Stay ahead in UPSC, Banking, SSC, Railways, and other competitive exams with key updates on governance, global relations, finance, technology, sports, and more.
Governance
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Portal Launched
On 27 May 2025, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the PAI 2.0 portal in New Delhi.
Details:
- Empowers 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with data-driven planning for SDG localization.
- Tracks 9 themes with 147 indicators (from 516) and 227 data points (from 794).
- Released Local Indicator Framework (LIF) and SOP for FY24.
- MoPR:
- Minister: Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
- Secretary: Vivek Bharadwaj.
Supreme Court Advocates Permanent Consumer Forums
On 24 May 2025, the Supreme Court called for permanent consumer redressal bodies.
Details:
- Addresses 5.5 lakh pending cases (NCDRC, 2023).
- E-commerce: Projected at USD 200 billion by 2026.
- Initiatives: E-Jagriti, E-Dakhil, National Consumer Helpline (1915).
- NCDRC:
- Chairperson: Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi.
DoT’s Cyber Fraud Detection Tool
In May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI).
Details:
- Monitors transactions in real-time.
- Supports e-Zero FIR for losses ≥ ₹10 lakh.
- DoT:
- Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia.
National Affairs
PM Modi’s Gujarat Visit
From 26–27 May 2025, PM Narendra Modi visited Gujarat, launching projects worth ₹53,400 crore.
Highlights:
- Inaugurated Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Dahod, flagged off 9,000-HP electric locomotives.
- Virtually launched Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express (467 km, 7 hours).
- Celebrated Urban Development Year 2025 in Gandhinagar.
- Gujarat:
- CM: Bhupendra Patel. Source: PIB.
India Mobile Congress 2025 Theme Unveiled
In May 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced ‘Innovate to Transform’ as the theme for IMC 2025 (8–14 Oct 2025, Hyderabad).
Details:
- Launched Sanchar Mitra Scheme for student-led telecom awareness.
- Announced Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Excellence Awards 2024.
- MoC:
- MoS: Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani.
MoR Approves Agartala–Guwahati Train
In May 2025, the Ministry of Railways (MoR) approved a new express train between Agartala (Tripura) and Guwahati (Assam) via Narangi.
Details:
- Follows MP Biplab Kumar Deb’s request.
- Part of ₹46 crore electrification project.
- MoR:
- Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw.
MoAFW Approves PDKV Crop Varieties
On 27 May 2025, the MoA&FW approved 3 new crop varieties from PDKV, Akola and expanded areas for three existing ones.
New Varieties:
- AKAW 5100 Wheat: Rust-resistant, for Maharashtra, Karnataka.
- CSV 65 Yellow Sorghum: Bio-fortified, 25–28 quintals/ha.
- Super Jaki Chickpea: High-yield (2,073 kg/ha), for Maharashtra.
- Expanded Varieties: PDKV Amba Soybean, PDV Soybean, TAG 73 Groundnut.
- MoA&FW:
- Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
NITI’s Medium Enterprises Report
In May 2025, NITI Aayog released “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises”.
Details:
- Targets 0.4% medium enterprises in MSME sector.
- MSME: 29% GDP, 40% exports, 60% workforce.
- Vice Chairman: Suman Bery.
India-WHO Ayush MoU
On 24 May 2025, the Ministry of Ayush signed an MoU with WHO for a Traditional Medicine Module under ICHI.
Details:
- Standardizes Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani.
- India contributed USD 3 million.
- MoS (IC): Prataprao Jadhav.
Rising North East Summit 2025
From 23–25 May 2025, PM Modi inaugurated the Rising North East Investors’ Summit in New Delhi.
Details:
- Attracted ₹4.3 lakh crore investments.
- MoUs: Arunachal Pradesh (₹6,357 crore), Tripura (₹15,646 crore).
- MDoNER:
- Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Wings India 2026 Curtain Raiser
On 27 May 2025, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launched the Wings India 2026 curtain raiser.
Details:
- Event: 20 May–June 2025, Hyderabad.
- Theme: “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future”.
- MoCA:
- MoS: Murlidhar Mohol.
38th CAC Recommends Stipend Hike
In May 2025, the 38th CAC proposed a 36% stipend hike for NAPS and NATS.
Details:
- New range: ₹6,800–₹12,300.
- Biennial CPI revisions.
- MSDE:
- MoS (IC): Jayant Chaudhary.
International Affairs
ILO-NASK Report on GenAI
In May 2025, ILO and NASK released “‘Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index”.
Details:
- 25% of jobs globally at risk of transformation by GenAI.
- Women: 4.7% high-risk jobs vs. 2.4% for men.
- ILO:
- DG: Gilbert F. Houngbo.
- HQ: Geneva.
