International Affairs
BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting Held in Brazil
On 19 May 2025, the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting was held in Brasilia, Brazil, under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. The Indian delegation was led by Manohar Lal Khattar (Union Minister, MoP and MoHUA).
Highlights:
- India’s Commitment: Emphasized sustainable energy with 475 GW electricity capacity in 2025 (90% growth in a decade) and a target of 900 GW by 2032.
- Invitation: India invited BRICS members to the 2026 BRICS Energy Gathering.
- Brazil Details:
- President: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
- Capital: Brasilia.
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL).
Indira Gandhi International Airport Ranks 9th Globally
According to the Airports Council International (ACI) World, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi, ranked 9th among the world’s busiest airports for 2024-25 with 77.82 million passengers.
Key Points:
- Top Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (USA) with 108.07 million passengers.
- India’s Rank: 3rd in Asia, behind Dubai (DXB) and Tokyo Haneda (HND).
- Other Indian Airports: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport recorded 52.82 million passengers.
- ACI Details:
- Director General: Justin Erbacci.
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
- Established: 1991.
USA Becomes India’s 4th Largest Crude Oil Supplier
In April 2025, the USA overtook the UAE to become India’s 4th largest crude oil supplier, with imports doubling to 0.33 million barrels per day (mbd) from 0.17 mbd in April 2024, according to Vortexa.
Details:
- USA’s Share: 7.3% of India’s crude imports, surpassing UAE’s 6.4%.
- Top Suppliers: Russia (37.8%), Iraq (19.1%), Saudi Arabia (10.4%).
- Future Plans: India aims to increase energy imports from the USA from USD 15 billion to USD 25 billion following PM Modi’s discussions with President Trump in February 2025.
IIFT to Open First Offshore Campus in Dubai
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) received approval from the Ministry of Education to establish its first offshore campus in Dubai, UAE, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Details:
- Programs: Full-time and executive courses tailored to global business needs.
- Approvals: No-Objection Certificates from MEA, MHA, and UGC.
- Context: Follows IIT Madras’ campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania (2023).
- IIFT Overview:
- Established: 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Campuses: New Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada.
National Affairs
MoHUA Extends PMAY-U Deadline to December 2025
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has extended the deadline for completing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) to 31 December 2025. Originally set for March 2022, this extension allows beneficiaries more time to complete their homes and access housing benefits.
About PMAY-U:
- Launched: June 2015 by MoHUA under the “Housing for All” mission.
- Objective: Provide affordable pucca houses to urban families from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), and Middle-Income Groups (MIG) without homeownership.
- PMAY-U 2.0: Launched in 2024, it supports completion under verticals like Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), and In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR).
- Impact: Over 92.61 lakh houses constructed, improving living conditions for disadvantaged groups.
- Eligibility:
- EWS: Annual income up to ₹3 lakh.
- LIG: ₹3-6 lakh.
- MIG-I: ₹6-9 lakh.
- Slum dwellers: Residents of informal urban settlements.
- Exclusions for PMAY-Gramin:
- Families with pucca houses, vehicles, or significant assets.
- Households with government employees or taxpayers.
- Priority for rural families identified in the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) living in kutcha houses.
DEPwD Hosts Inclusive India Summit in New Delhi
On 15 May 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), organized the Inclusive India Summit in New Delhi to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Held in hybrid mode at the India International Centre (IIC), the event was a collaboration with the SBI Foundation, National Association for the Blind (NAB), and supported by the Association of People with Disability (APD) and Mission Accessibility.
Highlights:
- Chief Guest: Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD.
- Objective: Promote inclusive development and digital accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- MoUs Signed: With organizations like I for Humanity Foundation, Nipman Foundation, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), and Ramp My City Foundation to enhance accessibility initiatives.
- Ministry Details:
- Union Minister: Dr. Virendra Kumar (Tikamgart, Madhya Pradesh).
