03rd-05th May 2025

1. Anthony Albanese Re-elected As Australian PM in Landslide Victory
2. India Helps Complete Key Magnet System for ITER
3. Lakkundi Group of Monuments Proposed for UNESCO Tentative List
4. India and Denmark Renew Energy Cooperation with a New MoU
5. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Appointed Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force
6. World Press Freedom Day 2025, Date, Significance, History
7. Mathew Kalarickal, India’s Pioneer of Angioplasty, Passes Away at 77
8. Kapil Dev Joins SoBo Mumbai Falcons as Brand Ambassador
9. Indigenous Dhruv Helicopter Cleared for Military Use After Crash Probe
10. Sunil Bharti Mittal Joins World Bank’s Investment Lab to Boost Job Creation
11. PM Modi Dedicates ₹8,800 Crore Vizhinjam International Seaport to the Nation
12. SBI to Power Banking Services at 26 Land Ports Across India
13. Vishnu Prasad Versatile Malayalam Actor Passed Away
14. MMA Debuts and Cricket Retained for Asian Games 2026
15. India Opposes Global Ban on Chlorpyrifos
16. New Military Leadership Takes Charge: Key Appointments in Indian Defence Forces
17. UK, Japan and Russia to Join Global Media Dialogue At WAVES 2025
18. CCI Greenlights Major Stake Acquisition in Coca-Cola India Arm by Jubilant and Goldman Sachs
19. CCI Approves KKR’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in HealthCare Global Enterprises
20. India Champions Global Chemical & Waste Governance at BRS COPs 2025
21. Sujata Chaturvedi Appointed As A UPSC Board Member
22. Amit Shah Unveiled Statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma
23. India’s Coastline Length Revised to 11,098.81 km Following Updated Methodology
24. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Inaugurates World’s First Energy Transmission Garden in Hyderabad
25. India Conducts First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia
26. UNESCO adds 16 new Global Geoparks, North Korea & Saudi Arabia features first time
27. Forbes India W-Power 2025: Dr. Gita Gopinath, Manu Bhaker & Payal Kapadia Featured Among 20 India’s Top Self-Made Women
28. SRFTI’s Film ‘A Doll Made up of Clay’ Makes its Entry to Cannes 2025
29. FAO Launches ‘AIM4Nature Initiative’ to Boost Global Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring
30. SBI Signed MoU with LPAI to Enhance Banking Services for Border Trade
31. Sa-Dhan Signed MoU with BoI to Enhance Financial Access for Small, Micro & Women-Led Enterprises
32. Former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi appointed as Chairman of new NSAB
33. Memoir titled ‘The Undying Light’ by Gopalkrishna Gandhi Released
34. International workers’ day 2025 – May 1
35. World Tuna Day 2025 – May 2
36. HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launches E-Kalyan portal of ESOMSA
37. Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary Leads 69th ED Foundation Day Celebrations in New Delhi
38. India & Denmark Renews Energy Cooperation Pact to boost Net-Zero Emission
39. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in Kolkata
40. IA and IAF’s ALH Dhruv Helicopters Cleared for Operations After Safety Review
41. USA Approved USD 131 Million Foreign Military Sale to India for Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
42. S&P Global Ratings Cuts India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.3%
43. AIFF Awards 2024-25: Subhasish Bose, Soumya Guguloth Named Footballer of the Year
44. Kerala’s Kozhikode Gets WHO Recognition as Age-Friendly City
45. Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Appointed as DG & CEO of IICA
46. ECI Appointed Rakesh Verma as DG of IIIDEM; Ashish Goyal as DG of Media
47. Sanjay Khanna Assumes Additional Charge as CMD of BPCL
48. Former National Shooting Coach & Dronacharya Awardee Professor Sunny Thomas Passes Away
49. Former Union Minister Girija Vyas Passed Away
50. World Press Freedom Day 2025 – May 3

National News

1. India to Host First Global Media Dialogue ‘WAVES’ in Mumbai

• What:
  • India will host the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time in Mumbai as part of WAVES, bringing together participants from over 60 countries.
• Why:
  • The Dialogue aims to promote international collaboration, share best practices, and explore ways for policy alignment, talent exchange, and capacity building in the global media sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
  • Delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including countries like Russia, Japan, UK, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, will attend at ministerial and senior official levels.
  • The outcome is expected to be a ‘WAVES Declaration’ reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in media and entertainment and setting the stage for future partnerships.

