan Anand became the 1st
Grandmaster of India in 1988, while Koneru Humpy became the 1st woman in 2002. At that time, she was the world’s
youngest woman chess Grandmaster at the age of 15 years. At present there are 3 women Grandmasters in India - Koneru
Humpy, Dronavalli Harika and R. Vaishali. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• L.R. Srihari (Tamil Nadu) – became India’s latest & 86th Grandmaster
- He secured his third Grandmaster norm at – ‘Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025’ in Al-Ain, UAE
• He got his 1st GM norm at Sixdays Budapest GM Round-Robin (Aug 2023) & 2nd at 2023 Qatar Masters
• He crossed 2500 Elo rating (live) in May 2025 at Dubai Open
• Eligibility to earn the Grandmaster title (for males):
- Needs to earn at least 2500 FIDE Elo rating points in established classical or standard chess
- 3 Grandmaster norms in international competition
• Vishwanathan Anand – 1st Grandmaster of India (1988) | Koneru Humpy – 1st woman Grandmaster of India (2002)
- Koneru Humpy – also world’s youngest woman chess Grandmaster at age of 15 years
• Currently, there are 3 women Grandmasters in India – Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika & R. Vaishali

Page | 33 Join us
61. As per the Ministry of Defence, India’s Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been bestowed
with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army (TA). The appointment, published
in The Gazette of India, came into effect on April 16, 2025. The honorary title was conferred by the
President of India under Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948. He was earlier enrolled as a
Junior Commissioned Officer in the rank of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army on 26 August 2016. He was
promoted to Subedar Major in 2021. He won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver in the 2024 Paris Games.
Chopra is the reigning world champion, having won gold in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Neeraj joins World Cup-winning cricket captains Kapil Dev (2008) and MS Dhoni (2011) and fellow Olympic gold medallist
Abhinav Bindra (2011), who have also been conferred with the same rank. The TA, raised on October 9, 1949, completed 75
years in 2024 and has served the nation in times of war, and in humanitarian and environmental protection works through
its eventful journey over the decades. It is fully integrated with the regular Army. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Neeraj Chopra – bestowed with honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army (TA) w.e.f. Apr 16, 2025
- Conferred by – President of India, under Para 31 of Territorial Army Regulations, 1948
• Earlier enrolled as – Junior Commissioned Officer in rank of Naib Subedar in Indian Army (on Aug 26, 2016)
• His medals: Gold – at 2020 Tokyo Olympics | Silver medal – in 2024 Paris Games
- Gold – in 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary
• Previous sportsman conferred with same rank – Kapil Dev (2008), MS Dhoni (2011) & Abhinav Bindra (2011)

62. Daneshvar Bardiya (Iran) and Song Yuxin (China) emerged as the winners of the Open and Women’s
competitions at the “2025 Asian Chess Championship” in Al Ain, UAE. Despite losing in the final round to
top seed Nihal Sarin (India), who tied with him in the final standings, each with 7/9 points, Daneshvar
claimed gold. Nihal took silver, while Shamsiddin Vokhidov (Uzbekistan) secured the bronze. In the
Women’s section, Vantika Agrawal (India) defeated leader Bat-Erdene Mungunzul (Mongolia) to catch up at the top.
Meanwhile, Song Yuxin (China) crushed the French Defence of Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova (Uzbekistan) in just 32 moves.
Xeniya Balabayeva (Kazakhstan) also pulled off an important win over Munguntuul Batkhuyag (Mongolia). As a result, 4
players tied for 1st place with 7/9 points. Song Yuxin captured the title based on the highest average rating of her opponents.
Using the same tiebreaker, Mungunzul and Balabayeva claimed silver and bronze, respectively. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “2025 Asian Chess Championship” – held in Al Ain, UAE
• Gold winners: Open competition – Daneshvar Bardiya (Iran) | Women’s competition – Song Yuxin (China)
• Open competition: Silver – Nihal Sarin (India) | Bronze – Shamsiddin Vokhidov (Uzbekistan)
• Women’s competition: Silver – Bat-Erdene Mungunzul (Mongolia) | Bronze – Xeniya Balabayeva (Kazakhstan)

63. The Indian men’s football team, led by Singamayum Shami, won the “SAFF U19
Championship 2025” title after defeating Bangladesh 4-3 on penalties at the Golden Jubilee
Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. In the previous edition of the SAFF U-19 Championship,
India defeated Pakistan in the final to lift the title. The Indian men’s football team is also known
as the Blue Colts. Danny Meitei Laishram (India), won the ‘Highest Goal-scorer’ award for 5
goals; Suraj Singh Aheibam (India) won the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award; Md Arbash (India) won the ‘Most Valuable Player’
award; and India won the ‘Fair Play’ award. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) organised the SAFF U19
Championships, which were hosted by the All India Federation and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. Six teams -
Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka - participated in the Championships. {Read more}

Page | 34 Join us
Smart Points:
• “SAFF U19 Championship 2025” – held at Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh
• Winner – Indian men’s football team (led by - Singamayum Shami) | Defeated – Bangladesh
- Indian men’s football team – aka ‘Blue Colts’
• In previous edition: Winner – India | Defeated – Pakistan
• ‘Highest Goal-scorer’ award – Danny Meitei Laishram (India) for 5 goals | ‘Fair Play’ award – India
• ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award – Suraj Singh Aheibam (India) | ‘Most Valuable Player’ award – Md Arbash (India)
• SAFF U19 Championships: Organised by – South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
- Hosted by – All India Federation & Arunachal Pradesh Football Association
• Six teams participated in Championships – Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, India & Sri Lanka
• HQs of SAFF – Dhaka, Bangladesh | President – Kazi Md. Salahuddin

64. China’s Zhu Jiner finished joint top before Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk was
declared the winner of the final leg - “2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Austria” - due
to better tiebreaks. However, Zhu Jiner topped the leaderboard with 352.5 points
after all six legs and qualified for the ‘Women’s Candidates 2026’. Zhu has had
identical finishes in all 3 events at Nicosia (Cyprus), Pune (India) and Grosslobming
(Austria), where she failed to win the event after finishing on joint top. In Nicosia
and Austria, it was the Ukrainian Muzychuk who ended up winning the event and in
Pune, it was local challenger Koneru Humpy who denied Zhu from winning the India
leg. Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina, who won the Shymkent (Kazakhstan) leg,
collected a total of 308.34 points to finish 2nd, while Muzychuk after winning 2 events - the Nicosia and the Grosslobming -
finished 3rd. Among Indians, Humpy had the best finish. The Pune leg winner was 4th in the leaderboard with 279.17 points,
while Divya Deshmukh (180) was 7th, Harika Dronavalli 11th (171.67) and R. Vaishali was 12th (155). The first five legs were
held in Tbilisi, Georgia (14-25 August 2024); Shymkent, Kazakhstan (29 October to 9 November 2024); Monaco (17-28
February 2025); Nicosia, Cyprus (14-25 March 2025); and Pune, India (13-24 April 2025). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Winner of “2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Austria” – Zhu Jiner (China) | Defeated – Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine)
- 2nd – Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia)
- 3rd – Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine)
- Indians: 4th – Koneru Humpy | 7th – Divya Deshmukh | 11th – Harika Dronavalli | 12th – R. Vaishali
• Zhu Liner – has identical finishes in all 3 events at Nicosia (Cyprus), Pune (India) & Grosslobming (Austria)
• Winners in: Nicosia & Austria – Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) | Pune – Koneru Humpy (India)
• 1st five legs held in – Tbilisi, Georgia (Aug 14-25, 2024); Shymkent, Kazakhstan (Oct 29 - Nov 9 2024); Monaco (Feb 17-
28, 2025); Nicosia, Cyprus (Mar 14-25, 2025); & Pune, India (Apr 13-24, 2025)

Page | 35 Join us
65. Indian Grandmaster (GM) Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu won the “2025 Superbet Chess Classic Romania” champion,
capturing his first-ever Grand Chess Tour title during the 2nd leg of the global series. He earns $77,667 and 10 GCT points.
GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja won in the final round to squeeze into a three-way tie for first. It was only
after 3 playoff blitz games that Praggnanandhaa won the title. Firouzja and Vachier-Lagrave both won $67,667. The third
event of the Grand Chess Tour will be the 2025 SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia, taking place on July 1-6, 2025. The
remaining 2025 tour schedule will include: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz: August 9-17, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA;
Sinquefield Cup: August 16-29, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA; and GCT Finals: September 26-October 4, 2025 in São
Paulo, Brazil. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “2025 Superbet Chess Classic Romania” championship
• Winner – R Praggnanandhaa (1st ever Grand Chess Tour title during 2nd leg of global series)
- He earns $77,667 & 10 GCT points
• He competed with – GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave & Alireza Firouzja | They both won – $67,667
• 3rd event of Grand Chess Tour – 2025 SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia (Jul 1-6, 2025)
• Remaining 2025 tour schedule will include:
- Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz – Aug 9-17, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Sinquefield Cup – Aug 16-29, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- GCT Finals – Sep 26-Oct 4, 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil

66. India’s Neeraj Chopra finished 2nd in the men’s javelin throw competition
at the “Doha Diamond League 2025” but managed to breach the long-
awaited 90m mark. Neeraj Chopra improved on his personal best and the
Indian national record to 90.23m but was upstaged by German Julian
Weber’s 91.06m effort, who secured the 1st position. Former world
champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who beat Neeraj by 1cm to win the
Doha Diamond League in 2024, finished third with 85.64m. Neeraj Chopra’s
previous personal best was 89.94m achieved at the Stockholm Diamond
League in 2022. In fact, he had recorded six throws in the 89m range. Neeraj
is the 25th man in history to surpass the 90m mark in the javelin throw and his effort is the third-best by an Asian after
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m). Neeraj Chopra has been training under
Jan Železný - widely regarded as the greatest javelin thrower of the modern era - in preparation for the 2025 season. The
legendary Czech holds the javelin world record with a throw of 98.48m, set in 1996. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Doha Diamond League 2025”:
• Neeraj Chopra (India) – finished 2nd in men’s javelin throw competition with a national record of 90.23m
- 1st – Julian Weber of Germany (91.06m) | 3rd – Anderson Peters of Grenada (85.64m)
• Neeraj Chopra’s previous personal – 89.94m achieved at Stockholm Diamond League in 2022
- He had recorded 6 throws in 89m range
• Neeraj – 25th man in history to surpass 90m mark in javelin throw & his effort is 3rd-best by an Asian
- After – Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) & Chinese Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (91.36m)
• Neeraj Chopra – training under Jan Železný (holding javelin world record with a throw of 98.48m, set in 1996)

Page | 36 Join us
67. IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has signed a 3-year agreement with JioStar for the
next three seasons, in a strategic move to enhance the sport’s visibility and popularity
nationwide. As the Official Broadcast and Streaming Partner, JioStar will deliver exclusive, live
multilingual coverage of UTT matches on both television and digital platforms through 2027.
Leveraging JioStar’s expansive network, Season 6 of IndianOil UTT will be broadcast to a
broader audience via multiple channels. Viewers can catch the opening matches live on Star Sports 2, Star Sports Khel, and
Star Sports Tamil, while the high-energy contests will also be available for streaming in English, Hindi, and Tamil on
JioHotstar. Organized under the supervision of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and
Vita Dani, IndianOil UTT has quickly established itself as a premier international table tennis league. Season 6 of IndianOil
UTT will feature 48 elite players across 8 franchises: Ahmedabad SG Pipers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Dempo Goa
Challengers TT, Jaipur Patriots, Kolkata ThunderBlades, PBG Pune Jaguars, and U Mumba TT. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis + JioStar = 3-year agreement to enhance sport’s visibility & popularity nationwide
• JioStar – to deliver live multilingual coverage of UTT matches on both television & digital platforms through 2027
• IndianOil UTT – organized under supervision of TTFI | Promoted by – Niraj Bajaj & Vita Dani
• Season 6 of IndianOil UTT will feature 48 elite players across 8 franchises:
- Ahmedabad SG Pipers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Dempo Goa Challengers TT
- Jaipur Patriots, Kolkata ThunderBlades, PBG Pune Jaguars, U Mumba TT
• HQs of JioStar – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO (Digital) – Kiran Mani

68. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the men’s singles title at the “2025 Italian Open” after beating Italy’s
Jannik Sinner on outdoor clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy. Alcaraz is the only man to beat
Sinner in a tour final since the start of 2024. In women’s singles, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini won the title
after defeating the US Open champion Coco Gauff, and becoming the first Italian woman to win the
Rome singles title since Raffaella Reggi in 1985. Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani (Italy) won the
doubles title after beating Veronika Kudermetova (Russia) and Elise Mertens (Belgium). This victory made Paolini the 1 st
woman since Monica Seles in 1990 to win both singles and doubles titles at the Italian Open in the same year. Marcelo
Arévalo (EI Salvador) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) won the men’s doubles title by defeating the French pair Sadio Doumbia and
Fabien Reboul. The victory marked their second Masters 1000 title of 2025, following their win at the Monte Carlo Masters
2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “2025 Italian Open” – held at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy
• Men’s singles – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) | Defeated – Jannik Sinner (Italy)
• Women’s singles – Jasmine Paolini (Italy) | Defeated – Coco Gauff (US)
- Jasmine Paolini – became 1st Italian woman to win Rome singles title since Raffaella Reggi in 1985
• Men’s doubles – Marcelo Arévalo (EI Salvador) & Mate Pavić (Croatia) | Defeated – Sadio Doumbia & Fabien Reboul
- It marked their 2nd Masters 1000 title of 2025 (after Monte Carlo Masters 2025)
• Women’s doubles – Jasmine Paolini & Sara Errani (Italy) | Defeated – Veronika Kudermetova & Elise Mertens
• Jasmine Paolini – 1st woman to win both singles & doubles titles at Italian Open in same year, since Monica Seles in 1990

Page | 37 Join us
69. Ace cueist Pankaj Advani, winner of 28 World Championship titles across cue sports - billiards, snooker,
and pool, won the “CCI Billiards Classic 2025” title for the third time in a row, which includes triumphs in
2023 and 2024, after beating Dhruv Sitwala. Pankaj Advani won Rs 2.5 lakh as prize money while Sitwala
took home Rs 1.5 lakh as the runner-up. The CCI Billiards Classic 2025 was held at the Cricket Club of India
(CCI) in Mumbai from 25 April to 4 May 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pankaj Advani (Cueist) – won “CCI Billiards Classic 2025” title in Mumbai (3rd time in a row) (beating - Dhruv Sitwala)
• Pankaj is winner of 28 World Championship titles across cue sports - billiards, snooker, & pool

70. The “Khelo India Beach Games 2025 (KIBG 2025)” is being held in the UT of Dadra and Nagar
Haveli and Daman and Diu, from May 19 to 24. The KIBG 2025 is the first-ever edition of the Beach
Games under the Indian government’s ‘Khelo India’ banner. The ‘Beach Games 2024’ was held at
the same venue in 2024, with Madhya Pradesh being crowned as champions. It is the 3rd Khelo India
event of the year after the Winter Games and the Youth Games. More than 1000 athletes from 22 states and UTs from
across the country will compete in six medal sports (Beach soccer, Pencak silat, Sepaktakraw or kick volleyball, Beach
kabaddi, Beach volleyball, and open water swimming) and two demonstration events (Tug of War and Mallakhamb) at KIBG
2025. Diu Beach is only hosting sepak takraw, or kick volleyball, while all the other sports events are taking place at Ghoghla
Beach. The KIBG is operating in a team championship format, where the medals earned by individual athletes or teams will
contribute to the overall medal tally of their respective state or UT. The state or UT that secures the most number of gold
medals after the event will be declared as the winner. Besides this, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh
Mandaviya, announced the introduction of the new Khelo India Games, which are focused on promoting traditional Indian
sports. These are- ‘Khelo India Martial Arts Games’ (July-August 2025 in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh), ‘Khelo India Tribal
Games (September 2025 in Chhattisgarh), ‘Khelo India Swadeshi Games’ (the venue and date are yet to be announced),
‘Water Sports and North-East Games’ (May-June 2025 and the venue is yet to be announced). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Khelo India Beach Games 2025 (KIBG 2025)” – being held in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (from May 19-24)
- KIBG 2025 – 1st-ever edition of Beach Games under Indian government’s ‘Khelo India’ banner
- It is 3rd Khelo India event of year (after Winter Games & Youth Games)
• ‘Beach Games 2024’ – held at same venue in 2024 | Champion – Madhya Pradesh
• Sports at KIBG 2025 – 6 medal sports & 2 demonstration events (Tug of War & Mallakhamb)
- Medal sports – Beach soccer, Pencak silat, Sepaktakraw or kick volleyball, Beach kabaddi, Beach volleyball & open
water swimming
• Hosting beaches: Diu Beach – kick volleyball | Ghoghla Beach – all other sports events
• Mansukh Mandaviya (Minister of YA&S) – to introduce new Khelo India Games
- ‘Khelo India Martial Arts Games’ – Jul-Aug 2025 in Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh | ‘Khelo India Swadeshi Games’
- ‘Khelo India Tribal Games – Sep 2025 in Chhattisgarh | ‘Water Sports & North-East Games’ – May-Jun 2025

Page | 38 Join us
71. Chinese legend Miao Lijie and Japanese icon Yuko Oga have been named as the
ambassadors for the “2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup”, formerly known as the FIBA Asia
Women’s Championship, to be held in Shenzhen from July 13 to 20, 2025. Both players are
highly respected in their respective countries and have a strong history in the sport. Miao Lijie
was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2024, becoming the fourth Chinese to achieve the
honor. She played three Olympics - Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. While Oga played seven consecutive
editions in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, and also donned the Japanese jersey at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the world
championship in 2010 and 2014. She was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Miao Lijie (China) & Yuko Oga (Japan) – named as ambassadors for “2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup”
• “2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup” – to be held in Shenzhen from Jul 13-20, 2025
• Miao Lijie – inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame in 2024 (4th Chinese to achieve this honor)
• Yuko Oga – inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023

Science & Technology

72. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched 5 Carbon Capture and Utilisation
(CCU) testbeds in the cement sector under a first-of-its-kind national research and innovation
cluster aimed at reducing industrial carbon emissions in collaboration with premier academic and
industrial partners. The 5 CCU testbeds will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
The CCU initiative is led by the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of DST. The objective was to deploy CCU
technologies that can capture CO₂ emissions from cement production and convert them into value-added products like
synthetic fuels, soda ash, urea, food-grade CO₂, or concrete aggregates. Each of the 5 testbeds is focused on a different
technological aspect, such as catalysis and vacuum-based gas separation. The testbeds are also expected to advance the
development of catalysts, materials, electrolyser technologies, reactors, and electronics aimed at lowering the cost of green
cement. The initiative is part of India’s strategy to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and transition to a
carbon-neutral economy by 2070. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• DST launched 5 Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in cement sector, to be operate under a PPP mode
• CCU initiative is led by – Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of DST
• Aim: To deploy CCU technologies to capture CO₂ emissions from cement production & convert them into value-added
products
• It is part of India’s strategy to meet its NDCs & transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2070

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73. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has collaborated
with the G20 under South Africa’s 2025 presidency as a privileged knowledge partner to
empower civil servants for ethical artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Amidst the growing
urgency to integrate AI into public sector operations responsibly, UNESCO convened a landmark
workshop on April 11, 2025, in Gqeberha, South Africa to strategize and accelerate AI capacity
building in the public sector. A core message from the event was the importance of role-specific training. Building public
trust emerged as a central theme during the workshop. AI deployment in the public sector must integrate accountability,
privacy, fairness, and non-discrimination at every level. UNESCO’s workshop also spotlighted innovation through public-
private collaboration. A notable case came from Singapore’s “AI Wednesdays”, an initiative led by the Ministry of Digital
Development and Information that brings together government officials, tech companies, academia, and civil society for
weekly exchanges and innovation sprints. Since 2021, UNESCO’s Programme on AI for the Public Sector has supported over
50 countries in developing transparent, inclusive, and efficient AI strategies tailored for governance. This work includes the
rollout of the ‘AI and Digital Transformation Competency Framework’, a practical guide to help governments design
responsible AI-based public services. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UNESCO – collaborated with G20 as a privileged knowledge partner to empower civil servants for ethical AI governance
• UNESCO – convened a landmark workshop on Apr 11, 2025, in Gqeberha, South Africa
- To strategize & accelerate AI capacity building in public sector
• Singapore’s “AI Wednesdays” – an initiative led by Ministry of Digital Development & Information
• UNESCO’s Programme on AI for Public Sector – supported 50+ countries in developing transparent, inclusive & efficient
AI strategies, since 2021
• HQs of UNESCO – Paris, France | DG – Audrey Azoulay | Founded in – 1945 | Members – 194 Countries
• Presidency of G20: 2024 – Brazil | 2025 – South Africa

74. Spanish technology company GMV has unveiled a GPS-like navigation system, called “LUPIN”, that
would allow rovers and astronauts to pinpoint their location on the moon in real time by using signals
similar to GPS from moon-orbiting satellites. The project is part of a program by the European Space
Agency to test new positioning, navigation and timing techniques as interest in lunar surface exploration
picks up again, whether for scientific research, potential mining opportunities or even future tourism.
GMV conducted field trials of the new technology with the prototype in a part of the Earth that bears some resemblance to
the lunar surface at Fuerteventura, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. Currently, navigating the Earth’s largest natural satellite is
difficult, as spacecraft on its surface have to rely on complex calculations and data relayed from Earth - which is neither
quick nor precise. The lack of real-time updates on changes in the moon’s terrain caused by recent impacts or lunar dust
movements also hinder ground trips on the satellite. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• GMV (Spain) – unveiled a GPS-like navigation system, “LUPIN”
- To allow rovers & astronauts to pinpoint their location on moon in real time by using signals similar to GPS from
moon-orbiting satellites
• GMV conducted field trials of new technology at – Fuerteventura, one of Spain’s Canary Islands
• HQs of GMV – Madrid, Spain | President – Monica Martinez Walter | CEO – Jesus Serrano

