08th May 2025

1. World Thalassaemia Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance, Background
2. Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket
3. Biju Patnaik Memorial Unveiled in Delhi for Battle of Stalingrad Contribution
4. Tamil Nadu to Declare May 5 as Traders Day: CM Stalin
5. Argentina Mourns the Death of 1978 World Cup Legend Luis Galván
6. Indian States and UTs Sharing Borders with Pakistan
7. Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui in Talks for 51% Acquisition of Yes Bank
8. SBI Launches Largest Staff Engagement Initiative to Empower Workforce
9. FSIB Recommends Sanjay Joshi as CMD of Oriental Insurance
10. Moody’s Cuts India’s 2025 GDP Forecast to 6.3% Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
11. Friedrich Merz Becomes Chancellor After Overcoming Historic Vote Setback
12. “NMCG Approves Key Projects for Ganga Rejuvenation in 62nd Executive Committee Meeting”
13. TN Tops India’s Textile Exports in FY25 with USD 7.99 Billion Contribution
14. Haryana Cabinet Approves Rs 474 Crore AI Development Project
15. SBI Projects Retail Inflation Below 3% in Q1 FY26
16. Renowned Entrepreneur–Social Activist Dr. Mustafa Yusufali Gom Conferred the International Buddha Peace Award 2025
17. Union Minister L Murugan Conferred 10th National Community Radio Awards in Mumbai
18. Friedrich Merz Becomes Germany’s 10th Chancellor
19. Prakash Magdum appointed as MD of NFDC
20. AMSL Acquires IDL Explosives for Rs 107 Crore to Strengthen Defence Manufacturing
21. DRDO and IN Successfully Test Indigenously Developed MIGM
22. Indian Table Tennis Duo Clinches U-19 Boys Doubles Title at WTT Youth Star Contender Bangkok 2025
23. FC Goa Wins Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Defeating Jamshedpur FC
24. International No Diet Day 2025 – May 6
25. World Asthma Day 2025 – May 6
26. Border Roads Organisation Raising Day 2025 – 7 May
27. World Athletics Day 2025 – May 7

State News

1. Tamil Nadu Leads India’s Textile Exports in 2024-25

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu has remained the top textile exporting state in India for the 2024-25 fiscal year, increasing its lead over Gujarat.
• Why:
  • The state’s growth reflects improvements in logistics, port infrastructure, and government support for exporters.
• Tell me more:
  • Tamil Nadu contributed USD 7.99 billion to India’s total textile exports of USD 36.61 billion, capturing a 26.81% share.
  • Gujarat ranked second, while Maharashtra was third with USD 3.83 billion in exports, representing 12.84% of the national total.
  • Readymade garments led India’s textile exports at USD 15.99 billion, followed by cotton yarn/fabrics/handloom at USD 12.06 billion, and man-made yarns/fabrics at USD 4.87 billion.

Source: KNN HBL

2. Haryana Approves AI Development Project with World Bank Support

• What:
  • Haryana government has approved the Haryana AI Development Project (HAIDP) for 2025-28 with a total outlay of Rs 474.39 crore.
• Why:
  • The project aims to position Haryana as a national hub for AI-enabled development.
• Tell me more:
  • HAIDP will be implemented over three years with technical and financial support from the World Bank, following a 70:30 funding pattern between the World Bank and Haryana government.
  • The project includes setting up the Global Artificial Intelligence Centre in Gurugram and the Haryana Advanced Computing Facility in Panchkula.
  • It focuses on skill development for over 50,000 professionals in AI, machine learning, and data science, integration of AI in public governance, support for start-ups and R&D, and promotion of public-private partnerships.
  • A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be constituted for implementing externally aided projects.

Source: TW

Banking and Economy

1. SMBC to Acquire 20% Stake in Yes Bank

• What:
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan has agreed to acquire a 20% stake in Indian private lender Yes Bank.
• Why:
  • This acquisition marks the largest cross-border merger and acquisition deal in India’s financial sector.
• Tell me more:
  • SMBC will purchase a 13.19% stake from State Bank of India and a total of 6.81% from Axis Bank, Bandhan Bank, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank Limited, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
  • State Bank of India currently holds a 24% stake in Yes Bank due to a regulator-led restructuring in March 2020.
  • ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and Life Insurance Corporation of India together hold an 11.34% stake in Yes Bank.

Source: ET

2. SBI Launches ‘Next LEAP’ Staff Engagement Programme

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘Next LEAP’, a staff engagement programme to prepare employees for future challenges and strengthen pride in the bank’s legacy.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to boost productivity and operational efficiency by equipping employees with new-age skills.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI introduced a learning management system (LMS) to align employee development with future skill requirements and ensure continuous learning.
  • The bank is conducting its largest recruitment drive in a decade, planning to hire around 18,000 new employees in FY26, including 1,600 system officers and a large number of clerical and probationary officers.
  • SBI’s mass training initiative ‘SuPer SBI: Great to Greater’ has trained over 1.75 lakh employees, focusing on knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed in banking.
  • A digital, data-driven performance assessment system has been set up to standardise employee evaluations and reward high performers.
  • The bank has implemented a succession planning policy for senior executives to ensure smooth leadership transitions and nurture internal talent.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Apollo Micro Systems to Acquire 100% Stake in IDL Explosives

