06th May 2025

1. IWAI and Rhenus Logistics Join Hands to Boost Inland Waterways Cargo Movement
2. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to Open Off-Campus Centre at GIFT City, Gujarat
3. India Set to Become 4th Largest Economy in 2025, Says IMF
4. India and U.K. Seal Historic Free Trade Agreement
5. Centre Notifies ₹1.5 Lakh Free Treatment Plan for Crash Victims
6. China Clinches 14th Sudirman Cup Title Despite An Seyoung’s Heroics
7. Prakash Magdum Appointed as New MD of NFDC
8. DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine
9. India’s First Edu City with Foreign Universities Coming Up in Navi Mumbai
10. Telangana Hosts Miss World 2025: A Global Stage for Culture and Tourism
11. India Strengthens Maritime Surveillance with HawkEye 360 Technology Deal
12. Govt Approves Greenfield Airports in Kota and Puri for Enhanced Connectivity
13. India-Italy Strategic Plan 2025–29 Gains Momentum at ADB Summit
14. Morgan Stanley Sees Bright Long-Term Prospects for Indian Equities
15. India-Maldives Strengthen Defence Ties through HADR Exercise
16. Andhra Pradesh Launches India’s First Transmedia Entertainment City ‘Creator Land’
17. India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Corridor Set to Span Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
18. India Lists First Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates on NSE
19. Pulitzer Prize 2025: Full List of Journalism Winners
20. World Asthma Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, and Global Significance
21. India Breaks Records in Mineral(Mining) Production in FY 2024-25
22. India Gears Up for Nationwide Civil Defence Drills Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
23. India Closes Chenab Water Through Baglihar Dam Gates
24. Operation Hawk 2025: CBI Cracks Down on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Networks
25. PM Modi Inaugurates Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar
26. Literacy Crusader Padma Shri K.V. Rabia Passes Away at 59
27. KCA Suspends Sreesanth for Three Years Amid Sanju Samson Controversy
28. Warren Buffett Step down As CEO of Berkshire End of Legacy
29. India Justice Report 2025
30. India Unveils First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
31. DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight of Stratospheric Airship Platform
32. Parameswaran Iyer to Represent India at IMF Board Amid Strategic Global Meeting
33. Overview of Angola President Joao Lourenco’s Visit to India from May 1-4, 2025
34. Angola Joins ISA; Signs Key MoUs with India during Presidential Visit
35. Lawrence Wong Leads PAP to Resounding Victory in Singapore General Election 2025

National News

1. IIFT Gets Approval for GIFT City Off-Campus Centre

• What:
  • The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) received approval from the Ministry of Education to open an off-campus centre at GIFT Tower-II, GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
• Why:
  • The new centre aims to train talent in MBA (International Business) and research in international trade to support India’s global trade ambitions.
• Tell me more:
  • The centre will offer IIFT’s MBA in International Business programme, short-term courses, and research in international trade.
  • Approval was granted under UGC’s 2023 regulations after IIFT complied with the Letter of Intent issued in January 2025.

Source: TOI

2. India-UK Sign Historic Free Trade Agreement

• What:
  • India and the United Kingdom have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after resolving key differences in London at the end of April.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to generate jobs, boost bilateral trade, attract investment, and deepen economic and commercial ties.
• Tell me more:
  • The FTA eliminates UK tariffs of 2–18% on Indian exports like textiles, footwear, automobile parts, electrical machinery, minerals, and base metals.
  • India will reduce tariffs on UK whiskey and gin from 150% to 75% immediately, and to 40% over ten years, and automotive tariffs from 100% to 10% under a quota.
  • The agreement includes a Double Contribution Convention exempting skilled Indian workers and their UK employers from social security contributions for three years.
  • The deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and create new export opportunities for labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, and gems.

Source: IE

3. MoRTH Notifies Cashless Treatment Scheme for Accident Victims

• What:
  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, effective from May 5, 2025.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to ensure timely and cashless medical treatment for all road accident victims, including the uninsured, during the critical golden hour.
• Tell me more:
  • Victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh at designated hospitals for up to seven days after an accident.
  • Designated hospitals must begin treatment immediately, while non-designated hospitals can only provide stabilisation care.
  • The State Road Safety Council will coordinate with the National Health Authority for implementation and payments.
  • The Centre will set up a steering committee for monitoring, chaired by the Secretary of MoRTH and CEO of NHA.