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75. “Bhargavastra”, an indigenous low-cost counter swarm drone system in hard kill mode,
was successfully tested by India at the Seaward Firing Range in Odisha’s Gopalpur.
Bhargavastra has been designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited
(SDAL). A Unified Solution for Countering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Threats: ‘Bhargavastra’
boasts of advanced capabilities for detecting and eliminating small, incoming drones at
distances of upto 2.5 km. It employs unguided micro rockets as the first layer of defence capable of neutralising swarm of
drones with lethal radius of 20 meters and guided micro-missile as the second layer for pinpoint accuracy. Furthermore, the
system can have an additional soft-kill layer to include Jamming and Spoofing to provide an integrated and comprehensive
shield for all branches of the armed forces. It is designed for seamless deployment across diverse terrains, including high-
altitude regions (> 5000 m above sea level). Equipped with a sophisticated ‘Command-and-Control Centre featuring
advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence)’ technology, the system’s radar can detect
minute aerial threats from 6 to 10 km away. Its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite further ensures precise
identification of Low Radar Cross-Section (LRCS) targets. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Bhargavastra” – successfully tested by India at Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha
- It is an indigenous low-cost counter swarm drone system in hard kill mode
- Designed & developed by – Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (SDAL)
- Its radar can detect minute aerial threats from 6 to 10 km away
• Equipped with – ‘Command-and-Control Centre featuring advanced C4I’ technology
- C4I – Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence

76. China has launched the 1st batch of satellites for its ambitious space-based supercomputing
project, the “Three-Body Computing Constellation”. A Long March 2D rocket lifted off from the
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, carrying 12 AI-powered satellites into orbit. Each satellite is
equipped with intelligent computing systems and high-speed laser communication links, enabling it
to process data directly in space. Developed by Zhejiang Lab, a research institute backed by the
Zhejiang provincial government, the constellation aims to achieve a total computing capacity of 1,000 peta operations per
second (POPS), or one quintillion operations per second, once fully deployed. For context, the ‘El Capitan’ supercomputer
at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, considered one of the world’s most powerful, achieves over
1.72 POPS. The satellites are interconnected through high-speed laser links capable of data transfer rates up to 100 gigabits
per second. Collectively, the initial network offers a combined computing power of 5 POPS and 30 terabytes of on-board
storage. They also carry a space-based AI model with 8 billion parameters, capable of processing raw satellite data directly
in orbit. Guoxing Aerospace, an AI satellite developer based in Chengdu, was responsible for developing the intelligent
satellite platforms and overseeing satellite assembly. HiStarlink, a start-up specialising in laser communications, developed
high-speed optical terminals that enable data transfer between satellites in the network. By processing data directly in orbit,
the Three-Body Computing Constellation could alleviate the strain on terrestrial resources and infrastructure. It also lowers
energy consumption. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• China – launched 1st batch of satellites for space-based supercomputing project, “Three-Body Computing Constellation”
• Aboard – Long March 2D rocket (carried 12 AI-powered satellites) | Lifted off from – Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre
• Developed by – Zhejiang Lab | Aim: To achieve total computing capacity of 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS)
• China – Beijing – Renminbi | President – Xi Jinping | PM – Li Qiang

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77. The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, a leading
astronomy and astrophysics research institute under the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) and the Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE),
Dehradun, which is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), have signed an MoU at IRDE’s facility in Dehradun to enhance India’s capabilities in
space surveillance. The MoU aims to leverage ARIES’ advanced observational facilities, including the 3.6m Devasthal Optical
Telescope and ST Radar system, alongside IRDE’s expertise in developing surveillance technologies for ground, naval,
airborne, and space platforms. The partnership will focus on strengthening ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
through several key initiatives, like utilising ARIES’ observational facilities for monitoring and acquiring data on space objects.
ARIES hosts state-of-the-art national observing facilities including the 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope and ST Radar
system. IRDE is a leading institution engaged in the design and development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems for the
Armed Forces across ground, naval, airborne, and space platforms. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ARIES (Nainital) + IRDE (Dehradun) = an MoU at IRDE’s facility to enhance India’s capabilities in space surveillance
• Aim: To leverage ARIES’ advanced observational facilities for ground, naval, airborne & space platforms
• ARIES hosts state-of-the-art national observing facilities including 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope & ST Radar system
• IRDE is engaged in design & development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems for Armed Forces across ground, naval,
airborne & space platforms

78. Three crop varieties developed by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) are released/notified by
the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for the farmers of Uttar Pradesh. These
include two varieties of rice - ‘Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1’ & ‘Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1’ - and
one variety of mustard - ‘Malviya Nidhi’. Seeds of two varieties will be available from next year
while the seeds of rice variety Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1 are already available in the market. ‘Malaviya Manila Sinchit
Dhan-1’ was developed jointly by BHU and IRRI, led by Prof Shravan Kumar Singh. This variety matures in a short period (115
to 120 days) and provides a very high yield of 55 to 60 quintals per hectare. While, the ‘Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1’ rice variety
is an improved version of the earlier Malviya Dhan 105, developed by Prof PK Singh and his team. This variety can survive in
water submergence conditions for 14 to 15 days. Therefore, this variety is well-suited for flood-prone areas. Its average yield
is 42 to 46 quintals per hectare. The mustard variety Malviya Nidhi was developed under the leadership of Prof K Srivastava.
This variety matures in 125 to 130 days and has an average yield of 20 quintals per hectare. The seeds are bold and black in
colour, with an average oil content of 39.4%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 3 crop varieties developed by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) are released/notified by MoAFW for farmers of UP
- 2 varieties of rice – ‘Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1’ & ‘Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1’
- 1 variety of mustard – ‘Malviya Nidhi’
• ‘Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1’: Developed by – BHU & IRRI | Led by – Prof Shravan Kumar Singh
- Matures in – 115 to 120 days | Yield – 55 to 60 quintals per hectare
• ‘Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1’: Developed by – Prof PK Singh & his team
- It can survive in water submergence conditions for 14 to 15 days | Yield – 42 to 46 quintals per hectare
• ‘Malviya Nidhi’: Developed by – Prof K Srivastava | Matures in – 125 to 130 days
- Yield – 20 quintals per hectare | Average oil content in seeds – 39.4%
• Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Constituency – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
MoS in Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Ram Nath Thakur & Bhagirath Choudhary

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79. The next-generation QR Codes will be introduced by GS1 (Global Standards One) in 2027. The
next-generation QR Codes will replace traditional barcodes with advanced 2D formats. Currently
being tested in 3 countries, including in Australia, the QR codes will be rolled out in India depending
on the preparedness of manufacturers who have to incorporate the new generation barcodes in their
products. Meanwhile, GS1 India hosted the ‘GS1 General Assembly 2025’ for the first time in India under the theme ‘Building
bridges for a better tomorrow’. On this occasion, GS1 which started implementing barcodes 50 years back, unveiled its
‘Vision 2030’ to mark a transition to the new era. Vision 2030 will address the urgent need of consumers and patients who
are asking for more transparency and safety. GS1 India is a global standards organisation set up by the Union Ministry of
Commerce and Industry along with CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, IMC, BIS, Spices Board, APEDA and IIP. In India, GS1
standards are already used in national programmes such as FASTag, Ayushman Bharat and ROHINI (Registry of Hospitals in
Network of Insurance). ROHINI, a registry of unique hospitals in the Health Insurers and Third Party Administrators (TPAs)
network, has been developed by the Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) (promoted by Insurance Regulatory
Development Authority of India). GS1 is a non-profit international organisation that develops global data standards for
efficient product identification, supply chain transparency, and consumer safety. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Next-generation QR Codes – to be introduced by GS1 (Global Standards One) in 2027
• ‘GS1 General Assembly 2025’ – hosted by GS1 India (1st time in India) | Theme – ‘Building bridges for a better tomorrow’
• GS1 India – set up by MoC&I along with CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, IMC, BIS, Spices Board, APEDA & IIP
• ROHINI – developed by Insurance Information Bureau of India (promoted by IRDAI)
• HQs of GS1 India – New Delhi | CEO – S. Swaminathan

Appointments & Resignations

80. Arunabha Ghosh, who heads Delhi-based climate and energy think tank CEEW (Council on Energy,
Environment and Water), has been appointed as the South Asia envoy for 2025 UN climate conference
(COP-30), which will take place in Brazil in November. As one of eight international envoys for strategic
regions, Ghosh will play a key role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that South Asian voices are strongly
represented at COP-30. Some of the other international envoys include global leaders such as Jacinda Ardern (former Prime
Minister of New Zealand), Patricia Espinosa (former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC), Laurence Tubiana (France’s Climate
Change Ambassador), and Adnan Amin (first Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency). The envoys, who
will serve on a voluntary and personal basis, will act as key liaisons for the flow of information and perspectives from the
areas they represent, enabling faster and more effective interactions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Arunabha Ghosh – appointed as South Asia envoy for 2025 UN climate conference (COP-30), to be held in Brazil in Nov.
- He heads Council on Energy, Environment & Water (Delhi)
• Some other international envoys include:
- Jacinda Ardern – former PM of New Zealand | Patricia Espinosa – former Executive Secretary of UNFCCC
- Laurence Tubiana – France’s Climate Change Ambassador | Adnan Amin – 1st DG of IREA

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81. Industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has appointed the Billdesk co-founder
MN Srinivasu as its chairman for 2 years. Srinivasu replaces Harsh Jain, co-founder and chief executive of
Dream Sports, who assumed the post in May 2023. Besides this, Harshil Mathur, CEO and co-founder of
Razorpay, and Sameer Nigam, CEO of PhonePe, have been elected vice chairman and treasurer of IAMAI,
respectively. Srinivasu, Mathur and Nigam will form IAMAI’s executive council. IAMAI is a not-for-profit
industry body with more than 600 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as startups. Its
mandate is to expand and enhance the online and mobile value-added services sector. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MN Srinivasu – appointed as chairman of Internet and Mobile Association of India for 2 yrs (replacing - Harsh Jain)
• Harshil Mathur (CEO & co-founder of Razorpay) – elected as vice chairman of IAMAI
• Sameer Nigam (CEO of PhonePe) – elected as treasurer of IAMAI
• HQs of IAMAI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – MN Srinivasu | VC – Harshil Mathur

82. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has announced that Vibhor Jain, currently chief
operating officer and part of its 8-member executive committee, will assume the role of acting Chief
Executive Officer (CEO). With the transition to a single point of leadership, the responsibilities previously
overseen by the eight-member executive committee will now be integrated under the acting CEO’s purview,
marking the conclusion of the committee’s interim role. The executive committee has played a crucial role
in steering ONDC after former CEO T Koshy stepped down, ensuring operational continuity and progress across key
initiatives. ONDC was launched in April 2022 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Union
Ministry of Commerce and Industry to democratize digital commerce through an open, inclusive, and interoperable
platform. ONDC was incorporated as a non-profit company in December 2021, with the Quality Council of India and Protean
eGov Technologies Limited as founding members. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Vibhor Jain (COO) – assumes role of acting CEO of ONDC (succeeding - T Koshy)
• ONDC – launched by DPIIT to democratize digital commerce through an open, inclusive & interoperable platform
• ONDC – incorporated as a non-profit company in Dec’21 | Founding members – QCI & Protean eGov Technologies Ltd
• HQs of ONDC – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Vibhor Jain | Launched in – April 2022

83. The Centre appointed Dinesh Pant and Ratnakar Patnaik as Managing Directors (MD) of Life
Insurance Corporation of India, effective from 1 June 2025. Pant, who is LIC’s appointed actuary and
executive director (actuarial), will serve as MD until his superannuation on 31 May 2027, or until
further orders, whichever is earlier. Patnaik, the corporation’s chief investment officer and executive
director (investment–front office), will hold the MD role until 31 March 2028, the date of his superannuation. The
appointments come amid an expected reshuffle in LIC’s senior leadership. Two of the four existing MDs - M Jagannath and
Tablesh Pandey - are due to retire on 31 May 2025. Siddhartha Mohanty, the current CEO and MD, is also set to complete
his term on 7 June, 2025. Currently, LIC has four MDs - M. Jagannath, Tablesh Pandey, Sat Pal Bhanoo, and R. Doraiswamy.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Dinesh Pant & Ratnakar Patnaik – appointed as MDs of LIC w.e.f. Jun 1, 2025 (replacing - M Jagannath & Tablesh Pandey)
• HQs of LIC – Mumbai | Chairman – Siddhartha Mohanty | Founded in – 1956 | Tagline – ‘Yogakshemam Vahamyaham’
4 MDs of LIC – R. Doraiswamy, Sat Pal Bhanoo, Dinesh Pant, Ratnakar Patnaik

