15th May 2025

1. The International Day of Families 2025, Date, Significance, Wishes
2. Harvansh Chawla Takes Charge as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry
3. DST and DRDO Join Hands to Strengthen India’s Space Surveillance
4. India Shines at Archery World Cup 2025 with 7 Medals
5. Cabinet Approves Rs 3,706 Cr HCL-Foxconn Chip Plant in Jewar
6. Centre Allocates 2.8 Million Tonnes More FCI Rice for Ethanol
7. Western Regional Power Conference Highlights Push for Smart Metering and Green Energy Zones
8. IWAI Opens Srinagar Office to Boost Inland Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir
9. India Records 9.2% Drop in Coal Imports During April 2024–February 2025
10. Padma Shri Scientist Subbanna Ayyappan Found Dead in Cauvery River
11. 78th Cannes Film Festival Opens with Tributes, Art, and a Call for Freedom
12. Canara and Union Bank Unveil Tailored Deposit Products to Boost Mobilization
13. US and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic $142 Billion Arms Deal During Trump’s Riyadh Visit
14. India Rolls Over $50 Million Treasury Bill to Support Debt-Ridden Maldives
15. Bill Gates Pledges to Give Away 99% of His Fortune by 2045
16. Maharashtra Launches Policy to Promote Artificial Sand Use
17. Cyclone Shakti Forms Over Andaman Sea: Latest Updates, Path, Impact, and Rainfall Forecast
18. Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar Takes Charge at UPSC
19. Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates First 3nm Semiconductor Design Hubs in Noida and Bengaluru
20. Maharashtra Topped Among Indian States with Highest GST Revenue in FY25
21. IWAI Established its New Office in Srinagar to Develop River Navigation Infrastructure in J&K
22. Indore Becomes the India’s First Beggar-Free City
23. Illinois Tech becomes first USA university to set up campus in India
24. Karnataka launches the ‘Petologist App’ for Pet Parents, Clinics and Farms
25. Ajay Kumar Sood Launched Report on India’s Priority Corridors for Zero Emission Trucking
26. 5 Indian Languages among Top 20 Most Spoken Languages Worldwide in 2025
27. SBI joins global top 100 in net profit, becomes third Indian firm to achieve the milestone
28. JSW One Platforms Achieves Unicorn Status After USD 40 Million Funding
29. Harvansh P. Chawla Appointed as Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry
30. Santosh Kumar Sarangi Gets Additional Charge as CMD of SECI
31. Former England Selector Ed Smith appointed as MCC’s next President
32. Ajoy Chawla to Succeed C K Venkataraman as MD of Titan
33. Taiwan Test-Fires USA-Supplied HIMARS Rocket System
34. Uruguay’s Former President Jose Mujica Passed Away
35. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Reviews the Book “The Tamils: A Portrait of Community” by Nirmala Lakshman
36. 8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025 – (12–18 May)
37. Assam Govt Approves “Eti Koli Duti Paat” scheme, Renaming of Dibrugarh Airport
38. GRID 2025: Global IPDs Reaches 83.4 Million in 2024; India Records 5.4 Million Displacements
39. Annual SAPFR 2024-25: India a Part of Wider Trend of Eroding Press Freedom in South Asia

National News

1. India Extends $50 Million Treasury Bill Support to Maldives

• What:
  • India has rolled over a $50 million treasury bill for Maldives to help support its economy during a debt crisis.
• Why:
  • The move aims to provide crucial financial assistance to Maldives and strengthen economic resilience through fiscal reforms.
• Tell me more:
  • The State Bank of India has subscribed for one more year to a $50 million government treasury bill issued by Maldives’ Ministry of Finance, interest free, as part of a government-to-government arrangement.
  • India has been facilitating such treasury bill subscriptions for Maldives since March 2019 and rolling them over annually.
  • This support is in addition to India’s earlier decision to extend the special quota for export of essential commodities to Maldives.
  • Maldives’ foreign exchange reserves are low, with major external debt payments due in 2025 and 2026.

