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International Affairs
India Assumes APO Chairmanship for 2025-26
During the 67th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Jakarta, Indonesia (20–22 May 2025), India assumed the APO Chairmanship for 2025-26. The Indian delegation was led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Highlights:
- India committed to advancing APO Vision 2030 and expanding the Green Productivity 2.0 framework.
- Focus areas include digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Over 100 Indian professionals participate annually in APO’s capacity-building programs via the National Productivity Council (NPC), enhancing productivity in industry, services, and agriculture.
- APO Overview:
- Established: 1961, Tokyo, Japan.
- Members: 21, including India, Bangladesh, Japan, and Vietnam.
Indonesia Details:
- President: Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo.
- Capital: Jakarta.
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
India Participates in 24th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting
On 21 May 2025, India participated in the 24th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers Meeting, hosted virtually by Sri Lanka under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generation”. The Indian delegation was led by Periasamy Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Points:
- India, the current IORA Vice-Chair, will assume chairmanship for 2025-27.
- The meeting adopted the IORA Guidelines on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and the IORA Climate Agenda.
- The Colombo Communique highlighted progress since the 2023 meeting.
- Sri Lanka Details:
- President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (judicial/executive).
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR).
UAE Elected to IAACA Executive Board
In May 2025, the UAE Accountability Authority (UAEAA) was elected to the Executive Board of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) during its council meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Details:
- The membership enhances UAE’s role in shaping global anti-corruption policies and exchanging best practices.
- IAACA Overview:
- Founded: 2006, Beijing, China.
- Supports the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
- President: Danny Y.M. Woo.
- UAEAA Overview:
- Established: 2023, Abu Dhabi.
- President: Humaid Obaid Abushibs.
- Focus: Integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea
In May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea (PNG) after detecting circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Lae, Morobe Province. This is PNG’s first outbreak since 2018.
Key Points:
- Polio immunization coverage in PNG is below 50%, with only 44% of children receiving the third vaccine dose.
- A national campaign targets vaccinating 3.5 million children under 10, supported by UNICEF, WHO, and Australia.
- PNG Details:
- Prime Minister: James Marape.
- Capital: Port Moresby.
- Currency: Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK).
National Affairs
Union FM Presides Over CCI’s 16th Annual Day
On 20 May 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs) presided over the 16th Annual Day of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in New Delhi, marking its role in promoting fair competition and supporting Viksit Bharat 2047.
Highlights:
- Regulatory Balance: CCI maintains a “light-touch” framework for enforcement and growth.
- Global Cooperation: Focus on agile regulation for AI and digital markets.
- Initiatives Launched:
- Diagnostic Toolkit: To prevent bid rigging in public procurement.
- FAQs on Combinations: Clarifies updates under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023.
- CCI Overview:
- Established: 2003, fully operational since 2009.
- Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
DoT Introduces Financial Fraud Risk Indicator
On 21 May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) within the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to combat cyber fraud.
Details:
- FRI: A risk-based metric classifying mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk for financial fraud.
- Sources: Data from I4C, NCRP, Chakshu platform, and financial institutions.
- Impact: Enables banks, NBFCs, and UPI providers (e.g., PhonePe) to restrict transactions on high-risk numbers.
- Ministry of Communications:
- Union Minister: Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Guna, Madhya Pradesh).
- MoS: Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Guntur, Andhra Pradesh).
Banking & Finance
SEBI Extends ODI Compliance Deadline
In May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the compliance deadline for the Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODI) framework to 17 November 2025 from 17 May 2025.
Revised Framework:
- Disclosure: ODI subscribers must disclose ownership details if equity positions exceed 50% in a corporate group or ₹25,000 crore in Indian markets.
- Derivatives Restrictions: ODIs cannot use derivatives as underlying assets or for hedging.
- Registration: FPIs issuing ODIs require a separate “ODI” registration.
- Exemptions: Government investors, public retail funds, and ETFs with low Indian equity exposure.