Source: IE

4. Indian Railways to Launch 10 New Trains from May 15

• What:
  • Indian Railways will introduce 10 new trains across major routes starting from May 15, 2025.
• Why:
  • The new trains aim to improve connectivity, reduce overcrowding, and offer better travel options for passengers.
• Tell me more:
  • The new services include express, semi-high-speed, luxury, and tourist special trains connecting cities, rural areas, and tourist destinations.
  • Key trains include Shatabdi Express (Delhi–Jaipur), Coastal Express (Chennai–Kochi), Himalayan Queen (Kalka–Manali), and Eastern Sunrise Express (Kolkata–Guwahati).

Source: BS

5. India, Italy Discuss Economic Ties at ADB Meeting

• What:
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Italy’s Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti in Milan to discuss strengthening economic ties and cooperation on global issues.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to enhance India-Italy partnership and cooperation on multilateral platforms, and to implement the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
• Tell me more:
  • The ministers discussed reforming Multilateral Development Banks to better serve developing countries.
  • Nirmala Sitharaman also met Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato to discuss the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
  • The Finance Minister addressed the 58th ADB Annual Meeting, highlighting India’s growth and vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Source: NOA

6. President of Angola Visits India After 38 Years

• What:
  • President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola is on a State Visit to India from May 1-4, 2025, marking the first visit by an Angolan President in 38 years.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen ties as India and Angola celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
• Tell me more:
  • President Lourenco is accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers, officials, business leaders, and media.
  • Discussions will be held with the President of India, who will host a banquet, and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will host a luncheon.
  • India and Angola signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas like traditional medicine, agriculture, and culture during President Joao Lourenco’s visit; Angola joined the International Solar Alliance and India approved a USD 200 million defence credit line for Angola.
  • Angola became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance by signing the ISA Framework Agreement.
  • India invited Angola to join global initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance.

Source: MEA ANI

State News

1. Shree Jagannath Airport Gets Approval for Puri

• What:
  • The Centre has given in-principle approval for a new greenfield airport named Shree Jagannath Airport in Puri.
• Why:
  • The airport aims to boost regional connectivity, economic growth, and make Puri more accessible to pilgrims and tourists.
• Tell me more:
  • The airport will be developed over 1,164 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore.
  • Construction will be done in three phases, with a capacity to handle 4.6 million passengers annually.
  • The civil aviation ministry also approved greenfield airports in Puri and Kota.
  • The airport will be developed under the Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008.

Source: TOI

2. Creator Land Transmedia City Announced in Andhra Pradesh

• What:
  • Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU to set up Creator Land, India’s first transmedia entertainment city, in the state capital region.
• Why:
  • The project aims to make Andhra Pradesh a global creative and digital hub, generate jobs, and attract large investments.
• Tell me more:
  • Creator Land was announced at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai.
  • The project is expected to create up to 25,000 jobs and attract Rs 10,000 crore investment over six years.
  • The city will focus on storytelling, films, gaming, music, virtual production, and AI-driven content.

Source: TOI

3. Cheetah Wildlife Corridor to Link Rajasthan and MP

• What:
  • Rajasthan will join India’s first cheetah reintroduction project through a new 17,000 sq km wildlife corridor connecting areas in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The corridor aims to provide cheetahs a protected and connected habitat for free movement and conservation.
• Tell me more:
  • The corridor will link Palpur Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh with Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
  • Seven districts in Rajasthan will be part of the project.
  • Of the total area, 10,500 sq km is in Madhya Pradesh and 6,500 sq km in Rajasthan.
  • An MoU between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is being finalized.