Source: ET

2. Renesas Opens India’s First 3nm Chip Design Centers

• What:
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated two Renesas Electronics India design facilities in Noida and Bengaluru, which are India’s first centers to work on advanced 3 nanometer chip design.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and support the country’s goal of becoming a global leader in chip design and manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • The new centers mark a major step after progress at 7nm and 5nm chip design levels and are part of India’s holistic semiconductor strategy covering design, fabrication, ATMP, and supply chains.
  • The government has launched a semiconductor learning kit to boost practical hardware skills among engineering students and is supporting over 270 academic institutions with these kits and advanced EDA software.
  • Renesas aims to build end-to-end semiconductor capabilities in India, supporting academic institutions and startups through programs like Chips to Startup (C2S) and Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.
  • The demand for semiconductors in India is expected to rise due to growth in electronics manufacturing across sectors such as smartphones, laptops, medical equipment, defense, and automobiles.

Source: PIB

3. Illinois Institute of Technology to Open Campus in Mumbai

• What:
  • Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is set to become the first US university to establish an independent degree-granting campus in India, with its Mumbai campus opening in Fall 2026.
• Why:
  • The move aims to boost the internationalisation of India’s higher education and bring globally recognised courses and teaching standards to Indian students.
• Tell me more:
  • The Mumbai campus will offer undergraduate and graduate programmes in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering, and business.
  • Courses will be delivered by internationally recruited faculty, including visiting professors from the US campus and faculty with global credentials.
  • The campus will feature Illinois Tech’s ‘Elevate’ program, guaranteeing students access to real-world experiences like internships, research, and competitions.
  • Other top universities, including Michigan, Purdue, Liverpool, and a prominent Australian university, are also planning to set up campuses in India under the new UGC regulations.

Source: ET

State News

1. HCL-Foxconn JV to Set Up Chip Plant in Uttar Pradesh

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet has approved a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn to establish a chip assembly and packaging unit in Uttar Pradesh under the India Semiconductor Mission.
• Why:
  • The project aims to boost domestic chip manufacturing and meet the growing demand for display driver chips in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant will attract an investment of Rs 3,706 crore, with Rs 1,500 crore provided as government incentives.
  • It will manufacture display driver chips for devices like mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and other display-based products.
  • The facility will be set up near Jewar airport at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority and will have a capacity of 20,000 wafers per month and 36 million units output each month.
  • The plant is expected to start rolling out chips in 2027 and will meet around 40% of India’s local demand for such chips.

Source: IE

2. Regional Conference on Power Sector Held in Mumbai

• What:
  • The Regional Conference for Western Region States was held in Mumbai with participation from state and central ministers and senior power sector officials.
• Why:
  • The conference aimed to discuss strengthening the power sector, improving reliability, and planning for future growth and challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • The Power Secretary highlighted the need for timely capacity tie-ups up to FY2035, development of transmission networks, and securing power infrastructure through cyber security and power islanding.
  • Maharashtra’s Chief Minister discussed state initiatives to improve power quality, reduce AT&C losses, and sought central support for restructuring DISCOM debts.
  • The Union Minister stressed the need for a modern and financially sound power sector, resource adequacy, storage infrastructure, nuclear capacity expansion, and green energy zones for Net Zero goals.
  • Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh were praised for reducing AT&C losses, and states were urged to adopt cost-reflective tariffs and ensure timely payments.
  • The importance of smart metering under RDSS and installation of pre-paid smart meters in government offices by August 2025 was emphasized.

Source: PIB

3. IWAI Opens New Office in Srinagar for Waterways

• What:
  • The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has set up a new office in Srinagar to strengthen the Inland Water Transport sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to develop river navigation infrastructure and promote eco-tourism and local economic growth in the Union Territory.
• Tell me more:
  • River navigation infrastructure will be developed on three national waterways: NW-26 (Chenab), NW-49 (Jhelum), and NW-84 (Ravi).
  • IWAI and J&K government signed an MoU in March to launch works like setting up floating jetties at 10 locations, dredging, night navigational aids, and hydrographic surveys.
  • IWAI will also develop water navigation infrastructure in Dal and Wullar lakes, and has previously proposed a cruise hotel in Wullar lake.
  • The project includes regular hydrographic surveys for safe vessel movement.