Source: PIB

2. Amit Shah Unveils Bodofa Upendranath Brahma Statue in Delhi

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue and named a road and rotary in New Delhi after Bodofa Upendranath Brahma on his 35th death anniversary.
• Why:
  • The event honors Bodofa Upendranath Brahma’s contributions and symbolizes respect for tribal identity and the development of linguistic and religious rights.
• Tell me more:
  • Amit Shah stated the statue honors not just Bodoland but all who strive for linguistic and religious development.
  • The Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and addressed the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Shah highlighted the 2020 Bodo Accord, noting that 96% of its commitments have been fulfilled.
  • Over 20 agreements in the Northeast have led to more than 10,000 surrenders and 78% resolution of agreed issues.
  • Assam’s industrial growth and the Northeast’s cultural diversity were also emphasized.

Source: PIB

3. India’s Coastline Officially Recalculated to 11,098.81 km

• What:
  • India’s coastline has been officially recalculated as 11,098.81 km, up from 7,561.60 km.
• Why:
  • The increase is due to a change in the methodology used for calculating the coastline length.
• Tell me more:
  • The new figure shows an increase of 3,537.21 km, nearly 50 percent more than the previous length.
  • The Union Shipping Ministry issued a circular with the updated measurement.
  • Earlier measurements since the 1970s used a different scale and method.
  • The Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee has discussed this issue since 2010.

Source: MEA

3. ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System

• What:
  • The government has clarified that there is no decision to launch a nationwide satellite-based tolling system from 1st May 2025 or to replace the existing FASTag system.
  • Instead, an ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be introduced at selected toll plazas.
• Why:
  • The clarification aims to address and correct misinformation and to inform the public about the actual toll collection plans.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHAI have not approved the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling.
  • This system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology along with the existing FASTag (RFID) system to identify vehicles and deduct tolls without stopping.
  • E-Notices will be sent to violators for non-compliance, and non-payment may lead to FASTag suspension and other VAHAN-related penalties.
  • NHAI has invited bids for installing the ANPR-FASTag system at selected toll plazas.
  • The decision on nationwide rollout will depend on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system.

Source: GOV

4. Corporate Bhavan Inaugurated as Single-Window Corporate Hub

• What:
  • Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the ‘Corporate Bhavan’ in New Town, Kolkata, to house various Ministry of Corporate Affairs offices under one roof.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to provide a single-window interface for companies, professionals, startups, and investors, making corporate regulatory services faster and more efficient.
• Tell me more:
  • Corporate Bhavan brings together the Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of Companies, Official Liquidator, SFIO, NCLT (Kolkata Bench), and IBBI.
  • The building is seven storeys high, with a built-up area of about 13,239 square meters and a project cost of around Rs 150.43 crores.
  • It is designed for energy efficiency, waste recycling, smart parking, and good indoor air quality with CO2 sensors.
  • The first-ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’ is located on the 7th floor, helping aspiring interns with information and applications.
  • The MCA CII PMIS Centre will connect eligible youth (aged 21-24) not in full-time education or employment to internship opportunities, with a dedicated three-member team for guidance and registration.

