Boost your preparation for UPSC, BPSC, Banking, SSC, Railways, and other competitive exams with concise, exam-oriented updates on national initiatives, international developments, finance, technology, environment, and more.
National Affairs
Miniratna Category-I Status for MIL, AVNL, and IOL
On 30 May 2025, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Miniratna Category-I status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL) (Pune, Maharashtra), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), and India Optel Limited (IOL) (Dehradun, Uttarakhand).
Key Details:
- Objective: Enhance autonomy, accelerate growth, and boost India’s defence production and exports under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Background: These DPSUs were formed on 1 October 2021 from the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into seven entities to promote innovation and efficiency.
- Classification:
- MIL and AVNL: Schedule ‘A’ DPSUs (larger, strategic enterprises).
- IOL: Schedule ‘B’ DPSU (smaller scale).
- Miniratna Category-I Criteria:
- Consistent profits for three years.
- Pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the three years.
- Positive net worth, no loan defaults, and no reliance on budgetary support.
- Significance: Empowers these DPSUs to make independent financial and operational decisions, strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.
- Ministry of Defence:
- Union Minister: Rajnath Singh (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh).
- MoS: Sanjay Seth (Ranchi, Jharkhand).
Source: [MoD Press Release, May 2025].
DoP Launches ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ Platforms
On 31 May 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), under the Ministry of Communications (MoC), launched two digital platforms: ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’, advancing India’s addressing and geospatial governance systems.
Platform Details:
- Know Your DIGIPIN:
- An open-source, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed with IIT Hyderabad and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO.
- Enhances precision in location-based services, logistics, and governance.
- Know Your PIN Code:
- Modernizes the 6-digit PIN Code system (introduced in 1972) for seamless postal and e-commerce operations.
- Alignment: Supports the National Geospatial Policy 2022, promoting digital governance and public service delivery.
- Significance: Streamlines addressing for urban planning, disaster management, and e-commerce, aligning with Digital India.
- DoP:
- Secretary: Vandita Kaul.
- HQ: New Delhi.
Source: [DoP Official Statement, May 2025].
VKSA-2025 Launched to Transform Agriculture
On 30 May 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Campaign Overview:
- Duration: 29 May–12 June 2025.
- Reach: Targets over 1.5 crore farmers across 700+ districts.
- Objectives:
- Promote advanced agricultural and fisheries technologies.
- Bridge knowledge gaps via 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and 113 ICAR institutes.
- Encourage climate-resilient farming, natural farming, and Soil Health Cards.
- Enhance post-harvest management and value addition.
- Implementation:
- 2,170 scientific teams (16,000 scientists) will cover two villages daily.
- Focus on pre-Kharif preparations, integrated farming, and resource conservation.
- Key Initiatives:
- Launch of CIFA Argu VAX–I, a vaccine for fish parasitic infections.
- Exhibition showcasing innovations by SHGs, KVK Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA.
- Attendees: Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Minister Gokulananda Mallik, ICAR DG Dr. Mangi Lal Jat.
- MoA&FW:
- Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh).
- MoS: Ram Nath Thakur (Bihar), Bhagirath Choudhary (Ajmer, Rajasthan).
Source: [MoA&FW Press Release, May 2025].
Indian Army’s ‘Meghdoot Millennium’ Postal Software
On 31 May 2025, the Indian Army Postal Service Corps (APSC) and Department of Posts (DoP) launched ‘Meghdoot Millennium’, a secure postal software for defence personnel, at the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology (CEPT), Mysuru, Karnataka.
Details:
- Features: Real-time tracking, secure communication, and digital integration for personnel in remote and sensitive areas.
- Developers: CEPT, Mysuru.
- Alignment: Supports the Indian Army’s ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ (2024) and ‘Decade of Transformation’ for modernizing logistics.
- Leadership: Vandita Kaul (DoP Secretary), Lt. Gen. V.M.B. Krishnan (Quarter Master General, Indian Army).
Source: [Indian Army Press Release, May 2025].
International Affairs
78th World Health Assembly in Geneva
From 19–27 May 2025, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA 78) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, themed “One World for Health”.
Highlights:
- President: Teodoro J. Herbosa (Philippines Health Secretary).