- Ministers of State: Ramdas Athawale (Rajya Sabha, Maharashtra); B.L. Verma (Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh).
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Digital Initiatives for PDS
On 22 May 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), launched three digital initiatives—Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra App, and Anna Sahayata App—to enhance transparency and efficiency in India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). The event was hosted by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) in New Delhi.
Key Features:
- Depot Darpan Portal:
- A digital platform for depot officials to assess and improve operations.
- Introduces a grading framework (60% operational performance, 40% infrastructure) to evaluate depots on metrics like storage, space utilization, and profitability.
- Top-performing depots will receive a 5-star rating.
- Anna Mitra App:
- Designed for PDS stakeholders, enabling Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers to view stock receipts, access sales reports, and receive timely alerts.
- Anna Sahayata App:
- Enhances beneficiary support and frontline worker efficiency in delivering subsidized food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Ministry Details:
- Union Minister: Pralhad Joshi (Dharwad, Karnataka).
- Ministers of State: B.L. Verma (Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh); Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya (Bhavnagar, Gujarat).
MSDE Launches Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth
On 20 May 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in Aizawl, Mizoram, to boost skill development in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was launched by Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, MSDE) and Lalduhoma (Mizoram CM).
Details:
- Objective: Provide structured, paid apprenticeship training to NER youth.
- Funding: ₹43.93 crore, including ₹4 crore for outreach and implementation.
- Benefits: ~26,000 youths will receive an additional ₹1,500/month for one year.
- Implementation: Overseen by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), with support from Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs).
- Minister: Jayant Chaudhary (Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh).
Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State
On 20 May 2025, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma declared the state as India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme) during an event at Mizoram University, Aizawl, attended by Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, Ministry of Education).
Key Points:
- Literacy Rate: 98.2% (PLFS 2023–24), up from 91.33% (2011 Census, 3rd rank).
- ULLAS Initiative:
- A centrally sponsored program (2022-27) aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Targets adults above 15 who missed formal schooling, promoting digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy.
- In Mizoram, 1,692 of 3,026 identified illiterate individuals were educated by 292 volunteer teachers.
- Mizoram Details:
- CM: Lalduhoma.
- Governor: Vijay Kumar Singh.
- Capital: Aizawl.
Indian Army & NDRF Conduct ‘Exercise Raahat’ in Nagaland
From 13-15 May 2025, the Indian Army (Spear Corps) and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) conducted Exercise Raahat at Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur, Nagaland, to enhance disaster response capabilities during the monsoon season.
Highlights:
- Objective: Improve readiness and inter-agency coordination for disaster relief.
- Activities:
- Days 1-2: Strategic planning and scenario-based discussions with real-life case studies.
- Day 3: Demonstrations of advanced disaster relief equipment and simulated rescue operations.
- NDRF: Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as the operational arm of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
DoP Releases Stamp for Kodaikanal Solar Observatory’s 125th Anniversary
In May 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), under the Ministry of Communications, released a ₹5 commemorative postage stamp to celebrate 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) at an event in Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
Details:
- Stamp Feature: Displays an H-alpha image of the sun taken on 6 May 2024.
- KSO Overview:
- Established: 1 April 1899 in Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu (altitude: ~2,343m).
- Operated by: IIA.
- Focus Areas: Solar spectroscopy, sunspot observations, magnetic field studies, helioseismology.
- Significance: Holds one of the world’s longest continuous solar data records (~45,000 digitized images).
- Event: Stamp released by S. Rajendra Kumar (Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle) in the presence of A.S. Kiran Kumar (IIA Chairperson, former ISRO Chairman).
DPIIT Partners with GEAPP to Boost Climate-Tech Startups
In May 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to support India’s climate-tech startups over two years.
Key Features:
- Objective: Provide funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities for early-stage startups.
- ENTICE Challenge: GEAPP’s Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge offers up to USD 500,000 (~₹4 crore) for impactful clean energy solutions.