Source: TOI

4. Maharashtra Approves Policy to Promote Artificial Sand

• What:
  • Maharashtra government has cleared a policy to promote the use of artificial sand (m-sand) as a sustainable alternative to river sand in construction work.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to curb excessive mining of natural sand and encourage sustainable construction practices.
• Tell me more:
  • Use of m-sand is now mandatory for construction by government and semi-government agencies in the state.
  • The government will lease land for artificial sand crushers and allow installation of 50 crusher machines in each district, totaling 1,500 across Maharashtra.
  • Existing crushers must shift to m-sand production within three years to continue operations.
  • The royalty price for artificial sand is set at ₹200 per brass, much lower than ₹600 per brass for natural sand.

Source: HT

5. IMD Warns of Possible Cyclone Shakti and Early Monsoon over Andaman Sea

• What:
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has detected a cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea, which may develop into Cyclone Shakti and has also confirmed the earliest monsoon onset in seven years.
• Why:
  • The alert aims to prepare coastal regions and other affected areas for possible heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding.
• Tell me more:
  • Cyclone Shakti could form between 23 and 28 May, affecting Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh like Khulna and Chattogram.
  • The southwest monsoon arrived earlier than usual, reaching the south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and north Andaman Sea by 13 May 2025.
  • Authorities in India and Bangladesh have started preparations, advising people in vulnerable areas to move to shelters and stock up on essentials.
  • Rain is also expected in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, East Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Mumbai, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh due to other weather systems.
  • This is the earliest monsoon onset in the past seven years, according to IMD.

Source: ET

6. Indore Declared Nation’s First Beggar-Free City

• What:
  • Indore has been officially declared the nation’s first beggar-free city after a campaign that rehabilitated around 5,000 beggars and admitted children to schools.
• Why:
  • The initiative aimed to eradicate begging in the city and provide better opportunities for beggars through rehabilitation and education.
• Tell me more:
  • The anti-begging campaign started in February 2024, focusing first on awareness and then on rehabilitation.
  • The campaign has become a model recognized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the World Bank.
  • Begging, giving money to beggars, or buying from them is now prohibited in Indore, with FIRs filed for violations, and informants rewarded with Rs 1,000.

Source: IT

International News

1. US and Saudi Arabia Sign $142 Billion Arms Deal

• What:
  • The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a defence sales agreement worth nearly $142 billion, called the largest in history by the White House.
• Why:
  • The deal aims to provide Saudi Arabia with advanced military equipment and strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement includes military systems, arms, services, and commercial deals such as exports of gas turbines.
  • The deal covers 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, guidance systems, and technical support for Saudi fighter jets.
  • The missiles will be built by RTX Corp of Tucson, Arizona.

Source: HT

2. Bill Gates to Donate Nearly All Wealth by 2045

• What:
  • Bill Gates announced he will give away almost his entire personal fortune of about $108 billion through his charitable foundation, pledging $200 billion by 2045.
• Why:
  • The aim is to fight global poverty, eradicate diseases like polio and malaria, and prevent deaths among women and children.
• Tell me more:
  • The foundation, started in 2000 with Melinda French Gates and later joined by Warren Buffett, will close on December 31, 2045 after spending 99% of Gates’ wealth.
  • The foundation’s annual budget will reach $9 billion by 2026 and about $10 billion each year after.
  • The foundation has already given out $100 billion and supported initiatives such as Gavi and the Global Fund.
  • Gates warned that cuts to US foreign aid could cause millions of additional deaths in the next four to six years.

Source: RT

3. Taiwan Test-Fires US-Supplied HIMARS Rocket System

• What:
  • Taiwan conducted its first test firing of the US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), a rocket system widely used by Ukraine against Russia.
• Why:
  • The test demonstrates Taiwan’s military readiness amid increased pressure and war games from China, and the system could be used to target coastal areas in China if conflict arises.
• Tell me more:
  • Taiwan has purchased 29 HIMARS units from Lockheed Martin, with 11 received last year and the rest expected by next year.
  • HIMARS has a range of about 300 km, capable of hitting targets in China’s Fujian province across the Taiwan Strait.
  • The rockets were fired from the Jiupeng test center on Taiwan’s Pacific coast, with US manufacturer personnel present to assist.