Source: ANI

State News

1. Lakkundi Monuments Proposed for UNESCO World Heritage List

• What:
  • The group of monuments at Lakkundi and nearby temples from the Kalyana Chalukya period are being finalized for inclusion in UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage Sites list.
• Why:
  • The proposal aims to recognize the architectural and historical significance of these temples and stepwells, which showcase an important phase in temple architecture.
• Tell me more:
  • INTACH is preparing the proposal with the Karnataka government and has selected key sites like the Kasi Visvesvara temple, Brahma Jinalaya, Doddabasappa temple, and others.
  • The monuments meet two UNESCO criteria: exhibiting an interchange of human values in architecture and representing an outstanding example of a historic building type.
  • The temples are known for their hybrid vesara style, blending Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija elements, and for large stepwells integral to their complexes.
  • Once on the tentative list for a year, a detailed nomination can be submitted for full World Heritage status.
  • Other Karnataka sites on the tentative list include Deccan Sultanate monuments, Srirangapatana, Hire Benkal, Badami, and Aihole groups.

Source: TH

2. 125th Birth Anniversary of Pujya Babuji Maharaj Celebrated

• What:
  • The Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness organized the closing ceremony of the 125th birth anniversary of Pujya Babuji Maharaj in Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to spread Pujya Babuji Maharaj’s message and highlight the impact of his work through various activities.
• Tell me more:
  • Telangana Governor inaugurated “Babuji Vanam,” the world’s first energy transmission garden featuring 40 species of medicinal and spiritually significant trees.
  • The garden includes eco-friendly features like water harvesting, acupressure pathways, a biodiversity patch, and a cow pen, promoting silence and inner stillness.
  • Rev. Daaji is the Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, which was founded by Pujya Babuji Maharaj.
  • Sahaj Marg is a meditation system designed by Babuji Maharaj that uses Pranahuti, a yogic transmission, for spiritual progress.
  • Two books were released: “Holy Tirthankars,” linking Jainism and Heartfulness, and “A Symphony of Love,” messages received during meditation.

Source: PIB

3. e-Kalyan Portal Launched for Pension Schemes in Himachal

• What:
  • Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the e-Kalyan portal to help eligible people apply online for various pension schemes run by the ESOMSA department.
• Why:
  • The portal aims to make it easier for needy people to get social security pensions without visiting government offices.
• Tell me more:
  • The e-Kalyan portal is part of Him-Parivar and is linked with databases like Him Bhoomi, Him Parivar, Aadhaar, and PDS ration card.
  • Applicants can apply directly or through Lokmitra Kendras by visiting the portal.
  • The e-Kalyan portal was developed by the department for the empowerment of scheduled castes, other backward classes, minorities, and specially abled (ESOMSA).

Source: TOI

International News

1. ITER Completes Main Magnet System for Fusion Reactor

• What:
  • Scientists working on the ITER project finished assembling the main magnet system, including the powerful Central Solenoid, for the Tokamak fusion reactor.
• Why:
  • The magnet system is needed to control and confine superhot plasma, aiming to demonstrate safe, carbon-free fusion energy at an industrial scale.
• Tell me more:
  • The Central Solenoid, built in the US, is strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier and will be assembled in France.
  • The magnet system weighs nearly 3,000 tons and is the electromagnetic heart of the Tokamak reactor.
  • ITER plans to produce 500 MW of energy from 50 MW input, using hydrogen fusion at over 150 million °C.
  • India contributed by designing and building the cryostat chamber, cooling systems, and heating technologies for the reactor.
  • The project involves more than 30 countries, with Europe funding 45% and India and other main members about 9% each.

Source: ET

2. India Opposes Global Ban on Chlorpyrifos at Geneva Meet

• What:
  • India opposed the listing of chlorpyrifos under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) due to food security concerns and lack of alternatives, even though the chemical is linked to health risks.
• Why:
  • The main reason for India’s opposition is concern about food security and the belief that there are not enough alternatives to chlorpyrifos for crop protection.
• Tell me more:
  • The POPs Review Committee (POPRC) recommended a global ban on chlorpyrifos with limited exemptions.
  • India requested 11 additional exemptions for different crops, more than what the committee suggested.
  • Many countries supported the ban, while some wanted specific exemptions for agriculture.
  • A contact group was created to negotiate and possibly reduce the number of exemptions.
  • Critics say India’s position may weaken global efforts to phase out chlorpyrifos, especially since India uses it widely.
  • Chlorpyrifos has been used in India since 1977 and is found in food samples.
  • Over 40 countries have already banned chlorpyrifos, and alternatives, including natural farming, are available.