9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting
In May 2025, the BRICS meeting was held in Brasilia.
Details:
- Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation”.
- Presented BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub.
- Brazil:
- President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
LIMA 2025 in Malaysia
In May 2025, LIMA 2025 was held in Langkawi.
Details:
- India showcased BrahMos, Dornier, INS Kavaratti.
- Malaysia signed USD 2.34 billion MoUs.
- MoS (MoD): Sanjay Seth.
Banking & Finance
Life Insurance Sector Outlook
In May 2025, Allianz Global Insurance Report 2025 projected 10.5% CAGR for India’s life insurance.
Details:
- Outpaces global 5%.
- 2024: 10.6% growth, USD 75 billion premiums.
- Health insurance grew 20.8%.
EPFO Retains 8.25%
In May 2025, the MoF approved an 8.25% EPF rate for FY25.
Details:
- Proposed by CBT, chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya.
- EPFO:
- CPFC: Ramesh Krishnamurthi.
RBI’s ₹2.69 Trillion Surplus
In May 2025, RBI transferred ₹2.69 trillion to GoI for FY24.
Details:
- Up 27%, driven by USD 399 billion forex sales.
- CRB: 7.5%.
- Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
Kotak 811 Revamp
In May 2025, Kotak Mahindra Bank upgraded Kotak 811.
Details:
- Zero-balance accounts, UPI, FDs, MUFs.
- KMBL:
- HQ: Mumbai.
Economy & Business
Drools Becomes Unicorn
In May 2025, Drools achieved unicorn status status with a valuation of over USD 1 billion.
Details:
- Nestlé acquired minority stake.
- India’s fourth unicorn in 2025.
- Drools:
- CEO: Shashank Sinha.
- HQ: Rajnandgaon.
FDI Inflows Rise
In May 2025, MoC&I reported USD 81.04 billion FDI in FY25.
Details:
- Up 14% from FY24**.
- Top sectors: Services (19%), IT (16%).
- Maharashtra: 39% share.
- MoC&I:
- Minister: Piyush Goyal.
AM Green–Rotterdam Deal
In May 2025, AM Green signed a USD 1 billion MoU with Port of Rotterdam.
Details:
- Supplies 1 million tonnes green ammonia from Kakinada (2026).
- AM Green:
- HQ: Hyderabad.
Defence
AMCA Programme Approved
On 27 May 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh approved the AMCA execution model.
Details:
- Led by ADA and DRDO.
- Fifth-generation stealth fighter with AI, supercruise.
- Open to public/private bids.
- MoD:
- MoS: Sanjay Seth.
NIBE’s Rocket Launcher Order
In May 2025, NIBE Limited secured a USD 17.52 million order from Israel.
Details:
- 300 km Universal Rocket Launchers.
- Execution by Nov 2027.
- NIBE:
- MD: Ganesh Nibe.
Education
UGC Approves Foreign Campuses
In May 2025, UGC approved five foreign university campuses.
Universities:
- Illinois Institute of Technology (Mumbai).
- University of Liverpool (Bengaluru).
- Victoria University (Australia).
- Western Sydney University (Greater Noida).
- Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy).
- UGC:
- Chairman: Vineet Joshi.
NIT Calicut in HERITAGE Network
In May 2025, NITC joined the HERITAGE Network.
Details:
- MoUs with NTNU, TU Berlin for dual degrees.
- Director: Prof. Prasad Krishna.
Science & Technology
Intelsat’s IN-SPACe Approval
On 27 May 2025, Intelsat received IN-SPACe approval for satellite services in India.
Details:
- Operates IS-17, IS-20, IS-36, IS-39 for C-Band coverage.
- Contracts with three Indian media firms.
- Intelsat:
- CEO: David C. Wajsgras.
- IN-SPACe:
- Chairman: Pawan Kumar Goenka.
Bharat Forecast System
On 26 May 2025, MoES launched the BFS with 6 km resolution.
Details:
- Developed by IITM, powered by Arka (11.77 petaflops).
- Covers 30°S–30°N.
- MoES:
- Minister: Jitendra Singh.
Surya VHF Radar
In March 2025, ADTL delivered the Surya VHF Radar to the IAF.
Details:
- 360 km range, detects stealth aircraft.
- ADTL:
- CEO: Hari Prasad HS.
Indrajaal’s Anti-Drone System
In May 2025, Indrajaal launched Indrajaal Infra.
Details:
- AI-powered, covers 4,000 sq km.
- Deployed in Gujarat, Karnataka.
- Indrajaal:
- HQ: Hyderabad.
Environment
New Cave Fish in Meghalaya
In May 2025, Schistura densiclava was discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin, Meghalaya.
