PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Key Development Projects Worth Over ₹66,000 Crore Across Maharashtra, Kerala & Andhra Pradesh.

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Maharashtra, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh (AP) from May 1–2, 2025, to inaugurate various developmental projects.

      - During his visit to Maharashtra, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind WAVES 2025, a four-day global summit held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The summit carries the tagline "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries."

      - It is organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) in association with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Main Point :-   (i) On May 2, 2025, PM Narendra Modi dedicated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation. This landmark project, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is worth Rs. 8,867 crore. Full-fledged operations at the port are expected to commence by the year 2028–29.

      (ii) Also on May 2, 2025, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple development projects in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with a total value exceeding Rs. 58,000 crore.

(iii) As part of this, he laid the foundation stone for 74 projects worth Rs. 49,000 crore, signifying a major boost to the state's infrastructure and growth initiatives.

Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary Leads Celebrations of 69th ED Foundation Day in New Delhi.

On May 1, 2025, Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, presided over the 69th Foundation Day of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi, emphasizing the agency’s strengthened role in combating financial crimes.

      - The event witnessed the presence of several senior dignitaries, including S.V. Raju, Additional Solicitor General; Rahul Navin, Director of the Enforcement Directorate; Special Directors Subhash Aggarwal and Prashant Kumar; and Naval Kishore Ram, Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

      - the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Established on May 1, 1956, the Enforcement Directorate operates under the Union Ministry of Finance. It is tasked with enforcing key financial laws, including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002; the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018; and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

Main Point :-   (i) Union Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary also unveiled the Enforcement Directorate's Annual Report for the Financial Year 2024–25 (FY25), which outlines a marked rise in the agency’s efforts to counter financial crimes across the country.

      (ii) During the event, 23 officers and zonal units were recognized for their exceptional service: Abhishek Goyal, former Special Director of ED, was awarded the President's Medal for Meritorious Service. Officials from various regions were honoured for their excellence in intelligence gathering, investigations, and field operations.

NITI Aayog Releases Report to Enhance MSME Competitiveness, Partners with GAME to Empower Local Entrepreneurs.

On May 2, 2025, the Government of India's (GoI) policy think tank, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), in collaboration with the Gurgaon (Haryana)-based Institute for Competitiveness (IFC), released a comprehensive report titled 'Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India'.

      - The report provides a strategic roadmap to unlock the potential of India's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through systemic reforms in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access.

      - Between 2020 and 2024, the proportion of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) accessing credit through scheduled banks increased from 14% to 20%, while medium enterprises saw an increase from 4% to 9%.

      - Despite this improvement, only 19% of MSME credit demand was met formally by Financial Year 2020–21 (FY21), leaving an estimated Rs. 80 lakh crore unmet.

Main Point :-   (i) On May 2, 2025, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) announced a strategic collaboration to foster entrepreneurship ecosystems across India.

      (ii) The initiative will start with pilot projects in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on place-based interventions to strengthen local entrepreneurship and support the growth of grassroots business ecosystems.

(iii) The projects will focus on place-based interventions aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs through ecosystem development.

President Droupadi Murmu Launches Key Initiatives for Senior Citizens' Welfare at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

On 2nd May 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attended an event titled “Ageing with Dignity – Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior Citizens” held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The event was organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to promote welfare schemes for elderly citizens.

      - During the event, several key initiatives were launched, all aimed at enhancing the well-being, dignity, and quality of life of senior citizens in India. The event highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to elderly care and inclusive development.

      - Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar (MoSJE), and Union Ministers of State, Dr. Ramdas Bandu Athawale and B.L. Verma, were also present at the occasion, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the central government towards senior citizens' welfare.

      - One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of the Senior Citizens Welfare Portal—a comprehensive digital platform designed to provide the elderly with seamless access to government schemes, healthcare services, welfare benefits, and updates on relevant activities.

Main Point :-   (i) President Droupadi Murmu also virtually inaugurated five new Senior Citizens Homes, located in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Wokha (Nagaland), Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), and Nainital (Uttarakhand). These facilities are backed by the MoSJE under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, ensuring a safe and dignified environment for the indigent elderly.

      (ii) As part of the event, the President also distributed Aids and Assistive Devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). This Central Sector Scheme is targeted at BPL (Below Poverty Line) senior citizens, offering mobility aids through ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), a PSU under MoSJE.

(iii) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) and the Brahmakumaris organization. This agreement reinforces a shared vision for inter-generational bonding, inclusive development, and the overall well-being of the elderly population in India.

Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav Inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav in Maharashtra and Unveils 'Yoga Sangam' Portal.

