14th May 2025

1. Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates BrahMos Aerospace Testing Facility in Lucknow, UP
2. India’s HLL Lifecare Limited Signed a Agreement with Maldives’s STO for Supply of Essential Medicines under PMBJP
3. Adani Group Launches India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Truck for Mining in Chhattisgarh
4. NLCIL signs MoU with IREL for Collaboration in Critical Minerals
5. India Topped Global PMI Rankings among Developed & Emerging Markets: JP Morgan
6. Sri Lanka Hosted the 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference in Colombo
7. QNB becomes 1st MEA Bank to Open Branch in India’s GIFT City
8. GDAI and SEPC Signed MoU to Boost India’s Gaming & Esports Sectors
9. India’s Adani Group & Bhutan’s DGPC Signed MoU to Develop 5,000 MW Hydropower Projects in Bhutan
10. Bhuwan Ribhu Becomes 1st Indian Lawyer to Receive WJA ‘Medal of Honour’
11. CWRDM’s Water Heritage Museum added to the WAMU-NET list
12. Chinese Researchers Developed First-Ever Asian Rice Pangenome to Enhance Climate Resilience
13. Ivan Zemlyanski and Alua Nurman Crowned Champions at 2025 Asian Blitz Championship in UAE
14. India Wins 7 Medals at Archery World Cup 2025 Stage 2 in Shanghai; Deepika Kumari Claims Bronze
15. Padma Shri Awardee Subbanna Ayyappan, Former DG of ICAR, Passed Away
16. Former Indian Footballer DMK Afzal Passed Away
17. Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-Winning Defender, Luis Galvan Passed Away
18. International Day of Plant Health 2025 – May 12
19. MP & Maharashtra Signed MoU for ‘Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project’
20. SBI, Private Lenders Sell 20% of Yes Bank to Japan’s SMBC for ₹13,482 Cr
21. Uttar Pradesh Expands ODOP Scheme with 12 New Products
22. CAQM Issues Fresh Directions to Curb Stubble Burning in North India
23. Deepika Kumari Clinches Bronze at Archery World Cup Stage 2
24. 8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025: Making Walking and Cycling Safer
25. UN Observes International Day of Plant Health to Safeguard Global Food Security
26. FaceAge: AI Tool Uses Selfies to Predict Biological Age and Cancer Outcomes
27. Union Minister Manohar Lal Inaugurates ‘Bharat Bodh Kendra’ at India Habitat Centre
28. US-China Trade Talks Conclude with Promising Deal in Geneva
29. Scientists Create First Pangenome of Asian Rice
30. Key Findings From Global Methane Tracker 2025
31. India and European Will Restart FTA Talks
32. International Nurses Day 2025, Date, Significance, Theme

National News

1. India-Maldives Sign Agreement for Essential Medicines Supply

• What:
  • India has committed to supply essential medicines to the Maldives through HLL Lifecare Limited under an agreement with the State Trading Organization Plc (STO) of Maldives.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to ensure a continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines across the Maldives and strengthen healthcare collaboration between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership is part of India’s Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), focused on providing affordable, high-quality medicines.
  • The Maldives faced frequent shortages of vital medicines, which affected patient care and strained the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
  • Emergency imports restored 99% medicine availability by April, but the new agreement provides a permanent solution.
  • HLL Lifecare has previously supplied critical medical supplies to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing its reliability in crisis situations.

Source: ANI

2. Ministerial Conference of RIMES Adopts Disaster Cooperation Declaration

• What:
  • The 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) adopted a Declaration to strengthen regional cooperation in disaster preparedness.
• Why:
  • The Declaration aims to reinforce collaboration among member countries for better disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The Conference was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 7th to 9th of this month.
  • India participated as co-chair and currently chairs the RIMES Council.
  • The Council Meeting on 7 May, chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, finalized the draft Declaration.
  • India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, reaffirmed India’s support for RIMES initiatives like the “Early Warning for All” program.
  • India expressed readiness to host the proposed RIMES Regional Centre.

Source: NOA

3. Bharat Bodh Kendra Inaugurated at India Habitat Centre

• What:
  • Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Bharat Bodh Kendra’ at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to foster awareness and appreciation of India’s rich cultural and civilisational heritage.
• Tell me more:
  • Bharat Bodh Kendra is a new section in the Habitat Library and Resource Centre at IHC, dedicated to Indian art, music, spirituality, history, philosophy, and related fields.
  • The facility will house a curated collection of books and resources for exploration and learning about India’s traditions and cultural discourse.
  • The centre is accessible to IHC members and is envisioned as a quiet space for study and reflection.
  • During the event, the minister appreciated IHC’s green initiatives and its role in promoting sustainable living.
  • The minister encouraged IHC to adopt more institutions to help implement environmentally conscious practices.