RBI Penalizes Deutsche Bank India and Yes Bank
In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties for regulatory non-compliance:
- Deutsche Bank India: ₹50 lakh for failing to report borrower credit information to CRILC.
- Yes Bank: ₹29.60 lakh for incorrect disclosures in FY24 financial statements.
- CRILC: RBI’s repository for loan exposures above ₹5 crore.
IOB Partners with IIBF for MSME E-Learning
In May 2025, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) for a customized e-learning and certification program on MSMEs.
Details:
- Objective: Enhance employee knowledge to meet MSME credit needs.
- Features: IIBF-developed e-book and remote-proctored certification.
- IOB: Chennai-based, MD & CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivastava.
- IIBF: Mumbai-based, Director (Academics): Dr. Gangadharan.
Economy & Business
Morgan Stanley Upgrades India’s Growth Forecast
On 21 May 2025, Morgan Stanley revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.2% for FY26 (from 6.1%) and 6.5% for FY27 (from 6.3%).
Key Points:
- Growth driven by domestic demand, supported by monetary policy and capital expenditure.
- Easing US-China trade tensions boosts external demand.
- RBI Projection: 6.5% for FY26.
SBI Research Projects Q4 FY25 GDP Growth
On 21 May 2025, SBI Research forecasted India’s Q4 FY25 GDP growth at 6.4–6.5%, with full-year FY25 growth at 6.3%.
Details:
- Based on the Nowcasting Model analyzing 36 high-frequency indicators.
- Industrial production (manufacturing) slowed to 3.6% in Q4 FY25 from 4.1% in Q3.
- IMF Global Forecast: 2.8% (2025), 3% (2026).
Adani Defence & Sparton Collaborate on ASW Systems
In May 2025, Adani Defence & Aerospace signed an agreement with Sparton (USA) to localize production of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems, including sonobuoys, for the Indian Navy.
Details:
- Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
- Sonobuoys enhance Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for submarine detection.
- First private sector initiative for domestic sonobuoy production.
Coinbase Joins S&P 500 Index
In May 2025, Coinbase Global Inc. became the first cryptocurrency exchange to join the S&P 500 Index, replacing Discover Financial Services post-acquisition by Capital One.
Highlights:
- Marks mainstream acceptance of digital assets.
- Coincided with Bitcoin surpassing USD 100,000.
AEPC Partners with GBCI for LEED Certification
In May 2025, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) signed an MoU with the Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI) to promote LEED-certified garment factories in India.
Details:
- Objective: Increase sustainable manufacturing.
- LEED Benefits: Lower emissions, reduced costs, and higher investor confidence.
- India’s Rank: 3rd globally in LEED certification (2024), behind China and Canada.
Awards & Recognitions
TIME100 Philanthropy 2025 List Features Indians
In May 2025, TIME Magazine released its inaugural TIME100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025, featuring Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Azim Premji, and Nikhil Kamath from India.
Highlights:
- Michael Bloomberg: Largest donor (USD 3.7 billion in 2024).
- Other global figures: David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Melinda French Gates.
- Categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, Innovators.
- TIME Details:
- CEO: Jessica Sibley.
- Headquarters: New York, USA.
Appointments & Resignations
Sudan Appoints Kamil Idris as 16th PM
In May 2025, Sudan’s military leader Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan appointed Kamil El-Tayeb Idris as the 16th Prime Minister, the first since 2022.
About Idris:
- Former WIPO Director General (1997–2008).
- Received honors like the Order of the Two Niles (Sudan) and Order of the Aztec Eagle (Mexico).
- Sudan Context: Civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces.
- Sudan Details:
- Capital: Khartoum.
- Currency: Sudanese Pound (SDG).
Tapan Kumar Deka’s IB Tenure Extended
In May 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet extended Tapan Kumar Deka’s tenure as Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB) until June 2026.
Details:
- Background: 1988-batch IPS officer (Himachal Pradesh), longest-serving IB chief since 2005.