- India’s Role:
- PM Narendra Modi addressed the assembly via video-conference.
- India, led by Punya Salila Srivastava (MoH&FW Secretary), received WHO Trachoma Elimination Certification.
- Key Outcomes:
- Release of WHO Mid-Term Results Report 2024-25, highlighting global health progress.
- New guideline on controlled medicines for safe, equitable access.
- Approved 20% hike in WHO membership fees, adding USD 90 million annually.
- Pledged USD 210 million for the 2025-28 Investment Round, totaling USD 1.7 billion.
- MoH&FW:
- Union Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Source: [WHO Press Release, May 2025].
Indian AI Startups Join Paris Accelerator
On 30 May 2025, 10 Indian AI startups were selected for the India AI Startups Global Initiative, a four-month accelerator programme at Station F, Paris, France, under the India AI Mission.
Programme Details:
- Structure: One-month virtual module, three-month residency with mentorship from HEC Paris.
- Startups:
- PrivaSapien Technologies (Bengaluru): Privacy-focused AI.
- CoRover.ai (Bengaluru): Conversational AI.
- Staqu Technologies (Gurugram): Audio-video analytics.
- SatSure Analytics (Bengaluru): Earth observation AI.
- Storyvord (Delhi NCR): AI video content.
- VolarAlta (Pune): Emission monitoring AI.
- Smartail (Chennai): Edtech AI.
- Secure Blink (Noida): Cybersecurity AI.
- NeuroPixel.AI (Bengaluru): Image editing AI.
- Voicing AI (Delhi NCR): Voice agent AI.
- India AI Mission:
- Launched: 2024.
- Budget: ₹10,300 crore.
- Ministry: MeitY (Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw).
Source: [MeitY Press Release, May 2025].
Banking & Finance
RBI Approves Worldline, PayPal for Cross-Border Payments
On 30 May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted in-principle approval to Worldline ePayments India (Mumbai) and PayPal India (Chennai) to operate as Payment Aggregators for Cross-Border Export and Import (PA-CB E&I) under the Payments and Settlements Systems Act, 2007.
Details:
- Worldline:
- Facilitates international payments for exporters/importers.
- Also operates as a Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU).
- CEO: Ramesh Narasimhan.
- PayPal:
- Enhances digital payment solutions for Indian merchants in global trade.
- MD: Anupam Pahuja.
- Context: Follows RBI’s October 2024 mandate for separate PA-CB approval, replacing Online Payment Gateway Service Provider (OPGSP) licenses.
- RBI:
- Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
Source: [RBI Press Release, May 2025].
Science & Technology
China Launches Shijian-26 Satellite
On 30 May 2025, China launched the Shijian-26 satellite using a Long March-4B rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Gobi Desert.
Details:
- Purpose: Land monitoring, environmental protection, and economic planning.
- Orbit: Sun-synchronous.
- Developers: Harbin Institute of Technology, Aerospace Dongfanghong Satellite Co., Changchun Institute of Optics.
- Rocket: Built by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, capable of carrying 2.5 metric tons to 700 km orbit.
- Significance: China’s 33rd launch in 2025, part of the Long March series (579th mission).
Source: [Xinhua News, May 2025].
Environment
New Damselfly Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
On 31 May 2025, scientists discovered Caliphaea sinuofurcata, a new damselfly species, in Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, published in Zootaxa.
Details:
- Common Name: Bearded Bronzeback, due to black bristles around mouthparts.
- Features: Metallic copper-green body, brown-tinted wings, yellow-olive markings.
- Habitat: Rocky streams in evergreen forests (1200–1300 m elevation).
- Significance: Second Caliphaea species in India after Caliphaea confusa (1850s).
Source: [Zootaxa Journal, May 2025].
State News
Uttar Pradesh Partners with Monash University
On 30 May 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government signed an MoU with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, in Lucknow to enhance educational standards.
Details:
- Objective: Promote research, innovation, and skill development per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Hub: Gautam Buddha University, Noida.
- Significance: Prepares UP’s youth for global competition.
- UP:
- CM: Yogi Adityanath.
Source: [UP Government Press Release, May 2025].
Awards & Recognitions
National Anubhav Awards 2025
On 30 May 2025, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (MoPPG&P) announced the National Anubhav Awards 2025 winners.
