Angolan President Joao Lourenco Pays First Bilateral Visit to India in 38 Years and USD 200 Million Line of Credit Announced.

President of the Republic of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco was on his four-day official visit to India from May 1 to 4, 2025, at the invitation of President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, media etc.

      - This visit marks the first bilateral visit of President Lourenco, who assumed office in 2017, and the first visit of a President of Angola to India after 38 years.

      - He met Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and held high-level delegation talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) During the meeting, PM Narendra Modi announced USD 200 million as Line of Credit (LOC) for the modernisation of Angola's armed forces.

      (ii) During the state visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to India, India and Angola signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

(iii) Republic of Angola joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA.

India’s Mining Sector Achieves Record Production in FY25 and Iron Ore Output Rises by 4.3%.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) released its provisional data, highlighting that India's mining sector witnessed strong growth in Financial Year 2024–25 (FY25), following record production levels achieved in FY24.

      - Key minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, and bauxite, along with non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper, recorded significant Year-on-Year (YoY) growth, reaching record production levels.

      - This continued growth trend reflects robust economic activity across user sectors including energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.

      - India ranks as the 2nd largest producer of aluminium globally, is among the top 10 producers of refined copper, and holds the 4th position in global iron ore production—highlighting its strong presence in the international mining and metals sector.

Main Point :-   (i) India’s mining sector witnessed record production in FY25, as per provisional data by the Ministry of Mines. Iron ore output rose by 4.3% to 289 MMT, surpassing 277 MMT in FY24. Manganese ore production grew by 11.8% to 3.8 MMT. Bauxite production increased by 2.9% to 24.7 MMT, while lead concentrate rose 3.1% to 393 THT.

      (ii) In the non-ferrous metals segment, India saw strong year-on-year growth in FY25. Primary aluminium production increased from 41.6 lakh tonnes in FY24 to 42 LT. Refined copper production grew by 12.6%, reaching 5.73 LT from 5.09 LT. Non-ferrous metals, which lack significant iron content, continue to play a vital role in supporting India’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.

(iii) These record production levels reflect high economic activity in core user sectors such as infrastructure, energy, construction, and automotive. India holds a key global position: it is the 2nd largest aluminium producer, ranks among the top 10 in refined copper production, and is the 4th largest iron ore producer, highlighting its strategic role in the global mining and metals landscape.

First Edition of WAVES 2025 Held in Mumbai and Secures Business Deals Worth ₹1,328 Crores.

Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first-ever World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The four-day event, organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), was held from May 1-4, 2025.

      - WAVES 2025 was held under the tagline "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries."

      - During WAVES 2025, PM Modi released special postage stamps to honour five great personalities of Indian cinema. These included filmmaker Guru Dutt, director Raj Khosla, filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, actress P. Bhanumathi, and music composer Salil Chowdhury.

Main Point :-   (i) At WAVES 2025, the MoI&B organised the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and ministerial participation from over 50 countries. During the GMD, 77 countries adopted the 13-point 'WAVES Declaration', focusing on promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

      (ii) During WAVES 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoI&B, announced the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), a National Centre of Excellence (COE) backed by Jio Star, based in Mumbai.

(iii) WAVES 2025 concluded with remarkable success, recording business transactions totaling Rs. 1,328 crore across various sectors.

Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu Granted In-Principle Approval for Greenfield Airports in Rajasthan and Odisha.

In May 2025, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), granted in-principle approval for the establishment of greenfield airports in Kota (Rajasthan) and Puri (Odisha).

      - These approvals are in line with the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible to the common man.

      - This decision underscores the Government of India’s (GoI) commitment to expanding and strengthening air connectivity across the nation.

      - Greenfield airports are aviation facilities built from scratch on previously undeveloped or vacant land.

Main Point :-   (i) In a significant move to boost air connectivity, the proposed airport in Kota (Rajasthan) will be developed in two phases, with a total investment of ₹1,507 crore. Kota, a key educational and industrial hub, will benefit from this development, catering to the growing population and economic activity in the Hadoti region. This project is a major milestone in enhancing infrastructure and making air travel more accessible.