- Key role in counter-terrorism, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks response.
Acquisitions & Mergers
SEBI Approves Sumuka Agro-Gujjubhai Foods Merger
In May 2025, SEBI approved the merger of Gujjubhai Foods Pvt Ltd with Sumuka Agro Industries Ltd, pending NCLT approval.
Details:
- Share Ratio: 17.5 Sumuka shares for every 10 Gujjubhai shares.
- Promoter Stake: Increases from 27.71% to 64%.
- Sumuka Agro: Established 1989, produces Gujarati snacks and packaged foods.
Science & Technology
Indian Navy Inducts INSV Kaundinya
On 21 May 2025, the Indian Navy inducted the INSV Kaundinya, a 5th-century CE-inspired stitched sail ship, at Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka, presided over by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Minister of Culture).
Details:
- Design: Based on Ajanta Cave paintings, uses traditional stitching with coir and resin.
- Features: Gandabherunda and Sun motifs, Simha Yali bow, Harappan-style anchor.
- First Voyage: Gujarat to Oman, retracing ancient trade routes.
- Ajanta Caves: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Aerpace Unveils aerShield Defence Drones
In May 2025, Aerpace Industries Ltd tested the aerShield UAV ecosystem, featuring AI-driven drones for defence.
Key Features:
- aerOS: AI platform for navigation and targeting.
- Drones:
- aerRecon ARM-5: VTOL surveillance drone (125 km/h, 5 kg payload).
- aerRecon ARM-10: STOL for extended missions.
- aerReaper AMMO-R7: Kamikaze drone for precision strikes.
- Collaborators: Aerpace Robotics, UAV Tech, Leospear Defence.
State News
Madhya Pradesh Approves Rah-veer Scheme and Adi Shankaracharya Project
In May 2025, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet, led by CM Mohan Yadav, approved the Rah-veer Scheme and a ₹2,100 crore Adi Shankaracharya project in Indore.
Details:
- Rah-veer Scheme: ₹25,000 reward for helping road accident victims.
- Adi Shankaracharya Project: Includes hostels, libraries, and facilities in Omkareshwar.
- Other Approvals: ₹3,687 crore for development projects, including women’s hostels and the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Scheme (₹1,000 annual interest subsidy).
- MP Details:
- Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel.
- Capital: Bhopal.
Asiatic Lion Population Rises to 891 in Gujarat
The 16th Asiatic Lion Census (10–13 May 2025) recorded 891 lions in Gujarat, a 32.2% increase from 674 in 2020.
Key Findings:
- Breakdown: 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, 225 cubs.
- Area: 35,000 sq km across 11 districts.
- Distribution: Amreli (339 lions), Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191).
- Gujarat Details:
- CM: Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel.
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat.
- Capital: Gandhinagar.
Bihar Renames Gaya as “Gaya Jee”
In May 2025, the Bihar cabinet, led by CM Nitish Kumar, renamed Gaya to “Gaya Jee” to boost tourism.
Details:
- Significance: Gaya is a Hindu pilgrimage site for Pind Daan and home to Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Geography: Located on the Falgu River, surrounded by sacred hills.
Justice K Somashekar Appointed Manipur HC Chief Justice
In May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court, succeeding Justice D. Krishnakumar.
Details:
- Background: Karnataka HC judge since 2016, previously District and Sessions Judge.
- Appointed per Supreme Court Collegium recommendation.
Uttarakhand Opens First Cycad Garden
In May 2025, Uttarakhand inaugurated its first Cycad Garden in Haldwani, Nainital, funded by JICA.
Details:
- Features: 0.75 hectares, 31 cycad species (17 threatened, 9 native to India).
- Objective: Conserve “living fossils” from the Mesozoic era.
- Significance: Promotes ecological stability through nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.
Important Days
International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 – May 22
The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), observed on 22 May, promotes biodiversity conservation, overseen by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
- Background: Designated by UNGA in 1995, shifted to 22 May in 2001, first observed in 2002.
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