Source: TP

State News

1. Water Heritage Museum in Kerala Joins Global Network

• What:
  • The Water Heritage Museum operated by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) in Kozhikode has been included in the Global Network of Water Museums under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme.
• Why:
  • The inclusion aims to highlight Kerala’s water heritage globally and promote awareness about the cultural significance of water and sustainable water management.
• Tell me more:
  • The museum is the third such institution in India to join this international network.
  • The museum showcases Kerala’s indigenous water traditions and practices through curated exhibits.

Source: TH

2. UP Government Expands One District One Product Scheme

• What:
  • The Uttar Pradesh government has finalised category-wise budget allocations and a new action plan to expand the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme in 2025-26.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to deepen the impact of entrepreneurship, self-employment, and skill development across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The new roadmap includes financing for self-employment, skill upgradation, and toolkits for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
  • District-wise targets will be set, pending cases will be renewed and forwarded to banks, and approved loans will be disbursed.
  • Beneficiaries who established enterprises through the first phase of loans will be eligible for a second loan under an amended policy.
  • The ODOP scheme will be expanded to include branding, packaging, marketing, and quality enhancement.
  • Common Facility Center projects will be inaugurated in Unnao, Bijnor, and Gonda, with new projects planned.

Source: ET

3. Commission for Air Quality Management Orders Action on Stubble Burning

• What:
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management has directed neighbouring states to intensify patrolling and set up “parali protection forces” at district or block level to control stubble burning.
• Why:
  • The measures aim to eliminate paddy stubble burning and reduce air pollution in affected states.
• Tell me more:
  • States have been asked to increase patrolling during late evening hours as some farmers burn stubble at this time to avoid satellite detection.
  • Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are required to implement revised action plans based on thirteen recommendations from the Commission.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Eighth UN Global Road Safety Week Focuses on Walking, Cycling

• What:
  • The eighth UN Global Road Safety Week began on 12 May, with this year’s campaign focusing on making walking and cycling safer.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to encourage national and local actions to improve the safety of walking and cycling using evidence-based interventions.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign is an international initiative requested by the United Nations General Assembly and promotes a comprehensive safe system approach.
  • Actions can be taken by governments, international organizations, corporations, schools, communities, and civil society.
  • Safe walking and cycling help prevent road traffic injuries and reduce air and noise pollution.
  • These activities also support healthier societies by preventing noncommunicable diseases and improving mental well-being.
  • The World Health Organization’s Global Status Report for Road Safety 2023 highlights that pedestrians and cyclists make up over 30% of road traffic deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Source: WHO1 WHO2

2. US and China Reach Deal to Reduce Tariffs

• What:
  • The US and China reached an agreement to significantly reduce mutual tariffs and implement a 90-day pause on new trade measures after negotiations in Switzerland.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to ease trade tensions, stabilize world markets, and address the large US trade deficit with China.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement follows steep tariffs imposed by the US and retaliatory measures by China, which disrupted trade valued at over $660 billion.
  • Both countries agreed to cut reciprocal tariffs by 115% and set up a consultation mechanism for ongoing discussions.
  • The US will not unilaterally lower tariffs; China must also make concessions for reductions to take effect.
  • The talks were described as highly productive, with optimism expressed by both sides, but details of the agreement are yet to be released.
  • US ports are currently holding shipments from China as businesses await final tariff decisions.
  • Last month, the US raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, and China responded with a 125% tariff on US imports.

Source: LM

3. India, EU Begin Next Round of FTA Negotiations

• What:
  • India and the European Union have started the next round of negotiations for their free trade agreement, aiming to conclude an interim agreement soon.
• Why:
  • The talks aim to expand market access, reduce trade barriers, and complete the FTA in two stages to boost trade relations.
• Tell me more:
  • The first phase of the FTA is expected to be finalised before the year-end, with the second and final round deadline also set for the year-end.
  • The 11th round of negotiations will continue until May 16, focusing on faster implementation in areas with least differences.
  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently visited Brussels to meet his EU counterpart and discuss expanding market access and reducing non-tariff barriers.
  • India is also negotiating trade deals with the US and expanding its agreement with Australia.
  • India recently concluded key elements of an FTA with the UK, and the global trade environment is pushing for quicker deals.