      (ii) The airport project in Kota is expected to be a game-changer for the region, aligning with the government's focus on improving regional connectivity. It will serve as a vital transportation link for the people of the Hadoti region and help foster economic growth. The development reflects the government's commitment to providing air travel access to even the most remote parts of the country.

(iii) In addition, the proposed airport in Puri (Odisha), a prominent pilgrimage destination, will be developed in three phases across 1,164 acres, with a total investment of ₹5,631 crore. Puri, home to the sacred Lord Jagannath Temple, will see a significant boost in religious tourism and regional development. The new airport will improve overall connectivity and cater to the growing number of pilgrims and tourists visiting the region.

NMCG Approves Key Ganga Rejuvenation Projects During 62nd Executive Committee Meeting Held in New Delhi.

In May 2025, the 62nd Executive Committee (EC) Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director-General (DG) of NMCG, in New Delhi, Delhi.

      - The meeting focused primarily on promoting sustainability in river rejuvenation. Several key projects aligned with the mission’s goals of ecosystem restoration across the Ganga basin were approved during the session.

Main Point :-   (i) The EC approved the project ‘Conserving and Sustainably Managing Nathmalpur Bhagad (Wetland)’ located in Bhojpur district, Bihar, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.51 crore.

      (ii) This marks the 5th wetland project taken up under the Namami Gange Programme (NGP).

(iii) An additional approval was granted for a total funding of Rs 34.50 lakh for the project ‘Capacity Building Initiatives for Making Water-Sensitive Cities in the Ganga Basin’ to strengthen urban water governance and climate resilience.

Government Enhances Inland Waterways for Logistics and Signs Strategic Agreement with Rhenus Group.

In May 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rhenus Group, a global logistics major based in Germany, to strengthen India's inland waterways infrastructure.

      - This MoU enables Rhenus Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. to launch scheduled barge operations on key National Waterways (NWs) across India.

      - The collaboration is aimed at integrating global best practices to modernize and enhance the Indian Inland Water Transport (IWT) ecosystem.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the MoU, Rhenus will progressively introduce 100 barges, beginning with 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase. The operations are expected to handle over 1 million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.

      (ii) The MoU will also promote scheduled barge services and introduce innovative Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) solutions, with an eye toward long-term scalability and operational efficiency across India’s National Waterways.

MoRTH Notifies Nationwide Cashless Treatment Scheme 2025 for Road Accident Victims with ₹1.5 Lakh Coverage.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officially launched the ‘Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025’ across India. Under this scheme, any individual injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle on any road will be eligible for cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per accident per person.

      - The scheme came into effect on May 5, 2025, and aims to provide immediate financial support for accident victims, ensuring timely medical care without the burden of upfront expenses.

      - It reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety and post-accident emergency response systems.

      - To facilitate the successful nationwide implementation of the scheme, the Government of India has allocated ₹272 crore for the Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), enabling hospitals and trauma centers to deliver prompt and effective care to victims.

Main Point :-   (i) The Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025 will be implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) in collaboration with police departments, hospitals, and State Health Agencies. Each state's Road Safety Council will serve as the nodal agency, overseeing hospital onboarding, treatment coordination, and claim settlements to ensure seamless execution of the scheme.

      (ii) The main objective of the scheme is to provide life-saving treatment during the golden hour — the critical first hour after a road accident — to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. It covers up to seven days of treatment from the date of the accident, and treatment is accessible at designated government and private hospitals across India. If victims are taken to non-designated hospitals, only stabilisation treatment is permitted under the scheme.

(iii) The scheme is universal in nature, ensuring cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per accident per person, regardless of income, social category, or citizenship. This initiative promotes equitable healthcare access, especially in emergency situations, and underscores the government’s efforts to prioritise road safety and emergency response nationwide.

Tamil Nadu Leads India's Textile Exports in FY25 with USD 7.99 Billion Contribution.

In April 2025, Tamil Nadu (TN) emerged as the top textile exporter in India for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), contributing USD 7.99 billion—accounting for 26.81% of the country’s total textile exports worth USD 36.61 billion. This marks a significant increase from FY24, when TN's exports totaled USD 7.15 billion with a 20.78% share.

      - Following Tamil Nadu, Gujarat secured the second position in textile exports with a contribution of USD 5.64 billion in FY25. Maharashtra ranked third, recording exports worth USD 3.83 billion. These figures highlight the regional strengths driving India’s textile industry growth.