Details:
- Pale yellow-green, 14–20 vertical bars.
- Published in Journal of Fish Biology.
- Researchers: Gauhati University, ICAR-NBFGR.
Kozhikode’s Biodiversity Symbols
In May 2025, Kozhikode declared eight biodiversity symbols.
Details:
- Flower: Athirani.
- Animal: Indian Pangolin.
- Led by KSBB.
- Kerala:
- Forest Minister: A.K. Saseendran.
Sports
ISSF Junior World Cup 2025
From 19–27 May 2025, India topped the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.
Details:
- 11 medals: 3 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze.
- Gold: Tejaswani Sawant (25m pistol), Kanak Budhwar (10m air pistol), Shambhavi Kshirsagar (10m air rifle).
- Next leg: New Delhi, Sep–Oct 2025.
Malaysia Masters 2025
In May 2025, Li Shifeng (China) won men’s singles at Malaysia Masters.
Details:
- Runner-up: Kidambi Srikanth (India).
- BWF:
- President: Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Neeraj Chopra’s Silver
In May 2025, Neeraj Chopra won silver at Janusz Kusociński Memorial, Poland.
Details:
- Throw: 84.14 m.
- Gold: Julian Weber (86.12 m).
Awards & Recognitions
NAeG 2025 Announced
On 27 May 2025, DARPG announced NAeG 2025.
Details:
- 19 initiatives recognized: 10 gold, 6 silver, 3 jury awards.
- Event: Visakhapatnam, 9–10 June 2025.
- MoPPG&P:
- Minister: Narendra Modi.
Adille Sumariwalla’s Gold Pin
In May 2025, Adille Sumariwalla received the Asian Athletics Leadership Gold Pin in South Korea.
Details:
- AAA President: Dahlan Al Hamad.
- Achievements: 1980 Olympian, Arjuna Award (1985).
Cannes 2025
In May 2025, Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Details:
- Indian film ‘Homebound’ (Neeraj Ghaywan) in Un Certain Regard.
- Jury President: Juliette Binoche.
Sumeet Tappoo’s Fiji Honour
In May 2025, Sumeet Tappoo received the Companion of the Order of Fiji.
Details:
- For music, humanitarian work.
- Fiji:
- President: Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
Appointments
Nicusor Dan as Romania President
In May 2025, Nicusor Dan was sworn in as Romania’s 7th President.
Details:
- Won with 53.6% votes.
- Capital: Bucharest.
- Currency: Romanian Leu.
Samir Kamat’s DRDO Extension
In May 2025, Dr. Samir V. Kamat’s tenure as DRDO Chairman was extended to May 2026.
Details:
- Appointed in Aug 2022.
- Awards: Metallurgist of the Year (2008).
Prashant Thakker at Citigroup
On 26 May 2025, Prashant Thakker was appointed Head of Corporate Bank for South/Southeast Asia at Citigroup.
Details:
- Based in Singapore.
- Citigroup:
- HQ: New York.
Neeraj Chopra for Audi India
In May 2025, Neeraj Chopra became Audi India’s ambassador.
Details:
- Audi India:
- Head: Balbir Singh Dhillon.
Books & Authors
‘Test Cricket: A History’
In 2025, Tim Wigmore released ‘Test Cricket: A History’.
Details:
- Chronicles 150 years of Test cricket.
- Published by Quercus.
- Features Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid.
Pat Cummins’ Book
In 2025, Patrick Cummins released ‘Tested: The Remarkable Power of Resolve’.
Details:
- Published by HarperCollins.
- Features Julia Gillard.
State News
Andhra Pradesh Renames YSR District
On 26 May 2025, Andhra Pradesh renamed YSR District to YSR Kadapa District.
Details:
- Restores 200-year-old heritage.
- Kadapa: Derived from “Gadapa” (threshold).
- AP:
- CM: N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Karnataka’s Ramanagara Renamed
In May 2025, Ramanagara became Bengaluru South.
Details:
- CM: Siddaramaiah.
Kozhikode’s Biodiversity Symbols
In May 2025, Kozhikode declared eight biodiversity symbols.
Details:
- Bird: Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher.
- KSBB led initiative.
Important Days
World Hunger Day – 28 May
Raises awareness about global food insecurity.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Sowing Resilience”.
- Est. 2011 by The Hunger Project.
- THP:
- HQ: New York.
International Day of Action for Women’s Health – 28 May
Promotes women’s healthcare equity.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “In Solidarity We Resist”.
- Est. 1987 by LACWHN.
- WGNRR:
- HQ: Manila.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day – 28 May
Addresses menstrual health and equity.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”.
- Est. 2014 by WASH United.
- Date: 28/5 (28-day cycle, 5-day bleeding).
Leave a comment