Details:
- Winners: 5 awardees, 10 Jury Certificate recipients.
- Ceremony: 18 August 2025, presided by Dr. Jitendra Singh (MoS, MoPPG&P).
- Inclusivity: Includes retirees from Central Government, CPSEs, and PSBs for the first time.
- MoPPG&P:
- Union Minister: Narendra Modi.
Source: [MoPPG&P Press Release, May 2025].
Appointments & Resignations
Prashant Tripathy Steps Down from Axis Max Life
On 30 May 2025, Prashant Tripathy, MD & CEO of Axis Max Life Insurance, announced his early retirement, effective 30 September 2025.
Details:
- Tenure: Joined in 2007, became MD & CEO in 2019.
- Previous Roles: Genpact, GE Commercial Finance (UK).
- Company: Joint venture of Max Financial Services and Axis Bank.
Vikram Singh Mehta Named IndiGo Chairman
On 31 May 2025, Vikram Singh Mehta was appointed Chairman of InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo), replacing Venkataramani Sumantran.
Details:
- Background: IAS (1978), former Chairman of Shell India, board member of Mahindra & Mahindra, L&T.
- Awards: Asia House ‘Businessman of the Year’ (2010), Best Independent Director (2016).
Raman Aggarwal Becomes FIDC CEO
On 30 May 2025, Raman Aggarwal was appointed CEO of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), Mumbai.
Details:
- Role: Strengthen NBFC sector through policy advocacy.
- Experience: Former FIDC board member, advisor at Shriram Transport Finance, World Bank.
Acquisitions & Mergers
CCI Approvals on 30 May 2025
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved:
- Combination of JTPL, SCRTIPL, Solv-India, SCV-Master, Artal Asia.
- 100% acquisition of Dowlais Group plc by American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings.
- Merger and demerger of RPAL, MPPL, JKMPTL, JKMGAL.
- CCI:
- Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur.
Source: [CCI Notification, May 2025].
Obituary
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Passes Away
On 31 May 2025, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, passed away at 89 in Mohali, Punjab.
Details:
- Career: MLA (1977, 1980, 1985), Union Minister (2000–2004), Rajya Sabha (1999, 2010, 2016), Lok Sabha (2004).
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (2019), returned in 2020 (Kisan Andolan).
Source: [Punjab News, May 2025].
Important Days
International Day of Potato – 30 May
The UN’s International Day of Potato is observed on 30 May to highlight the potato’s role in global food security.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “Shaping history, feeding the future”.
- 2025: 2nd observance, coincides with FAO’s 80th anniversary.
- Background: UNGA Resolution A/RES/78/123 (2023), proposed by Peru.
Source: [FAO Press Release, May 2025].
World Vape Day – 30 May
World Vape Day is observed on 30 May to promote vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers.
Details:
- Theme 2025: “20 years of Facts – Vaping Works!”.
- Organizer: World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA).
- Background: Initiated to counter smoking-related diseases, precedes World No Tobacco Day (31 May).
Source: [WVA Press Release, May 2025].
Why Choose CrackTarget.com?
CrackTarget.com is your go-to platform for competitive exam success, offering:
- Daily Current Affairs: Comprehensive, exam-focused updates on governance, international affairs, finance, and technology.
- Structured Notes: Concise facts, figures, and context for prelims, mains, and interviews.
- Practice Resources: MCQs, mains questions, and quizzes to test knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Study plans and strategies for UPSC, BPSC, Banking, SSC, and Railways.
- Accessibility: User-friendly interface, available 24/7 for flexible learning.
CrackTarget.com ensures you stay ahead with targeted preparation, saving time and maximizing results.
Recent Exam Relevance
While specific questions from 30–31 May 2025 news are not yet reflected in exams (as the date is futuristic), related topics have appeared recently:
- UPSC Prelims 2024: Questions on Defence PSUs (e.g., HAL’s Navratna status) and geospatial policies (National Geospatial Policy).
- BPSC Prelims 2023: Agriculture schemes (e.g., PM Kisan) and WHO initiatives.
- Banking Exams (IBPS PO 2024): RBI regulations and NBFC roles.
- SSC CGL 2024: Environmental discoveries and international summits.