      - Key export categories driving India's textile exports in FY25 include Readymade Garments, which accounted for the largest share at USD 15.99 billion, followed by Cotton Products, valued at USD 12.06 billion, covering yarn, fabrics, made-ups, and handlooms. Man-Made Textiles contributed USD 4.87 billion, encompassing yarn, fabrics, and made-ups, while Other categories such as Handicrafts, Carpets, and Jute contributed significantly to the overall exports.

Main Point :-   (i) The Tiruppur knitwear cluster in Tamil Nadu played a key role in TN’s textile export success, contributing USD 4.69 billion (approx. Rs. 40,000 crore) in FY25. Known for its end-to-end supply chain from yarn production to garment finishing, it has attracted global buyers due to its efficiency and sustainable practices.

      (ii) Tiruppur's emphasis on price competitiveness and sustainability has helped it gain traction among global brands, enhancing its position as a leading exporter in India’s textile sector.

(iii) The European Union’s decision to end the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Bangladesh by 2027 has prompted global buyers to shift their sourcing to India, benefiting Tamil Nadu’s textile exports.

India Climbs to 130th Rank in UNDP HDR 2025 with Iceland at the Top.

On 6th May 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released its Human Development Report (HDR) 2025 titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," with the theme "Harnessing Digital Transformation to Advance Human Development."

      - India’s rank in the 2023 Human Development Index (HDI) stands at 130, with a score of 0.685, showing a positive shift of three places from 133 in 2022, with a score of 0.676. Iceland topped the list globally with a HDI score of 0.972, followed by Norway (0.970) and Switzerland (0.970).

Main Point :-   (i) India’s life expectancy rose significantly from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, marking a new high.

      (ii) The average years of schooling in India have increased from 8.2 in 1990 to 13 years in 2023.

(iii) India’s Gross National Income (GNI) has increased by over 53%, from USD 2,167.22 in 1990 to USD 9,046.76 in 2023.

SEBI Sets ₹1 Crore Minimum Investment and Mandates Demat Format for Securitised Debt Instruments.

In May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, introduced key regulatory reforms for Securitised Debt Instruments (SDIs). The new guidelines mandate a minimum investment threshold of ₹1 crore for SDIs issued by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-regulated originators and unregulated entities involved in securitization.

      - Additionally, originators must now have a minimum of three years of operational experience to participate in securitisation activities.

      - The amendments, issued under the revised ‘Issue and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments and Security Receipts’ regulations, are aimed at enhancing market integrity and protecting investor interests by ensuring originators maintain a stake in underlying assets.

Main Point :-   (i) For unregulated originators, a ₹1 crore minimum investment threshold applies even for subsequent transfers.

      (ii) Public offers of SDIs must remain open for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 10 days, with advertisement requirements aligned to SEBI norms for non-convertible securities.

(iii) SEBI also introduced an ‘Investor Charter’ for KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs), outlining services, investor rights, and grievance redress mechanisms.

Haryana Cabinet Approves ₹474 Crore Project for Artificial Intelligence Development.

In May 2025, the Haryana Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved the Haryana Artificial Intelligence Development Project (HAIDP) for the period 2025–2028. The project, backed by the World Bank (WB), has a total financial outlay of ₹474.39 crore and is designed as a strategic initiative to strengthen Haryana's position in the AI landscape.

      - The HAIDP is supported under a 70:30 funding pattern, where 70% of the funding will be provided by the World Bank and the remaining 30% by the Government of Haryana. This partnership reflects a strong commitment to leveraging external support for long-term AI-driven growth.

      - As part of the initiative, two major AI infrastructure hubs will be developed: the Global Artificial Intelligence Centre (GAIC) in Gurugram, and the Haryana Advanced Computing Facility (HACF) in Panchkula. These centers aim to facilitate research, innovation, and advanced technological development.

      - The HAIDP also aims to upskill more than 50,000 professionals in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science, helping to transition the workforce towards high-demand, future-ready competencies.

Main Point :-   (i) Another major focus of the project is to integrate AI into public administration and service delivery. Furthermore, the scheme promotes AI-based startups through incubation programs, shared facilities, and a nurturing ecosystem for innovation.