Source: IE

Banking and Economy

1. Adani Launches India’s First Hydrogen Truck for Mining

• What:
  • Adani group has deployed India’s first hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh, capable of carrying 40 tonnes of cargo over a 200-kilometre range.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote cleaner transportation, reduce emissions, and support sustainable mining practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The hydrogen truck was flagged off in Raipur by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and will transport coal from the Gare Pelma III Block to a power plant.
  • The truck is equipped with smart technology and three hydrogen tanks and is being developed in collaboration with Indian and international energy technology firms and a major auto manufacturer.
  • Adani Enterprises is the mine developer and operator for Gare Pelma III, and the project is a joint effort between Adani Natural Resources and Adani New Industries Limited.

Source: ET

2. India Tops Global Manufacturing and Services PMI in April 2025

• What:
  • India has achieved the top spot globally for both manufacturing and services activity, as per JP Morgan’s latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report for April 2025.
• Why:
  • The high PMI figures reflect strong business optimism, robust domestic demand, and healthy economic growth in India.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s manufacturing PMI stood at 58.2 and services PMI at 58.7, the highest among both developed and emerging economies.
  • China’s manufacturing and services PMI figures were much lower, with manufacturing at 50.4 (Markit) and 49 (NBS), and services at 50.7 (Markit) and 50.1 (NBS).
  • The US, Eurozone, UK, and Japan reported lower PMI numbers, with the US manufacturing PMI at 48.7 and services at 51.6, indicating sluggish growth.
  • A PMI above 50 signals expansion, 50 means no change, and below 50 indicates a decline in activity.

Source: TOI

3. QNB Opens First MEA Bank Branch in GIFT City

• What:
  • QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has become the first bank from the region to open a branch in India’s GIFT City, Gujarat.
• Why:
  • The branch aims to support Indian corporates with global banking needs and expand QNB’s wholesale banking business in India.
• Tell me more:
  • GIFT City is Gujarat’s international financial hub and special economic zone.
  • QNB’s GIFT City branch will offer a multi-currency product suite for onshore and offshore clients.
  • QNB first entered India in 2017 and now operates as a Scheduled Commercial Bank with a focus on structured trade credit solutions.
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves exceed $650 billion, ranking it among the top globally.

Source: ET

4. AI Tool FaceAge Predicts Biological Age from Photos

• What:
  • Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence tool called FaceAge that uses face photographs to estimate a person’s biological age, reflecting how their body is ageing due to genetics, lifestyle, disease, and environment.
• Why:
  • The tool aims to improve survival predictions in cancer patients and support more objective decisions in cancer treatment and personalized medicine.
• Tell me more:
  • FaceAge was developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School and partners, trained on over 58,000 images of healthy people and tested on 6,196 cancer patients in the US and Europe.
  • The tool uses face detection and feature extraction to estimate biological age and showed stronger survival predictions in cancer patients than chronological age.
  • In metastatic cancer patients, FaceAge improved predictions when added to existing models, and doctors’ six-month survival predictions became more accurate when they used FaceAge data.
  • The study found that cancer patients appeared nearly five years older than their real age, and this gap was linked to worse survival outcomes.
  • FaceAge also showed genetic links to ageing and cancer, and researchers say it still needs more validation across diverse groups.
  • The study was published in The Lancet Digital Health.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. BrahMos Aerospace Plant Inaugurated in Lucknow

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace plant in Lucknow on National Technology Day.
• Why:
  • The plant aims to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing, boost missile production, and support border security and exports.
• Tell me more:
  • The ₹300 crore facility is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and can produce 80 to 100 BrahMos missiles annually.
  • BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPOM, focusing on next-generation supersonic missiles for India and exports.
  • The UP government provided 200 acres for the plant nearly free of cost, and the facility was completed in 40 months.
  • The UP Defence Industrial Corridor has attracted investment commitments worth ₹30,000 crore through 57 MoUs, aiming for ₹50,000 crore, with major companies like Bharat Dynamics, Adani Defence, Godrej, and L&T involved.

Source: BS

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. First Pangenome Assembled for Asian Rice Varieties

• What:
  • Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind pangenome by combining key genome parts from 144 wild and cultivated Asian rice varieties.
• Why:
  • The pangenome will help researchers develop new rice types with better disease tolerance and resilience to climate shocks.
• Tell me more:
  • The pangenome was made by analyzing both wild and domesticated rice genomes, revealing evolutionary and domestication pathways.
  • The study found 3.87 billion base pairs of new genetic sequences not present in the earlier reference genome.
  • A total of 69,531 genes were identified, including 28,907 core genes and 13,728 wild-rice-specific genes.
  • About 20% of the identified genes are unique to wild rice, offering valuable traits for future rice varieties.
  • The research mainly used PacBio high-fidelity sequencing technology and computational methods.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. International Day of Plant Health – May 12