- Investment Support: Facilitated through partners like Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital.
- Ministry: DPIIT operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Banking & Finance
EnKash Launches India’s First SMB-Focused Payment Gateway
In May 2025, Mumbai-based EnKash, a leading spend management and payments platform, launched the EnKash Payment Gateway, designed specifically for India’s Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and startups.
Details:
- Target: Over 63 million SMBs and startups facing issues like 20–30% transaction failure rates and manual reconciliations.
- Features:
- Unified platform integrating accounts payable, expense management, corporate cards, and loyalty programs.
- Low-code/no-code integration, automated reconciliation, and zero-cost lifetime support.
- Bank-grade security with PCI DSS compliance, encryption, and real-time threat assessments.
- About EnKash:
- Founded in 2018 by Yadvendra Singh Tyagi, Hemant Vishnoi, and Naveen Bindal.
- Holds RBI-regulated licenses for Payment Aggregator–Payment Gateway (PAPG), Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU), and Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI).
Star Health Insurance Introduces Star Flexi Variants
In May 2025, Star Health and Allied Insurance, India’s largest retail health insurer, expanded its Super Star health plan with Star Flexi variants: Essential, Preferred, and Secure.
Highlights:
- Super Star Plan: Sold over 1.6 lakh policies, generating ₹580 crore in seven months.
- Star Flexi Variants:
- Essential: For first-time buyers in Tier 2/3 cities, offering ₹5 lakh coverage, single private room, AYUSH treatment, and unlimited sum insured restoration.
- Preferred: For urban families, includes unlimited room rent, air ambulance up to ₹5 lakh, and premium refunds for claim-free years.
- Secure: Comprehensive coverage with no room rent cap, unlimited restoration, and wellness program access.
- About Star Health:
- Founded: 2006, India’s first standalone health insurer.
- MD & CEO: Anand Roy.
- Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
MMRDA Secures ₹1,500 Crore Loan for Slum Redevelopment
In May 2025, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) secured a ₹1,500 crore loan from the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) for a slum redevelopment project in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Project Details:
- Objective: Rehabilitate ~17,000 slum dwellers in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar with free 300 sq ft 1BHK houses, plus amenities like gardens and healthcare centers.
- Funding: ₹8,498 crore total cost, with 46% from institutional loans, 39% from MMRDA revenue, and 15% from other sources.
- Timeline: Completion within 48 months.
- BoM Details:
- MD & CEO: Nidhu Saxena.
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra.
- Established: 1935.
HDFC Bank Launches ‘Biz+ Current Accounts’ for MSMEs
In May 2025, HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, launched Biz+ Current Accounts to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across four growth stages: setup, growth, expansion, and diversification.
Details:
- Tiers: Biz Lite+, Biz Pro+, Biz Ultra+, Biz Elite+.
- Features: Bundled solutions including liability products, asset solutions, digital payment tools, and business cards, with cash handling, digital banking, and relationship manager support.
- Target Sectors: Manufacturing, trading, and services.
Awards & Recognitions
Banu Mushtaq & Deepa Bhasthi Win International Booker Prize 2025
On 20 May 2025, Bengaluru-based writer Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi won the International Booker Prize 2025 for the Kannada short story collection ‘Heart Lamp: Selected Stories’ at a ceremony in London’s Tate Modern.
Highlights:
- First Kannada work and short story collection to win the prize.
- Banu Mushtaq: First Kannada author and Muslim woman from India to win.
- Deepa Bhasthi: First Indian translator to receive the award.
- Prize: £50,000 (USD 66,000), shared equally.
- Context: Second Indian win after Geetanjali Shree and Daisy Rockwell’s Tomb of Sand (2022).
Appointments & Resignations
Miao Lijie & Yuko Oga Named Ambassadors for FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025
Chinese basketball legend Miao Lijie and Japanese icon Yuko Oga were named ambassadors for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, to be held in Shenzhen, China, from 13-20 July 2025.