Source: DTE

3. COPs to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva

• What:
  • An Indian inter-ministerial delegation led by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is participating in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva.
• Why:
  • The participation aims to support sound management of chemicals and wastes and promote global cooperation for environmental protection.
• Tell me more:
  • The theme of the high-level segment is “Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes.”
  • India highlighted its national laws and investments for implementing the conventions, such as the Environment (Protection) Act and E-Waste Management Rules, 2016.
  • The Union Minister attended a consultation on plastic pollution and discussed India’s ban on certain single-use plastics and Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic packaging.
  • India’s role in introducing a global resolution on single-use plastics at UNEA-4 was emphasized.
  • Bilateral talks were held with Switzerland on developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Source: PIB

4. FAO Launches AIM4NatuRe Initiative on Earth Day

• What:
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the AIM4NatuRe initiative with GBP 7 million funding from the UK to improve global ecosystem restoration monitoring and reporting.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to help countries track and report progress on ecosystem restoration, turning commitments into real and lasting results for people and the planet.
• Tell me more:
  • AIM4NatuRe provides technical expertise, innovative tools, and resources to countries for monitoring restoration activities like reforestation, wetland rehabilitation, and recovery of degraded lands.
  • The initiative supports Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
  • AIM4NatuRe will develop a global dataset, ensure data interoperability, and include Indigenous Peoples in the monitoring process.
  • A pilot project in Brazil and Peru will demonstrate the biocentric approach in collaboration with FAO’s Indigenous Peoples unit.

Source: FAO

5. US Approves $131 Million Maritime Security Deal with India

• What:
  • The United States approved a possible $131 million foreign military sale to India for Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness software and related equipment.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to enhance India’s maritime security and strengthen strategic ties between the two nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The sale includes advanced SeaVision software, software enhancements, training, remote support, and other logistics and program support services.
  • The Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress about the possible sale.
  • The principal contractor for the deal will be Hawkeye 360, located in Herndon, Virginia.
  • The sale will not change the basic military balance in the region.

Source: TP

Banking and Economy

1. SBI and LPAI Sign MoU to Boost Banking at Land Ports

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) signed an MoU with Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to enhance banking services at 26 land ports on India’s borders.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen border trade infrastructure and provide modern banking solutions to support growing trade and passenger movement.
• Tell me more:
  • LPAI operates 15 land ports in 8 border states with 11 more sanctioned, handling trade worth Rs 70,952 crore and 30.46 lakh passengers in 2023-24.
  • Trade at these ports has grown 15 times and passenger movement 18 times in a decade.
  • SBI will offer services like forex transactions, bulk cargo insurance, and digital banking, and provide LPAI staff with special salary packages.
  • The goal is to increase trade transactions from Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 2 trillion by 2030.

Source: BS

2. CCI Approves Jubilant Beverages’ 40% Stake in Coca-Cola Arm

• What:
  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Jubilant Beverages’ proposal to acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt Ltd (HCCH).
• Why:
  • The approval allows Jubilant Beverages to become a significant stakeholder in HCCH, marking a strategic move in the beverage sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Jubilant Beverages Limited (JBL) will acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt Ltd (HCCH) from Coca-Cola’s overseas holdings.
  • HCCH is a holding company of The Coca-Cola Company with no independent activities in India; its subsidiary HCCB handles bottling and distribution.
  • Jubilant BevCo Ltd and Goldman Sachs-backed investors will subscribe to compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) in JBL.
  • The deal aligns with Coca-Cola’s global asset-light strategy to divest bottling operations and is valued around Rs 10,000–12,500 crore.