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84. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension in service of Tapan
Kumar Deka as the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) for 1 year beyond 30 th June 2025 or until further
orders. Deka is a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre. This is his
second extension since his appointment in June 2022. His extension is in relaxation of the provisions of FR
56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of All India Services (Death cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. The rules allow
the central government to extend in the public interest the services of the chiefs of IB and Research and Analysis Wing
(RAW), Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary and others, beyond 60 years age of superannuation. Known as a crisis manager
in the power corridors and intelligence fraternity, Deka is considered an expert in ‘operations’ especially in Jammu and
Kashmir as well as in the Northeast region of the country. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Tapan Kumar Deka – extended as Director of IB for 1 year beyond Jun 30, 2025 (2nd extension)
• HQs of IB – New Delhi | Director – Tapan Kumar Deka

85. The President of India has appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Judge of the Karnataka High Court,
as Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. The appointment came days after a three-member collegium
headed by CJI B.R. Gavai had recommended this appointment in view of retirement of incumbent Chief Justice
D. Krishnakumar on May 21. Justice Krishnakumar was appointed as the HC chief justice in December 2024.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Justice Kempaiah Somashekar (Judge of Karnataka HC) – appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur HC
- Succeeding – Justice D. Krishnakumar
• Manipur: Capital – Imphal | CM – (vacant) | Governor – Ajay Bhalla

86. After two years of civil war, the Sudanese army has announced a new prime minister. Army chief and de facto
head of state Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has named former UN official Kamil al-Taib Idris as the next Prime Minister
of Sudan. With this, Kamil Idris will be the first prime minister of Sudan following the 2021 coup in which the
government was ousted by the army. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Kamil al-Taib Idris – appointed as 1st PM of Sudan after 2 years of civil war
• Sudan – Khartoum – Sudanese Pound | PM – Kamil al-Taib Idris

Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes

87. President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the 58th “Jnanpith Award” on Sanskrit scholar
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya at a function in New Delhi. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and the
renowned Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar have been selected for this prestigious award for 2023 in
the field of literature. However, Gulzar could not attend the award ceremony as he was not well.
Rambhadracharya is the founder and head of ‘Tulsi Peeth’ in Chitrakoot. He has written more than
240 books and 4 epics among numerous other literary achievements. He received Padma Vibhushan in 2015. The award
carries a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, and a citation. The award
is given only to Indian authors. The award is given for work in the Indian language and English. Once a language gets the
awards it is not eligible for the award for the next 2 years. The 1st woman to get the Jnanpith Award- Ashapurna Devi (Bangla)
in 1976. Hindi author Vinod Kumar Shukla has been named recipient of the 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024. {Read more}

Page | 45 Join us
Smart Points:
• President Droupadi Murmu – conferred 58th “Jnanpith Award” at a function in New Delhi
- For 2023 in field of literature – On Jagadguru Rambhadracharya (Sanskrit scholar) & Gulzar (Urdu poet & lyricist)
• Rambhadracharya – founder & head of ‘Tulsi Peeth’ in Chitrakoot | Received Padma Vibhushan – in 2015
• Award carries – cash reward of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of Saraswati & a citation | It is given only to Indian authors
- It is given for work in – Indian language & English
• Once a language gets awards it is not eligible for award for next 2 years
• 1st woman to get Jnanpith Award – Ashapurna Devi (Bangla) in 1976
• 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024 – Vinod Kumar Shukla (Hindi author)

88. PP Chaudhary, Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha and Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary
Committee (JPC) on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ is among 17 MPs selected for the “Sansad Ratna Awards
2025”. PP Chaudhary has been selected for the award for the 3rd time. He represents Rajasthan.
Bhartruhari Mahtab, Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), N K Premachandran (RSP), and Shrirang Appa Barne will
receive the awards for their ‘Outstanding and Consistent Contribution to Parliamentary Democracy’ as top performers
during the 16th (June 2014 to February 2019) and 17th Lok Sabha (17 June 2019 – 5 June 2024), continuing their commitment
in the current tenure. Other MPs selected for the Sansad Ratna Award include Smita Wagh (BJP), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena
UBT), Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), Varsha Gaikwad (Congress), Medha Kulkarni (BJP), Praveen Patel (BJP), Ravi Kishan
(BJP), Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Bidyut Baran Mahato (BJP), Madan Rathore (BJP), C N Annadurai (DMK), and Dilip Saikia (BJP).
Two departmentally related Standing Committees – on Finance and on Agriculture – have also been chosen for their
exceptional performance, based on the quality of reports they submitted to Parliament. The Standing Committee on Finance
is chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab, while the Standing Committee on Agriculture is chaired by Charanjit Singh Channi of the
Congress. The Sansad Ratna Awards, instituted by the Prime Point Foundation (PPF) in 2010 following a suggestion by Dr
APJ Abdul Kalam, is given to honour MPs for their contributions to Parliament after they are chosen by a Jury Committee on
the basis of their performances. This year’s jury was chaired by Hansraj Ahir, Chairman of the National Commission for
Backward Classes (NCBC). The awards will be presented to the selected lawmakers in the last week of July 2025 at a PPF
event in Delhi. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated the 1st award ceremony in Chennai in 2010. Hansraj Ahir was the first
recipient of the Sansad Ratna Award. As of 2024, a total of 125 Sansad Ratna Awards have been presented across 14 award
ceremonies. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 17 MPs have been selected for “Sansad Ratna Awards 2025”
• PP Chaudhary (MP in Lok Sabha & Chairman of JPC on ‘One Nation, One Election’) – selected for 3rd time
- He represents Rajasthan
• Bhartruhari Mahtab, Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), N K Premachandran (RSP) & Shrirang Appa Barne – to receive awards for
‘Outstanding & Consistent Contribution to Parliamentary Democracy’ as top performers during 16th & 17th Lok Sabha
• Other MPs selected for Sansad Ratna Award include:
- Smita Wagh (BJP), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena UBT), Naresh Ganpat Mhaske (Shiv Sena), Varsha Gaikwad (Congress),
Medha Kulkarni (BJP), Praveen Patel (BJP), Ravi Kishan (BJP), Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Bidyut Baran Mahato (BJP),
Madan Rathore (BJP), C N Annadurai (DMK) & Dilip Saikia (BJP)
• 2 departmentally related Standing Committees (on Finance & on Agriculture) – chosen for their exceptional performance
- Standing Committees are chaired by: Bhartruhari Mahtab – on Finance | Charanjit Singh Channi – on Agriculture

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• Sansad Ratna Awards – instituted by Prime Point Foundation (PPF) in 2010 following a suggestion by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
- This year’s jury was chaired by – Hansraj Ahir (Chairman of NCBC)
• Awards will be presented in last week of July 2025 at a PPF event in Delhi
• Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – inaugurated 1st award ceremony in Chennai in 2010
• Hansraj Ahir – 1st recipient of Sansad Ratna Award | As of 2024, total 125 Sansad Ratna Awards have been presented

89. Kannada author Banu Mushtaq’s short story collection “Heart Lamp” has won the GBP 50,000 “2025
International Booker Prize” and became the 1st Kannada title to win this prize. This marks only the 2nd
time a Kannada author has been recognised by the Booker institutions - the 1st being U R
Ananthamurthy’s nomination in 2013 for his body of work. It is the second time an Indian language book
has won the International Booker Prize after Geetanjali Shree’s ‘Tomb of Sand’, translated from Hindi
by Daisy Rockwell, won the award in 2022. Also, Banu Mushtaq is also the sixth female author to be
awarded the prize. ‘Heart Lamp’ is a collection of 12 short stories selected from her work written between 1990 and 2023
and translated by Deepa Bhasthi. The other 5 shortlisted books were: (i) “On the Calculation of Volume (Book I)” by Solvej
Balle, translated from the Danish by Barbara J Haveland, (ii) “Small Boat” by Vincent Delecroix, translated from the French
by Helen Stevenson, (iii) “Under the Eye of the Big Bird” by Hiromi Kawakami, translated from the Japanese by Asa Yoneda,
(iv) “Perfection” by Vincenzo Latronico, translated from the Italian by Sophie Hughes, and “A Leopard-Skin Hat” by Anne
Serre, translated from the French by Mark Hutchinson. The International Booker Prize, formerly known as the ‘Man Booker
International Prize’, established in 2005, is awarded annually for a single book translated into English and published in the
United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize recognises the vital work of translators with the £50,000 prize money divided equally:
£25,000 for the author and £25,000 for the translator (or divided equally between multiple translators). In addition, there
is a prize of £5,000 for each of the shortlisted titles: £2,500 for the author and £2,500 for the translator (or divided equally
between multiple translators). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Banu Mushtaq’s collection short stories – won GBP 50,000 “2025 International Booker Prize”
- It is the 2nd time an Indian language book has won this prize (after Geetanjali Shree’s ‘Tomb of Sand’)
- Banu is also the 6th female author to be awarded this prize
• It marks only 2nd time a Kannada author been recognised by Booker institutions | 1st – U R Ananthamurthy in 2013
• Mushtaq – became 2nd Indian writer to win International Booker Prize
- 1st – Geetanjali Shree for “Tomb of Sand” in 2022 | Translated by – Daisy Rockwell
• ‘Heart Lamp’ – a collection of 12 short stories selected from her work written between 1990 & 2023
- Translated by – Deepa Bhasthi
• Other 5 shortlisted books were:
- “On the Calculation of Volume (Book I)” – by Solvej Balle | Translated by – Barbara J Haveland (from Danish)
- “Small Boat” – by Vincent Delecroix | Translated – by Helen Stevenson (from French)
- “Under the Eye of the Big Bird” – by Hiromi Kawakami | Translated – by Asa Yoneda (from Japanese)
- “Perfection” – by Vincenzo Latronico | Translated – by Sophie Hughes (from Italian)
- “A Leopard-Skin Hat” – by Anne Serre | Translated – by Mark Hutchinson (from French)
• International Booker Prize – established in 2005
- Awarded annually for a single book translated into English & published in UK or Ireland
• Prize money – £50,000 (£25,000 – for author & £25,000 – for translator)
- Additional prize for each shortlisted titles – £5,000 (£2,500 – for author & £2,500 – for translator)

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 Schemes & Initiatives
90. Uttar Pradesh Government has launched the “Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan” across 8 aspirational districts of the
state, to eradicate malnutrition and ensure nutritional security for children. A comprehensive action plan for the pilot phase
has already been prepared. The campaign targets children between the ages of 3 and 6, aiming to provide them with daily
nutritious snacks delivering 400 calories and 15 to 20 grams of protein. The meals will be provided under the Take-Home
Ration model, ensuring consistency and accessibility. As part of the nutrition package, children will receive flavoured milk,
bananas and other seasonal fruits, along with a specially designed millet-chikki nutribar. The ‘Mukhyamantri Suposhan
Abhiyan’ is expected to benefit a total of 11,13,783 children, with a proposed budget of Rs 254.83 crore –” amounting to Rs
44 per child per day. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• UP – launched “Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan” across 8 aspirational districts of state
- To eradicate malnutrition & ensure nutritional security for children
• It targets children (3-6 yrs), to provide them with daily nutritious snacks delivering 400 calories & 15-20 grams of protein
• Meals will be provided under – Take-Home Ration model
• Proposed budget of ‘Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan’ – Rs 254.83 Cr (Rs 44 per child per day)
• UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel

91. The government of India has extended the completion deadline for the “Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)” to December 30, 2025, providing additional time for beneficiaries to complete
housing projects sanctioned up to March 31, 2022. The PMAY-U, launched by the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on June 25, 2015, is a cornerstone of India’s ‘Housing for All’ mission.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) was launched in September 2024 to provide financial aid to 1 crore
urban poor and middle-class families for affordable housing in urban areas over 5 years from 1st September 2024. The
scheme targets families in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low-Income Group (LIG), and Middle-Income Group
(MIG) who do not own a pucca house (all-weather dwelling) anywhere in India. Annual income must fall under one of the
following categories: EWS - up to Rs 3 lakh, LIG - Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, MIG-I - Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, and MIG-II - Rs 12 lakh
to Rs 18 lakh. The scheme supports urban families in achieving homeownership through 4 verticals – (i) Beneficiary Led
Construction (BLC) to support individuals building their own homes, (ii) Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) -
collaborates with public/private sectors for housing projects, (iii) Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) to provides rental housing
options, and (iv) Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) to offer subsidies on home loan interest. The Government assistance under
PMAY-U 2.0 will be up to 2.50 lakh per unit. People from EWS, LIG, and MIG-I & MIG-II can get interest subsidies of 6.5%,
4%, and 3% on housing loans up to Rs 6 lakh, Rs 9 lakh, and Rs 12 lakh, respectively for buying or building houses. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• GoI extended completion deadline for “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)” to Dec 30, 2025
- To complete housing projects sanctioned up to Mar 31, 2022
• PMAY-U – launched by MoHUA on Jun 25, 2015
• PMAY-U 2.0 – launched in Sep 2024 to provide financial aid to 1 crore urban poor & middle-class families for affordable
housing in urban areas over 5 years from Sep 1, 2024
• Annual income must fall under one of following categories:
- EWS – up to Rs 3 lakh | LIG – Rs 3-6 lakh | MIG-I – Rs 6-12 lakh | MIG-II – Rs 12-18 lakh

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• It supports urban families in achieving homeownership through 4 verticals:
- Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) – to support individuals building their own homes
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) – collaborates with public/private sectors for housing projects
- Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) – to provides rental housing options
- Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) – to offer subsidies on home loan interest
• Govt assistance under PMAY-U 2.0 – up to 2.50 lakh per unit
• EWS, LIG, and MIG-I & MIG-II can get interest subsidies on housing loans up to:
- 6.5% – up to Rs 6 lakh | 4% – up to Rs 9 lakh | 3% – up to Rs 12 lakh

92. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy launched the “Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam” at
Macharam village in Amrabad mandal of Nagarukurnool district. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs
12,600 crore, aims to empower 2.1 lakh tribal farmers by providing solar-powered irrigation facilities
and ensuring the comprehensive development of 6 lakh acres of Rights of Forest Records (RoFR) lands
over the next 5 years. The scheme will commence in 2025-26 and will be implemented till 2029-30 on
a 100% subsidy on saturation mode. The unit cost will be Rs 6 lakh. Under the RoFR Act, 2006, the state government has so
far recognised and vested rights over forest for 2,30,735 STs and issued RoFR title deeds, covering an extent of 6.69 lakh
acres. Irrigation facilities have been provided to 23,886 ST farmers, covering 69,039 acres with Rs 141.57 crore funds through
various schemes. The CM also distributed solar pump sets to the beneficiaries. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• A Revanth Reddy (Telangana CM) – launched “Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam” at Macharam village in Amrabad mandal
of Nagarukurnool district
- Outlay – Rs 12,600 Cr | It will commence in 2025-26 till 2029-30 on a 100% subsidy on saturation mode
- Unit cost – Rs 6 lakh
• Under RoFR Act, 2006, Telangana so far recognised & vested rights over forest for 2,30,735 STs & issued RoFR title deeds,
covering an extent of 6.69 lakh acres
• Irrigation facilities provided to 23,886 ST farmers, covering 69,039 acres with Rs 141.57 Cr funds
• Telangana: Capital – Hyderabad | CM – A. Revanth Reddy | Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma

93. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a strategic pilot scheme
under the ‘National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)’ aimed at promoting apprenticeship
among youth in the northeastern region. Under the advanced apprenticeship scheme, approximately
26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional Rs 1,500 per month for one year. This is over
and above the existing stipend of up to Rs 1,500 per month provided under the NAPS, which is implemented nationwide.
The enhanced financial support is designed to address mobility-related challenges. Rs 43.94 crore has been earmarked for
the pilot project, which includes Rs 4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and project implementation. The pilot scheme
will be implemented by the Guwahati-based Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development
Corporation. It will be supported by State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates, and local institutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MSDE launched a strategic pilot scheme under ‘National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)’
- To promote apprenticeship among youth in northeastern region
• ~26,000 youth from region – will receive an additional Rs 1,500 per month for one year

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 - Over & above existing stipend of up to Rs 1,500 per month provided under NAPS
• Rs 43.94 Cr – earmarked for pilot project, including Rs 4 Cr for outreach, capacity building & project implementation
• Pilot scheme will be implemented by – Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (Guwahati) & NSDC
- To be supported by – State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates & local institutions
• MoS (I/C) in Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: Jayant Chaudhary | Constituency – Mathura, UP

Meetings, Conferences and Summits

94. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with the Embassy of France and the Embassy
of Costa Rica in India, hosted the “Second Blue Talks” at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. This event aimed to serve
as a milestone in the lead-up to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will be held in Nice, France, from
June 9-13, 2025. The event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES. The core objective of the second Blue
Talks was a dynamic stakeholder consultation session centred around 4 themes: (i) Conserving, Sustainably Managing, and
Restoring Marine and Coastal Ecosystems; (ii) Increasing Ocean-Related Scientific Cooperation, Knowledge Building, Marine
Technology, and Education for Enhanced Ocean Health; (iii) Preventing and Significantly Reducing Marine Pollution from
Land-Based Activities and Beyond; (iv) Leveraging the Interconnectedness of Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity. The theme
of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference is “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the
Ocean”. The first UN Ocean Conferences were co-hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York, US. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MoES – hosted the “Second Blue Talks” at Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
- The event was chaired by – Dr. M. Ravichandran (Secretary, MoES)
• 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) – to be held in Nice, France (in June’25)
- Theme - “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean”
• MoS (I/C) in Earth Sciences: Dr. Jitendra Singh | Constituency – Udhampur, J&K

95. On May 21, the 24th Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers, hosted virtually by Sri
Lanka, brought together high-level representatives from across the region under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for
Future Generation”. The Indian delegation was led by P Kumaran, Secretary (East), who represents India as the current Vice-
chair and a member of the IORA Troika. Member States adopted the ‘Colombo Communique’ and held wide-ranging
discussions on matters of regional interest and strengthening IORA. The 24th COM meeting saw the participation of Ministers
and High-level delegates from all 22 IORA Member States and IORA's 12 Dialogue Partners. India will assume the Chairship
of IORA for 2025-2027. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 24th Meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers – held on May 21, 2025
- Hosted virtually by – Sri Lanka | Theme – “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generation”
• Indian delegation was led by – P Kumaran, Secretary (East)
- He represents India as current Vice-chair & a member of IORA Troika
• ‘Colombo Communique’ – adopted by all member states
• India – to assume Chairship of IORA for 2025-2027
• HQs of IORA – Ebene, Mauritius | Chair – Sri Lanka | Vice-Chair – India | Members – 23 countries

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 Ranks, Reports & Surveys
96. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has released its new report titled
“Understanding Indian MSME Sector: Progress and Challenges”. Based on a survey of over 2,000
MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) across 19 sectors, the report sheds light on key
themes such as credit access, women entrepreneurship, sustainability, and regional trends. As
per the report, MSMEs increased their merchandise export share from 43.6% (FY23) to 45.7%
(FY24). The MSME sector, especially micro and small enterprises, has seen significant
formalization through Udyam Registration and Udyam Assist Portal, with over 6.2 crore
registrations by March 2025 (up from 2.5 crore in March 2024). While borrowings from informal
sources are minimal for small and medium enterprises at 3% and 2%, respectively, it is still relatively significant at 12% for
micro enterprises. With 18% of MSMEs using digital lending platforms and 90% accepting digital payments, the sector shows
promising digital adoption. The MSME sector still has an addressable credit gap of about 24% or Rs 30 lakh crore. The gap is
higher in the services sector at 27%; it is estimated to be also higher at 35% for women owned MSMEs. Women
entrepreneurship has become a significant aspect in the MSME sector with 26.2% in proprietary enterprises being owned
by women as per ‘ASUSE 2023-24 (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises 2023-24)’, signalling growing
inclusivity. 76% of the women led MSME respondents have access to credit, but they continue to face higher challenges vis-
à-vis their male counterparts with 41%. Further, around 70% of the survey respondents continue to use traditional modes
of marketing which hinders their scalability and ability to remain competitive. Around a fourth of the surveyed MSMEs cite
the lack of skilled manpower as one of their major challenges. Over one-third of MSMEs have adopted sustainable practices;
31% use energy-efficient systems, and 21% utilize renewable energy. However, 33% cite limited awareness as a key barrier
to further adoption. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Understanding Indian MSME Sector: Progress and Challenges” report – released by SIDBI
• Merchandise export share of MSMEs – increased to 45.7% in FY24 (from 43.6% in FY23)
• Borrowings from informal sources for: Small enterprises – 3% | Medium enterprises – 2% | Micro enterprises – 12%
• Digital adoption in MSMEs: 18% MSMEs – use digital lending platforms | 90% MSMEs – accept digital payments
• Credit gap: MSMEs – ~24% (Rs 30 lakh Cr) | Services sector – 27% | For women owned MSMEs – 35%
• As per ‘ASUSE 2023-24 (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises 2023-24)’,
- 26.2% in proprietary enterprises – owned by women
• MSME respondents having access to credit: Women led MSMEs – 76% | Male led MSMEs – 41%
• ~70% of survey respondents – use traditional modes of marketing
• Around a fourth of surveyed MSMEs cite – lack of skilled manpower (one of their major challenges)
• 33.3% MSMEs – adopted sustainable practices | 31% – use energy-efficient systems | 21% – utilize renewable energy
• HQs of SIDBI – Lucknow, UP | CMD – Manoj Mittal | Established in – 1990