Details:
- Miao Lijie: First Asian WNBA champion (2005), scored 6,000 points in WCBA, won three Asian Games golds, and inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame (2024).
- Yuko Oga: Represented Japan in seven Asia Cups and 2004 Olympics, inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame (2023).
- Event: First time China hosts the event since 2015.
Acquisitions & Mergers
CCI Approvals on 20 May 2025
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved:
- Bajaj Group’s acquisition of Allianz’s stakes in their insurance JV for ₹24,180 crore.
- Acquisition of majority shareholding in Nazara Technologies by Axana Estates LLP, Plutus Wealth Management LLP, and Junomoneta Finsol Pvt Ltd.
- Temasek Holdings’ minority stake acquisition in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt Ltd via JongSong Investments Pte Ltd.
- 360 ONE WAM Ltd’s acquisition of Batlivala & Karani Securities and Finserv Pvt Ltd.
Singtel Sells 1.2% Stake in Bharti Airtel
In May 2025, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) sold a 1.2% stake in Bharti Airtel for SGD 2 billion (~USD 1.54 billion) through its Mauritius-based subsidiary Pastel Limited.
Details:
- Shares Sold: 71 million at ₹1,814 per share.
- Impact: Singtel’s stake reduced from 29.5% to 28.3%, valued at SGD 48 billion.
- Objective: Optimize asset portfolio and enhance shareholder returns.
Sports
Pankaj Advani Wins Third Consecutive CCI Billiards Classic Title
In May 2025, Pankaj Advani won his third consecutive CCI Billiards Classic 2025 title, defeating Dhruv Sitwala 5–2 in Mumbai’s Wilson Jones Billiards Hall (25 April–4 May 2025).
Highlights:
- Prize: ₹2.5 lakh for Advani; ₹1.5 lakh for Sitwala.
- Achievements: 28-time IBFS world champion, 36 national titles, 2 Asian Games golds (2006, 2010).
- Awards: Arjuna Award (2004), Khel Ratna (2006), Padma Shri (2009), Padma Bhushan (2018).
Obituary
Padma Vibhushan Awardee M.R. Srinivasan Passes Away
On 20 May 2025, M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), passed away at 95 in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
Contributions:
- Joined Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1955, worked on India’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara.
- Key roles: Chief Project Engineer (Madras Atomic Power Station), Chairman (Nuclear Power Board, 1984), and Founder-Chairman (NPCIL, 1987).
- Awards: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990), Padma Vibhushan (2015).
Astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar Passes Away
On 20 May 2025, Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, founder of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), passed away at 87 in Pune, Maharashtra.
Contributions:
- Developed Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity (1963) with Sir Fred Hoyle.
- Founded IUCAA (1988), served as director until 2003.
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (1965), Padma Vibhushan (2004), Kalinga Prize (1996), Maharashtra Bhushan (2010), Sahitya Akademi Award (2014).
- IUCAA Details:
- Director: Prof. Raghunathan Srianand.
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra.
Important Days
International Tea Day 2025 – May 21
International Tea Day (ITD), observed annually on 21 May, celebrates tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance, led by the United Nations.
Background:
- Initiated in 2005 by tea workers in New Delhi, proposed globally by India in 2015.
- UNGA declared 21 May as ITD in December 2019; first observed in 2020.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2025 – May 21
The World Day for Cultural Diversity, led by UNESCO, is observed on 21 May to promote cultural diversity and sustainable development.
Background:
- UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001) recognized it as a “common heritage of humanity.”
- UNGA proclaimed 21 May in 2002; first observed in 2003.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 – May 21
National Anti-Terrorism Day, observed on 21 May, marks the assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi (1991) to raise awareness about terrorism’s impact.
Details:
- Established in 1992 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025: India ranks 14th (score: 6.41); Burkina Faso ranks 1st (score: 8.581).
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