      (ii) The project will follow the Program-for-Results (PforR) model, where funds will be disbursed based on the achievement of predefined Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs). These indicators will be independently verified by an external agency to ensure accountability and transparency.

(iii) To manage the implementation of externally aided projects like HAIDP, the Cabinet also approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (HARTRON) will act as the Nodal Agency, overseeing the incorporation and operational framework of the SPV, which will function as a not-for-profit entity.

SBI Forecasts Retail Inflation to Fall Below 3 Percent in First Quarter of FY26.

In May 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based State Bank of India (SBI) released a report projecting that India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is expected to remain below 3% during the first quarter of Financial Year 2025-26 (Q1 FY26), covering April to June 2025.

      - This projection comes after CPI inflation fell to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest in 67 months, primarily driven by a sharp decline in food prices.

Main Point :-   (i) The report highlighted key insights on core inflation trends, noting that it increased from 3.28% in August 2024 to 3.77% in October 2024. It then remained steady, ranging between 3.6% and 3.7% from November 2024 to January 2025, before rising further to 4.1% in February and March 2025—marking the highest level in the past 15 months. When excluding gold, core inflation stood at 3.2%, which was lower than both the core and overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures.

      (ii) SBI estimates that nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY26 will be in the range of 9% to 9.5%, slightly lower than the Union Budget 2025-26’s projection of 10%.

(iii) SBI forecasts that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may consider aggressive rate cuts in FY26, potentially totaling 125 basis points, with 75 basis points in H1 FY26 and 50 basis points in H2 FY26.

Pulitzer Prize 2025: NYT Wins 4 Awards, New Yorker Secures 3, Doug Mills Wins for Breaking News Photography.

In May 2025, the Pulitzer Prize Board announced the winners of the 109th Pulitzer Prize (2025) across various categories, including Journalism, Books, Drama and Music, and Special Citations.

      - This year, The New York Times (NYT) won 4 awards in different categories, bringing its total Pulitzer Prize count to a record-breaking 139 since the awards were first presented in 1917.

      - Following closely behind, The New Yorker magazine secured 3 awards in categories such as commentary, feature photography, and audio reporting, with special recognition for its coverage of overseas wars.

Main Point :-   (i) The Pulitzer Prize is currently awarded in 24 categories, which are broadly classified into: Journalism (15), Letters, Drama, and Music (8), and Special Citation (1).

      (ii) Renowned American photographer Doug Mills of NYT won the 'Breaking News Photography' award for his powerful image capturing the attempted assassination of USA Presidential candidate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania.

Renowned Entrepreneur and Social Activist Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom Honored with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025.

In May 2025, Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, a renowned social worker and entrepreneur from Mumbai (Maharashtra), was honored with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025 by Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the Governor of Assam.

      - The award was presented during a grand ceremony organized by the Maitri Peace Foundation in Guwahati, Assam. Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, Managing Director of Care Takers Exterior and Interior Private Limited, received the award for his exceptional social activism and leadership in the building repairs and restoration industry.

      - Along with Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, eminent structural engineer Dr. Munir Khan, founder of Avon Consulting Engineers, was also bestowed with the award for his remarkable contributions to social initiatives promoting sustainable development and community welfare.

      - Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom, the Managing Director of Care Takers Exterior and Interior Private Limited in Mumbai, was recently conferred with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025 in recognition of his outstanding social activism and leadership. His previous honors include the Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award and accolades from the governors of Maharashtra and Telangana.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Munir Khan, a renowned structural engineer, was also awarded the International Buddha Peace Award for his significant contributions to social initiatives. Over his career, he has conducted more than 1,500 structural audits and restored over 300 buildings in cities across Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Thane.

      (ii) The International Buddha Peace Award, established in 2009 by the Maitri Peace Foundation, is an annual award that recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary efforts to promote peace, both within their communities and globally.

(iii) In 2024, Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of the Global Trade & Technology Council of India, was also honored with the International Buddha Peace Award for her contribution to peace and social development.

Union Minister L. Murugan Presents 10th National Community Radio Awards in Mumbai.

In May 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. L. Murugan from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) conferred the 10th National Community Radio Awards to 12 outstanding Community Radio Stations (CRS).