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97. According to the “Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2025 Report”, Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS) ranks 45th brand globally, in a list of 100 that includes the world’s
most prominent brands across industry sectors. TCS has been accorded a brand value of
$57.3 billion with an accelerated 28% year-on-year growth. Further, the report said that TCS
also sponsors 14 global running events, including 5 of the 7 ‘Abbott World Marathon Majors’,
such as the ‘TCS New York City Marathon’, ‘TCS London Marathon’, and ‘TCS Sydney
Marathon’. These events engage over 600,000 runners annually and contribute $2.25 billion
to local economies in 2024, raising $279 million for charitable causes. Other Indian brands
that also found a place in the Kantar list included HDFC Bank (56th), Bharti Airtel (66th), and Infosys (73rd), with brand values
of $44.95 billion, $37.09 billion, and $33.09 billion, respectively. Overall, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and NVIDIA took
the first five positions with brand values of $1,299.65 billion, $944.137 billion, $884.81 billion, $866.11 billion, and $509.44
billion, respectively. Nvidia, Huawei, VMware, Xiaomi, and Instagram are the top risers, achieving more than 100% brand
value growth. ChatGPT is the highest new entry in the Top 100, followed by Stripe and Chipotle. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per “Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2025 Report”,
• TCS – 45th, with 28% y-o-y growth | Brand value – $57.3 billion
• TCS – also sponsors 14 global running events (including 5 of 7 ‘Abbott World Marathon Majors’)
- These events contribute $2.25 billion to local economies in 2024, raising $279 million for charitable causes
• Other Indian brands in Kantar list with brand value:
- 56th – HDFC Bank ($44.95 billion) | 66th – Bharti Airtel ($37.09 billion) | 73rd – Infosys ($33.09 billion)
• Top 5 brands with brand value: 1st – Apple ($1,299.65 billion) | 2nd – Google ($944.137 billion)
- 3rd – Microsoft ($884.81 billion) | 4th – Amazon ($866.11 billion) | 5th – NVIDIA ($509.44 billion)
• Top risers – Nvidia, Huawei, VMware, Xiaomi & Instagram (achieved more than 100% brand value growth)
• ChatGPT – highest new entry in Top 100 | Followed by – Stripe & Chipotle

98. Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has decided to revamp the
‘Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)’, started in 2017, to include employment and unemployment
data from rural areas too. As per the MoSPI, the revamped PLFS will estimate key employment and
unemployment indicators such as ‘Labour Force Participation Rate’, ‘Worker Population Ratio’,
‘Unemployment Rate’ on a monthly basis for rural and urban areas at all-India level in the Current
Weekly Status (CWS). These indicators, for urban areas alone, have been released quarterly. It will also estimate important
employment and unemployment indicators in both usual status (ps+ss) and CWS in rural and urban areas annually. Usual
Status (ps+ss) and CWS refers to frameworks to determine activity status of person surveyed based on reference periods of
one year and last 7 days preceding the date of survey, respectively. In the revamped PLFS sample, a sample size of 22,692
First Stage Units (FSUs) will be surveyed (12,504 FSUs in rural areas and 10,188 in urban areas) every year of the two-year
panel with first visit schedule compared with 12,800 FSUs surveyed in PLFS till December, 2024. The revamped PLFS sample
design was initiated from January, 2025 and the 1st monthly bulletin of PLFS for April, 2025 is scheduled to be released this
month. The first quarterly bulletin of PLFS covering both rural and urban areas for April-June, 2025 is slated to be released
in August, 2025. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MoSPI – to revamp ‘PLFS’, started in 2017, to include employment & unemployment data from rural areas too
• Revamped PLFS – to estimate key employment & unemployment indicators on a monthly basis for rural & urban areas
at all-India level in Current Weekly Status (CWS)

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 - These indicators, for urban areas alone – released quarterly
• Revamped PLFS sample design – initiated from Jan 2025
• 1st monthly bulletin of PLFS for Apr 2025 – scheduled to be released this month
• 1st quarterly bulletin of PLFS covering both rural & urban areas for Apr-Jun, 2025 – to be released in Aug 2025
• MoS I/C of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh | Constituency – Gurgaon, Haryana

99. Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes, earning $275
million between May 2024 and May 2025. This marks his 3rd consecutive year leading the rankings
and 5th overall. The top 50 athletes collectively earned a record $4.23 billion, surpassing last year’s
$3.88 billion. No female athlete made the list, with Coco Gauff narrowly missing out by $19.2 million.
Similarly, no Indian athlete featured in the rankings this year. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) is followed by Stephen Curry
(Basketball) with $156 million, Tyson Fury (Boxing) with $146 million, Dak Prescott (NFL) with $137 million and Lionel Messi
(Football) with $135 million. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Top in Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s 50 highest-paid athletes – Cristiano Ronaldo for 3rd consecutive year ($275 million)
- 2nd – Stephen Curry (Basketball) - $156 million | 3rd – Tyson Fury (Boxing) - $146 million
- 4th – Dak Prescott (NFL) - $137 million | 5th – Lionel Messi (Football) - $135 million
• Top 50 athletes collectively earned – $4.23 billion (from $3.88 billion in last year)

100. Chennai-headquartered MRF Ltd has been ranked as the 3rd strongest tyre brand in the world,
according to the “Brand Finance Tyre 2025” report released by the UK-based brand valuation consultancy,
Brand Finance. MRF earned a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 83.5, securing its place just behind
industry giants Michelin (92.6) and Goodyear (88.0). The ranking places MRF ahead of several globally
renowned names such as Yokohama, Bridgestone, Hankook, and Pirelli. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Brand Finance Tyre 2025” report – released by Brand Finance (UK)
• MRF Ltd (Chennai) – 3rd strongest tyre brand in world | Brand Strength Index (BSI) score – 83.5
- 1st – Michelin (92.6) | 2nd – Goodyear (88.0)

101. Global Index provider MSCI has included ‘Coromandel International’ and ‘FSN E-Commerce
Ventures (Nykaa)’ in its “Global Standard Index” in its May 2025 semi-annual index review. These
changes, effective as of market close on May 30, are expected to trigger passive fund flows worth $408
million into the two stocks ($227 million for Coromandel, and $181 million for Nykaa). MSCI’s index
changes result in passive flows because trillions of dollars in global funds track its benchmarks. When a stock is added or
removed, index-linked ETFs and mutual funds are forced to buy or sell to mirror the index composition. MSCI made cuts in
its India Small Cap Index, deleting 22 stocks while adding 11. The removals from the index could be one of the highest in
recent times. Acme Solar, Tata Technologies, Godrej Agrovet, and Hexaware Technologies are among the 11 stocks to be
added to the small-cap index. Godrej Industries, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals and Aarti Drugs are among the 22 deletions.
Overall, India’s weight in the Global Standard Index was 19.4% as on the cutoff date. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MSCI included ‘Coromandel International’ & ‘FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa)’ in its “Global Standard Index” in its
May 2025 semi-annual index review

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• These changes are expected to trigger passive fund flows into two stocks | Worth – $408 million
- $227 million – for Coromandel | $181 million – for Nykaa
• MSCI made cuts in its India Small Cap Index, deleting 22 stocks while adding 11
- Acme Solar, Tata Technologies, Godrej Agrovet & Hexaware Technologies – among added stocks to small-cap index
- Godrej Industries, Gujarat Alkalies &Chemicals and Aarti Drugs – among 22 deletions
• Overall, India’s weight in Global Standard Index – 19.4% as on cutoff date
• HQs of MSCI – New York, US | Chairman & CEO – Henry A. Fernandez

102. According to the latest Monthly Oil Market Report from the Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), India’s oil demand is projected to climb from 5.55
million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 5.74 million bpd in 2025, marking a 3.39% increase.
This upward trend is expected to continue in 2026, reaching 5.99 million bpd - a 4.28% rise
year-on-year. By contrast, China’s oil demand is forecast to grow by just 1.5% in 2025 and
1.25% in 2026. Overall, in 2025, oil product demand in India is expected to grow by 188,000 bpd, year-on-year, to average
5.7 million bpd. By 2026, oil demand in India is projected to rise by 246,000 bpd to an average of 6.0 million bpd, supported
by resilient economic activity. Despite this, the US will remain the world’s top oil consumer, with a projected demand of
20.5 million bpd in 2025, followed by China at 16.90 million bpd. India will continue to rank 3 rd globally. The US is expected
to see marginal growth of 0.09% in 2025 and 0.6% in 2026. Global oil demand overall is forecast to increase by 1.3 million
bpd in both 2025 and 2026. India currently imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, refining it into fuels like
petrol and diesel. As per OPEC, India’s crude imports hit a record high of 5.4 million bpd in March 2025, representing a
month-on-month increase of over 5%. Product imports also rose 2% due to increased inflows of LPG, while product exports
declined by 3%, mainly due to reduced gasoline and naphtha exports, partially offset by higher diesel and fuel oil outflows.
In terms of crude imports by source, Kpler data shows Russia had a 36% share of India’s total crude imports in March 2025,
up from 31% in February 2025. Iraq was 2nd with 17%, followed by Saudi Arabia with 11%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Monthly Oil Market Report – released by OPEC
• India’s oil demand – to climb to 5.74 million bpd in 2025, a 3.39% increase (from 5.55 million bpd in 2024)
- To reach in 5.99 million bpd in 2026, a 4.28% rise y-o-y
• China’s oil demand – to grow by just 1.5% in 2025 & 1.25% in 2026
• Overall, in 2025, oil product demand in India – to grow by 188,000 bpd, y-o-y, to average 5.7 million bpd
- Oil demand in India by 2026 – to rise by 246,000 bpd to an average of 6.0 million bpd
• World’s top oil consumer – US (20.5 million bpd in 2025) | 2nd – China (16.90 million bpd) | 3rd – India
• US – to see marginal growth of 0.09% in 2025 & 0.6% in 2026
• Global oil demand overall – to increase by 1.3 million bpd in both 2025 & 2026
• India’s crude imports – 5.4 million bpd in March 2025, a month-on-month increase of over 5%
• Product imports – also rose 2% | Product exports – declined by 3%
• As per Kpler data, highest share in India’s total crude imports in March 2025 – Russia (36%)
- 2nd – Iraq (17%) | 3rd – Saudi Arabia (11%)

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103. Forbes has unveiled the 10th edition of “30 Under 30 Asia list”, celebrating 300 of the
region’s brightest entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under 30. The 10 categories
featured in the 2025 list are: Entertainment & Sports; Consumer & Enterprise Technology;
Social Impact; Finance & Venture Capital; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Industry,
Manufacturing & Energy; Healthcare & Science, Retail & E-commerce; The Arts (Art & Style,
Food & Drink) and Media, Marketing & Advertising. The list featured 94 honourees from India, the highest in the Asia-Pacific
Region. Following India, Australia (32), China (30), Japan (25) and South Korea (23) recorded their entries. From India, actor
Ananya Panday (Entertainment & Sports) was included for her work in the entertainment industry and her recent
appointment as Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador. Ishaan Khatter (Entertainment & Sports), Musician Anuv Jain
(Entertainment & Sports), Manu Nair and Prashant Sharma (Industry, Manufacturing & Energy), Jinali Mody (Industry,
Manufacturing & Energy), Anshita Mehrotra (Retail & E-commerce), Manu Chopra (Social Impact), Indian chess grandmaster
D Gukesh (Entertainment & Sports), Paralympian Sheetal Devi (Entertainment & Sports) also named to the list. Other
prominent names featured on the list include global K-pop sensations Stray Kids, actor-singer Cha Eun-woo, actress Go Min-
si, Australian-Korean actress Yerin Ha, and Filipino pop group BINI. Forbes 30 Under 30 is an annual list by Forbes magazine,
launched in 2011, that recognizes 30 influential young achievers under 30 from various industries worldwide. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 10th edition of “30 Under 30 Asia list” – released by Forbes | Launched in – 2011
• 10 categories featured in 2025 list are:
- Entertainment & Sports | Consumer & Enterprise Technology | Social Impact | Finance & Venture Capital
- AI | Industry, Manufacturing & Energy | Healthcare & Science | Retail & E-commerce
- The Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) | Media, Marketing & Advertising
• Highest number of persons in Asia-Pacific Region – India (94)
- Followed by – Australia (32), China (30), Japan (25) & South Korea (23)
• Some Indians in the list, with their categories, are:
- Ananya Panday – Entertainment & Sports | Ishaan Khatter – Entertainment & Sports
- Musician Anuv Jain – Entertainment & Sports | Manu Nair & Prashant Sharma – Industry, Manufacturing & Energy
- Jinali Mody – Industry, Manufacturing & Energy | Anshita Mehrotra – Retail & E-commerce
- Manu Chopra – Social Impact | Indian chess grandmaster D Gukesh – Entertainment & Sports
- Paralympian Sheetal Devi – Entertainment & Sports