Source: ET

3. Bank of India Signs MoU with Sa-Dhan for Microfinance

• What:
  • Bank of India and Sa-Dhan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve financing for small, micro, and women-led enterprises.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to support national financial inclusion and sustainable development goals by making finance more accessible to underserved groups.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU is a non-commercial agreement focused on areas like enterprise finance for SHGs and non-SHG members, climate-resilient technologies, green financing, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) financing, co-lending to MFIs, digital transformation, and financial literacy.
  • Digital platforms will be used for loan disbursement and monitoring.
  • The partnership will also raise awareness about government schemes, financial services, and social security among rural entrepreneurs.

Source: ET

4. Directorate of Enforcement Celebrates 69th Foundation Day

• What:
  • Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, presided over the 69th Foundation Day of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to highlight ED’s role in preventing and punishing economic crimes and to recognize achievements and contributions of ED officers.
• Tell me more:
  • The Jalandhar Zonal Office had the highest convictions, Hyderabad Zonal Office filed the most prosecution complaints, and Gurugram Zonal Office attached the highest value of properties in FY 2024-25.
  • Shri Rahul Navin is the Director of ED.

Source: PIB

GDP Forecasts

1. S&P Lowers India’s Growth Forecast to 6.3% for FY25

• What:
  • S&P Global Ratings cut India’s growth projection by 0.2 percentage points to 6.3% for the current fiscal year due to uncertainty over US tariff policy and possible negative effects on the economy.
• Why:
  • The revision was made because of risks from US trade policy changes and the potential for these to impact India’s economic growth.
• Tell me more:
  • S&P’s report is titled “Global Macro Update: Seismic Shift In US Trade Policy Will Slow World Growth.”
  • S&P expects India’s GDP growth to be 6.3% in 2025-26 and 6.5% in 2026-27.
  • In March, S&P had already lowered the FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% from 6.7%.
  • S&P expects the US economy to grow 1.5% this year and 1.7% next year.
  • S&P says the US tariff policy will affect countries differently: China is a special case, EU relations will be complex, and Canada will take a firm stance.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Army, Air Force ALH Dhruv Helicopters Cleared for Operations

• What:
  • The Army and Air Force versions of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, grounded since January, have been cleared for flying after a defect investigation.
• Why:
  • The clearance allows the armed forces to resume helicopter operations and address shortages caused by the grounding.
• Tell me more:
  • The helicopters were grounded after a Coast Guard ALH Mark-III crash in Porbandar, Gujarat, on January 5, which killed three crew members.
  • HAL, the manufacturer, followed recommendations from a Defect Investigation Committee and created a time-bound plan for resuming operations.
  • Civilian operators were also advised to ground their ALH helicopters until the cause of the crash was identified.
  • The Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team missed Aero India 2025 due to the grounding.
  • Army ALH helicopters resumed flying in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Source: TH

2. Indian Army, Air Force ALH Dhruv Helicopters Cleared for Operations

• What:
  • Indian Army and Air Force variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for operations after a detailed investigation into recent safety concerns.
• Why:
  • The clearance was given to resume operations following recommendations by a Defect Investigation Committee, after a crash led to grounding of over 330 helicopters.
• Tell me more:
  • Operations will resume in phases with a time-bound plan in coordination with the services.
  • The helicopters were grounded after a crash in Porbandar on January 5, which affected the operational readiness of the armed forces.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) issued a statement defending its platforms and criticized media and retired officers for “malicious” and “speculative” narratives.
  • HAL emphasized its collaboration with the armed forces and confidence in addressing critical issues.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. India Conducts First Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia A