• Theme: The importance of plant health in One Health

Source: FAO

2. International Nurses Day – May 12

• Theme: Our Nurses. Our Future

Source: N18

Sports

1. Asian Individual Blitz Chess Championship 2025 Concludes in UAE

• What:
  • Fourteen-year-old Ivan Zemlyanskii won the Asian Individual Blitz Chess Championship 2025, held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, remaining undefeated.
• Why:
  • The championship aims to recognize top chess talent in Asia and offer qualification spots for the FIDE World Cup events.
• Tell me more:
  • The event featured 111 players from 25 countries, including 30 grandmasters, and was organized by Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club under the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and FIDE.
  • Sina Movahed of Iran finished second, and IM Rudik Makarian (FID) was third; prize money for the top three in the men’s section was $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively.
  • In the women’s section, WGM Alua Nurman of Kazakhstan won with 7.5 points, ahead of GM Valentina Gunina (FID) and IM Song Yuxin (CHN); their respective prizes were $1,500, $1,000, and $500.
  • The tournament offered a total prize pool of $80,000, with the top ten men qualifying for the FIDE World Cup and the top two women qualifying for the FIDE Women’s World Cup.

Source: fide

2. India Wins Seven Medals at Archery World Cup Stage 2

• What:
  • India won a total of seven medals, including two gold, one silver, and four bronze, at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, China.
• Why:
  • The achievement highlights the strong performance of Indian archers at an important international event.
• Tell me more:
  • Parth Sushant Salunkhe won bronze in Men’s Individual Recurve and Deepika Kumari won bronze in Women’s Individual Recurve.
  • Madhura Dhamangaonkar won gold in the women’s compound event.
  • The men’s compound team of Abhishek Verma, Rishabh Yadav, and Ojas Deotale secured gold.
  • The women’s compound team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Madhura Dhamangaonkar won silver.
  • Madhura Dhamangaonkar and Abhishek Verma took bronze in compound mixed team; Rishabh Yadav also won bronze in men’s compound event.
  • The third stage of the World Cup will be held in Antalya from June 3rd to 8th.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NLC India and IREL Sign MoU for Critical Minerals

• What:
  • NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) to work together in the field of critical minerals.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to explore, assess, and develop mineral assets to strengthen mining, extraction, and refining of strategic resources in India and abroad.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement includes joint initiatives like identifying resources, acquiring mining assets, developing processing technologies, and setting up joint ventures.
  • Both companies will share expertise in mineral beneficiation and value chain development.
  • The MoU covers technical support, feasibility studies, and knowledge sharing related to critical minerals.

Source: TH

2. GDAI and SEPC Partner to Boost Gaming Sector

• What:
  • The Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) have partnered to promote collaboration and innovation in the gaming and esports ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to enhance cooperation between GDAI and SEPC in areas like investment, international promotion, industry engagement, skill development, and global market access.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed during the four-day WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) held recently in Mumbai.
  • The partnership will focus on key industry dimensions including investment facilitation and skill development.

Source: HBL

3. Adani Group Signs MoU for 5,000 MW Hydropower in Bhutan

• What:
  • Adani Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) to develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects in Bhutan.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to develop clean energy infrastructure and enhance regional energy security.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed in Thimphu by DGPC’s MD Dasho Chhewang Rinzin and Adani Green Hydro Ltd’s COO (PSP & Hydro) Naresh Telgu, in the presence of Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and other senior dignitaries.
  • This MoU builds on the ongoing partnership for the Wangchhu Hydropower Project, where DGPC holds 51% and Adani holds 49%.
  • DGPC and Adani also initialled the Shareholders’ Agreement for the Wangchhu Project.
  • The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s Renewable Energy Roadmap, which targets an additional 20,000 MW generation capacity by 2040.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Fisheries Expert Subbanna Ayyappan Found Dead

• What:
  • Padma Shri awardee and fisheries expert Subbanna Ayyappan was found dead in the Cauvery river near Srirangapatna, Karnataka.
• Tell me more:
  • Subbanna Ayyappan was known as the architect of India’s Blue Revolution, which enhanced fish production through scientific aquaculture.
  • He was the first fisheries scientist to serve as Director General of ICAR.
  • He held roles such as Director of CIFA, Director of CIFE, founding CEO of NFDB, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Vice-Chancellor of CAU.
  • At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
  • He received the Padma Shri in 2022 for his contributions to fisheries and agricultural research.

Source: BS

2. Former Footballer DMK Afzal Passes Away at 81

• DMK Afzal, former Indian football player and member of the 1962 Asian Games gold medal-winning team, died at the age of 81 after prolonged health issues.

Source: OC

3. Luis Galvan, 1978 Argentina World Cup Winner, Passes Away

• Former Argentina football defender Luis Galvan, a member of the 1978 World Cup-winning team, died at the age of 77.

Source: TH

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