Source: RT

Banking and Economy

1. Coal Imports Fall by 9.2%, Saving $6.93 Billion

• What:
  • Coal imports in India from April 2024 to February 2025 fell by 9.2% to 220.3 million tonnes, resulting in foreign exchange savings of about $6.93 billion (₹53,137.82 crore).
• Why:
  • The reduction is part of efforts to decrease dependence on imported coal and strengthen self-sufficiency in domestic coal production.
• Tell me more:
  • Initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal have been launched to boost domestic production and reduce imports.

Source: PIB

2. Canara Bank and Union Bank Launch Special Deposit Schemes

• What:
  • Canara Bank and Union Bank of India have introduced special products to boost deposit mobilisation amid slowing deposit growth in FY25.
• Why:
  • The schemes aim to attract more deposits by offering multiple benefits to customers as deposit growth has slowed compared to the previous year.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Bank’s scheme offers 6.75% interest for 375-day deposits between ₹10 lakh and ₹3 crore, along with a 375-day Super Top-up Health Insurance cover of ₹5 lakh and cashless hospitalisation.
  • The scheme is available for resident individuals aged 18 to 75, individually or jointly, with only the primary account holder eligible for insurance in joint accounts.
  • Facilities include premature closure, loans against the deposit, and an additional 0.50% interest for senior citizens.
  • Canara Bank launched Canara TruEdge, a current and savings account product with benefits like charge waivers and concessions linked to the previous month’s Monthly Average Balance, and personalised support through a relationship manager.

Source: BS

3. Top 10 states in India by GST revenue in FY 2024

• What:
  • India’s gross GST revenue collection in April 2025 reached Rs 2,36,716 crore, marking a 12.6% annual growth, with FY 2024’s total GST revenue at Rs 21.36 lakh crore, the highest since GST’s launch in 2017.
• Why:
  • The rise in GST collection shows improved tax compliance and a strong economic recovery.
• Tell me more:
  • Maharashtra led in total GST collection for FY 2024 and April 2025, though its growth slowed to 11% in April 2025 from 13% in April 2024.
  • Gujarat saw a 13% year-on-year increase, with April 2025 GST revenue at Rs 14,970 crore and FY 2024-25 total at Rs 1,74,938 crore.
  • Lakshadweep recorded a 287% rise in GST collection in April 2025, while Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland saw growth of 66%, 50%, and 42% respectively.
  • The total GST revenue collected in 2024 was 8.86% higher than the previous year.

Source: IE IE

4. SBI Joins World’s Most Profitable Companies List

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) reported a net profit of $9.2 billion (₹77,561 crore) in FY25, ranking 98th among the world’s most profitable companies.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI’s profit places it alongside major global companies like Alphabet, Apple, NVIDIA, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • The bank’s ranking is just behind Netflix and Cisco Systems, with US companies dominating the list, followed by China and Germany.
  • SBI’s net profit grew at a 31% compound annual growth rate over the last five years, supported by strong recoveries and forex gains.

Source: CNBC

5. JSW One Platforms Becomes Unicorn After $40 Million Funding

• What:
  • JSW One Platforms, the B2B e-commerce arm of JSW Group, has raised about $40 million in a new funding round, reaching a $1 billion valuation and achieving unicorn status.
• Why:
  • The funding will help strengthen the company’s national supply chain in steel and cement, expand distribution and logistics networks, and scale its fintech and NBFC services for MSMEs.
• Tell me more:
  • The funding round was led by Principal Asset Management, OneUp, JSW Steel, and other investors, marking a three-fold jump in valuation since April 2023.
  • The platform currently serves over 500,000 building and manufacturing MSMEs across India.
  • JSW One Platforms integrates JSW Group’s manufacturing with technology and finance to provide a digital procurement experience for small businesses.
  • The company’s turnover grew from Rs 17.2 crore in FY20 to Rs 1,421.9 crore in FY24, but net losses widened to Rs 227 crore in FY24 due to high investments in scaling operations.