In May 2025, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy) organized 'Yoga Mahotsav', an event marking the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 at Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra.

      - The programme was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge), Prataprao Jadhav, Ministry of AYUSH and MoS, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

      - During the event, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav launched the Yoga Sangam Portal, a digital platform designed to facilitate online registration and support synchronized nationwide celebrations of IDY 2025 on 21st June.

      - Several dignitaries attended the event, including Murlidhar Bhagare, Member of Parliament (MP), Lok Sabha, Nashik; Devyani Suhas Pharande, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Nashik West; Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East; Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head of Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik; and Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

Main Point :-   (i) The Yoga Mahotsav in Nashik witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 6,000 yoga practitioners, celebrating the spirit of health and wellness. This large-scale event was part of the nationwide countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 and highlighted the growing public interest in holistic well-being. One of the major attractions was the live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) by instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), led by its Director, Kashinath Samagandi.

      (ii) Yoga Sangam is one of the ten Signature Events of IDY 2025 and symbolizes global solidarity for health and harmony through yoga. It promotes the unifying power of yoga and its relevance in everyday life. Notably, similar countdown events were earlier organized by the government on March 13, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (100-day countdown), and on April 7, 2025, at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (75-day countdown).

(iii) The Yoga Sangam Portal is an initiative designed to support the integration of yoga into daily routines. It focuses on practices like Pranayama (breath control) and Dhyana (meditation) through the Common Yoga Protocol. The portal offers easy access to resources and registration for synchronized participation in IDY 2025. Individuals can explore and register via the official link: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/vega-webues.

India and Denmark Renew Energy Partnership to Accelerate Net-Zero Emissions Goal.

In May 2025, India and Denmark renewed their long-term energy cooperation by signing a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening collaboration in the energy sector and reinforcing their shared commitment to accelerating the global clean energy transition.

      - The MoU was signed between Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India (GoI), and H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who holds charge of the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in New Delhi (Delhi).

      - The renewed agreement follows five years of successful collaboration under the initial MoU signed on June 5, 2020, which was originally set to expire on June 5, 2025.

      - This proactive renewal ensures uninterrupted dialogue and cooperation, supporting a smooth extension of joint efforts in energy development.

Main Point :-   (i) The updated MoU expands focus areas to include advanced power systems, integration of variable renewable energy (VRE), cross-border electricity trade, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure development.

      (ii) It also promotes increased knowledge sharing, including expert exchanges, joint training programs, and study tours, while aligning with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates 'Corporate Bhavan' in Kolkata.

In May 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who heads the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Corporate Bhavan’ located in New Town, Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).

      - The seven-storey facility is designed to bring various MCA offices under one roof, streamlining operations and improving the ease of doing business.

      - The building also features the country’s first Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre, established on the seventh floor in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

      - This centre is aimed at connecting eligible youth (aged 21–24) with internship opportunities, offering application guidance and support.

Main Point :-   (i) The facility will house multiple offices under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), bringing together key regulatory bodies to improve coordination and efficiency. These include the Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of Companies, Official Liquidator, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) – Kolkata Bench, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).

      (ii) The Corporate Bhavan will serve as a true single-window interface for stakeholders such as companies, insolvency professionals, auditors, startups, and investors, enabling quicker access to corporate regulatory services.

(iii) The seven-storey building has a built-up area of approximately 13,239 sq. metres and was completed at a total project cost of Rs. 150.43 crores.

Union Minister Amit Shah Unveils Statue and Renames Road in Honour of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.

In May 2025, Union Minister Amit Shah, who heads the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), unveiled a statue and participated in the renaming of a road and rotary in New Delhi (Delhi) to honour Bodofa Upendranath Brahma on his 35th death anniversary. The ceremony was organised by the Government of Assam.

      - The event was graced by the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other dignitaries.

      - As a tribute, a 9-feet life-size statue of Bodofa was unveiled, and the Lala Lajpat Rai Road in South Delhi was renamed to Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Marg. The newly renamed road spans 835 metres in length and is 50 feet wide, passing by Kailash Colony Metro Station and alongside the Bodoland Guest House.

      - The statue of Bodofa (meaning father or guardian of the Bodos) stands as a symbol of self-respect for the tribal society across India.

Main Point :-   (i) Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, a native of Assam, was a visionary leader and social reformer who dedicated his life to advancing the rights, identity, and empowerment of tribal communities, especially the Bodo community. His work was rooted in ensuring dignity and recognition for marginalized groups.