• What:
  • Apollo Micro Systems Limited, through its subsidiary Apollo Defence Industries Private Limited, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% ownership of IDL Explosives Limited for ₹107 crore.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to integrate explosives into Apollo’s defence manufacturing and strengthen its position as a Tier-I Original Equipment Manufacturer for weapon systems.
• Tell me more:
  • IDL Explosives is part of Hinduja Group’s GOCL Corporation and mainly serves the mining and infrastructure sectors with industrial-grade explosives.
  • The deal involves buying 78.65 lakh equity shares at ₹136.04 per share in an all-cash transaction, with completion expected in two to three months after approvals.
  • IDL Explosives reported a turnover of ₹623 crore in FY24, and Apollo plans to use this acquisition to expand its offerings in artillery, missile, and high-impact weapon domains.

Source: ET

2. DRDO, Indian Navy Successfully Test Multi-Influence Ground Mine

• What:
  • DRDO and Indian Navy have successfully conducted combat firing of the indigenously developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM).
• Why:
  • The system is designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines.
• Tell me more:
  • MIGM was developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, with support from DRDO labs in Pune and Chandigarh.
  • Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for MIGM.
  • The system is now ready for induction into the Indian Navy after successful validation trials.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Memorial Plaque for Biju Patnaik Unveiled at Russian Embassy

• What:
  • A memorial plaque was inaugurated at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi to honour Biju Patnaik’s role in the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II.
• Why:
  • The plaque recognises Biju Patnaik’s bravery and contribution as a pilot who supplied the Red Army in Stalingrad.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration was done by former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov.
  • Biju Patnaik flew several missions as a Royal Indian Air Force pilot to deliver supplies to the besieged Red Army in Stalingrad.
  • The Battle of Stalingrad was a major turning point in World War II, with the Red Army eventually defeating the German forces.

Source: IE

2. Dr Mustafa Yusufali Gom Receives International Buddha Peace Award 2025

• What:
  • Dr Mustafa Yusufali Gom, a social worker and entrepreneur, was conferred with the International Buddha Peace Award 2025 by the Maitry Peace Foundation.
• Why:
  • The award recognises Dr Gom’s remarkable social activism, leadership in the building repairs and restoration industry, and his contribution to peace and community welfare.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony was held in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who also presented the Gaurav Shree Samman.
  • Dr Gom is the Managing Director of Care Takers Exterior and Interior Pvt Ltd and is known for blending professional excellence with compassion-driven community development.
  • The event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to promote peace and harmony, inspired by the teachings of Sayedna Muffadal Saifuddin sahab.

Source: TOI

3. 8th National Community Radio Conference Held in Mumbai

• What:
  • The 8th National Community Radio Conference was organised by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Mumbai, alongside the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan honoured 12 outstanding community radio stations with the 10th National Community Radio Awards.
  • The event brought together representatives from over 400 community radio stations, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
  • The conference highlighted the role of community radio in public communication, awareness generation, and social development, including promotion of Indian tradition, culture, and government initiatives.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. World Thalassaemia Day – May 8

• Theme: “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients”

Source: WTD

2. International No Diet Day 2025 – May 6

3. World Asthma Day 2025 – May 6

• Theme: Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for ALL

Source: WHO

4. Border Roads Organisation Raising Day 2025 – May 7

5. World Athletics Day 2025 – May 7

Sports

1. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Announce Retirement from Test Cricket

Source: N18

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

• What:
  • Ankur Bhattacharjee and Abhinandh Pradhavadhi won the U-19 boys doubles title at the WTT Youth Star Contender in Bangkok by defeating Korea’s Lee Jungmok and Choi Jiwook 3-1 in the final.
• Tell me more:
  • The pair overcame Australia’s Won Bae and India’s Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 3-1 in the opening round and made a comeback from 0-2 down to beat Japan’s Kazuki Yoshiyama and Iran’s Benyamin Faraji 3-2 in the quarter-finals.
  • In singles, Ankur Bhattacharjee won his first match but lost in the quarter-finals, while in U-19 girls’ doubles, Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick reached the final but lost to Thailand’s pair.
  • Divyanshi Bhowmick also finished runner-up in U-15 girls’ singles, and Riana Bhoota with Ananya Muralidharan were runners-up in U-15 girls’ doubles.

Source: NOA

3. FC Goa Wins Kalinga Super Cup, Secures AFC ACL2 Spot

• What:
  • FC Goa won the Kalinga Super Cup with a 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC, earning a place in the AFC ACL2 tournament.
• Why:
  • The win secured FC Goa’s qualification for their second continental appearance and marked a major achievement for the club.
• Tell me more:
  • The final was played in Bhubaneswar, where FC Goa’s Borja Herrera scored two goals and Dejan Drazic added one.
  • This was coach Manolo Marquez’s last match with FC Goa, and the team wore black armbands to honor victims of the Lairai Devi Temple in Goa.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Germany’s New Chancellor Friedrich Merz

• He is the 10th Chancellor of Germany.

Source: BBC

Miscellaneous

1. Former Argentina Footballer Luis Galvan Passes Away

• Luis Galvan, member of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning football team, has died at the age of 77.

Source: TH

Start Quiz of 08th May 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 08th May 2025 on Desktop