      - The awards ceremony was held during the 8th National Community Radio Conference at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

      - The event was organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). It was held on the sidelines of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 and served as a platform for over 400 CRS representatives to engage in dialogue and foster collaboration.

Main Point :-   (i) As of April 2025, there are 531 operational Community Radio Stations across India.

      (ii) The 10th edition of the National Community Radio Station Awards comprised 12 awards presented across four categories—Thematic Awards, Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards, Promoting Local Culture Awards, and Sustainability Model Awards.

(iii) These awards celebrated the exceptional contributions of community radio stations from diverse states including Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka for their impactful broadcasting and community outreach efforts.

Friedrich Merz Sworn In as Germany’s 10th Chancellor.

On May 6, 2025, Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a seasoned lawyer, was elected as the 10th Chancellor of Germany. He secured 325 votes out of 630 seats in the second round of voting in the Bundestag, crossing the required majority threshold.

      - In the first round of the secret ballot, Friedrich Merz fell short by six votes, receiving only 310 votes, while 316 votes were required for a simple majority to win the chancellorship.

      - Following his victory in the second round, the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, officially approved Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor of Germany in a formal ceremony held at the Bundestag in Berlin.

      - Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which won the February 2025 election in alliance with the Social Democrats, formed a coalition with a combined strength of 328 seats in the Bundestag. Notably, Merz became the first Chancellor in Germany’s history to initially lose a Bundestag vote before securing the position in a subsequent round. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to assume the office of Chancellor since Konrad Adenauer, Germany’s first post-war head of government.

Main Point :-   (i) Friedrich Merz, born on 11 November 1955 in Brilon, North-Rhine Westphalia, West Germany, served in the German Army before entering politics.

      (ii) He was a Member of Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and then served in the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, after which he took a break to pursue a legal career, becoming senior counsel at Mayer Brown and serving on various corporate boards.

(iii). Merz returned to active politics in 2018 and became the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 2021.

Prakash Magdum Appointed as Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

In May 2025, Prakash Magdum, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), officially took charge as the Managing Director (MD) of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), Government of India (GoI).

      - Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, NFDC works towards promoting excellence in Indian cinema. Prakash Magdum succeeded Prithul Kumar, who previously held the post of MD.

Main Point :-   (i) Before this appointment, Prakash Magdum served as the Additional Director General (ADG) at the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He brings extensive experience in the field of media and film communication.

      (ii) He previously served as the Director of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), located in Pune, Maharashtra. During his tenure at NFAI, he led the National Film Heritage Mission, a major initiative aimed at preserving India's cinematic legacy.

(iii) In addition to his contributions at NFAI, Prakash Magdum also worked as the Registrar of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, further strengthening his involvement in India’s film education and archival sectors.

AMSL Acquires IDL Explosives for ₹107 Crore to Boost Defence Manufacturing Capabilities.

In May 2025, Apollo Micro Systems Limited (AMSL), based in Hyderabad (Telangana), through its wholly owned subsidiary Apollo Defence Industries Private Limited (ADIPL), entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire a 100% equity stake in IDL Explosives Limited.

      - The acquisition, valued at ₹107 crore, involves the purchase of 78.65 lakh equity shares at ₹136.04 per share from Hyderabad-based GOCL Corporation Limited, which is part of the Hinduja Group. The transaction is expected to be completed within two to three months, pending regulatory and corporate approvals.

      - This acquisition enhances AMSL's defence manufacturing capabilities, allowing the integration of high-energy materials into its product offerings, specifically in artillery, missile systems, and high-impact weaponry.

Main Point :-   (i) AMSL's strategy aims to position the company as a Tier-I Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for weapon systems, supporting India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative by providing indigenously developed defence solutions.

      (ii) IDL Explosives, founded in 2010, has over 64 years of expertise in manufacturing bulk and packaged explosives.

(iii) The company has primarily served the mining and infrastructure sectors, furthering AMSL's goal to strengthen its position in the defence industry.

DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenously Developed MIGM.

In May 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), based in New Delhi, along with the Indian Navy (IN), successfully conducted the combat firing of the indigenously developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) with a reduced explosive payload.

      - The test was conducted under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI).

      - MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's defense against modern stealth ships and submarines by offering advanced detection and engagement capabilities.

Main Point :-   (i) The MIGM is a cutting-edge underwater naval mine that was developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

      (ii) The production of MIGM involves Visakhapatnam-based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Hyderabad-based Apollo Microsystems Limited (AML) as the key partners.

Indian Duo Wins U-19 Boys Doubles Title at WTT Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025.

In May 2025, Indian table tennis players Ankur Bhattacharjee and Abhinandh Pradhavadhi won the U-19 Boys' Doubles title at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025, held at Fashion Island, Bangkok, Thailand. They defeated South Korea's Lee Jungmok and Choi Jiwook 3-1 in the final.

      - Earlier, they secured a 3-1 victory over Australia's Won Bae and India’s Priyanuj Bhattacharyya in the opening round, and made a remarkable comeback from 0-2 to defeat Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama and Iran’s Benyamin Faraji 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

      - In the U-19 Girls' Doubles category, India’s Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick secured the silver medal, falling to Thailand’s Wirakarn Tayapitak and Phatsaraphon Wonglakhon in the final.

      - Divyanshi Bhowmick also won silver in the U-15 Girls' Singles, after a 1-3 loss to China’s Liu Ziling in the final.

Main Point :-   (i) In the U-15 Girls' Doubles, the Indian duo of Riana Bhootia and Ananya Muralidharan also bagged a silver medal, contributing to India’s strong showing at the event.

      (ii) In the U-19 Boys' Singles, Ankur Bhattacharjee reached the quarter-finals, defeating South Korea's Lee Seungsoo 3-0 before losing to Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama 0-3.

(iii) The total prize pool for the WTT Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025 was USD 15,000.

FC Goa Clinches Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Title After Defeating Jamshedpur FC.

In May 2025, Football Club (FC) Goa (FCG) defeated Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 3-0 in the final match of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to secure their second title in the tournament’s history. With this win, FC Goa became the first club to win the Kalinga Super Cup twice, having previously clinched the title in 2019.

      - The Kalinga Super Cup is India’s premier domestic knockout football tournament, organized by the New Delhi-based All India Football Federation (AIFF). The 2025 win marked FC Goa’s first title under head coach Manolo Márquez, concluding his term with a perfect finish.

Main Point :-   (i) Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera delivered an outstanding performance for FC Goa, scoring a brace with goals in the 23rd and 51st minutes. Serbian forward Dejan Drazic added to the tally with a third goal in the 71st minute, sealing a dominant 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final.

      (ii) For his stellar performance, Borja Herrera was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’. With this triumph, FC Goa qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, marking their return to continental football after 4 years.

International No Diet Day Observed on 6 May 2025.

International No Diet Day (INDD) was observed globally on 6th May 2025 to promote body acceptance, challenge diet culture, and raise awareness about the dangers of weight discrimination and fatphobia. This observance encourages individuals to accept their bodies regardless of shape or size and to develop a healthier relationship with food and self-image.

      - The symbol of INDD is a light blue ribbon, which represents body acceptance, eating disorder awareness, and the fight against diet culture. It stands as a global icon for the movement toward inclusivity and self-respect in matters of health and body image.

      - INDD was founded in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a British feminist and director of Diet Breakers, to spread awareness about the dangers of dieting and advocate self-acceptance. Her efforts laid the foundation for a global shift in how people perceive diet culture.

      - The first International No Diet Day was held on May 5, 1992, in London’s Hyde Park, where a group of women aged 21 to 76 attended a picnic wearing "Ditch That Diet" stickers to symbolize freedom from restrictive eating practices.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1993, the observance was moved to May 6 to avoid overlapping with Cinco de Mayo celebrations, allowing the movement to have its own identity. Over time, it evolved into a global campaign promoting body positivity.

      (ii) Originally observed in the United Kingdom (UK), INDD has now gained international recognition and is celebrated in countries like the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and across Europe and Asia, encouraging people worldwide to reject unrealistic beauty standards.

(iii) The goals of INDD include promoting body diversity, raising awareness of the risks of restrictive dieting, and challenging fatphobia. It also aims to debunk diet myths, promote intuitive eating, and encourage self-care and positive body image across all communities.

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