Source: IE

International News

1. Singapore General Elections 2025: PAP Wins, WP Gains

• What:
  • Singapore held its 2025 general elections where the People’s Action Party (PAP) led by PM Lawrence Wong won 87 out of 97 seats, and the Workers’ Party (WP) led by Pritam Singh won 10 seats.
• Tell me more:
  • Pritam Singh, an Indian-origin leader, was named Leader of the Opposition by PM Wong.
  • This is PAP’s 14th consecutive general election victory.

Source: IT

Banking and Economy

1. Morgan Stanley Positive on India’s Long-Term Growth

• What:
  • Morgan Stanley has reaffirmed a positive long-term outlook for Indian equities, expecting India to outperform in a global bear market.
• Why:
  • The view is based on India’s strong domestic fundamentals and relative insulation from global volatility.
• Tell me more:
  • The brokerage advises focusing on India’s domestic growth story and investing in domestically driven sectors during market stress.
  • Morgan Stanley prefers domestic cyclicals such as financials, consumer discretionary, and industrials, supported by credit growth, private investment, and rising demand.
  • Key catalysts include RBI’s dovish actions, GST rate cuts, a trade deal with the US, and lower food and oil inflation.
  • Morgan Stanley also favours financials in Singapore, India, Chile, UAE, and Japan.

Source: DD

2. India’s First Mortgage-Backed PTCs Listed on NSE

• What:
  • The country’s first mortgage-backed Pass Through Certificates (PTCs) were listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) by RMBS Development Company Limited.
• Why:
  • The listing aims to boost the housing finance sector and integrate housing finance with debt markets through securitization.
• Tell me more:
  • The PTCs are fully subscribed at ₹1,000 crore and backed by housing loans from LIC Housing Finance Limited.
  • 1,00,000 certificates with a face value of ₹1,00,000 each were issued.
  • The coupon rate of 7.26% was discovered via NSE’s Electronic Book Provider platform, with a maturity of about 20 years.
  • The PTCs are rated AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings and are issued in dematerialized form for secondary trading.

Source: DD

3. Strong Growth in Key Mineral Production in FY 2024-25

• What:
  • India saw record production of key minerals like iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, lead concentrate, aluminium, and copper in FY 2024-25.
• Why:
  • The growth reflects robust demand in user industries such as steel, energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.
• Tell me more:
  • Iron ore production rose by 4.3% to 289 MMT, manganese ore by 11.8% to 3.8 MMT, and bauxite by 2.9% to 24.7 MMT.
  • Lead concentrate production increased by 3.1% to 393 THT.
  • Primary aluminium production reached 42 LT, and refined copper grew by 12.6% to 5.73 LT.

Source: PIB

4. CBI’s Operation Hawk

• What:
  • CBI has dismantled cybercrime networks involved in online child sexual exploitation with international connections under Operation Hawk.
• Why:
  • The action was taken based on inputs received from the USA to stop online child exploitation activities.
• Tell me more:
  • The International Operations Division of CBI registered a case against two accused from Delhi and Mangalore under Indian laws.
  • Investigation revealed that the accused engaged in objectionable chats with minor girls from the USA using the social media platform ‘Discord’.
  • The accused intimidated a minor victim to continue sharing obscene images and videos.

Source: NOA

Reports and Indices

1. India Justice Report 2025

• What:
  • The 2025 India Justice Report found less than 1,000 women in senior police roles and no State or Union Territory met their own reserved quotas for women in the police.
• Why:
  • The report aims to track and rank States on the delivery of justice across police, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid.
• Tell me more:
  • Tamil Nadu ranked top in prison management with best officer workload and full budget use.
  • Karnataka is the only State that met quotas for women in both Police and Judiciary.
  • Bihar has the highest share of women in State police but 71% of court cases are pending for over 3 years.
  • 91% of Delhi’s prison population are under-trials.
  • 17% of police stations lack CCTV and nearly 30% lack women help desks.

Source: TH

Defence News

1. US Approves Sale of HawkEye 360 Technology to India

• What:
  • The US State Department has approved the sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India to strengthen maritime surveillance in the Indo-Pacific.
• Why:
  • The move aims to boost India’s maritime domain awareness, analytical abilities, and strategic posture against current and future threats.
• Tell me more:
  • The sale includes SeaVision software, training, analytic support, and logistics, with an estimated cost of $131 million.
  • HawkEye 360 uses satellites in Low Earth Orbit to detect and track radio frequency signals from ships, aircraft, and vehicles.
  • The system helps identify vessels that turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection.
  • It uses Electro-Optical, Infrared, and Synthetic Aperture Radar layers for better detection and verification.