      (ii) He strongly believed in building an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of background, could live with dignity and secure their rightful place. Through his inspiring leadership, he brought attention to the social and cultural needs of the tribal population.

(iii) As a firm believer in non-violence, Brahma advocated peaceful activism and unity among tribal communities. His famous principle, "Live and Let Live," has become a unifying and enduring philosophy embraced across Bodoland and tribal societies throughout India.

IA and IAF's ALH Dhruv Helicopters Resume Operations Following Comprehensive Safety Review.

On 1st May 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, announced that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv variants operated by the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been cleared for operations.

      - The clearance follows a detailed assessment and recommendations by a Defect Investigation (DI) Committee, with a time-bound phased resumption plan already being implemented in coordination with the armed services.

Main Point :-   (i) The ALH Dhruv is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Over 340 units have been produced so far and are actively deployed across both military and civilian sectors in India.

      (ii) The earlier grounding of the fleet had a significant impact on military readiness, notably affecting the Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF, which missed Aero India 2025.

(iii) The resumption of operations comes after limited flying was restarted in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) following the Pahalgam terror attack.

USA Approves USD 131 Million Foreign Military Sale to India to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Maritime Security.

In May 2025, the United States of America (USA) approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth USD 131 million (approximately Rs. 1,090 crore) to the Government of India (GoI).

      - The agreement aims to bolster India's maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

      - The FMS deal is part of the broader Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) programme, which is a joint initiative under the Quad alliance comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the USA.

      - The agreement is expected to strengthen India-USA strategic relations and significantly improve maritime surveillance capabilities, contributing to peace and stability in the region.

Main Point :-   (i) The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), under the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), recently notified the U.S. Congress about the proposed Foreign Military Sale to India. The key components of the sale include SeaVision software (with requested enhancements), documentation access, remote software and analytic support, Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training, and additional logistical and program support services.

      (ii) The primary contractor for this proposed deal is Hawkeye 360, a U.S.-based defence company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. The firm will play a central role in delivering the software systems and training required to support India's maritime operations.

(iii) Strategically, the deal aims to enhance India's maritime domain awareness, improve its analytical capabilities, and strengthen its overall strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. It also supports the foreign policy and national security goals of the USA, reinforcing defence ties with India, which is recognized as a Major Defence Partner.

RBI Report: India's Total Exports Rise by 6.01% to USD 824.9 Billion in FY25.

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, released the latest ‘Data on Services Trade for March 2025’. According to the report, India’s total exports of goods and services surged to an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), surpassing the previous estimate of USD 820.93 billion (announced on April 15, 2025).

      - This represents a 6.01% increase from USD 778.1 billion in FY24, primarily driven by a record rise in services exports, which touched USD 387.5 billion in FY25, despite global trade uncertainties.

      - Services exports reached a record USD 387.5 billion in FY25, registering a 13.6% growth from USD 341.1 billion in FY24.

Main Point :-   (i) RBI data showed services shipments rose by 18.6%, touching USD 35.6 billion in March 2025, up from USD 30 billion in March 2024.

      (ii) The growth was majorly fueled by key sectors such as telecommunication, computer and information services, transport, travel, and financial services.

(iii) Non-petroleum merchandise exports also hit a new record, climbing to USD 374.1 billion in FY25, up 6% from USD 352.9 billion in FY24, marking the highest-ever annual non-petroleum merchandise export figure.

S&P Global Ratings Revises India's FY26 GDP Growth Forecast Downward to 6.3%.

On May 2, 2025, S&P Global Ratings (formerly Standard & Poor’s) released its report titled "Global Macro Update: Seismic Shift in US Trade Policy Will Slow World Growth". In this report, the agency revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.3%, a downward revision of 20 basis points (bps) from its earlier estimate of 6.5% made in March 2025.

      - The downgrade was attributed to rising uncertainties caused by the United States’ new tariff policies and the potential global repercussions. S&P warned that these trade disruptions could negatively affect global confidence, supply chains, and overall economic momentum.

      - India’s GDP growth projection for FY27 has also been revised downward to 6.5%, reflecting a 30 bps reduction from the earlier forecast of 6.8%. This shows a continued concern over medium-term growth due to evolving global economic conditions.

      - The report highlighted that increased US import tariffs and potential retaliatory actions by affected countries have introduced major risks to global trade, threatening to destabilize markets and slow economic recovery efforts globally.

Main Point :-   (i) S&P also forecasted that the Indian Rupee (INR) could weaken against the US Dollar, projecting the exchange rate to reach INR 88/USD by the end of 2025, compared to INR 86.64 in 2024. This anticipated depreciation is influenced by trade volatility and foreign exchange market pressures.