Source: FE

Reports and Indices

1. India Identifies Top 10 Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucks

• What:
  • The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) has released a report highlighting ten key highway corridors in India with the highest potential for zero-emission truck (ZET) adoption.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote a cleaner and more sustainable freight sector by accelerating the shift to zero-emission trucking.
• Tell me more:
  • The report was released by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA, and developed with the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET), including IIT Madras, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Manifold as knowledge partners.
  • The top 10 corridors were selected from 230 options using traffic data, supply and demand mapping, stakeholder input, and field research.
  • Factors considered included freight traffic, industrial activity, grid infrastructure, corridor length, and business viability.
  • Nearly 40% of India’s fuel use and transport emissions come from long-distance trucks, making ZET adoption crucial for decarbonising logistics and improving energy security.

Source: EXIM GK

2. Top 10 Most Spoken Languages Globally in 2025

• What:
  • According to recent research from Ethnologue, English is the most widely spoken language in the world in 2025, with 1.53 billion native and second-language speakers across 188 countries.
• Why:
  • The ranking highlights global linguistic trends and the dominance of major languages in worldwide communication.
• Tell me more:
  • Mandarin Chinese is the largest language by native speakers, with 1.18 billion, making it the second-most spoken language overall in 2025.
  • Spanish is the fourth most spoken language, with 609.1 million speakers across Spain and 20 other countries.
  • Indonesian has become the 10th most widely spoken language, surpassing Urdu, with about 252.4 million speakers.
  • More than half of the world’s population communicates in just 23 major languages.

Top 10 most spoken languages in the world, as of 2025:

Indian languages rank globally in 2025:

Source: IE

3. 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) Report

• What:
  • The 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement shows that 83.4 million people are living displaced within their own countries, the highest number ever recorded.
• Why:
  • The rise is due to increased conflicts, violence, and disasters, many worsened by climate change, poverty, and inequality.
• Tell me more:
  • Conflicts and violence forced 73.5 million people to move, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, and Sudan seeing record displacement.
  • Disasters caused 9.8 million displacements in 2024, including major hurricanes in the United States that led to over 11 million evacuations.
  • The report highlights that repeated cycles of displacement increase vulnerabilities for affected people.
  • The report stresses the need for better data, disaster risk reduction, and policy solutions to address the root causes and support displaced people.
  • The report is released by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, located in Geneva.

Source: grid

4. 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25

• What:
  • The 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25 states that Indian media has been shackled and faces a systemic strategy to cripple it, with rising legal and economic pressures.
  • The report is titled ‘Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Churn’.
• Why:
  • The report aims to highlight threats to press freedom, the rise of misinformation, and the difficult environment for journalists and media workers in India and South Asia.
• Tell me more:
  • The report covers India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives, noting increased violence against journalists, especially in Pakistan.
  • In India, the report points to the use of defamation, sedition, UAPA, and PMLA laws against media, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect.
  • It highlights the spread of hate speech and disinformation, with political party IT cells playing a major role.
  • The report also mentions shrinking job opportunities, increased use of AI in content creation, decline in advertisement revenue, and more contract work in the media sector.
  • Despite challenges, digital transition has created new opportunities for alternative media outlets.

Source: TH

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Food Ministry Allocates 2.8 MT Rice for Ethanol Production

• What:
  • The food ministry has allocated 2.8 million tonnes of rice from the central pool stock to distilleries for ethanol production at a subsidised rate of Rs 2250 per quintal.
• Why:
  • The allocation aims to reduce the rice stockpile held by the Food Corporation of India.
• Tell me more:
  • This allocation is in addition to 2.4 million tonnes of grain already being supplied to biofuel manufacturers from surplus FCI rice stocks.
  • FCI’s economic cost of rice, including MSP, storage, and transportation for 2025-26, is projected at Rs 4173 per quintal.
  • FCI currently holds 61 million tonnes of rice against a buffer requirement of 13.58 million tonnes for April 1.
  • Supplies of subsidised rice to ethanol makers will continue until October 31, 2025.