Source: TOI

2. INS Sharda Conducts HADR Exercise in Maldives

• What:
  • INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in Maldives for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise from May 4-10.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to strengthen defence and maritime cooperation between India and Maldives and enhance readiness for disaster response.
• Tell me more:
  • The HADR exercise focuses on disaster response coordination, search and rescue, medical assistance, logistical support, joint drills, training, and community engagement.
  • The deployment aligns with India’s “MAHASAGAR” vision for security and growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
    • The MAHASAGAR vision was outlined by the Prime Minister in Mauritius in March this year.
  • The exercise enhances interoperability between the Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force.

Source: ET

3. DRDO Successfully Tests Stratospheric Airship Platform

• What:
  • DRDO conducted the first flight trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, reaching about 17 kilometers altitude.
• Why:
  • The trial aims to enhance India’s Earth observation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with indigenous high-altitude platforms.
• Tell me more:
  • The airship was developed by ADRDE Agra and carried an instrumental payload during the 62-minute flight.
  • Data from onboard sensors will help develop simulation models for future airship operations.
  • The flight tested envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, and the system was recovered for analysis.
  • Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the team for this achievement.

Source: TOI

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India Launches World’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• What:
  • India has introduced the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties developed by ICAR to improve yields and climate resilience.
• Why:
  • The new rice varieties aim to offer a safer and more acceptable alternative to GMOs and help farmers adapt to climate change.
• Tell me more:
  • The two rice types are DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) by IIRR Hyderabad and Pusa DST Rice 1 by IARI Delhi.
  • These varieties use CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 technology, which edits genes without adding foreign DNA.
  • DRR Rice 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1 showed 19% higher yields, 20% less greenhouse gas emissions, and better resistance to drought and salinity.
  • Kamla matures 20 days earlier, saving water and fertilizers, and keeps good grain quality.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1 can increase yields by up to 30.4% in saline soils and is suited for many Indian states.

Source: TP

Awards

1. Miss World 2025 Pageant Begins in Hyderabad

• What:
  • The Miss World 2025 pageant has started in Hyderabad, Telangana, with participants from across the globe.
• Why:
  • The event aims to showcase Telangana on the global tourism map and promote humanitarian values through the pageant.
• Tell me more:
  • The pageant will run from May 7 to May 31, 2025, at various locations in Hyderabad.
  • The opening, closing, and grand finale will be held at HITEX Exhibition Centre.

Source: N18

2. Pulitzer Prize 2025

• The Pulitzer Prizes are 23 annual awards given by Columbia University in New York City for achievements in the United States in “journalism, arts and letters”.
• They were established in 1917 by the will of Joseph Pulitzer, who had made his fortune as a newspaper publisher.

Source: PP

Important Days

1. World Asthma Day – May 6

• Theme: “Make inhaled treatments accessible for all”

Source: WHO

Sports

1. China Wins 14th Sudirman Cup Mixed Team Title

• What:
  • China defeated South Korea 3-1 to win the World Mixed Team Badminton Championships (Sudirman Cup) for the 14th time.
• Why:
  • The victory highlights China’s depth and dominance across all badminton disciplines in team events.
• Tell me more:
  • The Sudirman Cup is the World Mixed Team Badminton Championship.
  • An Seyoung is the reigning World and Olympic Champion in women’s singles.

Source: IE

2. Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Inaugurated in Bihar

• What:
  • The seventh Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) was virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Bihar, marking the first time Bihar is hosting a major multi-sport event.
• Why:
  • The event aims to reshape Bihar’s image, promote sports culture, and provide a national platform for local sporting talent.
• Tell me more:
  • Bihar has 38 Khelo India Centres, training 939 athletes across various sports like wrestling, football, and archery.
  • Bihar achieved its best-ever performance at the National Games with 12 medals, including one gold.
  • India’s men’s sepaktakraw team won its first-ever gold at the ISTAF World Cup held in Patna.