      (ii) Globally, S&P cut its economic growth projections by 30 bps for both 2025 and 2026. The agency now expects global GDP to grow at 2.2% in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026, which would represent the weakest pace of expansion since the global financial crisis, excluding the COVID-19 years.

(iii) In April 2025, several major institutions revised their GDP growth forecasts for India for FY26 in response to growing global trade tensions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced its projection by 30 basis points (bps) to 6.2%, while the World Bank (WB) lowered its estimate by 40 bps to 6.3%. Similarly, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) trimmed its forecast to 6.5%, marking a 20 bps cut, reflecting cautious optimism amid global economic uncertainties.

AIFF Awards 2024–25: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Recently Named Footballers of the Year.

In May 2025, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the winners of the AIFF Annual Awards 2024–25 during a ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

      - Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) defender Subhasish Bose from West Bengal (WB) was named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year for 2024–25. He became the first player from West Bengal to receive this honour since Syed Rahim Nabi in 2012.

      - Soumya Guguloth, a forward from East Bengal Football Club (FC) and originally from Odisha, was awarded the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2024–25. Notably, she became the first player from Telangana to win this title.

Main Point :-   (i) Brison Deuben Fernandes, midfielder of FC Goa, won the AIFF Promising Men’s Player of the Year award for 2024–25. He had an outstanding season in the Indian Super League (ISL), scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists.

      (ii) Toijam Thoibisana Chanu made history as the first-ever centre-back to win the AIFF Promising Women’s Player of the Year for 2024–25. She led the Sribhumi FC defence, helping them secure 3rd place in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) as a newly-promoted team.

Kozhikode in Kerala Recognized by WHO as an Age-Friendly City.

In May 2025, Kozhikode city in Kerala officially became a member of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC).

      - This recognition signifies Kozhikode’s commitment to developing inclusive policies, services, and infrastructure that support the well-being of elderly residents—helping them stay healthy, active, and engaged in their later years.

      - With this, Kozhikode becomes the second Indian city after Kochi (Kerala) in 2024 and the second city in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) after Wellawaya in Sri Lanka to join the WHO GNAFCC.

      - This is Kozhikode’s second international recognition, following the 2023 UNESCO City of Literature designation, further highlighting the city’s progressive approach to urban development and cultural inclusion.

Main Point :-   (i) Kozhikode Corporation earned WHO recognition through the implementation of several age-friendly policies. These include the establishment of daycare centres, creation of safe spaces for elderly engagement, and organization of seminars specifically designed for senior citizens. These initiatives have strengthened the city's support system for the aging population and enhanced their quality of life.

      (ii) With its inclusion in the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), Kozhikode Corporation will now have access to international best practices and guidance. This membership will help the city further develop elderly-friendly infrastructure and foster an inclusive urban environment that promotes healthy and active aging.

(iii) The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), established in 2010, connects cities and organizations globally to foster age-friendly environments. It promotes change through shared practices, global knowledge exchange, and evidence-based solutions. Coordinated by WHO’s SDH department and supported by IFA Canada, the network spans 1,705 cities in 60 countries, covering over 330 million people.

Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Appointed as Director General and CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).

In May 2025, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS), was recently appointed as the Director General (DG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

      - This marks Singh’s second tenure at IICA, as he had earlier served in the same role during 2017–2018. He replaces Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, a retired IAS officer, who was handling the additional charge of the institute since April 2024.

      - Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh has over 30 years of experience in finance, corporate law, governance, and public policy. He has served in key roles such as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and CEO of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA).

Main Point :-   (i) Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh has also been a Member of the Governing Body of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and served as Member Secretary of the Insolvency Law Committee from 2018 to 2021, contributing to key legal and structural reforms.

      (ii) He is credited with developing the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards and playing a critical role in reforming CSR rules to promote greater transparency and corporate accountability in India.

ECI Appoints Rakesh Verma as DG of IIIDEM and Ashish Goyal as DG of Media.

In May 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) made two significant appointments to strengthen its administrative and media-related functions.

      - A 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Punjab cadre, Rakesh Verma assumed charge as the Director General (DG) of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

      - Prior to this role, he served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), and held prominent positions in the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

Main Point :-   (i) A 1996-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), Ashish Goyal took charge as Director General (DG), Media, at the ECI. Before this role, he served as the DG of the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and also held additional charge as Director of the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.

      (ii) IIIDEM is an ECI-affiliated institute that trains election officials and promotes democratic practices globally.

Sanjay Khanna Takes On Additional Charge as CMD of BPCL.