• What:
  • India has conducted its first human clinical trial of gene therapy for haemophilia A at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore.
• Why:
  • The trial aims to treat haemophilia A by enabling blood cells to produce FVIII using gene therapy.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during the National Science Day 2024 event in New Delhi.
  • The trial used a lentiviral vector to express the FVIII transgene in the patient’s own haematopoietic stem cells.
  • The trial was supported by the Department of Biotechnology, the Centre for Stem Cell Research (a unit of InStem Bengaluru), Emory University, and CMC Vellore.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Women Leaders Honoured in Forbes India’s W-Power 2025

• What:
  • Forbes India’s W-Power 2025 celebrated 20 women leaders and achievers across business, finance, sports, entertainment, public service, and research.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to highlight and amplify the achievements of women who are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
• Tell me more:
  • Women hold only 19% of C-suite positions in India, while they make up 46% of entry-level roles.
  • The W-Power list includes names like Gita Gopinath (IMF), Renuka Ramnath (private equity), Sonia Dasgupta (JM Financial), Manu Bhaker (shooter), and Smriti Mandhana (cricketer).
  • The list also features IAS officer Mona Khandhar and Dr Pratima Murthy for their contributions in public service and mental health research.
  • Payal Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine As Light” won the Grand Prix at Cannes, a first for an Indian director in 30 years.

Source: FB

2. SRFTI Student Film Selected for Cannes 2025

• What:
  • The short film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” by students of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) has been selected for the La Cinef competitive section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival 2025.
• Why:
  • The selection aims to showcase outstanding fiction and animated films created by film school students worldwide.
• Tell me more:
  • The film is written and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student at SRFTI, and tells the story of a Nigerian footballer in India.
  • “A Doll Made Up of Clay” is among 16 films chosen from 2,700 submissions by film schools globally.
  • The La Cinef jury is headed by Maren Ade, with the awards ceremony on May 22 at the Bunuel Theatre during the festival from May 13 to 24.
  • The film’s production team includes Sahil Ingle (producer), Vinod Kumar (cinematography), Haru and Mahmud Abu Naser (editing), Soham Pal (sound), and Himangshu Saikia (music).

Source: HT

3. AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Honoured

• What:
  • Subhasish Bose was named Men’s Player of the Year and Soumya Guguloth was named Women’s Footballer of the Year at the AIFF Awards 2025.
• Why:
  • The awards were given to recognise outstanding performances in Indian football during the last season.
• Tell me more:
  • Subhasish Bose captained Mohun Bagan to win both the League Winners’ Shield and ISL Cup, becoming only the second team to achieve this double.
  • Soumya Guguloth scored nine goals and helped East Bengal win the Indian Women’s League (IWL) title.

Source: OC

4. Kozhikode Joins WHO’s Global Age-friendly Cities Network

• What:
  • Kozhikode city received membership in the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC).
• Why:
  • The membership aims to help Kozhikode support the elderly by making the city more age-friendly.
• Tell me more:
  • The network includes cities that create policies, services, and infrastructure for the well-being of older people.
  • Age-friendly measures focus on accessible public spaces, suitable accommodation, community support, healthcare access, and communication tools.
  • The GNAFCC is an initiative by the World Health Organisation to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. World Press Freedom Day – May 3

• Theme: Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media

Source: UN

2. World Tuna Day – May 2

Source: UN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Denmark Renew Energy Sector Cooperation MoU

• What:
  • India and Denmark signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and support India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
• Why:
  • The renewed partnership aims to ensure continued collaboration for clean energy transitions and seamless progress after the original MoU’s expiry in June 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The original MoU was signed on June 5, 2020, and was set to expire on June 5, 2025.
  • The new MoU was signed by Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Denmark’s Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen.
  • It emphasizes increased knowledge exchange, expert interactions, joint training sessions, and study tours between the two countries.

Source: ET

2. India and Denmark Renew Energy Sector Partnership

• What:
  • India and Denmark signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to support India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and continue clean energy collaboration.
• Tell me more:
  • The renewed MoU follows five years of successful partnership under the original MoU signed on June 5, 2020, which was set to expire on June 5, 2025.
  • The MoU was signed by Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Denmark’s Ambassador to India Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen.
  • The pact focuses on knowledge exchange, expert interactions, joint training, and study tours.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. Anthony Albanese Re-elected As Australian PM

Source: BBC

2. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Takes Charge as IAF Vice Chief

• What:
  • Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force.
• Tell me more:
  • Received Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Vayu Sena Medal (2008).
  • The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is the second-highest position in the Indian Air Force.