Source: PIB

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Inland Waterways Authority of India Partners with Rhenus for Cargo Transport

• What:
  • The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed an MoU with Rhenus Group to start scheduled barge operations on key National Waterways in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to boost inland water transport to drive sustainable development and economic growth in India’s hinterland.
• Tell me more:
  • Rhenus will introduce 100 barges in phases, with 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase, targeting over one million tonnes of cargo movement annually by 2025.
  • Operations will begin on National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak), including the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route, covering North, East, and Northeast India.
  • The collaboration leverages Rhenus’s European inland navigation expertise and a global fleet of over 1,100 barges.
  • Cargo movement via inland waterways in India has increased from 30 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 133 million tonnes in 2023-24, totaling over 779 million tonnes in the past decade.

Source: ET

2. Edu City and Film City MoUs Signed in Navi Mumbai

• What:
  • City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) signed MoUs with University of York (UK) and Western Australia University to set up offshore campuses in Navi Mumbai, and signed MoUs with Prime Focus and Godrej for new Film City projects.
• Why:
  • The aim is to establish India’s first educational campus for foreign universities and to create an advanced, technology-driven Film City, boosting education and employment.
• Tell me more:
  • Edu City in Navi Mumbai will host 10-12 foreign universities, including University of York and University of Western Australia, each investing Rs 1,500 crore and creating thousands of jobs.
  • Prime Focus will invest Rs 3,000 crore to develop a 200-acre AI-powered Film City in Mumbai, expected to generate 2,500 direct and over 10,000 indirect jobs.
  • Godrej Fund Management signed an MoU worth Rs 2,000 crore to set up a film, television, and media campus in Panvel, creating around 2,500 jobs.
  • The Film City projects will include advanced technology, an entertainment ecosystem from shooting to post-production, and facilities like hotels and amusement parks.
  • Maharashtra has launched the WAVES index tracking 43 audio-visual technology companies and plans to announce its AI policy soon, aiming to boost the state’s digital and entertainment ecosystem.

Source: IE

Appointments

1. Prakash Magdum Appointed Managing Director of NFDC

• What:
  • Prakash Magdum has taken over as the Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
• Tell me more:
  • Magdum has also served as spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • The National Film Heritage Mission focuses on preserving and restoring India’s film heritage.
  • The NFDC works for the promotion and development of Indian cinema.
  • FTII and NFAI are major institutions in Indian film education and archiving.

Source: TOI

2. Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire CEO

• Warren Buffett, aged 94, will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, with Greg Abel set to become the new chief executive officer.
• Greg Abel was named as Buffett’s successor in 2021.

Source: ET

3. Temporary Appointment of India’s Nominee Director at IMF

• What:
  • Parameswaran Iyer, India’s executive director at the World Bank, has been temporarily given the responsibility of India’s nominee director on the IMF board after the government ended Krishnamurthy V Subramanian’s tenure six months early.
• Why:
  • The move comes ahead of an important IMF Board meeting on May 9, which will decide on a $1.3-billion credit line to Pakistan and review its ongoing $7-billion bailout package.
• Tell me more:
  • India is expected to oppose the loan to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
  • Blocking or deferring assistance to Pakistan at the IMF requires broad support from other board members.
  • The IMF board has 25 executive directors representing various countries and groups, and usually approves proposals by consensus or, if needed, by majority vote.
  • The US holds the highest vote share at 16.5%, followed by China at 6.1%, India at over 2.6%, and Pakistan at 0.43%.
  • India’s executive director at the IMF also represents Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. KV Rabiya, Padma Shri Awardee and Social Worker, Passes Away

• What:
  • KV Rabiya, a well-known social worker from Malappuram, Kerala, passed away at the age of 59 after a brief illness.
• Tell me more:
  • She received the Padma Shri in 2022 and the national youth award in 1994.
  • Rabiya wrote her autobiography ‘Swapnangalku Chirakukal Undu’ in 2009.

Source: TOI

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