On 1st May 2025, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Mumbai-based Fortune Global 500 company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), announced that Sanjay Khanna, the Director (Refineries), has assumed additional charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BPCL.

      - Sanjay Khanna succeeded G. Krishnakumar, whose term ended on 30th April 2025.

      - With over 30 years of experience in refinery operations, technical services, and project implementation, Khanna brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

Main Point :-   (i) As the Executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he was instrumental in commissioning BPCL's first niche petrochemical project – the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

      (ii) Sanjay Khanna is a Director on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited (BPRL) and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (RRPL).

(iii) He also serves as the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Former National Shooting Coach and Dronacharya Awardee Professor Sunny Thomas Passes Away.

In April 2025, Professor Sunny Thomas, the former National Rifle Shooting Coach of India and Dronacharya Awardee, passed away at the age of 83 in Uzhavoor, Kottayam district, Kerala. He was born in 1941 in Kottayam, Kerala.

      - In 2001, Professor Sunny Thomas became the first shooting coach to receive the prestigious Dronacharya Award, India's highest recognition for excellence in sports coaching.

      - Sunny Thomas began his association with shooting in 1965 when he joined the Kottayam Rifle Club. He was a five-time Kerala state champion and National Champion in 1976.

      - He served as an English professor before retiring from academia in 1993 to focus on coaching and He was India's national shooting coach for 19 years, from 1993 to 2012.

Main Point :-   (i) Under his coaching, Indian shooters won 4 Olympic medals, including India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal by Abhinav Bindra (10m Air Rifle, Beijing 2008).

      (ii) Indian shooters also earned medals in 6 World Championships, 50+ World Cups, 6 Asian Games, and 5 Commonwealth Games during his tenure.

Former Union Minister Girija Vyas Passes Away.

In May 2025, veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Dr. Girija Vyas passed away at the age of 79 in Ahmedabad (Gujarat). She was born in 1946 in Nathdwara, Rajsamand district, Rajasthan.

      - Dr. Girija Vyas began her political career in 1977 as the Udaipur District Congress Committee President.

      - She served three terms as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1998, and 2009.

Main Point :-   (i) Girija Vyas held key positions in both State and Union Governments:

      (ii) State Minister for Information and Broadcasting (1993-1996) under the P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

(iii) Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (2013-2014) under the Manmohan Singh government.

World Press Freedom Day Observed on 3 May 2025.

The United Nations (UN) World Press Freedom Day, also known as World Press Day, is observed annually on May 3, highlighting the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. May 3, 2025, marks the 32nd anniversary of World Press Freedom Day.

      - Theme for 2025: "Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media".

      - In 1993, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) officially proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.

      - The first World Press Freedom Day was observed on May 3, 1994.

Main Point :-   (i) The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for 2025 was awarded to La Prensa, a Managua (Nicaragua)-based newspaper, known for its resilience amid repression.

      (ii) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) for 2025, ranking press freedom across 180 countries. Norway topped the index, and India improved its position to 151st, up from 159th in 2024.

Question : Who was the senior Congress leader and former Union Minister who passed away recently?

Question : What is the name of the recently inaugurated global summit by PM Modi in Mumbai, Maharashtra?

Question : Who recently led the 69th Foundation Day celebrations of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi?

Question : Who recently partnered with GAME to promote local entrepreneurship ecosystems in India?

Question : What is the name of the portal that was recently launched to facilitate the synchronized celebration of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025?

Question : Which country recently renewed its energy cooperation agreement with India to accelerate the transition to clean energy?

Question : What is the name of the facility recently inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Town, Kolkata?

Question : Who recently unveiled a statue and renamed a road in honour of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma in New Delhi?

Question : Which organization recently announced the clearance of ALH Dhruv helicopters for operational use by the IA and IAF?

Question : Recently, according to the RBI report, what was the total value of India’s exports in FY25?

Question : Recently, what is S&P Global Ratings' revised GDP growth forecast for India for FY26?

Question : Recently Which player became the first from Telangana to win the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year award?

Question : Which Indian city was recently recognized by WHO as an Age-Friendly City?

Question : Who has been recently appointed as the Director General and CEO of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) in May 2025?

Question : Who has assumed additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)?

Question : Who was the former National Shooting Coach and Dronacharya Awardee who passed away recently?

Question : Recently, when was the 32nd edition of World Press Freedom Day observed?

Question : Who recently inaugurated key national-level initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens during an event held at Rashtrapati Bhawan?

Question : Which country has recently approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth USD 131 million to India?

Question : Who has been appointed as the Director General of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) ?