These trends highlight the importance of staying updated with cracktarget.com.
MCQs with Answers
- Which DPSUs were granted Miniratna Category-I status on 30 May 2025?
- A) HAL, BEL, BDL
- B) MIL, AVNL, IOL
- C) DRDO, ISRO, BHEL
- D) NTPC, ONGC, SAIL
- Answer: B) MIL, AVNL, IOL
- What is the theme of the 78th World Health Assembly (2025)?
- A) Health for All
- B) One World for Health
- C) Universal Health Coverage
- D) Global Health Security
- Answer: B) One World for Health
- Which platforms were launched by the Department of Posts on 31 May 2025?
- A) DigiPost, PIN Finder
- B) Know Your DIGIPIN, Know Your PIN Code
- C) e-Post, GeoPIN
- D) Digital Dak, PIN Connect
- Answer: B) Know Your DIGIPIN, Know Your PIN Code
- What is the duration of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025)?
- A) 10 days
- B) 15 days
- C) 20 days
- D) 30 days
- Answer: B) 15 days
- Which country’s university signed an MoU with Uttar Pradesh on 30 May 2025?
- A) USA
- B) UK
- C) Australia
- D) Canada
- Answer: C) Australia
- What is the theme of World Vape Day 2025?
- A) Vaping Saves Lives
- B) 20 years of Facts – Vaping Works!
- C) Say No to Tobacco
- D) Harm Reduction Now
- Answer: B) 20 years of Facts – Vaping Works!
- Who was appointed CEO of FIDC in May 2025?
- A) Prashant Tripathy
- B) Vikram Singh Mehta
- C) Raman Aggarwal
- D) Ramesh Narasimhan
- Answer: C) Raman Aggarwal
- What is the common name of the damselfly species Caliphaea sinuofurcata?
- A) Green Bronzeback
- B) Bearded Bronzeback
- C) Copper Damselfly
- D) Wavy Bronzeback
- Answer: B) Bearded Bronzeback
- Which satellite was launched by China on 30 May 2025?
- A) Shijian-25
- B) Shijian-26
- C) ChinaSat-10R
- D) TJS-15
- Answer: B) Shijian-26
- Who will confer the National Anubhav Awards 2025?
- A) Narendra Modi
- B) Rajnath Singh
- C) Dr. Jitendra Singh
- D) Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Answer: C) Dr. Jitendra Singh
UPSC/BPSC Mains Questions with Detailed Answers
Question 1: Discuss the significance of granting Miniratna Category-I status to MIL, AVNL, and IOL in the context of India’s defence self-reliance. (15 marks)
Answer: The grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL) on 30 May 2025 is a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Significance:
- Enhanced Autonomy: Miniratna status allows these DPSUs to make independent financial and operational decisions, such as investments up to ₹500 crore without government approval, fostering agility and innovation.
- Boost to Defence Production: MIL (ammunition), AVNL (armoured vehicles), and IOL (optical systems) are critical to India’s defence supply chain. Enhanced autonomy will streamline production, reduce import dependency, and meet the armed forces’ needs.
- Export Potential: With greater operational freedom, these DPSUs can explore international markets, aligning with India’s goal to achieve ₹35,000 crore in defence exports by 2025.
- Legacy of OFB Restructuring: Formed from the 2021 restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board, these DPSUs benefit from a modernized framework, replacing colonial-era inefficiencies with market-driven operations.
- Economic Impact: Increased production and exports will create jobs, boost MSMEs in the supply chain, and contribute to GDP growth.
Challenges:
- Ensuring quality and timeliness to compete globally.
- Balancing commercial goals with strategic defence needs.
- Addressing skill gaps in advanced defence technologies.
Conclusion: The Miniratna status for MIL, AVNL, and IOL strengthens India’s defence ecosystem, aligning with the Make in India initiative. Sustained policy support and technological upgradation will be key to realizing their full potential.
Question 2: Analyze the role of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) in transforming Indian agriculture and its alignment with sustainable development goals. (15 marks)
Answer: The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025), launched on 30 May 2025, is a 15-day campaign aimed at transforming Indian agriculture by reaching 1.5 crore farmers with advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
Role in Transforming Agriculture:
- Technology Dissemination: VKSA-2025 leverages 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and 113 ICAR institutes to bridge knowledge gaps, introducing farmers to innovations like CIFA Argu VAX–I (fish vaccine) and precision farming tools.