Source: FE

2. Petologist Veterinary Platform Launched for Animal Healthcare

• What:
  • Petologist, a digital veterinary platform developed by Transduceideas Technologies LLP, was launched by Minister N. S. Boseraju and Kodagu University Vice Chancellor Dr. Ashok S. Alur to connect pet owners and farmers with licensed veterinarians, clinics, and hospitals.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to make veterinary care more accessible, efficient, and affordable for both urban and rural communities.
• Tell me more:
  • Petologist offers features like digital health records, vaccination tracking, medication reminders, farm animal monitoring, and telemedicine consultations.
  • The platform is incubated under the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, hosted at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
  • The soft launch is limited to selected veterinary doctors and clinics in Karnataka before a nationwide rollout.

Source: BS

Important Days

1. International Day of Families – May 15

• Theme: Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development

Source: TOI

2. 8th UN Global Road Safety Week – May 12-18

• Theme: Rethink Mobility: Make Walking and Cycling Safe

Source: IRU

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoU Signed Between ARIES and IRDE for Space Surveillance

• What:
  • ARIES, an institute under the Department of Science and Technology, and IRDE, a DRDO laboratory, signed an MoU to use ARIES’ observational facilities and expertise to strengthen India’s ground-based Space Situational Awareness.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to boost India’s capabilities in monitoring space objects and developing advanced surveillance systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at IRDE, Dehradun, by Dr. Manish Kumar Naja, Director of ARIES, and Dr. Ajay Kumar, Director of IRDE.
  • The agreement covers using ARIES’ facilities for space object monitoring, joint development of Electro-Optics systems, and collaboration on AI/ML-based image processing and data analysis.
  • The two institutes will also work together on knowledge exchange, training, and capacity building in scientific and technical research.
  • The close location of ARIES and IRDE in Uttarakhand will help in regular interaction and coordination.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Harvansh Chawla Appointed Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce

• What:
  • The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appointed Harvansh Chawla, a senior lawyer and international trade expert, as its new Chairman.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to strengthen trade, investment, and economic collaboration among BRICS and BRICS plus nations.
• Tell me more:
  • Harvansh Chawla will lead efforts to foster cross-border partnerships, reduce trade barriers, and promote innovation in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • His experience in law and international trade is expected to help enhance the global competitiveness of BRICS plus economies.

2. Dr Ajay Kumar Appointed as UPSC Chairman

• What:
  • The government has appointed former defence secretary Dr Ajay Kumar as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), filling the vacancy after Preeti Sudan’s retirement.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr Ajay Kumar is a 1985 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre who retired as defence secretary in 2022.
  • His term as UPSC chairman will last until October 2027, when he turns 65.
  • During his tenure as defence secretary, the government created the Chief of Defence Staff post in 2020 and launched the Agniveer scheme in 2022.
  • Dr Kumar is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and holds a PhD in business administration from the University of Minnesota.

Source: IE

3. Santosh Kumar Sarangi Gets Additional Charge as SECI CMD

• Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has been given additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) until a regular appointment is made or further orders.
• SECI is a Navratna central public sector undertaking focused on developing and expanding renewable energy capacity in India.

Source: TP

4. Ed Smith Named Next President of MCC

• What:
  • Ed Smith has been appointed as the next president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for a 12-month term starting October 1, succeeding Lord King of Lothbury.
• Tell me more:
  • Ed Smith is a former England selector and first-class cricketer who played for Kent, Middlesex, and England, scoring nearly 13,000 runs in 13 seasons.
  • Smith co-founded the Institute of Sports Humanities and teaches MA Leadership in Sport in partnership with Loughborough University London.
  • During his term, Lord’s will host the final of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and its first Women’s Test, and oversee the Hundred’s first season under private ownership.

Source: ESPN

Miscellaneous

1. The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community’ Book Authored by Nirmala Lakshman

Source: TH

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