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104. The Global Network Against Food Crisis (GNAFC) with analysis from the Food Security
Information Network (FSIN) has released its yearly report titled the “Global Report on Food
Crises (GRFC)”. As per the report, in 2024, more than 295 million people across 53 countries
and territories experienced acute levels of hunger. This was 13.7 million more people
compared to 2023. Of the total population assessed in the report, around 23% faced acute
food insecurity. The year 2024 was the 5th consecutive year in which this figure has remained above 20% and overall the 6th
consecutive year of rising acute food insecurity and child malnutrition in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. India
was not selected among the 53 countries analysed for the report. The report defines the existence of acute food insecurity
when one, some, or all dimensions of food security - food availability, access, utilisation and stability - is disrupted, whether
by shocks or other factors. And a ‘food crisis’ is a situation where acute food insecurity requires urgent action to protect and
save lives and livelihoods at local or national levels and exceeds the national resources and capacities to respond. The
number of people facing catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH Phase 5) more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, to reach 1.9
million - the highest on record since the GRFC began tracking in 2016. Analysis of malnutrition among children showed that
nearly 38 million children under 5 were acutely malnourished. Malnutrition reached extremely high levels, including in the
Gaza Strip, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen. Conflict continued to remain the top driver of acute food insecurity, affecting around
140 million people in 20 countries and territories. Secondly, weather extremes particularly El Nino-induced droughts and
floods, pushed 18 countries into food crises affecting over 96 million people. Further, some of the largest and most
protracted food crises in 2024 were primarily driven by economic shocks including inflation and currency devaluation,
especially in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen. This food crisis further coincided with a grim
projection of funding to humanitarian food sectors dropping by up to 45% amid substantial reductions by major donors and
the abrupt termination of funding in 2025. GNAFC is an international alliance of the United Nations, the European Union,
and the governmental & non-governmental agencies working together to address food crises. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC)” – released by Global Network Against Food Crisis (GNAFC)
- Analysed by – Food Security Information Network (FSIN)
• More than 295 million people across 53 countries & territories experienced acute levels of hunger in 2024
- 13.7 million more people than 2023
• Of total population assessed, around 23% faced acute food insecurity
- 2024 – 5th consecutive year in which this figure has remained above 20%
- 2024 – overall 6th consecutive year of rising acute food insecurity & child malnutrition in most vulnerable regions
• India – not selected among 53 countries analysed for report
• No. of people facing catastrophic hunger – reached 1.9 million in 2024 (highest on record since 2016)
• ~38 million children under 5 – acutely malnourished
• Various reasons for food insecurity:
- Conflict (top driver of acute food insecurity)
- Weather extremes (like El Nino-induced droughts & floods)
- Some of largest & most protracted food crises in 2024 – by economic shocks (like inflation & currency devaluation)

105. The Hinduja family have topped the UK’s “Sunday Times Rich List” for the
fourth year in a row, though their wealth has fallen. The family of Gopi Hinduja who
head Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group are worth £35.3 billion. This year’s list also
demonstrates a further decrease in the number of billionaires in the UK, falling from
165 to 156, a third successive year of decline. The Hinduja family is followed by
David and Simon Reuben and Family (£26.87 billion), Sir Leonard Blavatnik (£25.73 billion), Sir James Dyson and Family
(£20.8 billion), and Idan Ofer (£20.12 billion). {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• As per UK’s “Sunday Times Rich List”: Top – Hinduja family (for 4th consecutive year) | Worth – £35.3 billion
- 2nd – David & Simon Reuben & Family (£26.87 billion) | 3rd – Sir Leonard Blavatnik (£25.73 billion)
- 4th – Sir James Dyson & Family (£20.8 billion) | 5th – Idan Ofer (£20.12 billion)
• Number of billionaires in UK – fallen from 165 to 156 (for 3rd consecutive year)

106. According to Vortexa, an energy cargo tracking firm, the USA has become the world’s 4th-
largest supplier of crude oil to India, overtaking the UAE. India’s US crude imports doubled to reach
0.33 million barrels per day (mbd) in April 2025, increasing from 0.17 mbd in 2024 and 0.24 mbd
in March 2025. The US achieved a 7.3% share of India’s crude imports in April 2025, exceeding the
UAE’s 6.4%. However, it remained behind Saudi Arabia (10.4%), Iraq (19.1%), and Russia (37.8%). The primary recipients
continue to be India’s private sector refineries, operated by Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, which has Rosneft
backing. Besides this, the alliance Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+, comprising approximately 23
nations under Saudi Arabia and Russia’s leadership, plans to boost supply by roughly 4,00,000 barrels daily starting May
2025, with an identical increase scheduled for June 2025. OPEC + countries include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan,
Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan and Sudan. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• According to Vortexa: USA has become the world’s 4th-largest supplier of crude oil to India, overtaking the UAE
• India’s US crude imports doubled to reach 0.33 million barrels per day (mbd) in April 2025
- US achieved a 7.3% share of India’s crude imports in April 2025
• Top 3 – Saudi Arabia (10.4%), Iraq (19.1%), & Russia (37.8%)
• OPEC+ countries – Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, & Sudan
• US – Washington, D.C. – US Dollar | 47th President – Donald Trump | 50th VP – James David Vance

107. According to the 16th “Asiatic Lion Census 2025” released by the Gujarat
Forest Department, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) population in Gujarat
has gone up from 674 to 891 in 5 years, a 32% jump in population since 2020. As
per the census, the current lion population comprises 196 males, 330 females,
140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. The increase in adult females from 260 to 330, a
26.92% rise, indicates strong potential for strong growth. Further, in these five
years, lions have also expanded their range by 17% - from 30,000 to 35,000 sq km
- and now cover 58 talukas (up from 53 in 2020) in 11 districts. 384 lions reside in
Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary (core area), while 507 are in satellite habitats like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (17 lions)
and coastal zones. Lions in non-forested areas have risen from 340 in 2020 to 507 in 2025. Amreli district recorded the
highest number of Asiatic lions in the landscape with 339 lions, followed by Gir-Somnath with 222 lions, Junagadh with 191
lions, and Bhavnagar with 116 lions. In addition, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Devbhumi Dwarka districts recorded 16, 6, and 1
lion(s), respectively. No lion populations were recorded in Ahmedabad, Botad, Jamnagar, and Surendranagar districts during
the estimation. Project Lion helped in restoring habitats, strengthening the prey base, and mitigating conflicts to support
Asiatic lion conservation. Advanced methodologies such as direct beat verification were employed, supported by tools like
high-resolution cameras, camera traps, and Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled radio collars. Project Lion was
announced in 2020. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 16th “Asiatic Lion Census 2025” – released by Gujarat Forest Department

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• Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) population in Gujarat – gone up to 891 in 5 years, 32% since 2020 (from 674)
• Current lion population comprises – 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults & 225 cubs
- Adult females – increased to 330, a 26.92% rise (from 260)
• In 5 years, lions expanded their range by 17% to 35,000 sq km (from 30,000 sq km) & now cover 58 talukas in 11 districts
• Lions residing in various Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gir NP & WS (core area) – 384 | Satellite habitats & coastal zones – 17
- Lions in non-forested areas – rose to 507 in 2025 (from 340 in 2020)
• Highest number of Asiatic lions – Amreli (339) | Followed by – Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191) & Bhavnagar (116)
- Other major cities – Porbandar (16), Rajkot (6) & Devbhumi Dwarka (1)
• No lion populations were recorded in Ahmedabad, Botad, Jamnagar & Surendranagar districts during estimation
• Project Lion – announced in 2020

108. TIME magazine has released its 2025 list of the “100 Most Influential People in
Philanthropy”, spotlighting individuals making significant contributions through charity,
funding, and policy reform. The list has categorised the influential people in philanthropy into
4 categories: ‘Titans’, ‘Leaders’, ‘Trailblazers’ and ‘Innovators’. Among Indians, Industrialist
Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani, former Wipro chairman
Azim Premji, and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath have been featured in the list. Both Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani,
placed in the ‘Titans’ category. The couple donated a total of Rs 407 crore in 2024, which placed them among India’s biggest
donors. Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro is better known as one of India’s most generous philanthropists, also placed in
the ‘Titans’ category. The first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, in 2013, Premji has endowed the foundation he launched
nearly 25 years ago with over $29 billion in shares from his company, Wipro. In addition to disbursing traditional grants—
$109 million went to 940 organizations focused on education, health, and other areas in 2023-2024. Nikhil Kamath earned
a spot in the ‘Trailblazers’ list. Nikhil Kamath, at age 36, became the youngest Indian to sign the Giving Pledge. He has
donated millions to environmental and educational projects and has started his own offshoot initiative, the ‘Young India
Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP)’, which asks Indians under age 45 with fortunes over $100 million to commit to giving away at
least 25% of their wealth. Globally who made the cut are David Beckham (Titans), honoured for his continued advocacy as
a champion of change; Michael Bloomberg, named 2024’s biggest donor, contributing $3.7 billion to various causes; Oprah
Winfrey (Titans), recognised for her work in female education; Melinda French Gates (Titans), who continues to focus on
women, girls, and families; and Warren Buffett (Titans), credited with reshaping modern philanthropy. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2025 list of “100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy” – released by TIME magazine
• It categorised influential people in philanthropy in 4 categories – ‘Titans’, ‘Leaders’, ‘Trailblazers’ & ‘Innovators’
• Indians featured in this list:
- Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani – ‘Titans’ category | They donated – Rs 407 Cr in 2024
- Azim Premji (founder of Wipro) – ‘Titans’ category | Nikhil Kamath – ‘Trailblazers’ list
• Some other important persons in the list:
- Michael Bloomberg – 2024’s biggest donor ($3.7 billion contributed) | David Beckham (Titans)
- Oprah Winfrey (Titans) | Melinda French Gates (Titans) | Warren Buffett (Titans)
• HQs of TIME – New York, US | Editor-in-chief – Sam Jacobs | 1st issue published – March 3, 1923

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 Amount & Agreements
109. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured a Rs 1,500 crore
loan sanction from the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) to begin redeveloping Kamraj Nagar and Ramabai
Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar. This will be the first phase of the Rs 8,498-crore Slum Rehabilitation
Authority (SRA) project. Of the total project cost of Rs 8,498 crore, Rs 3,916 crore will be raised through
institutional loans. The Rs 1,500 crore loan from BoM represents the first tranche in this funding plan.
MMRDA confirmed that the overall project will be financed with a combination of institutional loans (46%) and internal
revenue generation (39%). The remaining 15% of funds would be raised through other means including possible financial
assistance from the government. The project, which aims to rehabilitate about 17,000 slum dwellers with free 1 BHK houses
of 300 sq ft, is MMRDA’s first initiative in slum redevelopment. The redevelopment will be completed within 48 months.
Apart from enhancing livability conditions for thousands of slum dwellers, this project also facilitates the expansion of the
Eastern Freeway to Thane, which will further improve connectivity in the area. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MMRDA – secured a Rs 1,500 Cr loan sanction from the Bank of Maharashtra (1st trench)
- Aim: To begin redeveloping Kamraj Nagar and Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar
- This will be the first phase of the Rs 8,498-Cr Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project
• Project will be financed through – institutional loans (46%), internal revenue generation (39%), & Govt assistance (15%)
• The project aims to rehabilitate about 17,000 slum dwellers with free 1 BHK houses of 300 sq ft
• Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Devendra Fadnavis | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan
• HQs of BoM – Pune, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Nidhu Saxena | Tagline – “One Family One Bank”

MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

110. Cochin Shipyard has signed an MoU with Drydocks World, a DP World company, to jointly
develop ship repair clusters in India. The collaboration is driven by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping,
and Waterways. The companies will jointly develop world-class ship repair clusters in Kochi (Kerala)
and Vadinar (Gujarat). Additionally, the collaboration will expand into related areas such as
offshore fabrication, marine engineering, and strategic infrastructure projects. The partnership is
also expected to bring global best practices, increase capacity, and support the governments ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’
and ‘AmritKaal Vision 2047’. Cochin Shipyard is engaged in shipbuilding and ship repair. As of 31 December 2024, the
Government of India held 67.91% total voting rights in the company. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cochin Shipyard + Drydocks World = an MoU to jointly develop ship repair clusters in India | Driven by – MoPSW
• These companies will jointly develop world-class ship repair clusters in – Kochi (Kerala) & Vadinar (Gujarat)
• As of Dec 31, 2024, GoI held 67.91% total voting rights in company
• HQs of Cochin Shipyard – Kochi, Kerala | Chairman & MD – Madhu S. Nair | Incorporated in – 1972
• HQs of Drydocks World – Dubai, UAE | CEO – Rado Antolovic | Established in – 1983

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111. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has entered into an MoU with the
Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC), a joint initiative of the Ministry of Rural
Development and Tata Trusts set up as a not-for-profit company to support the promotion of
professionally managed and producer-owned collective enterprises, to empower Farmer Producer
Organisations (FPOs) across India by enhancing access to innovative, sustainable, and high-quality agricultural inputs. The
MoU will Impact more than 800 FPOs and 10 lakh farmers across the country. As part of the collaboration, IFFCO will supply
innovative nano fertilisers, bio-stimulants, speciality fertilisers, and organic inputs such as bio-fertilisers and bio-
decomposers to FPOs associated with FDRVC. FDRVC, with its network of FPOs across diverse geographies, will facilitate
last-mile outreach, farmer education, and promotion of these inputs through community-led mechanisms. The partnership
will also help build the institutional capacities of FPOs and equip them to become self-sustaining rural enterprises. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• IFFCO + FDRVC = an MoU to empower FPOs across India by enhancing access to innovative, sustainable & high-quality
agricultural inputs
- FDRVC – a joint initiative of MoRD & Tata Trusts
• HQs of IFFCO – New Delhi | Chairman – Dileep Sanghani | Established in – 1967
• HQs of FDRVC – New Delhi | Director – Anish Kumar | Chairman – JK Mohapatra | CEO – Bipin Bihari

112. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce
and Industry, has signed an MoU with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to
promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the clean energy and manufacturing sectors. This two-
year partnership, which can be extended in the future, aims to support early-stage climate-tech
startups in India that support India’s long-term net-zero targets (2070). The collaboration will provide
these startups with access to funding, mentorship, pilot opportunities, and market linkages. Under this MoU, GEAPP will
also launch the ‘Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE)’. This challenge is a competitive platform that will offer
up to $500,000 in rewards for solutions that can bring a high impact in the climate-tech space. In addition, investment
support will be provided through partner organizations such as Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital. DPIIT will connect the
program to the ‘Startup India’ network and anchor outreach through major government schemes. The ‘Startup India’
initiative is a government program launched in 2016 that supports entrepreneurs and startups in India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• DPIIT + GEAPP = an MoU to promote innovation & entrepreneurship in clean energy & manufacturing sectors
• Aim: To support early-stage climate-tech startups in India that support India’s long-term net-zero targets (2070)
• GEAPP – to launch ‘Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE)’
• DPIIT – to connect program to ‘Startup India’ network (launched in 2016)
• HQs of DPIIT – New Delhi | Secretary – Amardeep Singh Bhatia | Founded in – 1995 (Functions under Ministry of C&I)
• HQs of GEAPP – London, UK | CEO – Woochong Um | VP (India) – Saurabh Kumar

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113. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has signed an MoU with the Green Business
Certification Institute (GBCI) to boost the number of garment factories in India that receive ‘LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)’ certification. The LEED certification indicates reduced
resource consumption, lower carbon footprint and improved air quality within the factory. Additionally,
it lowers the operating cost, increases the property value and improves investors’ confidence. LEED is a globally recognised
system that assesses a building’s environmental impact and sustainability, reflecting adherence to green practices such as
energy efficiency, resource conservation and healthier indoor environments. India currently has only 13 LEED-certified
garment factories, while Bangladesh has around 250. LEED certifications in India are managed by GBCI, which works to
accelerate the adoption of green buildings nationwide. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• AEPC + GBCI = an MoU to boost number of garment factories in India that receive ‘LEED’ certification
- LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
• LEED-certified garment factories in India – 13 | Bangladesh – 250 | LEED certifications in India – managed by GBCI
• HQs of AEPC – Gurgaon, Haryana | Chairman – Sudhir Sekhri | Established in – 1978
• HQs of GBCI – Washington DC, US | President & CEO – Peter Templeton | MD – Kay Killmann

❖ Important Obituaries in May 2025:

• Nepaldeb Bhattacharjee – a Politician (Rajya Sabha MP | Party - CPI-M)
• Dr. Saroj Ghose – Founding Director General of National Council of Science Museums
(He also served as the President of International Council of Museums from 1992 to 1998)
(Awards: Padma Shri Award in 1989, Padma Bhushan in 2007)
• M. R. Srinivasan – Former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of India
(He closely worked with Dr. Homi Bhabha on India’s first nuclear research reactor - 'Apsara')
(Awards: Padma Shri in 1984, Padma Bhushan award in 1990, Padma Vibhushan in 2015)
• Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar – a Renowned Indian Astrophysicist
(Founder of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics)
(Awards: Padma Bhushan in 1965, Padma Vibhushan in 2004, Kalinga Prize in 1996, Maharashtra Bhushan in 2010,
Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014)

❖ Important One-liner Meetings, Conferences & Summits in May 2025:

• Bharat 6G 2025 (3rd International Conference & Exhibition) – New Delhi
• 1st edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad – Kathmandu, Nepal
• World Hydrogen Summit – Rotterdam, Netherlands
(Organised by = Sustainable Energy Council + RX Global)
• Inclusive India Summit 2025 – New Delhi
(Organised by = DEPwD + SBI Foundation + NAB)
• BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting 2025 – Brasilia, Brazil

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 (Theme - “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”)
(Indian delegation was led by - Manohar Lal Khattar)
• 1st National Mediation Conference 2025 – New Delhi

❖ F1 Grand Prix (GP) winners in May 2025:

• 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix — Max Verstappen (Belgian-Dutch - Red Bull)

❖ Festivals / Dances in May 2025:

• Ramman Festival – Uttarakhand

❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in May 2025:

• IDBI Bank has completed the sale of its entire 21.14% stake in Puducherry Industrial Promotion Development and
Investment Corporation Limited (PIPDIC) to the Government of Puducherry for Rs 18.83 crore.

• The CCI approved Bajaj Group's proposed acquisition of a 26% stake each in its insurance joint ventures, Bajaj Allianz
General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, from its partner Allianz SE for a total of Rs 24,180 crore.

• The CCI approved the proposed acquisition of a minority stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited (HSFPL) by
Jongsong Investments Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Temasek Holdings. The deal involves
Jongsong acquiring less than 10% of the issued and paid-up equity share capital of the Indian packaged foods
company.

• Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) sold approximately 1.2% of its stake in New Delhi-based Bharti
Airtel Limited for Singapore Dollars (SGD) 2 billion (approx $1.54 billion or Rs 13,182 crore) through its investment
arm, Mauritius-based Pastel Limited.

❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in May 2025:

Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jaigir village) Jharkhand

❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK in May 2025:

India’s longest Rail Flyover girder (110.5m)
Kalamboli, Maharashtra
(by Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd)
Mahila Samvad campaign Bihar
Northeast region’s 1st Geothermal Production Well Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley, Himachal
Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve (India’s largest conservation reserve)
Pradesh
Rajon ki Baoli (16th-century old step well) New Delhi
Yala Glacier Langtang Valley, Nepal
Poás volcano Costa Rica
Jwaneng Diamond Mine Botswana

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 (It is the richest diamond mine globally, with an estimated value of 1 billion euros.)
India’s 1st Quantum Computing Village (to be constructed) Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
State’s 1st dedicated Cycad Garden (funded by JICA) Nainital, Uttarakhand
Purba Medinipur, West
Jagannath Dham Temple
Bengal
Axial Seamount volcano Pacific Ocean

Important Days
International Day of Living Together in Peace
International Day of Light (since 2018)
(Theme - “Light, Innovation, Society”)
May 16 National Dengue Day (since 2010)
(Theme - “Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living.”)
Endangered Species Day (3rd Friday of May)
(Theme - “Celebrate Saving Species”)
UN Telecommunication and Information Society Day
(Theme - “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”)
World Hypertension Day (since 2005)
May 17
(Theme - “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”)
International Day Against Homophobia,Transphobia & Biphobia
(Theme - “The Power of Communities”)
International Museum Day
(Theme - “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”)
May 18
28th World AIDS Vaccine Day or HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
International Day for Women in Maritime
May 19 UN’s 1st World Fair Play Day
World Bee Day (since - 2018)
(Theme - “Bee inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All”)
May 20
World Metrology Day (since - 2000)
(Theme - “Measurements for All Times, for All People")
6th UN International Tea Day
May 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
National Anti-Terrorism Day (death anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi)
International Day for Biological Diversity
May 22
(Theme - “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”)
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (since 2013)
May 23
(Theme - “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula”)

➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till May 2025)

Organisations FY25 FY26 FY27
Morgan Stanley 6.3% 6.2% 6.5%
UN-DESA 6.3% (CY) 6.4% -
World Bank 6.3% 6.3% 6.7%
IMF - 6.2% 6.3%

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 Fitch Ratings 6.2% 6.4% 6.3%
ADB 6.5% 6.7% 6.8%
Moody’s 6.7% 6.5% -
S&P Global Ratings 6.4% 6.5% -
OECD 6.3% 6.4% 6.6%
ICRA 6.3% 6.5% -
CRISIL 6.4% 6.5% -
PHDCCI 6.8% 7.7% -
FICCI 6.4% - -
SBI 6.3% - -
Nomura 6% 5.9% -
EY 6.5% 6.5% -
India Ratings & Research 6.4% 6.6% -
Goldman Sachs 6.3% (CY) - -
RBI 6.6% - -
Bloomberg Economic 6.8% - -
NCAER 7.5% - -
UN 6.9% 6.6% -
UNCTAD 6.5% - -
UBS Securities India 7% 6.8% -
Bank of Baroda 6.75-6.8% - -
CII 7% - -

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 A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS

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 A GLIMPSE OF SOME GENUINE TESTIMONIALS

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 Testzone.smartkeeda.com
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