- Climate-Resilient Farming: Promotes practices like natural farming and Soil Health Cards, reducing chemical inputs and enhancing soil fertility, crucial for climate adaptation.
- Post-Harvest Management: Focuses on value addition and loss reduction, addressing the 20–30% post-harvest losses in India.
- Grassroots Engagement: 2,170 scientific teams cover 700+ districts, ensuring last-mile delivery of knowledge and resources.
- Fisheries Development: Innovations like CIFA Argu VAX–I support aquaculture, a growing sector contributing to Blue Economy goals.
Alignment with SDGs:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhances food security through increased productivity and sustainable practices.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Promotes climate-resilient farming, mitigating agricultural emissions.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Boosts rural incomes through value addition and market linkages.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): Encourages soil health and biodiversity conservation.
Challenges:
- Scaling innovations to small and marginal farmers.
- Ensuring affordability of advanced technologies.
- Addressing regional disparities in implementation.
Conclusion: VKSA-2025 is a transformative initiative aligning with India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Its success hinges on sustained funding, farmer training, and public-private partnerships.
Question 3: Evaluate the impact of the India AI Startups Global Initiative on India’s position in the global AI ecosystem and its economic implications. (15 marks)
Answer: The India AI Startups Global Initiative, selecting 10 Indian startups for a Paris-based accelerator programme on 30 May 2025, is a strategic move under the IndiaAI Mission to position India as a global AI leader.
Impact on Global AI Ecosystem:
- International Exposure: The programme at Station F and HEC Paris provides startups access to global mentors, investors, and markets, enhancing their scalability and competitiveness.
- Diverse Innovations: Startups like PrivaSapien (privacy AI), SatSure (earth observation), and NeuroPixel (image editing) address niche global challenges, showcasing India’s technical prowess.
- Collaborative Framework: Partnerships with European ecosystems foster knowledge exchange, aligning with India’s goal to lead in AI ethics and responsible AI.
- IndiaAI Mission: With a ₹10,300 crore outlay, the mission strengthens India’s AI infrastructure, supporting startups to compete with global giants.
Economic Implications:
- Job Creation: Scaling AI startups will generate high-skill jobs, particularly in tech hubs like Bengaluru and Delhi NCR.
- Export Growth: AI solutions for global markets (e.g., cybersecurity, edtech) will boost service exports, contributing to India’s USD 5 trillion economy target.
- Startup Ecosystem: Attracts foreign investment, enhancing India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index (39th in 2024).
- Sectoral Impact: AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, and e-commerce drive efficiency and growth.
Challenges:
- Retaining talent amidst global opportunities.
- Ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance.
- Bridging funding gaps for early-stage startups.
Conclusion: The initiative elevates India’s AI profile globally, fostering innovation and economic growth. Continued investment in R&D and international collaborations will solidify India’s leadership.
Question 4: Discuss the significance of the discovery of Caliphaea sinuofurcata in Arunachal Pradesh for India’s biodiversity conservation efforts. (10 marks)
Answer: The discovery of Caliphaea sinuofurcata, a new damselfly species in Arunachal Pradesh on 31 May 2025, underscores India’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.
Significance:
- Biodiversity Enrichment: As the second Caliphaea species in India, it highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s role as a biodiversity hotspot, hosting unique ecosystems.
- Ecological Role: Damselflies are bioindicators of water quality and forest health, aiding environmental monitoring in fragile ecosystems.
- Scientific Value: Published in Zootaxa, the discovery contributes to global entomology and informs conservation strategies.
- Conservation Awareness: Highlights the need to protect broadleaf evergreen forests at 1200–1300 m elevation, threatened by deforestation and climate change.
- Policy Support: Aligns with India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and National Biodiversity Action Plan.
Challenges:
- Habitat loss due to infrastructure development in Northeast India.
- Limited funding for taxonomic research.
- Climate change impacts on high-altitude ecosystems.
Conclusion: The discovery reinforces the urgency of conserving India’s biodiversity hotspots. Strengthening protected areas and funding research are critical for sustainable development.
Your message has been sent
Leave a comment