Source: PIB

3. Shreyas Iyer Named Icon Player for Sobo Mumbai Falcons

• Sobo Mumbai Falcons appointed Shreyas Iyer as their Icon Player for the 2025 season to lead the team in the T20 Mumbai League.

Source: UNI

4. Alkesh Kumar Sharma and Sujata Chaturvedi Appointed to Key Posts

• What:
  • Retired IAS Alkesh Kumar Sharma has been appointed as a member of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) and Sujata Chaturvedi as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• Why:
  • These appointments aim to fill important positions in PESB and UPSC for effective functioning of both bodies.
• Tell me more:
  • Alkesh Kumar Sharma’s term as PESB member starts from 17 April 2025 for three years, or until he turns 65, or until further orders.
  • Sujata Chaturvedi’s appointment as UPSC member is under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India.
  • Her tenure will be as per Article 316(2) of the Constitution and UPSC (Members) Regulations, 1969.

Source: ET

5. Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh Appointed DG & CEO of IICA

• What:
  • Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh has taken charge as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to strengthen IICA’s role as a think tank and capacity development hub under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Tell me more:
  • Shri Singh is from the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, 1992 batch, and has over three decades of experience in finance, corporate law, insolvency, CSR, ESG reporting, public policy, and e-governance.
  • He has served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CEO of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority, and Member of the Governing Body of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India.
  • He was Director General & CEO of IICA in 2017–18, leading its financial turnaround.
  • Shri Singh played a key role in implementing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and establishing institutions like NCLT, NCLAT, IEPFA, and IBBI.
  • He contributed to the launch and reform of the National CSR Awards Scheme and CSR Rules, 2014.
  • He chaired the Committee on Business Responsibility Reporting, which led to SEBI’s mandate on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting for top 1000 listed companies.
  • Shri Singh holds degrees from JNU, FMS Delhi, and Delhi University, and has international experience with UNDP Afghanistan.

Source: PIB

6. Rakesh Verma and Ashish Goyal Take Charge as DGs

• What:
  • Shri Rakesh Verma became Director General of India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), and Shri Ashish Goyal became Director General, Media in the Election Commission of India.
• Why:
  • The appointments were made to fill key leadership roles in IIIDEM and the Election Commission’s Media division.
• Tell me more:
  • Shri Rakesh Verma is a 1993 batch IAS officer from Punjab Cadre with a Computer Science and Engineering degree from IIT Delhi.
  • He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and as Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
  • Shri Ashish Goyal is a 1996 batch IIS officer with an MBA from Panjab University and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.
  • He was earlier Director General of National Museum, Ministry of Culture, and Director of Salar Jung Museum.
  • IIIDEM is based in New Delhi.

Source: PIB

7. BPCL New CMD Sanjay Khanna

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has appointed Sanjay Khanna, the current director of refineries, as the chairman and managing director.
• Khanna, a chemical engineer with extensive experience in refinery operations and project management, has held key positions within BPCL, including heading the Kochi and Mumbai refineries.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Mathew Kalarickal, India’s Pioneer of Angioplasty, Passes Away at 77

Source: TH

2. Malayalam film-television actor Vishnu Prasad passes away at 49

Source: IE

3. The Undying Light: Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s memoir on modern India’s making

Source: TH BS

4. Former National Shooting Coach Sunny Thomas Passes Away

• Sunny Thomas, former coach of the Indian national shooting team and Dronacharya awardee, died.
• Sunny Thomas served as national coach from 1993 to 2012, guiding India to major successes including Abhinav Bindra’s gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver in 2004.

Source: OC

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